JP2004530532A - Method for distributing volatile and soluble substances and apparatus used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for dispensing volatile substances and simultaneously or sequentially dissolving soluble substances, including structures (2, 3, 4) that can be suspended in a liquid (L). The structure is adapted to receive a filling of a first component (A) that is adapted to release and diffuse volatiles, such as fragrances, as a result of contact with the liquid in which the structure floats. One chamber (5) is included. Structure (1) further includes a second chamber (6) adapted to receive a second component, such as a nutritional product to be dissolved in the liquid. When the device (1) is suspended in a liquid, such as bath water, the liquid comes into contact with the first component (A) and the second component (B), whereby the volatile substances are removed, preferably in the form of steam or steam. Released from one component (A), while the second component (B) dissolves in the liquid. A preferred use is as a bath utensil or toilet hygiene product.

Description

[0001]
(Field of the Invention)
The present invention relates to a method for the simultaneous or sequential distribution of volatile and soluble substances, to the devices used therefor and to their respective packaging and refill units. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dual-action partitioning method in which a volatile substance can be distributed to the atmosphere while simultaneously or sequentially dissolving a soluble substance in an aqueous medium, and the method used therein. Equipment related. The invention has been developed with particular attention to possible uses for dispensing personal care products such as bath products, fragrances, cosmetics, skin treatments and the like. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited in any way to that particular field, even if the following description is made primarily by referring to the possible uses mentioned above, air fresheners, aromatherapy oils Encompasses a wide range of possible uses, such as dispensing a wide range of fragrances, including incense, disinfectants, detergents, pharmaceuticals, both human and animal nutrition, insecticides, pesticides or insect repellents, water purification materials it can.
[0002]
(Background of the Invention)
Examination of customs and customs data in Western countries shows that the stress and overburden of modern life is driving the need for breathing. This is supported by the recent growth in the market for bath additives, scented candles and aromatherapy, which promises mental and physical rest and relaxation. Accordingly, research has been directed to the development of products that can bring consumers to a new level of relaxation.
[0003]
With the consumer's desire to improve relaxation, there have been significant changes in body washing habits and practices. Today, showers are generally recognized as a quick and effective way to cleanse the body and hair, while bathing is becoming increasingly popular as a means of personal care and relaxation. ing. The act of bathing is increasingly regarded as a luxury that has turned to both men and women for cosmetic, medical and emotional healing effects.
[0004]
As a result of this widespread consumer practice, different types of products have emerged that are particularly to be used in either bathing or showering. Products used during bathing may be separated from functional cleaning products and used to relax, soften, moisturize, fragrance, and "pampering" The focus has shifted to products.
[0005]
Various devices for generating bubbles and the like in bath water are well known in the art. Various bath preparations which float in and / or dissolve slowly in the bath water have also been proposed, so that the benefits of such products can be enjoyed during prolonged bathing. Such prior arts include JP 10087477A, which discloses a slowly soluble bath product containing a fragrance, a humectant, a plant extract, and a colorant, and the human body by encapsulating a fragrance substance in an air-permeable but watertight container. JP58185513A, which discloses a buoyant bath product that causes fragrance to float in a bath without adhering fragrance, JP06271455A, which discloses a fast-dissolving bath product containing sodium carbonate particles, an organic acid and a binder; Japanese Patent JP50067716A, which discloses a floating molded product coated with a bathing agent that dissolves, and JP07053349A, which discloses a floating bathing agent capable of carrying a fragrance in order to impart an aroma to bath water or the surrounding environment. Can be
[0006]
The art also discloses a device adapted to diffuse the soluble substance into the bath water. Such disclosures include JP63009006A which discloses a sealed bag containing a bath agent and capable of uniformly dispersing the bath agent in the bath water, JP09141254A which discloses a synthetic resin molded product for deodorizing remaining bath water, and a floating member. A perfume container coupled to a lower portion of the perfume container and a porous portion fitted into the perfume container portion, and further adapted to remove dirt from a fatty substance applied to the floating member and floating on the surface of the bath water. JP56013076A, which discloses a bath fragrance containing an adapted lipophilic substance, and a container suitable for cosmetics, fragrances, etc., and as it is itself formed from sodium bicarbonate and acid or from soap, PCT WO 00/67704 which discloses a container that disperses quickly.
