US20170028304A1 - Scent effusing devices - Google Patents
Scent effusing devices Download PDFInfo
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- US20170028304A1 US20170028304A1 US15/220,685 US201615220685A US2017028304A1 US 20170028304 A1 US20170028304 A1 US 20170028304A1 US 201615220685 A US201615220685 A US 201615220685A US 2017028304 A1 US2017028304 A1 US 2017028304A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- scent
- effusing
- scented
- inner cap
- outer layer
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/003—Dolls specially adapted for a particular function not connected with dolls
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/003—Dolls specially adapted for a particular function not connected with dolls
- A63H3/005—Dolls specially adapted for a particular function not connected with dolls for use as container
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/02—Dolls made of fabrics or stuffed
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/36—Details; Accessories
- A63H3/38—Dolls' eyes
Definitions
- the field of the invention relates to scent effusing devices.
- Scented items are popular consumer goods. Some scented items are desirable simply for their use in providing a pleasant aroma, as with potpourri or other devices that emanate a scent into the surrounding environment. Other products, such as decorative items, novelty items, or toys, may be scented to add an additional element to the user experience.
- scent effusing devices such as novelty items, decorative items, or toys, which locate a scented composition within a permeable packet in an asymmetric position within the device.
- the asymmetric position which may be maintained by affixing the permeable packet to the outer layer of the device and/or by packing the device with a material to prevent shifting of the permeable packet, gives a directional aspect to the diffusion of the scent from the device.
- the scent emanating from the device will be strongest in an area closest to the location of the permeable packet.
- the scent effusing device also includes a visual cue that draws a user's attention to a location with a stronger scent profile. As a result, the device will maintain detectable levels of scent in the area surrounding the visual cue for a longer period of time. Directing a user to smell the area of the device with the strongest scent profile results in an improved perception of performance over time.
- the present disclosure also relates to packaging that helps to prevent loss of the scented composition to the environment during storage, shipment, and delays in use.
- the impermeable package may include multiple caps which are sealed by a sealing membrane. The use of two or more caps allows for a false top to the package. The false top may then be used to support or otherwise contain the scent effusing device without compromising the seal of the outer cap.
- FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a scent effusing device.
- FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a scent effusing device.
- FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a scent effusing device.
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the scent effusing device of FIG. 1 , partially disassembled.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of a partially disassembled scent effusing device of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 shows an impermeable package in a disassembled condition.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the impermeable package of FIG. 6 in an assembled condition.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a package body with a support and desiccant can.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inner cap of the impermeable package of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the outer cap of the impermeable package of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a partially assembled version of the impermeable package of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fully assembled version of the impermeable package of FIG. 6 .
- FIGS. 1-3 are front elevation views of certain exemplary embodiments of a scent effusing device 1 that includes an outer layer 10 with a visual cue 14 .
- the outer layer 10 may serve as the final diffusion barrier for a scent emanating from the scent effusing device 1 and may also optionally serve as a retaining structure for any interior components or filling material present within the scent effusing device 1 .
- the outer layer 10 may comprise paper, plastic, other polymers, woven material, or any other material which is porous or semi-porous or otherwise allows the diffusion of a scent compound or scented composition from the inside of the scent effusing device 1 to the external environment.
- the outer layer 10 may serve as or otherwise include an outer decorative element for the scent effusing device 1 , or may serve as the underlying structure for other decorative elements.
- the scent effusing device 1 may also comprise appendages 15 designed to provide additional aesthetic elements to the scent effusing device 1 .
- the appendages 15 may be limbs, caricature accessories such as a hat or items of clothing, or other decorative items that complete the overall aesthetic design of the scent effusing device 1 .
- the outer layer 10 , appendages 15 , and/or any other portions of the exterior or interior of the scent effusing device 1 may comprise a nap or pile.
- a clip 13 may also be attached to the outer layer 10 to allow the scent effusing device 1 to be attached to a backpack, belt, or other items.
- the clip 13 may also comprise a key ring or other attachment devices to use the scent effusing device 1 as a key ring or to secure it to other small items.
- the scent effusing device 1 may comprise a visual cue 14 to draw a user's attention to a particular area or portion of the outer layer 10 of the scent effusing device 1 .
