WO2011072209A1

WO2011072209A1 - Wearable device for dispensing scents and other vapors

Info

Publication number: WO2011072209A1
Application number: PCT/US2010/059855
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yair Harel; Greg Allison
Original assignee: Yair Harel; Greg Allison
Priority date: 2009-12-11
Filing date: 2010-12-10
Publication date: 2011-06-16

Abstract

A device to be worn on the body of a user for diffusing evaporative materials for the purpose of dispensing scents, aromas and/or medication. The device includes a main body portion having one or more openings for receiving cartridges containing an evaporative material. The main body portion is mounted on a band that is configured to secure the main body portion to the users body.

Description

WEARABLE DEVICE FOR DISPENSING SCENTS AND OTHER VAPORS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/285,783, filed December 1 1 , 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to aromatic dispensers, and, more particularly, to a wearable device for dispensing scents, aromas and/or other vapors into the environment.

2. Background

[0003] It is scientifically proven that scents have a powerful effect on the mood, mental concentration, energy and appetite of humans. Scents can have a multitude of behavioral effects on people. For example, scents may have a calming effect (e.g., lavender), enhance focus (e.g., peppermint), serve as a stimulant (e.g., lemon) or suppress appetite (e.g., vanilla).

[0004] Existing aromatic dispensers are designed to diffuse aromas or scents into a large multi-person space, such as a room, store or vehicle. They often do so using aromatic elements heated by external power sources, such as electricity. These devices have several disadvantages. First, existing aromatic dispensers force all individuals in the space to be exposed to the same scent when some individuals might prefer another scent or no scent at all. Individuals may find the single scent benefit inappropriate, unnecessary, or unpleasant for their current situation.

[0005] Second, existing aromatic dispensers typically dispense one scent continuously to the environment. After a short period of time, such continuous exposure to the scent may saturate the olfactory system of the person receiving the aroma, causing that person to become desensitized to the scent and thus decreasing or eliminating the expected benefit of the scent.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a personalized device that will dispense scents and other vapors directly to an individual user, will do so only when the user wishes to be exposed to the scent/vapor, does not require a source of heat or electrical power, is easy and concealably mobile, and contains a mechanism that allows the user to easily choose a scent/vapor from a preferred selection of scents/vapors. BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] In one aspect of this disclosure, a device is disclosed for the personal dispensation of scents and other vapors from an evaporative element. The device comprises a lower body portion having an opening for receiving a cartridge containing an evaporative element. An upper body portion is rotatably connected to the lower body portion, the upper body portion having an opening for venting the evaporative element contained in the cartridge when the opening in the upper body portion is aligned with the opening in the lower body portion. A spring biases a lower surface of the upper body portion against an upper surface of the lower body portion to seal the evaporative element contained in the cartridge when the opening in the upper body portion is not aligned with the opening in the lower body portion.

[0008] In another aspect of this disclosure, the device comprises a generally convex region projecting from the lower surface of the upper body portion. The convex region engages the upper surface of the lower body portion and follows the contour of the upper surface. A generally concave region is formed within the upper surface of the lower body portion, the concave region corresponding to the shape of the convex region. The concave region is located on the upper surface of the lower body portion so that the convex region projecting from the lower surface of the upper body portion is seated within concave region when the opening in the upper body portion is aligned with the opening the lower body portion to vent the evaporative element contained within the cartridge.

[0009] In another aspect of this disclosure, rotation of the upper body portion relative to the lower body portion causes the concave region to travel on the upper surface of the lower body portion so that the lower surface of the upper body portion moves away from the upper surface of the lower body portion.

[0010] In another aspect of this disclosure, the lower body portion of the device includes additional openings for receiving additional cartridges containing evaporative elements. The lower surface of the upper body portion is biased against the upper surface of the lower body portion to seal the evaporative elements contained in the additional cartridges when the opening in the upper body portion is not aligned with the additional openings in the lower body portion.

[0011] In another aspect of this disclosure, the lower body portion includes at least one magnet for releasably connecting the device to a metallic surface of a wristband to be worn by a user of the device. At least one pin projecting from the lower body portion is adapted to be received within an opening within the metallic plate to prevent rotation of the lower body portion when the lower body portion is releasably connected to the metallic plate. [0012] In another aspect of this disclosure, a device to be worn on the body of a user is disclosed for diffusing evaporative materials for the purpose of dispensing scents, aromas and/or medication. The device comprises a main body portion having an opening for receiving a cartridge containing an evaporative material. A cover is pivotally connected to the main body portion and moveable between a closed position in which the cover closes the opening and an open position in which the opening is exposed to permit diffusion of evaporative material contained within the cartridge positioned within the opening. The main body portion is mounted on a band that is configured to secure the main body portion to a portion of a user's body.

