Devices and systems for dispensing volatile materials

• US 7,691,336 B2
• Filed: 05/29/2003
• Issued: 04/06/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Original Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
• Inventors: Westring, Brice Daniel
• Primary Examiner(s): McKane; Elizabeth L
• Assistant Examiner(s): YOO, REGINA M
• Application Number:
  US10/447,755
• Publication Number:
  US 20040009103A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,504 Days
• Field of Search: 422/125, 422/123, 422/120, 422/5, 422/117, 261/107, 219/438
• US Class Current: 422/125
• 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 9/125 emanating multiple odours
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/127 comprising a wick
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 9/145 air-liquid contact processes, e.g. scrubbing
• 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 2003/0057 Servicing means therefor, e.g. for renewal of 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

Abstract

Devices and systems and methods for dispensing volatile materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a device for emitting volatile materials from an article of manufacture that contains volatile compositions. In such an embodiment, a portion of the device and a portion of the article together define an air flow path for emitting the volatile materials. The device may have various features, including: a heater that is movable with a spring; safety features; and a closed-loop heater temperature feedback system. The device can have placement instructions associated therewith for proper operation of the device.

Claims

1. A system for sequentially emitting more than one differently scented volatile materials, said system comprising:

an article of manufacture comprising a cartridge which is a rotatable tray comprising compartments for containing and preventing cross-contamination of said differently scented volatile materials, said article of manufacture comprising a cover;

a device for emitting said volatile materials from said article of manufacture, said device comprising a housing, wherein a portion of said housing and at least a portion of the cover of said article of manufacture together define an air flow path for emitting said volatile materials from said device, said device further comprising a heater for sequentially volatilizing and emitting said volatile materials as said compartments in said tray become aligned with said heater, said heater being responsive to temperature and adjustable to provide different temperatures during operation and being controlled by a control system to change from a first temperature to a second temperature during operation and said device yet further comprising a fan so as to facilitate diffusion of said volatile materials into the environment, and further wherein said device additionally includes a safety interlock comprising a spring-loaded switch in-line with a power supply and an additional spring configured so that a force greater than the weight of said cartridge is required to activate said cartridge.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said first temperature is greater than said second temperature and wherein said heater heats said device to said first temperature prior to heating said device to said second temperature.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said heater provides for more than two temperatures.