- the visual cue which may take on any form, shape, texture, or color, may comprise a bull's-eye, target, arrows, text, or other visual markers.
- the visual cue 14 may comprise eyes 16 alone or in combination with a mouth 17 or other facial features to form a face.
- the visual cue 14 may be printed, glued, adhered to, painted, embroidered, or otherwise attached or added to the outer layer 10 of the scent effusing device 1 .
- FIGS. 4 and 5 are side views of a partially disassembled scent effusing device 1 .
- the outer layer 10 has been opened to show the internal structure and layout of the internal components of the scent effusing device 1 .
- the outer layer 10 comprises an inner surface 11 and an outer surface 12 .
- the outer surface 12 may constitute all or a portion of the decorative design of the scent effusing device 1 , and provides attachment points for the appendages 15 and/or the clip 13 .
- the outer surface 12 of the outer layer 10 also comprises the visual cue 14 or the underlying structure for the visual cue 14 .
- the scent effusing device 1 contains a permeable packet 20 disposed asymmetrically within the outer layer 10 .
- the permeable packet 20 is located in close proximity to the inner surface 11 of the outer layer 10 in or near the same location as the visual cue 14 on the outer surface 12 .
- the outer layer 10 may also retain a filler material 22 , such as, but not limited to, foam, cotton, or random entangled fibers.
- the filler material 22 may improve location stability and/or help maintain the asymmetric positioning of the permeable packet 20 by preventing any shifting or dislocation of the permeable packet 20 .
- the filler material 22 may also give shape and volume to the outer layer 10 and/or scent effusing device 1 .
- the permeable packet 20 may be secured to the inner surface 11 of the outer layer 10 by stitches 23 .
- the permeable packet 20 may be secured to the inner surface 11 of the outer layer 10 by adhesive, fasteners, or other securing means.
- the permeable packet 20 may be a small capsule, bag, or other retention device that contains a scented composition.
- the scented composition may be held within a capsule, pellets, liquid reservoir, or any other mechanism or structure intended to hold and diffuse the scented composition.
- the asymmetric position of the permeable packet 20 will provide a directional aspect to the diffusion of the scented composition from the scent effusing device 1 .
- the diffusion pathway for the scented composition will be shorter and may have fewer barriers to diffusion in the direction of the visual cue 14 because it is located relatively closer to the permeable packet 20 than other portions of the outer layer 10 .
- the scented composition will be most easily detected by a user in the vicinity of the visual cue 14 .
- the concentration of scented composition within the scent effusing device 1 is reduced over time, the amount of scented composition diffusing out of any particular portion of the outer layer 10 of the scent effusing device 1 will eventually fall below a threshold where a user can no longer detect it.
- portions of the outer layer 10 that are in closest proximity to the permeable packet 20 will maintain levels of the scented composition above the detection threshold for the longest period of time.
- the visual cue 14 is designed to draw the user's attention to that point on the scent effusing device 1 that is closest to the permeable packet 20 . Because the permeable packet 20 is located relatively closer to the visual cue 14 , the diffusion pathway of the scented composition will be shortest, giving the highest concentration of the scented composition and strongest scent in this location. As the concentration of the scented composition within the scent effusing device 1 lowers over time, the level of scented composition diffusing through the outer layer 10 will also become lower. However, the asymmetric location of the permeable packet 20 within the scent effusing device 1 will lead to asymmetric diffusion through the outer layer 10 . Portions of the outer layer 10 which are in closest proximity to the permeable packet 20 will maintain detectable levels of scented composition diffusing through the outer layer 10 longer than portions of the outer layer 10 which are located relatively further away from the permeable packet 20 .
- the visual cue 14 is configured to draw the attention of the user to the area of the outer layer 10 with the highest detectable levels of the scented composition.
- a scent effusing device 1 which is a plush caricature as shown in FIGS. 1-3
- a user is more likely to smell the scent effusing device 1 at or near the visual cue 14 , in this case the eyes 16 , or the combination of eyes 16 and mouth 17 to make a face.
- the visual cue 14 draws the attention of the user to the area of the outer layer 10 which is in closest proximity to the permeable packet 20 .
