WO2003061716A1 - Procede et appareil de positionnement d'une matiere formant meche dans un dispositif de distribution de vapeur - Google Patents

Procede et appareil de positionnement d'une matiere formant meche dans un dispositif de distribution de vapeur Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2003061716A1
WO2003061716A1 PCT/US2003/002158 US0302158W WO03061716A1 WO 2003061716 A1 WO2003061716 A1 WO 2003061716A1 US 0302158 W US0302158 W US 0302158W WO 03061716 A1 WO03061716 A1 WO 03061716A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wick
heating element
liquid
vaporizer
vapor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/002158
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Carl Triplett
Mengtao Pete He
Christopher J. Wolpert
Kristopher J. Stathakis
Debra Park
Original Assignee
The Dial Corporation
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by The Dial Corporation filed Critical The Dial Corporation
Publication of WO2003061716A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003061716A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
    • A01M1/00—Stationary means for catching or killing insects
    • A01M1/20—Poisoning, narcotising, or burning insects
    • A01M1/2022—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide
    • A01M1/2061—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide using a heat source
    • A01M1/2077—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide using a heat source using an electrical resistance as heat source
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
    • A61L9/02—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air by heating or combustion
    • A61L9/03—Apparatus therefor

Definitions

  • This invention generally relates to vapor-dispensing devices, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for positioning a wick material in a vapor- dispensing device.
  • vapor-dispensing products typically include a fragrance-reservoir and a transport system from which fragrance is evaporated into the surrounding air.
  • the liquid to be evaporated is transported from a reservoir via a wick material partially immersed in the liquid.
  • the liquid is transported through the wick by capillary action.
  • Many of these systems such as the system described in U.S. Patent No. 6,104,867 (“the '867 patent"), include a housing unit into which the liquid reservoir is placed.
  • the housing of such devices advantageously includes a heating unit.
  • the heating element delivers kinetic energy to molecules of the liquid as contained in the wick, thereby increasing the rate of evaporation to obtain higher fragrance intensity and uniform delivery density over time.
  • a plug unit is plugged onto a conventional electrical outlet, thereby causing the heating unit to heat the liquid and vaporized liquid that have been drawn up into the wick.
  • the wick and/or bottle unit containing the wick are suitably configured to such that the wick material is placed, when completely assembled, in proximity to the heating element. For example preferably, in most such devices, care is taken to ensure that the wick material, and particularly the uppermost portion thereof extends at least into, or more preferably into and through the typically circumferentially arranged heating unit.
  • one of these difficulties is that the wick may become damaged either during insertion, use and/or removal of the wick containing reservoir (e.g., bottle).
  • the wick may be caused to contact the heating element.
  • movement of the reservoir (e.g., bottle) relative to the housing during use or otherwise may give rise to deleterious or disadvantageous interactions between the wick and, for example, the hearing unit.
  • the present invention achieves and advancement in the art by providing a method and apparatus for selective positioning of a wick material in a vapor-dispensing device that facilitates effective fragrance vapor delivery while offering significant advantages in manufacture, assembly, product performance, and product safety.
  • the wick is suitably selected and positioned such that sufficient surface area of the wick material is suitably exposed to the heating unit to enable effective evaporation of a vaporizable liquid, but the wick height relative to the heating element prevents contact between the heating element and the wick.
  • Figures 1 A and 1 B are cross-sectional views of the thermal vaporizer disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,038,394 issued August 6, 1991 to Hasegawa et al. wherein Figure 1A corresponds to Figure 5 of the '394 Patent and Figure 1 B corresponds to Figure 10 of the '394 Patent;
  • Figures 2A and 2B illustrate the vapor dispensing device described in U.S. Patent No. 5,647,053 issued July 8, 1997 to Schroeder et al., wherein Figure 2A corresponds to Figure 1 of the '053 Patent and Figure 2B corresponds to Figure 4 of the '053 Patent; and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary liquid vaporizer system in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
  • an exemplary liquid vaporizer system 10 in accordance with various aspects of one embodiment of the present invention suitably comprises a housing unit 12 and a reservoir (e.g., bottle) unit 14.
  • Reservoir unit 14 is suitably configured for disposition in conjunction with housing 12 and for retention therewithin.
  • liquid vaporizers are known and any number of such dispensers are suitable for use in accordance with the present invention. That is, any liquid dispensing device which facilitates the transfer of a liquid through a fluid transfer mechanism (e.g., a wick) which is configured to be heated through use of a heating unit can feasibly incorporate various aspects of the present invention.
  • a typical non-limiting example used herein is an electric liquid vaporizer comprising a housing unit configured to receive a liquid container or bottle portion.
  • the bottle portion typically includes some type of a wick or wick system which permits the liquid, which is ultimately to be vaporized, to be absorbed therein through capillary action.
  • the housing unit of such a system generally contains a heating mechanism, typically electrically activated.
  • the bottle portion which generally contains the liquid for vaporization is usually configured for attachment to the housing such that the wick is suitably positioned proximate the heating mechanism so that the liquid will be vaporized.
  • any liquid vaporizer system may be utilized in connection with and benefit from the various aspects of the present invention.
  • the exemplary description provided herein is not intended to be limiting in any way, but rather is provided simply to illustrate various aspects of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • exemplary devices suitable for incorporating the present invention include vaporizing devices such as liquid electric air fresheners like those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,104,867 issued August 15, 2000 to Stathakis et al; U.S. Patent No. 5,647,053 issued July 8, 1997 to Schroeder et al; and U.S. Patent No. 5,038,394 issued August 6, 1991 to Hasegawa et al. although, generally speaking, various aspects of the present invention can be incorporated in any number of devices, now known or as yet unknown in the art, designed for transporting fluid through a wick or other similar mechanism, and air freshening devices are merely non-limiting examples.