[0013] In another aspect of this disclosure, a device is disclosed for diffusing evaporative materials for the purpose of dispensing scents, aromas and/or medication. The device comprises a flexible main body portion having an opening for receiving a cartridge containing an evaporative material, the main body portion being configured to allow a user to releasably secure the main body portion to a portion of the user's body. A cover is pivotally connected to the main body portion and moveable between a closed position in which the cover closes the opening and an open position in which the opening is exposed to permit diffusion of evaporative material contained within the cartridge positioned within the opening.

[0014] In another aspect of this disclosure, a device to be worn on the body of a user is disclosed for diffusing evaporative materials for the purpose of dispensing scents, aromas and/or medication. The device comprises a main body portion having an opening for receiving a cartridge containing an evaporative material. The main body portion is mounted on a band that is configured to secure the main body portion to the user's body.

[0015] The foregoing has outlined rather generally the features and technical advantages of one or more embodiments of this disclosure in order that the following detailed description may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of this disclosure will be described hereinafter, which may form the subject of the claims of this application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] This disclosure is further described in the detailed description that follows, with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 is an exploded view illustrating the components of a personal, wearable scent dispensing device;

[0018] FIG. 2A is a bottom perspective view of the scent dispensing device of FIG. 1; [0019] FIG. 2B is another bottom perspective view of the scent dispensing device of FIG. i;

[0020] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of the scent dispensing device of FIG. 1 illustrating one embodiment of the upper body portion with a single opening;

[0021] FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of the scent dispensing device illustrating another embodiment of the upper body portion with circular channels;

[0022] FIG. 3C is a top perspective view of the scent dispensing device illustrating another embodiment of the upper body portion with a pattern of circular bumps;

[0023] FIG. 3D is a top perspective view of the scent dispensing device illustrating another embodiment of the upper body portion with patterned bumps;

[0024] FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of the scent dispensing device illustrating a flat, slanted shape of the circumferential edge of the upper body portion;

[0025] FIG. 4B is a top perspective view of the scent dispensing device illustrating another embodiment of the upper body portion having a circumferential edge rib with relief;

[0026] FIG. 4C is a top perspective view of the scent dispensing device illustrating another embodiment of the upper body portion having a ribbed circumferential edge;

[0027] FIG. 5 A is an exploded perspective view of the scent dispensing device of FIG. 1 mounted on a wearable wrist band;

[0028] FIG. 5B is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the scent dispensing device of FIG. 5A mounted on the wearable wrist band;

[0029] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an evaporative element cartridge for use with the scent dispensing device of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 6B is a top view of the evaporative element cartridge of FIG. 6A;

[0031] FIG. 6C is a side elevation view of the evaporative element cartridge of FIG. 6A;

[0032] FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of the evaporative element cartridge taken along line A-A of FIG. 6C;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a scent dispensing device; and

[0034] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a scent dispensing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] With reference to the drawings, a personal wearable scent dispensing device 100 is disclosed that preferably dispenses evaporative aromatic scents and/or other vapors (e.g., medicine) directly to a user on demand and requires no external heat or power source to accelerate diffusion of scent. The scent dispensing device 100 may be sealed so that no scent is delivered to the user when not selected. The scent dispensing device 100 may also be very small, making it easily concealable or wearable. For example, the scent dispensing device 100 may be worn on a necklace, kept in a pocket or purse, or attached to a watch or wristband. The scent dispensing device 100 may also carry more than one evaporative element, allowing a user to switch from one scent/vapor to another as desired.

[0036] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a preferred personal wearable scent dispensing device 100. The scent dispensing device 100 preferably includes an upper body portion 101 and a lower body portion 102. Upper and lower body portions 101, 102 are preferably shaped as generally flat circular discs, and may be formed out of any suitable material, such as (but not limited to) plastic, metal, glass, wood, or the like. In the preferred embodiment, the upper and lower body portions 101, 102 are made from plastic and formed by injection molding the plastic into the desired shape.