- the user who's attention may be fixated on the visual cue 14 , is likely to either pick up the scent effusing device 1 and bring it in close proximity to their nose while focusing on the visual cue 14 , or to approach the scent effusing device 1 with the visual cue 14 as their target. Since the eyes of most users may be relatively close to their nose, the user will be in a position to detect the strongest concentration of scented composition diffusing out of the scent effusing device 1 . The result is the user retaining the ability to detect the scented composition from the scent effusing device 1 for a longer period of time than with symmetrical diffusion.
- the scent effusing device 1 may comprise a number of modifications or alterations to enhance or assist the directional asymmetry of diffusion of the scented composition through the outer layer 10 .
- the filler material 22 may be impermeable or resist diffusion of the scented composition.
- the outer layer 10 may have a coating, lining, or be comprised of multiple materials such that diffusion of scent may only occur through the outer layer 10 at a location at or near the visual cue 14 .
- FIGS. 6-9 are perspective views of the components of an impermeable package 30 with multiple sealing measures.
- the impermeable package 30 comprises a package body 31 with an enclosure 32 and an aperture 33 , an inner cap 34 with a concave surface 35 , convex surface 36 , and optional hooks 37 , and an outer cap 41 with a concave surface 41 , a convex surface 42 , and an optional tab 43 .
- the package body 31 , inner cap 34 , and outer cap 40 may be assembled into a finished impermeable package 30 with multiple sealing features to completely or partially reduce the loss of a scented composition through the impermeable package 30 .
- the package body 31 has an enclosure 32 , which may be sized as desired or required to house a scent effusing device 1 (not shown).
- the package body 31 and enclosure 32 may include features, such as a base or support 39 to support the scent effusing device 1 , or to otherwise locate or secure an item that is to be held within the enclosure 32 .
- the package body 31 also features an aperture 33 , which is sized and located to allow for insertion of a scent effusing device 1 or other items into the package body 31 before sealing. While the package body 31 may be made of any material and have any shape, size, configuration, or visual appearance, it is preferably made out of a material that is impermeable to the scented composition held within the scent effusing device 1 .
- the inner cap 34 and outer cap 40 may be made of materials similar to those of the package body 31 .
- the package body 31 may include a desiccant can 47 within or adjacent to the enclosure 32 .
- the desiccant can 47 may remove humidity or other vapors present during manufacture or that enter the package body 31 later, so as to preserve the scent effusing device 1 and any scented composition contained therein.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an inner cap 34 of the impermeable package 30 .
- the inner cap 34 comprises a shape and size that is configured to fit within the aperture 32 of the package body.
- the inner cap 34 may have a generally cup-like shape with a concave surface 35 opposite to a convex surface 36 .
- the inner cap 34 may also include hooks 37 located around the perimeter of the inner cap 34 .
- the hooks 37 are configured to fit over the aperture 33 of the package body 31 such that the inner cap 34 may be placed within the aperture 33 and not fall into the enclosure 32 of the package body 31 .
- the inner cap 34 may comprise a lip or other projections which interfere with the aperture 33 of the package body 31 to prevent the inner cap 34 from completely passing through the aperture 33 .
- the inner cap 34 may also comprise cap apertures 38 .
- the cap apertures 38 may serve as a mounting point or pass through for other items.
- the cap apertures 38 may serve as a pass through point for a string, cable, or other device to hold up or support the item to be held within the enclosure 32 .
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an outer cap 40 comprising a concave surface 41 and a convex surface 42 .
- the outer cap 40 may also comprise a tab 43 that may be used as a handle or hook to hang the impermeable package 30 , such as when a product is on display in a retail store.
- the outer cap 40 comprises a shape and size configured to fit over the aperture 33 of the package body 31 to cover both the inner cap 34 and the aperture 33 to fully cap the enclosure 32 .
- the outer cap 40 may, in certain cases, share a similar geometry and shape to the inner cap 34 for any particular size and shape of the aperture 33 of the package body 31 .
- the outer cap 40 may be slightly larger than the inner cap 34 and, when installed onto the aperture 33 , may be oriented such that the concave or upper surface 35 of the inner cap 34 and the concave or lower surface 41 of the outer cap 40 are facing one another. Said differently and by way of example, the concave or upper surface 35 of the inner cap 34 and the concave or lower surface 41 of the outer cap 40 are aligned such that they enclose a volume when they are installed into and/or over the aperture 33 of the package body 31 .