[0007]
While the prior art provides useful teachings in the field of scenting bath water, or more commonly using slow-dissolving means, or adding bath additives to water, the bathing consumer Two or more benefits can be delivered simultaneously or sequentially, gradually or quickly, wherein at least one of the benefits is released to the bath water and at least one of the benefits is released to the atmosphere. There remains a need for a way to do this.
[0008]
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to be able to act at the liquid-gas interface and to distribute volatile substances into the atmosphere while simultaneously or sequentially distributing soluble substances into a liquid medium. To provide a possible dual-action distribution method. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for use therein, which includes respective packages and refill units. In one particular embodiment of the present invention, one objective is to provide an improved solution for the dual distribution of volatile and soluble personal care products, such as bath products. The present invention not only provides the benefit of dual action, but also can deliver multiple benefits for a much longer time than previously possible, and is more complex and subtle than was previously possible. Excellent fragrance can be delivered such that a delicate fragrance can be delivered.
[0009]
(Summary of the Invention)
The present invention relates to a method for simultaneously or sequentially distributing volatile and soluble substances,
Providing a first component (A) adapted to release volatiles as a result of contact with a liquid;
Providing a second component (B) adapted to dissolve in the liquid;
Bonding the first component (A) and the second component (B) to the liquid-suspendable structure (1);
By suspending the floatable structure (1) in the liquid, the liquid is brought into contact with the first component (A) and the second component (B), whereby the volatile substance is removed from the first component. If released from (A), simultaneously or sequentially, the second component (B) is dissolved and released in the liquid, or vice versa, if released from the first component (A), Dissolving and releasing said second component (B) in said liquid and said volatile substance simultaneously or sequentially.
[0010]
The invention also relates to devices adapted to carry out such a method, and to the respective packages, i.e. the combination of such devices with the products contained therein to be distributed in volatile / soluble form. Related. Finally, the invention also relates to a refill unit for such packages.
[0011]
(Detailed description of the invention)
All percentages and ratios used herein are by weight of the total composition and all measurements are made at 25 ° C. unless otherwise indicated. Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages, ratios, and ingredient concentrations set forth herein are based on the actual amounts of the ingredients and may include solvents, fillers, or other materials that may be combined with the ingredients in commercial products. Not included.
[0012]
Unless otherwise indicated, all publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0013]
The term "fragrance" as used herein refers to any composition containing one or more synthetic or naturally occurring fragrance ingredients applicable to the human or animal body, or any suitable carrier material. Also means Such compositions, whether found in nature or blended by perfumers, may include combinations of such substances and may also include potpourri, aromatherapy oils and other similar products. Such products should be construed to include such products.
[0014]
The term "cosmetically acceptable", as used herein, refers to a composition or a component thereof that is applied to the skin or hair without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergic reactions, etc. It is suitable for use in contact with the surface of such a human or animal.
The term "agent", as used herein, is defined as being in contact with a human or animal surface, such as skin or hair, without undue toxicity, incompatibility, instability, allergic reactions, etc. A drug or therapeutic agent suitable for use.
The term “soluble” as used herein means that at least about 0.1 g of solute is dissolved in 100 ml of solvent at 25 ° C. and 1 atm pressure.
[0015]
The present invention will now be described with reference to the enclosed drawings.
In the accompanying drawings, a device adapted for use in volatile / soluble material distribution is indicated generally by the reference numeral 1.
