MXPA97006659A - Apparatus for issuing a quim agent - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for the emission of a chemical agent includes a supply of chemical agent, an emanator from which the chemical agent can diffuse, a means for transporting the chemical agent from the supply to the emanator, a means to interrupt the transport of the chemical agent. of the supply to the emanator and a means for providing an air flow over the emanator to promote the diffusion of the chemical agent from the emanator. The supply of the chemical agent, the emanator, the means for transporting the chemical agent and the means for interrupting the transport of the chemical agent can be provided in the form of an integral cartridge replacing the chemical agent.

Description

APPOINTED TO EMIT A CHEMICAL AGENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION This application relates to an apparatus for the emission of a chemical agent and, in particular, for the emission of a chemical agent such as, for example, a fragrance or an insecticide.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Many types of apparatus for emitting a chemical agent are known, including, for example, those in which the chemical agent is contained in a gel material from which the chemical agent can diffuse into the atmosphere. . Devices of this type have the disadvantage that it can be difficult to control the diffusion rate of the chemical agent, that the diffusion rate is insufficient or that the diffusion rate decreases with time. Devices are also known in which heat is applied to the chemical agent in order to increase its diffusion rate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the aim of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for emitting a chemical agent that can overcome the above disadvantages as well P1425 / 97MX as other disadvantages, which is achieved by emitting the chemical agent in controllable form, at a predetermined level and, preferably, at a substantially constant diffusion rate during the period of its operation during which the apparatus emits the chemical. Desirably, the apparatus is adapted to emit the chemical agent intermittently. It is also desired to provide a means for changing or replenishing the supply of the chemical agent. In accordance with the foregoing, a first aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for the emission of a chemical agent comprising: a supply of the chemical agent, an emanator from which the chemical agent can diffuse, a means for transporting the agent chemical from the supply to the emanator, a means for interrupting the transport of the chemical agent from the supply to the emanator, and means for providing an air flow over the emanator to promote the diffusion of the chemical agent from the emanator. After operating the apparatus of the invention for a period of time, the supply of chemical agent will be exhausted and the efficiency of the emanator will be reduced, for example, due to the deposit in the emanator of non-volatile components of the chemical agent. By way of P1425 / 97MX similar, the efficiency of the medium to transport the chemical agent may decrease over time. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the emanator, the supply of the chemical agent and the means for transporting the chemical agent from the supply to the emanator are in the form of an integral cartridge that can be changed. In a preferred variant of this embodiment, the emanator is movably connected to the main body of the cartridge and can move between a first position, in which the emanator is in communication with the medium for transporting the chemical agent, and a second position. , in which communication with the medium is broken or interrupted to transport the chemical agent. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an integral cartridge adapted to be incorporated in a replaceable form in an apparatus for the emission of a chemical agent, the cartridge comprises a supply of chemical agent, an emanator from which the chemical agent a means for transporting the chemical agent from the supply to the emanator and a means for interrupting the transport of the chemical agent from the supply to the emanator may be diffused. In a particularly preferred variant of the invention, the emanator is movably connected to the P1425 / 97MX main body of the cartridge and can move between a first position, in which the emanator is in communication with the medium to transport the chemical agent, and a second position, in which the communication with the medium is broken or interrupted. transport the chemical people. In this way, when the apparatus or cartridge is not in use, the communication between the emanator and the chemical agent supply can be interrupted, so that the diffusion of the chemical agent that could occur in an undesirable way is avoided. This construction is also advantageous when it is desired to use the apparatus of the invention to emit a plurality of chemical agents. Thus, a first cartridge including a first emanator can be provided with the supply of a first chemical agent, such as for example a first fragrance. After a period of use, the first cartridge and its associated emanator can be removed from the apparatus and exchanged for a second cartridge