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a partially assembled impermeable package 30 wherein the inner cap 34 has been installed into the aperture 33 of the package body 31 .
- the inner cap 34 has been oriented such that the concave surface 35 is oriented upwards, away from the package body.
- the hooks 37 are wrapped around the edge of the aperture 33 to prevent the inner cap 34 from passing completely through the aperture 33 and falling into the package body 31 .
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fully assembled impermeable package 30 with the inner cap 34 installed into the aperture 33 of the package body 31 and the outer cap 40 installed over the aperture 33 of the package body 31 .
- the outer cap 40 may overlap or abut with the package body 31 at or near the aperture 33 to create a seam 45 at their junction.
- the seam 45 may be sealed by a sealing membrane 46 , which helps to prevent diffusion of the scented composition through the seam 45 or other joints between the package body 31 , inner cap 34 , and/or outer cap 40 .
- the sealing membrane 46 may comprise a plastic, polymer, or other thin, flexible material that is impermeable to the scented composition to help completely seal the seam 45 and prevent dislocation of the outer cap 40 and/or inner cap 34 .
- the sealing membrane 46 may comprise an adhesive to prevent shifting or loosening of the sealing membrane 46 .
- the inner cap 34 and outer cap 40 are installed such that the concave or upper surface 35 of the inner cap 40 and the concave or lower surface 41 of the outer cap 40 face one another.
- the combination of the concave surfaces 35 , 41 on the inner cap 34 and outer cap 40 forms a secondary enclosure 44 .
- the inner cap 34 may then function as a false top to the enclosure 32 .
- the outer cap 40 may function as the main sealing cap, the inner cap 34 may support the scent effusing device 1 by hanging it from the inner cap 34 or tethering it to the cap apertures 38 in the inner cap 34 .
- the separation between the inner cap 34 and the outer cap 40 provides space within the secondary enclosure 44 to hold tethers, supports, or other means of holding the scent effusing device 1 in place within the enclosure 32 .
- any of the above described components, parts, or embodiments may take on a range of shapes, sizes, or materials as necessary for a particular application of the described invention.
- the components, parts, or mechanisms of the described invention may be made of any materials selected for the suitability in use, cost, or ease of manufacturing. Materials including, but not limited to plastics, polymers, composites, fabrics, woven materials, glass, or paper may be used to form any of the above described components.
Abstract
Described are scent effusing devices with directional diffusion of a scented composition. A scented composition is held within the scent effusing device in a position that is in close proximity to a portion of the scent effusing device most likely to be smelled by a user. Visual cues on the exterior of the scent effusing device draw a user's attention to the area with the strongest scent. As the concentration of the scented composition is reduced over time, the visual cue will draw the user to an area where detectable levels of scent are still present, even if other areas have dropped below a detectable threshold.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/197,375, filed on Jul. 27, 2015 and entitled SCENT EFFUSING DEVICES, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The field of the invention relates to scent effusing devices.
- Scented items are popular consumer goods. Some scented items are desirable simply for their use in providing a pleasant aroma, as with potpourri or other devices that emanate a scent into the surrounding environment. Other products, such as decorative items, novelty items, or toys, may be scented to add an additional element to the user experience.
- Aspects of the present disclosure relate to scent effusing devices such as novelty items, decorative items, or toys, which locate a scented composition within a permeable packet in an asymmetric position within the device. The asymmetric position, which may be maintained by affixing the permeable packet to the outer layer of the device and/or by packing the device with a material to prevent shifting of the permeable packet, gives a directional aspect to the diffusion of the scent from the device. The scent emanating from the device will be strongest in an area closest to the location of the permeable packet. The scent effusing device also includes a visual cue that draws a user's attention to a location with a stronger scent profile. As a result, the device will maintain detectable levels of scent in the area surrounding the visual cue for a longer period of time. Directing a user to smell the area of the device with the strongest scent profile results in an improved perception of performance over time.
- The present disclosure also relates to packaging that helps to prevent loss of the scented composition to the environment during storage, shipment, and delays in use. The impermeable package may include multiple caps which are sealed by a sealing membrane. The use of two or more caps allows for a false top to the package. The false top may then be used to support or otherwise contain the scent effusing device without compromising the seal of the outer cap.
- Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the following figures:
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FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a scent effusing device. -
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a scent effusing device. -
FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a scent effusing device. -
FIG. 4 is a side view of the scent effusing device ofFIG. 1 , partially disassembled. -
FIG. 5 is a side view of a partially disassembled scent effusing device ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 shows an impermeable package in a disassembled condition. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the impermeable package ofFIG. 6 in an assembled condition. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a package body with a support and desiccant can. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inner cap of the impermeable package ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the outer cap of the impermeable package ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a partially assembled version of the impermeable package ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fully assembled version of the impermeable package ofFIG. 6 . - The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.
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FIGS. 1-3 are front elevation views of certain exemplary embodiments of a scenteffusing device 1 that includes anouter layer 10 with avisual cue 14. Theouter layer 10 may serve as the final diffusion barrier for a scent emanating from the scenteffusing device 1 and may also optionally serve as a retaining structure for any interior components or filling material present within thescent effusing device 1. Theouter layer 10 may comprise paper, plastic, other polymers, woven material, or any other material which is porous or semi-porous or otherwise allows the diffusion of a scent compound or scented composition from the inside of the scent effusingdevice 1 to the external environment. - The
outer layer 10 may serve as or otherwise include an outer decorative element for the scenteffusing device 1, or may serve as the underlying structure for other decorative elements. The scenteffusing device 1 may also compriseappendages 15 designed to provide additional aesthetic elements to thescent effusing device 1. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1-3 , theappendages 15 may be limbs, caricature accessories such as a hat or items of clothing, or other decorative items that complete the overall aesthetic design of thescent effusing device 1. Theouter layer 10,appendages 15, and/or any other portions of the exterior or interior of the scenteffusing device 1 may comprise a nap or pile. In certain cases, aclip 13 may also be attached to theouter layer 10 to allow the scenteffusing device 1 to be attached to a backpack, belt, or other items. Theclip 13 may also comprise a key ring or other attachment devices to use the scenteffusing device 1 as a key ring or to secure it to other small items. - Still referring to
FIGS. 1-3 , the scenteffusing device 1 may comprise avisual cue 14 to draw a user's attention to a particular area or portion of theouter layer 10 of the scenteffusing device 1. The visual cue, which may take on any form, shape, texture, or color, may comprise a bull's-eye, target, arrows, text, or other visual markers. In certain cases, thevisual cue 14 may compriseeyes 16 alone or in combination with amouth 17 or other facial features to form a face. In some cases, thevisual cue 14 may be printed, glued, adhered to, painted, embroidered, or otherwise attached or added to theouter layer 10 of the scenteffusing device 1. -
FIGS. 4 and 5 are side views of a partially disassembledscent effusing device 1. Theouter layer 10 has been opened to show the internal structure and layout of the internal components of thescent effusing device 1. Theouter layer 10 comprises aninner surface 11 and anouter surface 12. Theouter surface 12 may constitute all or a portion of the decorative design of the scenteffusing device 1, and provides attachment points for theappendages 15 and/or theclip 13. Theouter surface 12 of theouter layer 10 also comprises thevisual cue 14 or the underlying structure for thevisual cue 14. - The scent
effusing device 1 contains apermeable packet 20 disposed asymmetrically within theouter layer 10. Thepermeable packet 20 is located in close proximity to theinner surface 11 of theouter layer 10 in or near the same location as thevisual cue 14 on theouter surface 12. In certain embodiments, theouter layer 10 may also retain afiller material 22, such as, but not limited to, foam, cotton, or random entangled fibers. Thefiller material 22 may improve location stability and/or help maintain the asymmetric positioning of thepermeable packet 20 by preventing any shifting or dislocation of thepermeable packet 20. In the case of a plush or otherwise non-rigid scenteffusing device 1, thefiller material 22 may also give shape and volume to theouter layer 10 and/or scenteffusing device 1. In certain cases, thepermeable packet 20 may be secured to theinner surface 11 of theouter layer 10 bystitches 23. In some cases, thepermeable packet 20 may be secured to theinner surface 11 of theouter layer 10 by adhesive, fasteners, or other securing means. - The
