Methods for delivering volatile materials

• US 7,481,380 B2
• Filed: 03/22/2005
• Issued: 01/27/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/01/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Original Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Inventors: Rohrbaugh, Elizabeth Ann, Farrell, Michael Sean, Kvietok, Frank Andrej
• Primary Examiner(s): Hwu; Davis D
• Application Number:
  US11/086,080
• Publication Number:
  US 20050161522A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,407 Days
• Field of Search: 239/301, 239/34, 239/47, 239/49, 239/51.5, 239/58, 239/59, 239/11, 239/55, 239/6, 239/43
• US Class Current: 239/301
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 1/2044 Holders or dispensers for liquid insecticide, e.g. using wicks
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 1/2055 Holders or dispensers for solid, gelified or impregnated insecticide, e.g. volatile blocks or impregnated pads
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/04 using substances evaporated in the air without heating
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/127 comprising a wick

Abstract

A method for emitting or releasing volatile materials to the atmosphere is provided. More specifically, a method for delivering one or more volatile materials using a non-aerosol, non-energized volatile material delivery system via an evaporative surface device, without a source of heat, gas, or electrical current, are also provided.

Claims

1. A method of releasing at least one volatile material to the atmosphere, the steps of said method comprise (a) providing a non-energized volatile material delivery system, and (b) delivering a continuous maintenance level emission of at least one volatile material, and a temporary boost level emission of at least one volatile material, wherein said boost level emission is delivered by one or more of the following means:

inversion, pumping, or spring-action;

wherein said delivery system comprises;

a) at least one container comprising at least one fluid reservoir;

b) at least one evaporative surface device opening located in said at least one container having at least some longitudinal exposure;

c) at least one evaporative surface device which is at least partially located in said at least one evaporative surface device opening and in said at least one fluid reservoir;

wherein said at least one evaporative surface device is fluidly connected to said volatile material;

d) a by-pass tube comprising at least one by-pass tube opening connected to said at least one fluid reservoir for collection of excess volatile material not delivered to said at least one evaporative surface device, wherein said by-pass tube and said at least one evaporative surface device terminate within said at least one evaporative surface device opening, wherein said by-pass tube is in fluid communication with at least some of said excess volatile material not contained in one or more of the following;

said fluid reservoir, said unit dose chamber or said at least one evaporative surface device,

wherein said delivery system is free of a source of heat, gas, or electrical current, and wherein said at least one volatile material is not mechanically delivered by an aerosol.