including a second emanator and the supply of a second chemical agent, such as a second fragrance. In a preferred form of the invention, the chemical agent is a liquid and the means for transporting the chemical agent is a capillary device, such as a wick that is in communication in a first P1425 / 97MX portion thereof with the chemical agent and in another portion thereof with the emanator. In this form of the invention, the means for interrupting the transport of the chemical agent comprises, desirably, a means for preventing the flow of the chemical agent from the supply or the capillary device to the emanator. Preferably, the emanator comprises a porous material, preferably a porous self-supporting material and, particularly, a sintered polypropylene or sintered polyethylene material is preferred. In an advantageous construction, the surface area of the emanator is increased by including therein hollow portions, voids, slits or orifices open towards the atmosphere or which in some other way provide the emanator with a surface with convolutions or corrugations. In this way, the diffusion efficiency of the chemical agent from the emanator is increased. The means for providing an air flow over the emanator may simply be the provision or supply of openings, such as for example ventilation openings, in the housing of the device, to allow a natural flow of air currents on the emanator. However, in a particularly preferred form of the apparatus of the invention, the means for providing an air flow over the emanator comprises P1425 / 97MX a fan that can be operated electrically. Desirably, the apparatus of the invention includes a timer device with which the fan can be made to operate intermittently. This is particularly desired when the chemical agent is a fragrance material for the fan to operate for about three minutes for every twelve to fifteen minutes. In another preferred form of the invention, the fan is driven by an electric motor that derives its energy from electric cells (batteries). These batteries will also, in turn, be depleted over time. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a simple means by which the batteries can be changed. Optionally, the cartridge may include a first compartment comprising a reservoir for the chemical agent and containing at least a portion of the capillary device and a second compartment containing or adapted to contain the electric cells. A series of cartridges containing different chemical agents can be supplied, so that the user can select a cartridge containing a desired chemical agent and insert it into the apparatus of the invention. P1425 / 97MX Preferably, the emanator includes a formation by means of which communication is established with the means of transport of the chemical agent. Where the means for transporting the chemical agent is a capillary device, the formation preferably penetrates an end portion of the capillary device when the emanator is in its first position. Particularly and preferably, the capillary device comprises a material that is sufficiently resilient to recover, at least partially, its original shape when the formation is removed therefrom, that is, when the emanator moves towards its second position. In a further preferred construction, the supply of the chemical agent (reservoir) initially includes a breakable seal portion, which can be broken, for example, by means of the formation provided in the emanator, when the emanator moves towards its first position. In another preferred construction, the capillary device can be contained within the first cartridge compartment and the breakable seal portion is in juxtaposition with an end portion of the capillary device. In this way, with the rupture of the seal portion, the formation of the emanator enters into communication with the capillary device. P1425 / 97MX In another preferred variant of the invention, the apparatus includes electrical terminals adapted to cooperate with the terminals of the second compartment in electrical connection with the electric cells. Alternatively, the second compartment can be constructed in such a way that the terminals of the cells can cooperate directly with the terminals of the apparatus. The electric current can thus pass through the terminals of the apparatus by means of a control means (such as for example a switch and / or a timer control circuit) to activate the electric motor associated with the fan.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it can be done, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a exploded view of the apparatus of the invention illustrating the main components; Figures 2 and 3 are views of one form of the cartridge of the invention, respectively in the first and second positions; Figure 4 is an exploded view of a variant of the cartridge of Figures 2 and 3, showing the P1425 / 97MX main components. For reasons of clarity, the emanator is not shown. Figure 5 is a view of the emanator of Figures 2 and 3 showing the formation 22.