permeable packet 20 may be a small capsule, bag, or other retention device that contains a scented composition. In certain cases, the scented composition may be held within a capsule, pellets, liquid reservoir, or any other mechanism or structure intended to hold and diffuse the scented composition. - During normal use the asymmetric position of the
permeable packet 20 will provide a directional aspect to the diffusion of the scented composition from thescent effusing device 1. The diffusion pathway for the scented composition will be shorter and may have fewer barriers to diffusion in the direction of thevisual cue 14 because it is located relatively closer to thepermeable packet 20 than other portions of theouter layer 10. The scented composition will be most easily detected by a user in the vicinity of thevisual cue 14. As the concentration of scented composition within thescent effusing device 1 is reduced over time, the amount of scented composition diffusing out of any particular portion of theouter layer 10 of thescent effusing device 1 will eventually fall below a threshold where a user can no longer detect it. However portions of theouter layer 10 that are in closest proximity to thepermeable packet 20 will maintain levels of the scented composition above the detection threshold for the longest period of time. - The
visual cue 14 is designed to draw the user's attention to that point on thescent effusing device 1 that is closest to thepermeable packet 20. Because thepermeable packet 20 is located relatively closer to thevisual cue 14, the diffusion pathway of the scented composition will be shortest, giving the highest concentration of the scented composition and strongest scent in this location. As the concentration of the scented composition within thescent effusing device 1 lowers over time, the level of scented composition diffusing through theouter layer 10 will also become lower. However, the asymmetric location of thepermeable packet 20 within thescent effusing device 1 will lead to asymmetric diffusion through theouter layer 10. Portions of theouter layer 10 which are in closest proximity to thepermeable packet 20 will maintain detectable levels of scented composition diffusing through theouter layer 10 longer than portions of theouter layer 10 which are located relatively further away from thepermeable packet 20. - To take advantage of the asymmetric release of the scented composition through the
scent effusing device 1, thevisual cue 14 is configured to draw the attention of the user to the area of theouter layer 10 with the highest detectable levels of the scented composition. For example, in the case of ascent effusing device 1 which is a plush caricature as shown inFIGS. 1-3 , a user is more likely to smell thescent effusing device 1 at or near thevisual cue 14, in this case theeyes 16, or the combination ofeyes 16 andmouth 17 to make a face. Thevisual cue 14 draws the attention of the user to the area of theouter layer 10 which is in closest proximity to thepermeable packet 20. The user, who's attention may be fixated on thevisual cue 14, is likely to either pick up thescent effusing device 1 and bring it in close proximity to their nose while focusing on thevisual cue 14, or to approach thescent effusing device 1 with thevisual cue 14 as their target. Since the eyes of most users may be relatively close to their nose, the user will be in a position to detect the strongest concentration of scented composition diffusing out of thescent effusing device 1. The result is the user retaining the ability to detect the scented composition from thescent effusing device 1 for a longer period of time than with symmetrical diffusion. - Still referring to
FIGS. 4 and 5 , thescent effusing device 1 may comprise a number of modifications or alterations to enhance or assist the directional asymmetry of diffusion of the scented composition through theouter layer 10. For example, thefiller material 22 may be impermeable or resist diffusion of the scented composition. In certain embodiments, theouter layer 10 may have a coating, lining, or be comprised of multiple materials such that diffusion of scent may only occur through theouter layer 10 at a location at or near thevisual cue 14. -
FIGS. 6-9 are perspective views of the components of animpermeable package 30 with multiple sealing measures. Theimpermeable package 30 comprises apackage body 31 with anenclosure 32 and anaperture 33, aninner cap 34 with aconcave surface 35,convex surface 36, andoptional hooks 37, and anouter cap 41 with aconcave surface 41, aconvex surface 42, and anoptional tab 43. Thepackage body 31,inner cap 34, andouter cap 40 may be assembled into a finishedimpermeable package 30 with multiple sealing features to completely or partially reduce the loss of a scented composition through theimpermeable package 30. - Referring to