  • Housing unit 12 generally includes some type of a vent system 16 and an electrical plug unit 18. Housing unit 12 also suitably includes a heating element 20. Typically, such heating units comprise a heating element which can be readily and reliably charged through use in a conventional outlet. In this manner, heating element 20 is electrically connected to plug unit 18 (not shown).
  • Liquid reservoir 14 suitably comprises some form of a bottle or other liquid containment material. Reservoir 14 is suitably configured for receipt of a vaporizable liquid device. Such liquid material is suitably presented for vaporization through a wick 22.
  • the vaporizable material can be any number of conventional materials dispensed from vapor dispensers including fragrances, disinfectants, sanitizing agents, insect repellents, insecticides and the like.
  • the material to be volatized comprises a fragrance material and system 10 is suitably configured for use as an air-freshening device. In this manner, reservoir 14 is suitably filled with a fragrance containing material inserted into housing unit 12 such that the fragrance material can be vaporized through operation of heater unit 20.
  • the vapor dispensing system 10 suitably includes some form of housing 12, reservoir 14, and heating element 20 such that when electrical plug unit 18 is plugged into a conventional electrical outlet heater unit is activated.
  • the top of the wick will extend into and to about the top of the heating unit so as to enable the heat generated by the heating element to be near the top of the wick. See, for example, Figures 2A and 2B.
  • the present inventors have found that effective fluid delivery can be obtained while avoiding the disadvantages of the prior art by suitably selecting appropriate wick materials and locating the wick structure, for example wick 22, within an effective heating zone, which zone, while proximate the heating element, for example heating unit 20, does not require wick 22 to pass into or through heating unit 20.
  • the wick material is suitably selected to serve as an effective fluid transport mechanism.
  • exemplary wick materials include any material which may be suitably configured to exhibit acceptable porosity, and thus, acceptable transport kinetics.
  • suitable wick materials include those with effective wicking properties.
  • porous wicks described and set forth in Applicants' International Application entitled “Porous Wick for Liquid Vaporizers, "PCT/US01/31462 filed October 9, 2001 and published April 18, 2002, describes various wick constructions having improved vapor dispensing capabilities.
  • the subject matter of that application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
  • other wick materials which permit relatively rapid transport kinetics also may suitably be utilized.
  • various graphite, ceramic, polymeric, or fibrous wicks may be utilized.
  • the wick material effectively transport the liquid to be vaporized in a substantially uniform manner. It is also preferable that the wick materials be used in an unsheathed fashion. However, in certain applications sheaths may be used; for example, in cases where effective delivery of the volatile material to be vaporized is transported by the wick material to the uppermost portion of the wick. For example, in certain instances where wicks of significant diameters are used, sufficient liquid to be vaporized (e.g., fragrance) may be delivered to the uppermost portion of the wick and in such case sheaths may be adequately employed.
  • sufficient liquid to be vaporized e.g., fragrance
  • vaporization is used not only in a conventional sense, but also to include the formation of small aerosol-sized particles. That is, vaporization refers not only to the actual vapors but also to these small particles which can remain suspended for extended periods of time. Such vapors are generally caused to be evacuated from the device, such as through vent 16.
  • suitable wick materials are selected and placed within an effective region (heating zone) surrounding heating element, such as heating element 20.
  • This effective region may be defined in many ways and in part depends upon the particular temperature of the heating element. While certain limitations on the temperatures exist, particularly for air freshening devices, in general, those devices which operate at higher temperatures include larger regions within which vaporization continues to be effective.
  • the effective region refers to that varying region which, in part, is temperature dependent.
  • a suitably selected wick material is placed such that the uppermost portion thereof is located at an effective distance X, as shown in Figure 3, from the lowermost portion of the heating element, for example, heating element 20.
  • the effective distance X preferably is on the order of one centimeter or less, more preferably on the order of less than 0.75 centimeters and optimally in the range of about 0.5 centimeters.
  • the height of wick 22 is suitably selected such that when used in connection with housing 12, the uppermost portion of wick 22 is placed in close proximity but not within heating element 20.
  • the effective distance X may approach zero, however, in such instances care should be taken such that the configuration and dimensions of wick ensure that contact with heating element 20 during use are minimized.
  • Example 1 illustrates the utility of the present invention in maintaining a minimal wick height above the wick fitment while enhancing fragrance liquid evaporation through the wick material from a fragrance liquid reservoir.
  • Electric liquid vaporizers having conventional heating elements were obtained.
  • the effective distance between the exposed wick and the lowermost portion of the heating element was on the order of 2.7 centimeters.
  • the heights were varied from on the order of about one centimeter away to within the heating element.
  • the wick heights were varied from 1.9 cm to 2.9 cm.
  • the vapor-dispensing units were operated for 8 hours per day for 19 days, for a total of 152 hours.
  • the wick materials selected may be suitably configured to enhance exposed wick surface area thereby tending to enhance evaporation and, accordingly, vaporization while maintaining minimal wick height.
  • the wick may exhibit any number of sizes, dimensions, and/or combinations thereof which enhance exposed surface area.
  • conically-shaped wicks may be utilized, in addition, suitable wick fitment devices may be selected so as to further enhance exposed wick surface area.