[0037] Upper body portion 101 is preferably configured to both seal evaporative element cartridges housed within the lower body portion 102 and expose them through one or more openings 101a formed in the upper body portion 101. Opening 101a may be, for example, a hole through the upper body portion 101, as pictured in FIG. 1. This preferably enables scents from evaporative element cartridges 203 housed in lower body portion 102 to escape through opening 101a when the upper body portion 101 and lower body portion 102 are aligned so that the evaporative element is exposed to ambient air. It should be noted that opening 101a may take more complex forms, such as circular channels with recessed regional holes, circular bumps with small regional holes, patterned bumps with small regional holes, and/or any combination of the above.

[0038] Lower body portion 102 is preferably designed to retain disposable or refillable evaporative element cartridges 203, provide a base of support for the scent dispensing device 100, and provide a means of attachment to other surfaces. A cartridge opening 106 is preferably provided within the lower body portion 102 to hold and releasably secure an evaporative element cartridge 203, and is preferably adapted to receive the evaporative element cartridge 203 from the underside of the lower body portion 102. Multiple, spaced apart cartridge openings 106 may be provided in the lower body portion 102 to enable the use of multiple evaporative element cartridges 203 with different scents. This preferably enables a user to select a desired scent from one of the evaporative element cartridges 203 retained in the device 100.

[0039] One or more magnets 104 may also be affixed to the underside of the lower body portion 102. The use of magnets preferably releasably connects the lower body portion 102 of the device 100 to metal or other magnetic objects. This would preferably allow a user to wear the scent dispensing device 100 on his person, and also enables quick and easy detachment for the replacement of evaporative element cartridges. Magnet 104 may be any conventional magnet and is preferably nickel plated. It is understood that any other conventional attachment mechanism may be utilized, such as (but not limited to) one or more tie downs, straps, clips, etc., in which case the structure of lower body portion 102 may be modified as required for the particular attachment mechanism.

[0040] The upper and lower body portions 101, 102 are preferably rotatably connected to one another by a connector 103, which may be (but is not limited to) a bolt, screw, pin, or any other suitable mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the connector 103 is preferably a plastic screw having a head portion 103a and a threaded portion that passes through an opening within the lower body portion 102 and screws into a threaded opening on the underside of the upper body portion 101.

[0041] The rotating motion of the upper body 101 relative to the lower body 102 permits the user to selectively expose an evaporative element cartridge 203 housed in lower body portion 102 to the ambient air when the opening 101a aligns vertically with the cartridge opening 106 in which the desired evaporative element cartridge 203 is housed, thereby allowing the evaporative material in the cartridge to evaporate. Evaporative element cartridges 203 not in alignment with opening 101a are preferably covered and sealed from ambient air by the solid regions of upper body portion 101 above the cartridge opening 106 of the lower body portion 102, which minimizes or eliminates evaporation of the evaporative material within the evaporative element cartridge(s).

[0042] A spring 105, such as (but not limited to) an elastic wave spring washer, is preferably provided between the head 103a of the connector 103 and the lower body portion 102 to bias the lower body portion 102 against the upper body portion 101. The spring 105 may be made from any suitable material, such as (but not limited to) stainless steel. A generally flat washer 105a may be positioned between the spring 105 and the head 103a of the connector 103. The biasing force of the spring 105 preferably prevents undesired rotation of the upper body portion 101 relative to the lower body portion 102 and aids in the sealing of the non-selected evaporative element cartridges by the upper body portion 101.

[0043] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the underside of the scent dispensing device 100. As seen in FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, the lower surface or underside of upper body portion 101 and the upper surface of lower body portion 102 are not uniform, but rather are generally wave-like to facilitate vertical movement or displacement of the upper body portion 101 relative to the lower body portion 102. As is best seen in FIG. 2A, the lower surface or underside of upper body portion 101 preferably includes at least one convex- shaped portion 201a projecting downwardly toward the upper surface of the lower body portion 102. Similarly, the upper surface of lower body portion 102 preferably includes at least one concave- shaped portion 201b that is configured to correspond to the convex-shaped portion 201a. As the upper body portion 101 is rotated relative to the lower body portion 102, the convex-shaped portion 201a preferably engages and follows the wave-like contour of the upper surface of the lower body portion 102, in response to the biasing force of the spring 105.