FIGS. 7-8 , thepackage body 31 has anenclosure 32, which may be sized as desired or required to house a scent effusing device 1 (not shown). Thepackage body 31 andenclosure 32 may include features, such as a base orsupport 39 to support thescent effusing device 1, or to otherwise locate or secure an item that is to be held within theenclosure 32. Thepackage body 31 also features anaperture 33, which is sized and located to allow for insertion of ascent effusing device 1 or other items into thepackage body 31 before sealing. While thepackage body 31 may be made of any material and have any shape, size, configuration, or visual appearance, it is preferably made out of a material that is impermeable to the scented composition held within thescent effusing device 1. Similarly, theinner cap 34 andouter cap 40 may be made of materials similar to those of thepackage body 31. In some cases, thepackage body 31 may include a desiccant can 47 within or adjacent to theenclosure 32. The desiccant can 47 may remove humidity or other vapors present during manufacture or that enter thepackage body 31 later, so as to preserve thescent effusing device 1 and any scented composition contained therein. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of aninner cap 34 of theimpermeable package 30. Theinner cap 34 comprises a shape and size that is configured to fit within theaperture 32 of the package body. Theinner cap 34 may have a generally cup-like shape with aconcave surface 35 opposite to aconvex surface 36. Theinner cap 34 may also includehooks 37 located around the perimeter of theinner cap 34. Thehooks 37 are configured to fit over theaperture 33 of thepackage body 31 such that theinner cap 34 may be placed within theaperture 33 and not fall into theenclosure 32 of thepackage body 31. In certain cases, theinner cap 34 may comprise a lip or other projections which interfere with theaperture 33 of thepackage body 31 to prevent theinner cap 34 from completely passing through theaperture 33. In some embodiments, theinner cap 34 may also comprisecap apertures 38. The cap apertures 38 may serve as a mounting point or pass through for other items. In some cases, thecap apertures 38 may serve as a pass through point for a string, cable, or other device to hold up or support the item to be held within theenclosure 32. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of anouter cap 40 comprising aconcave surface 41 and aconvex surface 42. Theouter cap 40 may also comprise atab 43 that may be used as a handle or hook to hang theimpermeable package 30, such as when a product is on display in a retail store. Theouter cap 40 comprises a shape and size configured to fit over theaperture 33 of thepackage body 31 to cover both theinner cap 34 and theaperture 33 to fully cap theenclosure 32. Theouter cap 40 may, in certain cases, share a similar geometry and shape to theinner cap 34 for any particular size and shape of theaperture 33 of thepackage body 31. Theouter cap 40 may be slightly larger than theinner cap 34 and, when installed onto theaperture 33, may be oriented such that the concave orupper surface 35 of theinner cap 34 and the concave orlower surface 41 of theouter cap 40 are facing one another. Said differently and by way of example, the concave orupper surface 35 of theinner cap 34 and the concave orlower surface 41 of theouter cap 40 are aligned such that they enclose a volume when they are installed into and/or over theaperture 33 of thepackage body 31. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a partially assembledimpermeable package 30 wherein theinner cap 34 has been installed into theaperture 33 of thepackage body 31. Theinner cap 34 has been oriented such that theconcave surface 35 is oriented upwards, away from the package body. Thehooks 37 are wrapped around the edge of theaperture 33 to prevent theinner cap 34 from passing completely through theaperture 33 and falling into thepackage body 31. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fully assembledimpermeable package 30 with theinner cap 34 installed into theaperture 33 of thepackage body 31 and theouter cap 40 installed over theaperture 33 of thepackage body 31. Theouter cap 40 may overlap or abut with thepackage body 31 at or near theaperture 33 to create aseam 45 at their junction. Theseam 45 may be sealed by a sealingmembrane 46, which helps to prevent diffusion of the scented composition through theseam 45 or other joints between thepackage body 31,inner cap 34, and/orouter cap 40. The sealingmembrane 46 may comprise a plastic, polymer, or other thin, flexible material that is impermeable to the scented composition to help completely seal theseam 45 and prevent dislocation of theouter cap 40 and/orinner cap 34. In some cases, the sealingmembrane 46 may comprise an adhesive to prevent shifting or loosening of the sealingmembrane 46. - Still referring to
FIG. 12 , theinner cap 34 andouter cap 40 are installed such that the concave orupper surface 35 of theinner cap 40 and the concave orlower surface 41 of theouter cap 40 face one another. The combination of theconcave surfaces inner cap 34 andouter cap 40 forms asecondary enclosure 44. Theinner cap 34 may then function as a false top to theenclosure 32. Since theouter cap 40 may function as the main sealing cap, theinner cap 34 may support thescent effusing device 1 by hanging it from theinner cap 34 or tethering it to thecap apertures 38 in theinner cap 34. In certain cases, the separation between theinner cap 34 and theouter cap 40 provides space within thesecondary enclosure 44 to hold tethers, supports, or other means of holding thescent effusing device 1 in place within theenclosure 32. - Any of the above described components, parts, or embodiments may take on a range of shapes, sizes, or materials as necessary for a particular application of the described invention. The components, parts, or mechanisms of the described invention may be made of any materials selected for the suitability in use, cost, or ease of manufacturing. Materials including, but not limited to plastics, polymers, composites, fabrics, woven materials, glass, or paper may be used to form any of the above described components.
- Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.
Claims (21)
1. A scent effusing device comprising:
an outer layer comprising an inner surface and an outer surface;
a visual cue on the outer surface;
a permeable packet secured to the inner surface adjacent the visual cue; and
a scented composition disposed within the permeable packet.
2. The scent effusing device of claim 1 , further comprising a filler material disposed within the outer layer.
3. The scent effusing device of claim 2 , wherein the filler material substantially fills an interior of the scent effusing device.
4. The scent effusing device of claim 2 , wherein the filler material resists diffusion the scented composition.
5. The scent effusing device of claim 3 , wherein the filler material biases the permeable packet towards the visual cue.
6. The scent effusing device of claim 1 , wherein the permeable packet is stitched to the inner surface of the outer layer.
8. The scent effusing device of claim 1 , wherein the permeable packet comprises a mesh.
9. The scent effusing device of claim 1 , wherein the visual cue comprises eyes.
10. The scent effusing device of claim 9 , wherein the visual cue further comprises a face.
11. The scent effusing device of claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the outer layer comprises a decorative design.
12. The scent effusing device of claim 11 , wherein the outer surface further comprises nap or pile.
13. The scent effusing device of claim 11 , wherein the decorative design of the outer layer indicates a scent of the scented composition.
14. The scent effusing device of claim 11 , further comprising appendages extending outwardly from the outer surface.
15. The scent effusing device of claim 1 , further comprising a clip affixed to the outer layer.
16. A packaged scented device comprising:
an impermeable package comprising:
a package body comprising an enclosure with an aperture;
an inner cap;
an outer cap; and
a sealing membrane;
wherein the inner cap is configured to fit within the aperture, the outer cap is configured to fit over the aperture forming a seam, and the sealing membrane overlaps the seam; and
a scent effusing device disposed within the enclosure.
17. The saleable scented device of claim 16 , wherein the inner cap is configured to support the scent effusing device.
18. The saleable scented device of claim 17 , further comprising:
at least one aperture in the inner cap for tethering the scent effusing device to the inner cap.
19. The saleable scented device of claim 16 , wherein the sealing membrane comprises a bonding agent.
20. The saleable scented device of claim 16 , further comprising inner cap hooks;
wherein the inner cap hooks are configured to retain the inner cap in position within the aperture.
21. The saleable scented device of claim 16 , further comprising abase or support to locate the scent effusing device.
22. The saleable scented device of claim 16 , further comprising a desiccant can within the enclosure.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/220,685 US20170028304A1 (en) | 2015-07-27 | 2016-07-27 | Scent effusing devices |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201562197375P | 2015-07-27 | 2015-07-27 | |
US15/220,685 US20170028304A1 (en) | 2015-07-27 | 2016-07-27 | Scent effusing devices |
Publications (1)
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US20170028304A1 true US20170028304A1 (en) | 2017-02-02 |
Family
ID=57886717
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US15/220,685 Abandoned US20170028304A1 (en) | 2015-07-27 | 2016-07-27 | Scent effusing devices |
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US (1) | US20170028304A1 (en) |
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USD863462S1 (en) * | 2015-07-16 | 2019-10-15 | Judith A. Shappell | Eyes for plush toys |
US20220323305A1 (en) * | 2021-04-13 | 2022-10-13 | Lulyboo, LLC | Plush toy with sensory development |
US11858715B2 (en) | 2019-01-21 | 2024-01-02 | Tracy Hosac | Collectable absorber canisters |
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