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, the apparatus 1 includes a base portion 2, an electric motor 3, a fan 4 driven by the motor 3, a cover or partition 5, an emanator 6, a reservoir 7 for the chemical agent and a compartment 8 for electric cells. The motor 3 is mounted in a motor housing 9 in the base portion 2. The base portion 2 also includes a circuit board 10 in which the electrical contacts 11 of the electrical cells can be mounted. The circuit board 10 may also include a control means, such as switches and timing circuits. The cover 5 prevents access to the motor 3, the fan 4 and the associated components after manufacture and includes cuts or vents 12, 13 for the passage of air. The cover 5 also includes a recess 14 adapted to receive the cartridge 15. The apparatus 1 also includes a ventilated protective cover (not shown) adapted to mate with the base portion 2. In the illustrated embodiments, the cartridge 15 P1425 / 97MX includes emanator 6, reservoir 7 and battery compartment 8 as an integral unit. However, it will be appreciated that other constructions of the cartridge are within the scope of the invention and, in particular, it is not essential that the battery compartment 8 be an integral part of the cartridge 15. As can be observed in particular from the Figure 4, the means for transporting the chemical agent comprises a wick 14 which is held in place by a guide 23. The wick is thus in fluid communication with the chemical agent of the reservoir 7. Suitable materials for the wick include materials derivatives of polypropylene fibers, polyethylene fibers, cellulose acetate fibers or polyester fibers. The guide 23 is desirably integrally formed with a closure 16 of the reservoir 7 and is present with the compartment 8. A through hole 17 is provided in the closure 16 in alignment with the end of the wick 14. The hole 17 in shape Desirable is initially sealed by means of a breakable or replaceable sealing member 18. The closure 16 may include a pushing means 19 for pushing the electric cells 20 over the electrical terminals of the compartment 8 or on the terminals 11 of the circuit board 10.

P1425 / 97MX In the illustrated embodiments, the emanator 6 is formed from a sintered polypropylene material or a sintered polyethylene material and includes a plurality of slits 21 in order to increase its surface area and to provide airflow from the fan 4. As can be seen from Figure 1, during use, the cartridge 15 is received in the recess 14, so that the emanator 6 is in juxtaposition with the vents 13 above the fan 4. The chemical agent is transported from the tank 7 to the emanator 6 by means of the wick 14. The chemical agent is transported from the wick 14 by capillary action towards the pores of the emanator 6. When the fan 4 is in operation or operation, the air flow on the surfaces of the emanator 6 greatly increases the rate of evaporation of the chemical agent from the emanator 6., so that the chemical agent diffuses into the surrounding atmosphere. The emanator 6 is pivotally connected to the main body of the cartridge 15 by means of a hinge or articulation, so that the emanator can move between the first position illustrated in Figure 2 and the second position illustrated in Figure 3. any suitable hinge or joint, such as, for example, a film hinge of a P1425 / 97MX plastic material. It will be appreciated that the emanator can move between the first and second positions by other suitable means. For example, the emanator can be slidably connected to the main body of the cartridge. However, the articulated construction is advantageous because when the emanator is in the second position, the cartridge as a whole occupies a minimum space. The emanator 6 includes a formation 22 (which is shown more clearly in Figure 5 and which is also shown in Figure 3), when the emanator 6 is in its first position, the formation is in communication with the wick 14 through of the orifice 17. In this first position, the chemical agent can be transported from the tank 7 to the emanator 6 by the wick 14 and the formation 22. In the second position, the formation 22 is separated from the wick 14 and is not possible the transfer of the chemical agent from the tank 7 to the emanator 6. During use, the cartridge 15 is initially supplied with the emanator in its second position and with the hole 17 sealed by the sealing member 18. The emanator 6 can then be moved from the second position to the first position, so that the formation 22 breaks the seal member 18 and moves towards communication with the wick 14. A means can be provided, such as P1425 / 97MX a spring-loaded latch to hold the emanator in the first position. After a period of use of the apparatus, the supply of chemical agent will be exhausted and the electric cells 20 will also be depleted. Desirably, the electric cells 20 are selected so that they are exhausted after the supply of the chemical agent has been exhausted. When the supply of the chemical agent is exhausted, the cartridge 15, including the emanator 6, can simply be removed and replaced with a new cartridge 15 containing a new supply of chemical agent and optionally, new electric cells 20. A particular feature of the apparatus of The invention is that a plurality of cartridges each containing a different chemical agent, such as for example different fragrances, can be provided. In this way, the user can choose a desired fragrance by selecting the cartridge containing the fragrance and inserting it into the apparatus of the invention. An alternate fragrance can be selected by removing the cartridge from the apparatus and inserting a new cartridge containing the alternative fragrance into the reservoir 7. With the removal of the cartridge 15 from the apparatus 1, the emanator 6 preferably moves from the first position to the second position, so that the additional is avoided P1425 / 97MX diffusion of the fragrance. Of course, the cartridges can be removed from the apparatus and changed therein as desired by the user, until the supply of the fragrance is exhausted. In order to prevent evaporation of the chemical agent from the orifice 17 (after the sealing member 18 has been broken) when the emanator 6 is in the second position, an additional closure (not shown) can be provided for the orifice 17 P1425 / 97MX