[0044] When the upper body portion 101 is rotated to a position where the opening 101a aligns vertically with the cartridge opening 106 in which the desired evaporative element cartridge 203 is housed, the convex-shaped portion 201a is preferably seated within the corresponding concave-shaped portion 201b of the lower body portion 102. In this aligned position, the upper surface of the lower body portion 102 is biased against the lower surface of the upper body portion 101 by spring 105, thereby exposing the desired evaporative element to ambient air, while also sealing at least partially the other evaporative element cartridges 203 housed within the lower body portion 102. This aligned position also tends to resist unintended rotation of the upper body portion 101.

[0045] When the upper body portion 101 is rotated so that it is not in an aligned position with the convex-shaped portion 201a seated within the concave-shaped portion 102b, the convex-shaped portion 101 follows the elevated contour of the upper surface of the lower body portion 102. In this non-aligned position, the upper body portion 101 is displaced or otherwise moves away from the lower body portion 102 to unseal the cartridge openings 106 within the lower body portion 102 and allow for easy rotation of the upper body portion 101 relative to the lower body portion 102.

[0046] In the preferred embodiment, the lower body portion 102 preferably includes a plurality of spaced apart concave-shaped portions 201b. Each concave-shaped portion 201b is positioned to correspond to an aligned position for one of the cartridge openings 106 in which an evaporative element cartridge 203 is housed. In this manner, the upper body portion 101 may be rotated relative to the lower body portion 102 until the convex-shaped portion 201a seats itself in the correct concave-shaped portion 201b corresponding to the desired evaporative element cartridge 203 so that the desired cartridge is in an aligned position with the opening 101a in the upper body portion 101.

[0047] It is understood that the arrangement described above is illustrative and that the upper body portion 101 may include more than one convex-shaped portion 201a. It is also understood that the upper body portion 101 may instead be provided with concave-shaped portions and the lower body portion may instead be provided with corresponding convex- shaped portions that will result in aligning cartridge opening 106 housing the desired evaporative element cartridge 203 with the opening 101a in the upper body portion 101.

[0048] As discussed above, a waxy, evaporative material is preferably contained in an evaporative element cartridge 203 that is releasably inserted into cartridge opening 106 in the lower body portion 101. The evaporative material may be any conventional evaporative material that provides a scent, aroma and/or vapor. The evaporative material may include a medicine that is provided to the user of the device 100 in the form of a medicinal vapor. The evaporative element cartridge 203 is preferably inserted into the cartridge opening 106 from the underside of the lower body portion 102. Cartridge opening 106 may include one or more protrusions 205 near the bottom terminal edge of the opening 106 for releasably retaining the evaporative element cartridge 203 within the opening. The protrusion(s) 205 tend to deflect or otherwise deform the wall of the cartridge 203 to releasably keep the cartridge in place within the opening 106.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 2B, evaporative element cartridge 203 preferably includes a circumferential lip or flange 203a, which, once inserted within cartridge opening 106, sits flush against the underside or bottom surface of the lower body portion 102. The circumferential lip 203a prevents the evaporative element cartridge 203 from being pushed through the cartridge opening 106 and also enables easy removal of the cartridge 203 without necessitating removal of the upper body portion 101.

[0050] Also as discussed above, the scent dispensing device 100 may be releasably attached to metallic objects via one or more magnets 104. Each magnet 104 is preferably located in a magnet recess 202 formed in the underside of the lower body portion 102. Magnets 104 may be secured within the magnet recess 202 in a conventional manner, such as (but not limited to) glue, friction, magnetism, etc.

[0051] Optional locating pins 204 may extend from the underside of the lower body portion 102. The locating pins 204 may be received within corresponding detents or holes in the surface to which the device 100 is being attached. The pins 204 may also provide resistance to rotational motion when magnets are utilized as the primary method of securing device 100 to another surface. Without the locating pins 204, the device 100 may slide or rotate along the surface upon which it is affixed, making it difficult to turn upper body portion 101 to expose an evaporative element 203 or close the device 100. Alternatively, the pins or portions of the device may have a textured contact surface that provides sufficient friction to prevent the device 100 from moving.

[0052] FIGS. 3 A - 3D illustrate various embodiments for the opening in the upper body portion 100. FIG. 3 A illustrates an embodiment where the upper body portion 101 includes a single opening 301. FIG. 3B illustrates another embodiment having a more complex design where the upper body portion includes a series of circular channels 302 that mask the opening, creating a more pleasant aesthetic appearance. FIGS. 3C and 3D illustrate additional embodiments that utilize a series of small, patterned bumps on top surface of the upper body portion 101 to mask the opening, which is formed by one or more small holes. An indicator 303 and 304 may help identify the proper alignment of the opening. The bumps on the top surface may be helpful in generating additional friction for the handling and opening of the wearable scent dispensing device 100.