[0016]
Although developed primarily with bathing in mind, many other new and inventive applications are conceivable for such methods and apparatus with dual delivery systems that operate upon contact with liquids, especially water. Such uses include delivering fragrances and products with pharmaceutical or cosmetic benefits for use during bathing, delivering decongestants and facial soothing products for use as a steam bath during colds, insects, Delivering fragrances and insecticides that attract insects, delivering fragrances and disinfectants for use in toilets or swimming pools, delivering incense and water purification means for use in church baptisms, pond streams and fish Examples include, but are not limited to, delivering nutrients to an aquarium, delivering a water purifying substance to a source of water that has settled to produce a strong aroma while producing a strong aroma. However, in each of these cases, the principles of the invention are unchanged, and various changes and modifications from the embodiments disclosed herein by way of example are possible, which are defined in the appended claims. This can be done without departing from the scope of the invention. In a preferred possible application, the device 1 is intended to be used to enhance the bathing experience by releasing a pleasant scent into the air and releasing a refreshing product into the water. These benefits may be medical and cosmetic in nature. For example, the scent may act to relieve tension, while the product released simultaneously into the bath water may be a product that pampers the skin by exfoliating or moisturizing effects.
[0017]
apparatus
The device is preferably composed of three parts:
A bottom 2 adapted to accommodate the active ingredients described below;
An intermediate portion 3 made of rigid foam plastic or the like that gives buoyancy (or containing a material such as wood, cork, or composite material);
For example, it includes a top 5 which has a generally perforated structure and which can emit or diffuse any gas and scent.
[0018]
The overall size, structure, and materials used to form the device will depend on the particular intended use, but generally, the size or shape of the device used herein can be any. The outer dimensions of the device 1 used in the present invention are preferably from about 20 cm × about 10 cm × about 10 cm, preferably from about 10 cm × about 8 cm × about 6 cm. In the case of the bath variant, the product is easily held on the palm and is very preferably as large as one soap. However, the dimensions of products to be used with smaller volumes of liquid must likewise be smaller, for example, the dimensions of products to be used in toilets or as insect repellents are 3 cm x 2 cm x 2 cm. Conversely, on the contrary, the dimensions of a product to be used with a larger area of liquid, such as, for example, a pond or a swimming pool, must be much larger, such as 100 cm × 100 cm × 100 cm. The shape of the device need not be limited to normal shapes (e.g., spheres, disks, cubes, etc.) but can also have some theme, such as dolphins or whales. Also, looking at FIGS. 1-3, the outer walls of portion 2, portion 3, and portion 4 are preferably shaped to provide the overall profile of device 1 having substantially no protrusions, It can also be seen that handling is particularly easy when using the device of the present invention as a bath appliance.
[0019]
The device can be made from any suitable material, but it is important that it be adapted to be suspended in the liquid and deliver both atmospheric and liquid benefits simultaneously or sequentially. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl acetate, laminates, paper, cork, wood, nut shells, and the like. Depending on the use, for example, in the case of use in a bath, it is preferable to keep the prototype after use so that it can be reused.However, the device itself is solubilized after use, such as when used for disinfection of toilets. In some cases, it is preferable that no residue remains. Thus, the choice of materials must be made on a case-by-case basis and can be easily made by those skilled in the art.
[0020]
In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the device comprises a bottom 2 and a middle 3 which are screwed together, the top 4 being fitted to the middle 3 by a snap-fit design.
Thus, the overall shape of the assembled device 1 is disk-shaped (circular or oval), comprising two separate chambers, a substantially cylindrical central chamber 5 and a ring-shaped outer chamber 6. .
[0021]
More specifically, the bottom 2 is seen to include a disc-shaped bottom portion 2a (see FIG. 3), which, together with the structure 7, is provided on its outer surface (preferably at its upper opening). (In the vicinity) of a central cylindrical part 2b, which arrangement 7 is threadedly engaged with a complementary arrangement 8 provided on the wall of the inner cavity of the intermediate part 3, which is generally ring-shaped. You.
[0022]
Preferably, a passage 9 in the form of a plurality of arcuate slits is provided around the base region of the part 2b to allow liquid to enter and exit the outer chamber 6, which will be described in more detail below.