Abstract

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'alignement et le positionnement efficaces d'une mèche par rapport à un élément chauffant dans un dispositif de distribution de vapeur permet la vaporisation efficace du liquide vaporisable sans que la matière formant mèche soit exposée à un éventuel dommage dû au contact avec l'unité chauffante du vaporisateur pendant son insertion, son retrait et/ou son utilisation. Par exemple, la mèche est sélectionnée et positionnée de manière appropriée, de sorte qu'une surface suffisante de la matière formant mèche soit exposée de manière appropriée à l'unité chauffante afin qu'elle permette l'évaporation efficace d'un liquide vaporisable, la hauteur de la mèche par rapport à l'élément chauffant empêchant le contact entre l'élément chauffant et la mèche.
PCT/US2003/002158 2002-01-24 2003-01-23 Procede et appareil de positionnement d'une matiere formant meche dans un dispositif de distribution de vapeur WO2003061716A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US35138802P 2002-01-24 2002-01-24
US60/351,388 2002-01-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2003061716A1 true WO2003061716A1 (fr) 2003-07-31

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Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6931202B2 (en) 2000-07-28 2005-08-16 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Electrical evaporator with adjustable evaporation intensity
US6996335B2 (en) 2004-02-12 2006-02-07 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Electrical evaporator with ratcheting wick adjuster
US8157188B2 (en) 2003-03-21 2012-04-17 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Container for a device for dispensing a volatile liquid
JP2016013101A (ja) * 2014-07-02 2016-01-28 アース製薬株式会社 加熱蒸散用吸液芯
US10638792B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-05-05 Juul Labs, Inc. Securely attaching cartridges for vaporizer devices
US10653186B2 (en) 2013-11-12 2020-05-19 VMR Products, LLC Vaporizer, charger and methods of use
US10667560B2 (en) 2013-12-23 2020-06-02 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporizer apparatus
US10701975B2 (en) 2013-12-23 2020-07-07 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporization device systems and methods
US10709173B2 (en) 2014-02-06 2020-07-14 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporizer apparatus
US10865001B2 (en) 2016-02-11 2020-12-15 Juul Labs, Inc. Fillable vaporizer cartridge and method of filling
US10912331B2 (en) 2013-12-23 2021-02-09 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporization device systems and methods
US10912333B2 (en) 2016-02-25 2021-02-09 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporization device control systems and methods
US11019685B2 (en) 2014-02-06 2021-05-25 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporization device systems and methods
US11154669B2 (en) 2015-07-10 2021-10-26 Juul Labs, Inc. Wickless vaporizing devices and methods
USRE49114E1 (en) 2011-06-28 2022-06-28 Juul Labs, Inc. Electronic cigarette with liquid reservoir