[0053] FIGS. 4A - 4C illustrate various embodiments of the circumferential edge of the upper body portion 101 of the scent dispensing device 100. The shape of the circumferential edge of the upper body portion 101 may be shaped or textured to provide better grasping surface for a user to rotate the upper body portion 101 relative to the lower body portion 102. FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment, wherein a plurality of slanted or tapered flat regions 401 are provided on the circumferential edge of the upper body portion 101. FIG. 4B illustrates another embodiment having a slight edge rib with relief texture 402 on the circumferential edge of the upper body portion 101. FIG. 4C illustrates another embodiment having a rib texture 403 that encompasses the circumferential edge of the upper body portion 101.

[0054] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the personal wearable scent dispensing device 100 mounted on a wristband 500 that may be worn by the user. Wearable wristband 500 may include a metallic region 501 that provides a support surface and magnetic region for releasably engaging the magnets 104 (described above). Metallic region 501 may also include detent holes 502 for receiving the locating pins 204 on the underside of the lower body portion 102 of locating 100. As shown in FIG. 5B, when the scent dispensing device 100 is releasably secured to the metallic region 501, the locating pins 204 extend into the locating holes 502. This may prevent the device 100 from rotating on the metallic region 501 when the user rotates the upper body portion 101 to expose or change an evaporative element cartridge.

[0055] FIGS. 6 A - 6D illustrate a preferred evaporative element cartridge 600, which may be made from any suitable material such as (but not limited to) plastic. The cartridge 600 corresponds to the cartridge 203 illustrated in FIGS. 2 A and 2B. Cartridge 600 preferably includes a generally flat circular base defining a flange 602. A generally cylindrical wall 601 preferably extends from the base 602. The cylindrical wall 601 is preferably the portion of cartridge 600 that is inserted into cartridge opening 106 in the lower body portion 102 of the scent dispensing device 100. The cylindrical wall 601 preferably terminates at a generally flat ridge 603 to define a central reservoir 604 within the cylindrical wall 601 that is closed on one end proximal base 602. The reservoir 604 is preferably adapted to house conventional waxy, evaporative aromatic element material. The cartridge 600 may be disposable or refillable, and is preferably sealed from ambient air by a cover or film that is removed prior to insertion of the cartridge 600 into the device 100.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the scent dispensing device 700. Scent dispensing device 700 preferably comprises a main body 701. Main body 701 is illustrated as having a generally rectangular cuboid shape, but main body 701 is not limited to the illustrated shape and may have any desired shape. Main body 701 may be formed out of any suitable material, such as (but not limited to) plastic, metal, glass, wood or the like. Main body 701 is preferably made from plastic by, for example, injection molding the plastic into the desired shape.

[0057] Main body 701 is preferably configured to house and seal one or more evaporative element cartridges (similar to cartridge 600 of FIGS. 6A - 6D), with each cartridge being housed in a cartridge-receiving opening 704. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, four cartridge-receiving openings 704 are formed in the main body 701 for receiving four evaporative element cartridges. It is understood, however, that any number of cartridge- receiving openings and evaporative element cartridges may be provided in the main body, and that the scent dispensing device 700 is not limited to the number of openings and cartridges illustrated in the figures.

[0058] Each cartridge-receiving opening 704 is preferably sealed by a cover 702 that is selectively movable between a closed position and an open position (with cover 702a depicting one such cover in an open position). Cover 702 preferably includes a seal 703 to prevent aroma from escaping from the scent dispensing device 700 when the cover is closed over the evaporative element cartridge. Each cover 702 preferably pivots along a foldable joint or pin 705. The main body 701 is preferably releasably attached to a clasp or band 707 to allow a user to attach the scent dispensing device 700 to any part of their body. In the preferred embodiment, clasp/band 707 is configured to wrap partially or fully around the user's wrist to permit the user to wear the scent dispensing device on the user's wrist.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of the scent dispensing device 800. The scent dispensing device 800 preferably includes a flexible main body portion 801 that is curved along a longitudinal axis so that the main body portion 801 forms a curved configuration, which may allow a user to fasten the scent dispensing device 800 to any portion of their body. Main body portion 801 may be formed out of any suitable pliable material (or combination of materials), such as (but not limited to) plastic.