A further passage 10 is provided, preferably in the wall of the part 2b, in the form of one or more axial slits extending axially thereto, whereby its (described in more detail below) is provided. The liquid above which the device 1 is suspended can enter the central chamber 5.
[0023]
Alternative ways of providing passages 9 and 10 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Stated as one possible alternative, the passages 9 and 10 may be in the form of round holes instead of slits. Furthermore, one or more passages 10 may be provided (also) in the center of the bottom part 2 a of the part 2.
[0024]
The preferred embodiment shown here (i.e., the axially extending slit 10 in the wall of the part 2b starting from the edge of its mouth) is achieved by screwing the complementary components 7, 8 together. Is advantageous in that such an arrangement promotes moderate radial contraction of the portion 2b.
In the presently preferred embodiment, the upper part 4 preferably comprises a dome-shaped web part 4a from which a peripheral cylindrical part 4b extends, which cylindrical part 4b fits into the central orifice of the intermediate part 3. Is adapted to.
[0025]
The connection between the upper part 4 and the middle part 3 is preferably achieved by a snap-fit design which includes an extended lip 11 at the lower edge of the wall 4b. The extension edges 11 are adapted to snap-fit into respective annular cavities located at the upper end of an engagement arrangement 8 provided in the wall of the inner orifice of the intermediate section 3.
The web part 4a preferably projects slightly outside the cylindrical part 4b and presents an outer lip 4c which abuts on the upper end of the intermediate part 3.
The radial contraction of the upper part 4 which occurs when engaging the intermediate part 3 is provided in the wall part 4b substantially in alignment with the slit 10 provided in the cylindrical wall part 2b of the bottom part 2. Is facilitated by an additional axial slit 12.
[0026]
Finally, reference numeral 13 designates openings provided in the web portion 4a of the upper part 4 by means of which volatile substances produced in the inner chamber 5 (described in more detail below) are introduced into the air. Can be released and diffused. Those skilled in the art will immediately appreciate that different perforated structures, such as, for example, the generally porous structure of portion 4a or a portion thereof, will likely achieve the same result.
[0027]
The volume of the chambers 5 and 6 can be changed to adjust the volume of each product and to adjust the volume of water received therein.
The device 10 can be opened wider so that a user can see the water after it has entered the device.
[0028]
Active ingredient
With the preferred use of the device shown in FIGS. 1-3, two active ingredients, designated A and B, are located in the inner chamber 5 and the outer chamber 6, respectively. The layout of the inner compartments 5 and 6 is such that the chamber 5 intended to receive components that emit volatiles is different from the chamber 6 intended to receive soluble components to be distributed in the bath water. (By placing them outside).
These active ingredients can be supplied in solid, gel, cream or liquid form and can be supplied with the outer body of the device or separately as a refill unit. Most preferably, they are supplied as solid disks that can be easily inserted into a suitable chamber of the entire device.
[0029]
First active ingredient (A)The method and apparatus of the present invention comprises a first active ingredient A adapted to undergo an exothermic reaction upon contact with water and release volatiles into the surrounding atmosphere. The chemistry of Active Ingredient A is preferably designed according to the teachings of PCT International Publication Nos. WO99 / 48539A and WO99 / 48469A. Of course, references to the solutions disclosed in PCT WO 99 / 48539A and WO 99 / 48469A are merely examples of components adapted to release volatiles as a result of contact with a liquid. Alternative ingredients adapted for use within the framework of the present invention include volatile vapors and / or volatile vapors that carry aroma as a result of contact with water or another liquid, such as, for example, the use of a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and an acid. An effervescent substance adapted to release a therapeutic agent.
