US2738224A - Vapor diffusing devices - Google Patents

Description

March 13, 1956 vw` D, TURNER Eq-AL 2,738,224

I VAPOR DIFFUSING DEVICES Filed Feb. 7, 1952 INVENTORS AM D. TL/RNL-'R ATTORNEY diffuser unit per se.

`2,738,224 vAron DIFFUSING; DEVICES yWilliam D. Turner, New York, 'Paul Checkovich, Baldwin, and Anthony J.' Shukis,,0zo,neI Park, N.^Y., as- Asignors to Airkem;1Inc.,"NeWYork,iN. vY., a corporation-of NewYork Application `February 7, 1952,4 S,e1"ialrN0.270,358

sfclaims. (61.;299-1-24) actor described wherein apertured Walls of the diffuser l unit provide a chamber for receiving a solid or essentially Isolidilied vapor emanating material. in further' par-tcular'the invention relates to. devices of the character described wherein ay vapor diffusing unit adjustably engages the container element in controlling the extent to which 4apertured Wall portions of the diuser unit are' exposed for emission of vapors therethrough.

yThe novel features of the invention will be `best ,under stood from .the followingjdescription; when taken together with `the accompanying drawing, in which certainembodil ments of the invention4 are disclosed and, in which, separate parts are designated bysuitable reference characters ineach -of the views, andinwhich:

Fig.y l is a side elevation of oneform of vapor diffuser unit arranged within a container element-With part of the structure broken away and `in section.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of a vapor ditfuser unit as shown ,in Fig. l. removed from the container and 'in operativeupositiom with part ofthe structure broken, away to i indicate a modiiiedarrangementof vapor emanating material.

Eig. ,2ozl is a partiall sectional 4View. showing` thehoolr element of Fig. 2 utilized for suspending the vapordiifuser vunit fromthe upper edgeof vthe outer container element.

Fig. 3 is aside elevation of a modified form of construction `wherein :i-diffuser unit telescopically engages a container Velement and is adjustable relative thereto with part of the structure broken away and'in section.

Fig. 4 is a partial VView substantially on theline 4-4 of Fig. 3 and showinga modiiication; and c Fig. V5A isv a fragmentary View of the topof the device .shown in Fig. 3 in closedvposition with a;cover, applied andiwith part of the structure broken away and in section. In Fig. `l of the. drawing, thereisl illustrated a vapor diffusing device lil. c omprisinga lcontainer element .11

havingsuitable cilosme,V means asindicatedby the screw cap 12 and a diffuser unit 15am-angeli within the container. For shipping and storage purposes, Van essen` tially vapor tight seal should be provided between the container' 11 and cap' 12, and for thisjpurpose, asuitable gasket 14 may'be,employed` extending over at least the container engaging portion of the CapllZ, and ifdesired,

United States Patenti() it may be an outer -seal strip can beapplied to 'thecontainer and cap as v indicated at` 115," saidl seal strip engaging the container and cap either -tensonallyor by .adhesi-vemeans.

Thedituseriunin13..comprises:aniessentially:cylindrical side wall ,portion 161i having 0aiplurality of :apertures '411 2,738,224 listened Mar. 13, e

at-spaced--intervals 4throughout the height-and circumference thereof. The'lower end 18 fof the diffuser unit includes a bottom closureelement 19 4whichl has been indicate-din the drawingas a cup-shaped member having -an annular ange v20 which is secured tobt-he cylindrical wall portionatthe lowerend 18 thereof by a waterproof adhesive as indicatedl at y21, orby `other suitable'retaining means. The upper'end'-ofwthefunitl13 is closed by a disk 22 fitting within the cylindrical wall-16. The disk 22 may be'adhesively secured inwplaceor" may be merely fric- ICC tionally supported-in engagement with the vcylindrical wall 16.

Arranged Within the unit 13 is a vapor emanating material which for purposeof illustration 'f is indicated as an essentially cylindrical body -23of` arvvapor emanating gel. it will be understood, however, thatv any solid or essentially solidied form ofvapor emanating material may be employed in thediiuser unit 13. As shown in thedrawing, a'body of gel-'23 is initially arranged in the unit i3 witha slightV clearance between the `outer surface of the geland the innerfsurface` ofy the cylinder wall 16 to-provide space for circulation-of air around the'bo-dy of gel 23 and outward through the apertures 17 when the diffuser unit is ini use. yWhen a gel .is employed as the vapor emanating vmateriaLit will be-understood that as vaporizable `material is'emitted `and consumed, the body of gel-will gradually shrink away from the side Walls 16 and top 22 of the unitI 13,-' andl when the vaporizable components have been all consumed, 'the body of gel V23a will'rhavebeen reduced in size to a small, dry kernel having a -.height `anddiatneterof -only about one-fourth the original` height and diameter'thereof. This change in the sizeand form -of the body-of gel 23 provides 'an easy means for the user to ascertain to what' extent the useful A life-of` the device has been consumed.

