Disc-playing aroma generator

• US 4,556,539 A
• Filed: 03/21/1983
• Issued: 12/03/1985
• Est. Priority Date: 08/27/1982
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donald Spector
• Original Assignee: Donald Spector
• Inventors: Spector, Donald
• Primary Examiner(s): Richman, Barry S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Heaney, Brion P.
• Application Number:
  US06/477,353
• Time in Patent Office: 988 Days
• Field of Search: 422/4, 422/116, 422/124, 422/125, 422/305, 422/306, 239/56, 239/57
• US Class Current: 422/125
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 1/2077 using an electrical resistance as heat source A01M1/2083 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 1/2088 using a burner or a flame as heat source
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/035 emanating multiple odours
• CPC Class Codes: A63J 2005/008 Smell sense
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 3/705 characterised by the selection of the material only

Abstract

A disc-playing aroma generator whose appearance and function are analogous to those of a phono disc record player, the user when playing a selected aromatic disc enjoying an olfactory rather than an auditory experience. Each aromatic disc houses a supply of a liquid fragrance whereby when the disc is inserted in the player, an aromatic vapor is then discharged into the atmosphere. The disc is formed by a circular sheet of absorbent material impregnated with the liquid fragrance and sandwiched between a pair of annular plastic films which are peripherally joined to create a central zone exposing the impregnated sheet. In the player, heated air under positive pressure is forced through the central zone to volatilize the liquid to produce a vapor which is discharged through vents in the casing of the player. The aromatic disc is packaged in a transparent sleeve having circular spindle labels on both sides thereof which overlie the central zone to impart thereto the appearance of a conventional phono record and serving to identify the fragrance.

Claims

1. A disc-playing aroma generator kit comprising:

A. a replaceable aromatic disc constituted by a circular sheet of absorbent material having good wicking properties impregnated with a liquid fragrance and sandwiched between a pair of annular films, the outer periphery of which extend beyond the outer periphery of said sheet, and which are impervious to said liquid fragrance, said annular films are joined at their outer periphery to provide a liquid impermeable seal there at and to create a central zone exposing the central region of said sheet, whereby said disc simulates the appearance of a conventional phono disc record;

B. a disc player having a case provided with a vented top wall, side walls, a bottom wall, a front wall having a disc receiving slot therein, a horizontal ledge intermediate to said bottom wall and said vented top wall and in alignment with said slot, said ledge having an opening therein which registers with said exposed central region of a received disc, said ledge and a received disc dividing the case to form a heating chamber therebelow so that when a disc is received in said slot a confined air region is created in said heating chamber, and a heater disposed in said heating chamber to heat and expand the air therein whereby the resultant positive air pressure forces the heated air through the central region of the sheet to volatilize the liquid fragrance impregnant therein and to produce an aromatic vapor that is discharged into the atmosphere through said vented top wall, the liquid fragrance volatilized from said central region being replenished by liquid fragrance wicked from the remaining region of said sheet surrounding the central region thereof which serves as a liquid reservoir.

2. An aroma generator kit as set forth in claim 1, wherein said player takes the form of a hollow pedestal which defines said case, said pedestal having a hollow figure mounted thereon provided with vents to permit discharge of the aromatic vapor.

3. An aroma generator kit as set forth in claim 1 wherein said annular films are formed of flexible black plastic film material.

4. An aroma generator kit as set forth in claim 3, wherein said annular films are formed of polyester.