[0030]
As an example, it is preferred to produce component A by adding a balm to a simple mixture of 85% citric anhydride and 15% powdered magnesium. Typically, about 5.9 grams of the mixture heats 50 ml of water to 65 ° C. Since the amount of fragrance oil is small compared to the balance of the mixture, typically 0.07-0.14 ml of oil can be added to 5.9 grams of mixture. Low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) can be added to the mixture to adjust the reaction rate. That is, small amounts of PEG act to suppress the reaction and effectively extend the life of the reaction, and possibly regulate the amount of time before any vapor or steam release begins.
[0031]
Any fragrance can be used for the present invention, and those skilled in the art can blend such fragrances from a wide variety of perfume raw materials. It is highly preferred that the selected fragrance is suitable for the end use of the device, so that its scent enhances or enhances the benefit of active ingredient B. When the device is used as a bath product, the fragrance used may be a fine fragrance currently marketed so that the device may be marketed as an auxiliary product as part of the fragrance brand.
[0032]
Second active ingredient (B)The method and apparatus of the present invention include a second component B that is solubilized by the liquid and adapted to provide additional benefits to the user of the apparatus. As noted above, a wide range of materials can be used as the second component, and one of ordinary skill in the art can select an appropriate material depending on the desired product benefits. Examples of such substances include other cleaning substances such as surfactants or detergents, disinfectants such as chlorinated substances used in swimming pools, water purifiers, pesticides, pesticides, skin diseases, arthritis, rheumatism or other inflammations. Agents useful for topical application such as for the treatment of sexual or painful diseases, moisturizers, substances with a benefit to the skin such as emollients, nutrients, herbal substances, dyes, minerals, and the like. Not limited. In the case of bath products, the second component is a mild surfactant or has skin benefits and is preferably a commercial product useful for bathing, including cleaning products such as liquid soaps, bubble baths or bath oils. Also, products that provide skin moisturizing benefits, such as Oil of Olay Moisturizing Body Wash® and other such moisturizing substances are also useful for use in the present invention. .
[0033]
The second component can be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and should be able to be solubilized when a liquid such as water enters the device. For components that are poorly soluble, the elevated temperature in the apparatus caused by the exothermic reaction with component A can be used to promote solubilization of those components. Also, component B may be released only gradually into the surrounding liquid so that the benefits of component B may be altered as needed, and / or component B may be released continuously for up to 1-2 hours. As such, it is possible to modify the device. Preferably, for devices used during bathing, component B is released over a period of up to 45 minutes, preferably up to 30 minutes, and more preferably up to 15 minutes.
[0034]
how to use
To operate the device, it is first necessary to combine the active ingredient with the solid device structure. The device 1 of the present invention can be manufactured and sold as a single instrument or as a package containing the device and the product A and / or product B already installed therein. The device and the active ingredient are preferably manufactured separately, and the active ingredient is preferably in the form of a solid tablet that can be easily placed on the bottom of the device 1 by either the manufacturer or the consumer. Such a process allows the consumer to refill the device with additional active ingredients, so that the device may be suitable for multiple applications. In a further embodiment, the device / package itself can be made refillable. For example, the bottom 2 may be sold as a refill unit containing product A and / or product B. In this way, the user removes the bottom of the device by unscrewing after use and instead uses such a refill unit. Alternatively, product A and / or product B capsules can be supplied in the form of molded plastic tubes sealed with a laminated film. The act of screwing the bottom part 2 into the intermediate part 3 when the device 1 is again screwed together and ready for use (in a known manner, for example, a puncture arrangement extending from the top part 4 to the chamber 5 ( (Not shown) can automatically puncture the seals of these capsules. It is highly preferred that the device comprises two active ingredients A and B, supplied as solid disks, more particularly that ingredient A is located in the central chamber 5 and ingredient B is located in the outer chamber 6. . In addition, component A and component B are stored and processed in different chambers of the device, thus allowing for combinations of materials that have not been previously combined due to incompatibility issues.