The unit i3isalso provided with a hanging or suspend- ,ing -device Zdwhich, for the purposel of illustration, has been-indicated in Figs. l-and 2 ofthe drawing as a cord Iand suspended position, is similar in all external' structure to the unit 13 shown in Fig. land embodies an essentially cylindrical side wall loihaving spaced apertures 17 arranged longitudinally and circumferentially thereof with the lowerend of the cylinder 16 being closed byian essentially cup-shaped cap 19^cemented or otherwise secured in-place and with the upper end closed by a disk 22. The

cutaway portion of Fig. 2, however, indicates a modified form of iillingfor the unit 13 wherein the cylindrical body of emanating material shown in Fig. l is replaced by a granular or particled vapor emanating material 3) which may be in the form of lumps ofpumice-or other absorbent material impregnated with vaporizable components, or which may even be inthe form of a vapor emanating gel broken into random-size lumps or pieces. lf the Vapor `emanating material Sii includes particles of small size, desirable to include a vapor permeable liner 31 adjacent the inner surface ofthe cylindrical Wall 16. The liner 31 has been shown for` purpose of illustration as an openework screenormesh providing free circulation of air and vapors-therethrough.

In Figs. 3 to 5 of the drawing, thereis shown ay modied form of construction :wherein aadiffusing unit 32,

generally similar.l to theunit landihavingfan essentially cylindrical, external wall 133 ,with Aapertures,:3,4aspaced longitudinally and circumterentiallyathereot, supported in a container` 35 having an inner surface 36 of essentially cylindrical contour frictionally engaging the outer surface of the unit 32. The frictional engagement between the container 35 and the unit 32 permits extension of the unit 32 to expose one, two, three or more rows of apertures 34 and to provide supporting engagement between the container 35 and unit 32 in such various positions of adjustment. Thus, for example, the complete device with the container 35 and diffuser' unit 32 in an extended position, as shown in Fig. 3, may be suspended by the hanger unit 37, comprising looped cord 33 and hook 39 from a suitable support 40. Alternatively, the device with the diffuser unit 32 in suitably extended position can be mounted on a horizontal support 41, in which event the hanger unit 37 will collapse and rest upon the top of the unit 32.

The partial showing in Fig. 4, substantially along the line 4 4 of Fig. 3, indicates the cylindrical wall 33 of the unit 32 as having an inwardly offset portion i2 forming a recess in the outer surface of said cylinder to receive the hanging cord 38. This offset or recess can be preformed in the cylindrical wall, or alternatively may be formed by the action of initially inserting the unit 32 into the container 35 with portions of the hanger cord 3S overlying outer surfaces of the unit 3?., as seen in Fig. 3.

The fragmentary view shown in Fig. 4 also indicates a modified construction wherein the top disk 43 of the unit 32 is provided with a plurality of apertures 44 permitting emission of vapors through the top of the unit 32, as well as through the apertured cylindrical wall thereof. It will be understood in this connection that the apertured disk 43 can be used in place of the imperforated disk 22 shown in Fig. l. it will be `further understood that the unit 32, as shown in Fig. 3, can include a top disk or closure of either perforated or imperforated form.

Fig. is a fragmentary view of the top portion of the assemblage shown in Fig. 3 with the container 3S and diffuser unit 32 thereof in collapsed or inoperative position and with the hanger unit 37 collapsed and resting upon the unit 32. The container 35 may be provided with any suitable closure means, and for purpose of illustration, a cap 45 has been shown having a depending flange 46 adapted -to overlie a bead or lip 47 protruding outwardly of the top of the container 35. Suitable sealing means is also provided as indicated by the annular gasket ring 48 within the fiange 46 for forming a substantially vapor tight seal between the cap 45 and container 35. It will be understood that the showing in Fig. 5 of the drawing is intended primarily to show the general relationship of parts in the collapsed or inoperative position and is not intended t0 limit the device to any particular closure means or any particular means for mounting the closure on the container 35. The important factor to consider in this connection is that a suitable closure means is one that will provide an essentially vapor tight seal for the container during periods of shipment and storage.

The device, in accordance with my invention, can be employed or utilized in many different ways and for the dispensing or diffusing of vapors of different types and kinds. Thus, for example, the diffuser unit can be employed for the freshening and deodorizing of small confined spaces, such as, closets, garment bags, hampers, or the like or can be used to treat or condition the air of entire rooms. It is to be understood, moreover, that the diffuser unit can contain volatilizable materials of different types and kinds, such as air freshening or deodorizing components, insecticidal and insect repellent agents, fumigants and the like.