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5094025A (en) * 1990-04-24 1992-03-10 Hunting Adventures, Inc. Animal scent heater
EP0914768A1 (fr) * 1997-11-07 1999-05-12 Yoshitoshi Okuno Appareil insecticide électrique
US5945094A (en) * 1997-04-14 1999-08-31 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Disposable plug-in dispenser for use with air freshener and the like
US20010020450A1 (en) * 1999-12-18 2001-09-13 Vieira Pedro Queiroz Evaporation device for volatile substances

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5094025A (en) * 1990-04-24 1992-03-10 Hunting Adventures, Inc. Animal scent heater
US5945094A (en) * 1997-04-14 1999-08-31 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Disposable plug-in dispenser for use with air freshener and the like
EP0914768A1 (fr) * 1997-11-07 1999-05-12 Yoshitoshi Okuno Appareil insecticide électrique
US20010020450A1 (en) * 1999-12-18 2001-09-13 Vieira Pedro Queiroz Evaporation device for volatile substances

Cited By (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6931202B2 (en) 2000-07-28 2005-08-16 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Electrical evaporator with adjustable evaporation intensity
US8157188B2 (en) 2003-03-21 2012-04-17 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Container for a device for dispensing a volatile liquid
US6996335B2 (en) 2004-02-12 2006-02-07 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Electrical evaporator with ratcheting wick adjuster
USRE49114E1 (en) 2011-06-28 2022-06-28 Juul Labs, Inc. Electronic cigarette with liquid reservoir
US10638792B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-05-05 Juul Labs, Inc. Securely attaching cartridges for vaporizer devices
US11051557B2 (en) 2013-11-12 2021-07-06 VMR Products, LLC Vaporizer
US11606981B2 (en) 2013-11-12 2023-03-21 Vmr Products Llc Vaporizer
US11134722B2 (en) 2013-11-12 2021-10-05 Vmr Products Llc Vaporizer
US10653186B2 (en) 2013-11-12 2020-05-19 VMR Products, LLC Vaporizer, charger and methods of use
US10667561B2 (en) 2013-11-12 2020-06-02 Vmr Products Llc Vaporizer
US10736360B2 (en) 2013-11-12 2020-08-11 Vmr Products Llc Vaporizer, charger and methods of use
US10980273B2 (en) 2013-11-12 2021-04-20 VMR Products, LLC Vaporizer, charger and methods of use
US10986867B2 (en) 2013-12-23 2021-04-27 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporization device systems and methods
US10912331B2 (en) 2013-12-23 2021-02-09 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporization device systems and methods
US11752283B2 (en) 2013-12-23 2023-09-12 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporization device systems and methods
US10993471B2 (en) 2013-12-23 2021-05-04 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporization device systems and methods
US10701975B2 (en) 2013-12-23 2020-07-07 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporization device systems and methods
US10667560B2 (en) 2013-12-23 2020-06-02 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporizer apparatus
US10709173B2 (en) 2014-02-06 2020-07-14 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporizer apparatus
US11019685B2 (en) 2014-02-06 2021-05-25 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporization device systems and methods
US11452177B2 (en) 2014-02-06 2022-09-20 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporization device systems and methods
JP2016013101A (ja) * 2014-07-02 2016-01-28 アース製薬株式会社 加熱蒸散用吸液芯
US11154669B2 (en) 2015-07-10 2021-10-26 Juul Labs, Inc. Wickless vaporizing devices and methods
US10865001B2 (en) 2016-02-11 2020-12-15 Juul Labs, Inc. Fillable vaporizer cartridge and method of filling
US11751605B2 (en) 2016-02-11 2023-09-12 Juul Labs, Inc. Securely attaching cartridges for vaporizer devices
US10912333B2 (en) 2016-02-25 2021-02-09 Juul Labs, Inc. Vaporization device control systems and methods

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