Claims (15)

1. NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and, therefore, the content of the following CLAIMS is claimed as property; 1. An apparatus for emitting a chemical agent comprising: a supply of chemical agent, an emanator from which the chemical agent can be diffused, a means for transporting the chemical agent from the supply to the emanator, a means for interrupting transportation of the chemical agent from the supply to the emanator and, a means for providing an air flow over the emanator to promote the diffusion of the chemical agent from the emanator. An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a replaceable integral cartridge comprising the supply of the chemical agent, the emanator from which the chemical agent can diffuse, the means for transporting the chemical agent from the supply to the emanator and the means to interrupt the transport of the chemical agent from the supply to the emanator. 3. An integral cartridge adapted to be incorporated in a replaceable form inside a device P1425 / 97MX for emission of a chemical agent, the cartridge is characterized in that it comprises a supply of the chemical agent, an emanator from which the chemical agent can diffuse, a means for transporting the chemical agent from the supply to the emanator and, a means to interrupt the transport of the chemical agent from the supply to the emanator. An apparatus according to claim 2, or a cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that the emanator is movably connected to the main body of the cartridge and can move between a first position in which the emanator is in communication with the medium of transport of the chemical agent and a second position in which the communication with the means of transport of the chemical agent is interrupted. An apparatus or cartridge according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the chemical agent is a liquid and the means for transporting the chemical agent is a capillary device that is in communication, in a first portion thereof, with the chemical agent and, in another portion of it, with the emanator. 6. An apparatus or cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that the capillary device is a wick. P1425 / 97MX 7. An apparatus or cartridge according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the means for interrupting the transport of the chemical agent comprises a means for preventing the flow of the chemical agent from the supply or from the capillary device to the emanator. An apparatus or cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emanator comprises a porous material, preferably a self-supporting porous material and, particularly, preferably, a sintered polypropylene or sintered polyethylene material. An apparatus or cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface area of the emanator is increased by including therein hollow portions, open cavities, slits or openings into the atmosphere or by providing the emanator in some other way with a convoluted surface or corrugations. An apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or any of claims 4 to 9, wherein the means for providing an air flow over the emanator comprises a fan that can operate or operate electrically. 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or P1425 / 97MX any of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that the apparatus includes a timer device with which the fan can be made to operate intermittently. An apparatus according to claim 2, or 4 to 11 or a cartridge according to any of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the cartridge includes a first compartment comprising a reservoir for the chemical agent and containing at least a portion of the capillary device and a second compartment containing or adapted to contain the electric cells. 13. An apparatus or cartridge according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emanator includes a formation by means of which the communication between the emanator and the means of transport of the chemical agent is established. An apparatus or cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that the means for transporting the chemical agent is a capillary device and the formation penetrates an end portion of the capillary device when the emanator is in its first position. 15. An apparatus or cartridge according to claim 14, characterized in that the device P1425 / 97MX capillary comprises a material that is sufficiently resilient to recover, at least in part, its original shape when the emanator moves to its second position. P1425 / 37MX