The size of the diffuser unit can be varied to meet the needs of the intended use as can the number and arrangement of apertures in the Walls thereof. In this connection it should be noted that the rate of diffusion of vapors from the diffuser unit depends partly upon the number and arrangement of holes or apertures and partly upon the size of the apertures. As shown in the drawing, the diffuser unit has been indicated as having an arrangement of apertures which provides openings having an area equivalent to approximately five per cent of the cylindrical wall area indicating a device intended to have a relatively long effective life, i. e., a slow rate of diffusion of vapors through the apertured walls. When the same free or open space is provided by a smaller number of holes of larger7 individual size, the rate of diffusion of vapors is increased to some extent since larger holes offers less resistance to the passage of air and vapors therethrough. For most uses of the device, the number and size of the apertures in the walls of the diffuser unit will be such as to provide an open area equivalent to as little as two to four per cent of the cylindrical wall area when slow volatilization is desired, or as much as 15 to 20 per cent of the cylindrical wall area when rapid volatilization is desired. lt should be understood, however, that this range is given merely for illustrative purposes, and in some instances, it may be desirable to employ diffuser units wherein the percentage of open area in a cylindrical wall falls outside this range.

Variations in the rate of volatilization of material from the diffuser unit which can be effected by the telescoping engagement between the diffuser unit and container, as

. shown in Fig. 3, can also be provided with an assemblage of the type shown in Figs. l and 2 by employing suitable suspending means engaging the diffuser unit and the top of the container. By way of illustration, the hook 27, as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawing, can be provided at the cord engaging end thereof with a projecting portion 27. By inserting the projecting portion 27 in one of the apertures 17 of the diffuser unit and engaging the hook 27 with the upper edge of the container 1l, as seen in Fig. 2a, the diffuser unit may be supported in different positions of vertical adjustment with respect to the container. In this connection, it will be noted that the hook 27 can be employed in the manner just described, while remaining in engagement with the cord loop 26. It is within the purview of our invention to employ any type of link or clip means engaging both the container and the apertured walls of the diffuser unit to support the latter in different positions of vertical adjustment.

The diffuser unit can be constructed of any suitable materials which are relatively inert to the particular vaporizable material to be dispensed therefrom. Thus, for example, the diffuser unit can be fashioned from certain metals or plastics or, when producing an inexpensive disposable unit, can be fashioned of suitably treated paper and cardboard.

It is also within the purview of our invention to treat the diffuser unit, as shown for example in Fig. 2, as a distinct article of manufacture and sale apart from the container, in which event the diffuser unit may be wrapped or packaged in accordance with known methods, as for example by wrapping with plastic coated or other essentially vapor impermeable sheeting and closing the wrapping by heat sealing or suitable adhesive means.

Various changes and modifications in the vapor difvfusing devices as hereinabove described will occur to those skilled in the art, and to the extent that such changes and modifications fall within the purview of the appended claims, it is to be understood that they constitute part of our invention.

Having fully described our invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A vapor diffusing device of the character described comprising in combination a container element having essentially vapor-proof closure means therefor, and a diffuser unit removably supported in said element, said diffuser unit comprising a unitary side wall part and top and bottom walls defining a chamber for reception of vapor emanating material, said side wall part having a plurality of apertures therein providing for circulation of air and vapors through said unit, means operatively engaging at least one of the apertures of said unit whereby said unit can be supported in positions at least partially removed from the container, said last named means comprising an elongated suspending strand having means intermediate the ends thereof supporting a suspending hook, the ends of said strand terminating in clip elements securing said ends of the strand to the apertured walls of the unit, and the strand engaging portion of said hook having a protruding part insertable in apertures of the Wall of said unit in suspending the unit from the top of said container by means of said hook.

2. A vapor diffusing device of the character described comprising in combination a container element having essentially vapor-pr0of closure means therefor, and a diffuser unit removably supported lin said element, said diffuser unit comprising a unitary side wall part and top and bottom Walls defining a chamber for reception of vapor emanating material, said side wall part having a plurality of apertures therein providing for circulation of air and vapors through said unit, means operatively engaging at least one of the apertures of said unit whereby said unit can be supported in positions at least partially removed from the container, said last named means comprising a suspending element having protruding means adapted to engage at least one of the apertures in the wall of said unit, and other protruding means adapted to engage the upper peripheral edge of said container.

3. A vapor diiusing device of the character described comprising in combination a container element having essentially vapor-proof closure means therefor, and a diiuser unit removably supported in said element, said diffuser unit comprising a unitary side Wall part and top and bottom walls dening a chamber for reception of vapor emanating material, said side wall part having a plurality of apertures therein providing for circulation of air and vapors through said unit, and means operatively engaging at least one of the apertures of said unit whereby said unit can be supported in positions at least partially removed from the container, said last named means comprising a exible suspending device engaging the apertured walls of said container at diametrically opposed portions thereof and including a hook element for mounting on a suitable support, and the diffuser unit having telescoping frictional engagement with said container element.

References Cited inthe iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,662,738 Coogle Nov. 13, 1928 2,086,046 Preston July 6, 1937 2,111,025 Galler Mar. 15, 1938 2,251,058 Kirkman July 29, 1941

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