Method and apparatus for delivering fragrance using a floor care device
First Claim
1. A fragrance delivery system having a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner having a body and a motor within the body, the body having at least one sensitive area at which heat is generated by the motor during operation of the vacuum cleaner raises the temperature of the at least one sensitive area above an ambient temperature, the system further comprising:
- a retention element configured to be attached to the body of the vacuum cleaner; and
a fragrant mass impregnated with a heat sensitive, fragrant substance, the fragrant mass being engaged with the retention element such that, during operation, when the retention element is attached to the body of the vacuum cleaner with the fragrant mass in contact with the at least one sensitive area, the temperature of the fragrant mass increases and at least some of the fragrant substance is released from the fragrant mass.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Fragrance delivery apparatus and methods for use in combination with a floor care device are shown and described. In one embodiment, the fragrance delivery apparatus incorporates a mass that can be impregnated with a heat sensitive, fragrant substance. The fragrant substance is substantially stable at ambient temperature, but is freely released from the mass at an elevated temperature. The mass is coupled to a housing on a floor care device at a location that becomes warm during operation. As a result, when the floor care device is operated, the fragrance delivery apparatus becomes warm, and the fragrant substance is released into the nearby environment. When the floor care device is stored, however, the fragrant substance is not released from the mass in significant amounts.
33 Citations
42 Claims
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1. A fragrance delivery system having a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner having a body and a motor within the body, the body having at least one sensitive area at which heat is generated by the motor during operation of the vacuum cleaner raises the temperature of the at least one sensitive area above an ambient temperature, the system further comprising:
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a retention element configured to be attached to the body of the vacuum cleaner; and
a fragrant mass impregnated with a heat sensitive, fragrant substance, the fragrant mass being engaged with the retention element such that, during operation, when the retention element is attached to the body of the vacuum cleaner with the fragrant mass in contact with the at least one sensitive area, the temperature of the fragrant mass increases and at least some of the fragrant substance is released from the fragrant mass. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A fragrance delivery system having a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner having a housing and a motor within the housing, the housing having at least one sensitive area at which heat generated by the motor during operation of the vacuum cleaner raises the temperature of the at least one sensitive area above an ambient temperature, the system further comprising:
a mass impregnable with a fragrant substance, the mass being removably coupled to the at least one sensitive area on the vacuum cleaner housing, the fragrant substance being heat sensitive such that, when the motor is not operating, the fragrant substance is in a stable form, and when the motor is operated, the temperature of the mass increases and at least some of the fragrant substance is released from the fragrant mass.
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30. A fragrance delivery system comprising:
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a floor care device having a housing, a motor within the housing, and a motor cooling system with a vent, the housing having a sensitive area near the vent where heat generated by the motor during operation of the floor care device raises the temperature of the sensitive area above an ambient temperature; and
a mass impregnable with a fragrant substance, the mass being removably coupled to the sensitive area of the housing in a path of air passing through the vent, the fragrant substance being heat sensitive such that, when the motor is not operating, the fragrant substance is in a stable form, and when the motor is operated, the temperature of the mass increases and at least some of the fragrant substance is released from the fragrant mass, drawn into the vent, and emitted by the motor cooling system. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36)
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37. A fragrance delivery system comprising:
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a floor care device having a motor, the floor care device having at least one sensitive area at which heat generated by the motor during operation of the floor care device raises the temperature of the at least one sensitive area above an ambient temperature; and
a mass impregnable with a fragrant substance, the mass being removably coupled to the at least one sensitive area on the floor care device, the fragrant substance being heat sensitive such that, when the motor is not operating, the fragrant substance is in a stable form, and when the motor is operated, the temperature of the mass increases and at least some of the fragrant substance is released from the fragrant mass.
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38. A method for distributing a fragrant substance during use of a floor care device, the method comprising:
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providing a medium adapted to be impregnated with a liquid;
impregnating the medium with a heat sensitive, fragrant substance, the heat sensitive, fragrant substance being substantially stable at an ambient temperature;
providing a floor care device having a body and a motor within the body, the body having at least one sensitive area at which heat is generated by the motor during operation of the floor care device;
coupling the medium to the at least one sensitive area on the floor care device; and
operating the floor care device to elevate the temperature of the at least one sensitive area and to activate the heat sensitive, fragrant substance thus causing distribution of the fragrant substance. - View Dependent Claims (39, 40, 41, 42)
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Specification