[0035]
Once the two or more active ingredients have been loaded into the device, the device is suspended on the desired liquid surface. FIG. 6 shows the device 1 floating on a liquid L such as bath water. With the apparatus 1 floating there, water enters both the inner chamber 5 (from the slits 10 and 12) and the outer chamber 2 (from the slit 9). The overflow of the water entering the device 1 from the inner chamber 5 initiates an exothermic chemical reaction that acts to heat the surrounding water. If the chemistry of Active Ingredient A is preferably designed according to the teachings of PCT International Publication Nos. WO 99 / 48539A and WO 99 / 48469A, the water in the inner chamber 5 will reach about 40 ° C. within about 2 minutes (typically Bath temperature) to ６０60 ° C. When used with the chemistry of Active Ingredient A according to the teachings of PCT WO 99 / 48539A and WO 99 / 48469A, the device is H₂It outgases and appears to "steam out". Thereby, the fragrance contained in the component A is carried into the air from the disc through the opening 13 provided in the upper part 4. Preferably, the device of the invention continues to emit gas for at least 15 minutes, so that the fragrance lasts longer and also signals that the device is working.
[0036]
Similarly, as water reaches outer chamber 6 through passage 9, component B dissolves and flows out of chamber 6 through passage 9. In this way, a soluble product, such as a nourishment product (eg, a skin treatment product having an exfoliating or moisturizing effect) can be added to the bath.
[0037]
More specifically, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device is disc-shaped. When the disk floats, the inner chamber containing the product capsule overflows with water, which initiates a strong exothermic reaction. The disk then emits gaseous smoke for about 15 minutes, causing the scent to rise into the air. At the same time, water enters through the slit in the base, dissolving the bath product contained therein and releasing it into the water. The disc can be easily refilled by changing the product capsule. Preferably, the chamber that emits gas is the inner chamber of the device, which reaches a temperature of 55-60 ° C within about 2 minutes. For example, soluble products, such as skin treatment products, are released into the bath within 10 minutes. More preferably, the device / disc is easily refilled by turning off the base and replacing the product capsule.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view along the diameter of the device of FIGS. 1 and 2;
4 shows two sectional views substantially corresponding to FIG. 3 and schematically show the operation of the device of FIGS.
5 shows two sectional views, substantially corresponding to FIG. 3, schematically illustrating the operation of the device of FIGS. 1 to 3; FIG.

Claims (36)

A method for partitioning volatile / soluble substances, comprising:
Providing a first component (A) adapted to release volatiles as a result of contact with a liquid;
Providing a second component (B) adapted to dissolve in the liquid;
Bonding the first component (A) and the second component (B) to the liquid-suspendable structure (1);
By suspending the floatable structure (1) in the liquid, the liquid is brought into contact with the first component (A) and the second component (B), whereby the volatile substance is removed from the first component. If released from (A), simultaneously or sequentially, the second component (B) is dissolved and released in the liquid, or vice versa, if released from the first component (A), Dissolving and releasing said second component (B) in said liquid and said volatile substance simultaneously or sequentially. The method of claim 1, wherein the first component (A) is a composition that produces an exothermic chemical reaction as a result of contact with the liquid. The first component (A) comprises a reaction control component that can selectively control the time at which the first component (A) releases the volatiles as a result of contact with the liquid. Item 3. The method according to Item 2. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said reaction control component is polyethylene glycol (PEG). The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first component (A) comprises a scent-producing component. The method of claim 5, wherein the scent-producing component is a fragrance oil. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the scent-producing component comprises from about 0.07 ml to about 0.14 ml of the fragrance oil. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first component (A) comprises a mixture of citric acid and powdered magnesium. The method according to claim 8, wherein the mixture is a mixture of 85% citric anhydride and 15% powdered magnesium. The method of claim 9, wherein the first component (A) comprises about 5.9 g of the mixture of citric acid and powdered magnesium. An apparatus (10) for emitting volatile / soluble substances,
A structure (2, 3, 4) capable of floating in a liquid,
A first chamber (5) within said structure (1), wherein said liquid is allowed to enter said first chamber (5) when said structure (1) is suspended in said liquid. A first chamber (5) comprising a first passage (10, 12) and a perforated (13) wall portion (4) allowing volatiles to be dispensed from said first chamber (5); ,
A second chamber (6) within said structure (1), said second passage (9) for allowing said second chamber (6) to be in fluid communication with said liquid when said structure is suspended in said liquid. An apparatus (10) comprising a second chamber (6) coupled to the second chamber (6). The device according to claim 11, wherein the structure (1) comprises a floating member (3) for providing buoyancy to the first chamber (5) and the second chamber (6). 13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the floating member (3) comprises a material selected from the group consisting of foamed plastic material, wood, cork and composite. 14. The device according to claim 12, wherein the floating member (3) is ring-shaped. The floating structure is
A disc-shaped portion (2a) whose periphery at least partially defines said second chamber (6);
A substantially cylindrical portion (2b) at least partially defining said first chamber (5);
The device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the second passage (9) is arranged around the substantially cylindrical portion (2b). The device according to claim 15, wherein the second passage (9) comprises an arcuate slit extending around the substantially cylindrical part (2b). Device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the first passage (10, 12) comprises at least one slit (10) provided in the substantially cylindrical part (2b). The bottom (2) and the floating member (3) have complementary structures (7, 8) capable of detachably connecting the floating member (3) and the bottom (2). Item 18. The apparatus according to any one of items 12 and 15 to 17. Apparatus according to claim 14 or 18, wherein the complementary components (7, 8) are arranged in a threaded connection between the bottom (2) and the intermediate part (3). The structure (1) is
A perforated (13) web portion (4a) defining the perforated wall portion of the first chamber (5);
20. An upper part (4) according to any of claims 11 to 19, comprising an upper part (4) comprising a respective substantially cylindrical part (2b) at least partially defining said first chamber (5). apparatus. 21. Apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said first passage comprises at least one slit (12) in said respective substantially cylindrical portion (2b). The floating member (3) and the upper part (4) snap-fit as a result of the respective substantially cylindrical portion (2b) of the upper part (4) being inserted into the floating member (3). 21. The apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 20, wherein the apparatus is arranged as follows. 23. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein the structure has substantially no protrusions. 24. Apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 23, wherein the external dimensions of the structure are from about 20cm x about 10cm x about 10cm, preferably from about 10cm x about 8cm x about 6cm. 25. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 24, wherein the structure comprises a substance soluble in the liquid. An apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 25,
A first charge in said first chamber (5) of a first component (A) adapted to release volatiles as a result of contact with a liquid;
A package comprising a second component (B) adapted to dissolve in said liquid and a second filling in said second chamber (6). 27. The package of claim 26, wherein the first component (A) is a composition that produces an exothermic chemical reaction as a result of contact with the liquid. 28. The first component (A) according to claim 27, wherein the first component (A) comprises a reaction control component that selectively controls the time at which the first component (A) releases the volatile material as a result of contact with the liquid. Packaging. The package according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the first component (A) includes a scent-generating component. 30. The package of claim 29, wherein the scent-producing component is a fragrance oil. 31. The package of claim 30, wherein the scent-producing component comprises from about 0.07 ml to about 0.14 ml of the fragrance oil. 33. A package according to any one of claims 26 to 32, wherein the first component (A) comprises a mixture of citric acid and powdered magnesium. 33. The package of claim 32, wherein the mixture is a mixture of 85% citric anhydride and 15% powdered magnesium. 34. The package of claim 33, wherein the first component (A) comprises about 5.9 g of the mixture of citric acid and powdered magnesium. The package according to any one of claims 26 to 34, wherein the reaction control component is polyethylene glycol (PEG). 36. A refill unit for a package according to any one of claims 25 to 35, wherein the refill unit is at least a part of the first chamber (5) and the second chamber (6). A portion (2) of the structure (1), wherein the portion of the structure comprises the first charge of the first component (A) and the second charge of the second component (B). Refill unit combined with two charges.