[0060] Main body 801 is preferably configured to house and seal one or more evaporative element cartridges (similar to cartridge 600 of FIGS. 6 A - 6D) and expose the cartridges in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7. To this end, main body 801 preferably includes one or more cartridge-receiving openings 804 for receiving an evaporative element cartridge. It is understood, however, that any number of cartridge-receiving openings and evaporative element cartridges may be provided in the main body, and that the scent dispensing device 800 is not limited to the number of openings and cartridges illustrated in the figures. The cartridge-receiving opening 804 may be sealed by a cover 802 that is selectively movable between a closed position and an open position (with cover 802a depicting one such cover in an open position). Cover 802 preferably includes a seal 803 to prevent aroma from escaping from the scent dispensing device 800 when the cover is closed over the evaporative element cartridge. Each cover 802 preferably pivots along a foldable joint or pin.

[0061] Having described and illustrated the principles of this application by reference to one or more preferred embodiments, it should be apparent that the preferred embodiment(s) may be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from the principles disclosed herein and that it is intended that the application be construed as including all such modifications and variations insofar as they come within the spirit and scope of the subject matter disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A device for the personal dispensation of scents and other vapors from an evaporative element, comprising:

a lower body portion having an opening for receiving a cartridge containing an evaporative element;

an upper body portion rotatably connected to the lower body portion, the upper body portion having an opening for venting the evaporative element contained in the cartridge when the opening in the upper body portion is aligned with the opening in the lower body portion; and

means for biasing a lower surface of the upper body portion against an upper surface of the lower body portion to seal the evaporative element contained in the cartridge when the opening in the upper body portion is not aligned with the opening in the lower body portion.

2. The device of Claim 1, wherein the means for biasing the lower surface against the upper surface is a spring.

3. The device of Claim 1, further comprising:

a generally convex region projecting from the lower surface of the upper body portion, the convex region engaging the upper surface of the lower body portion and following a contour of the upper surface; and

a generally concave region formed within the upper surface of the lower body portion, the concave region corresponding to the shape of the convex region,

wherein the concave region is located on the upper surface of the lower body portion so that the convex region projecting from the lower surface of the upper body portion is seated within concave region when the opening in the upper body portion is aligned with the opening in the lower body portion to vent the evaporative element contained within the cartridge.

4. The device of Claim 1, further comprising:

a generally convex region projecting from the upper surface of the lower body portion, the convex region engaging the lower surface of the upper body portion and following the contour of the lower surface; and

a generally concave region formed within the lower surface of the upper body portion, the concave region corresponding to the shape of the convex region, wherein the concave region is located on the lower surface of the upper body portion so that the convex region projecting from the upper surface of the lower body portion is seated within concave region when the opening in the upper body portion is aligned with the opening in the lower body portion to vent the evaporative element contained within the cartridge.

5. The device of Claim 3, wherein the lower body portion includes additional openings for receiving additional cartridges containing evaporative elements and the lower surface of the upper body portion is biased against the upper surface of the lower body portion to seal the evaporative elements contained in the additional cartridges when the opening in the upper body portion is not aligned with the additional openings in the lower body portion.

6. The device of Claim 3, wherein rotation of the upper body portion relative to the lower body portion causes the concave region to travel on the upper surface of the lower body portion so that the lower surface of the upper body portion moves away from the upper surface of the lower body portion.

7. The device of Claim 6, further comprising at least one magnet connected to the lower body portion for releasably connecting the device to a metallic surface of a wristband to be worn by a user of the device.

8. The device of Claim 7, further comprising at least one pin projecting from the lower body portion, wherein the pin is adapted to be received within an opening within the metallic plate to prevent rotation of the lower body portion when the lower body portion is releasably connected to the metallic plate.

9. The device of Claim 1, wherein the evaporative element is medicinal.

10. A device for diffusing evaporative materials for the purpose of dispensing scents, aromas and/or medication, the device comprising:

a lower body portion having at least one opening for receiving at least one cartridge containing an evaporative material; and

an upper body portion rotatably connected to the lower body portion, the upper portion having an opening,

wherein the opening within the upper body portion permits diffusion of only the evaporative material contained within a cartridge aligned with the opening while the upper body portion seals evaporative material contained within another cartridge that is not aligned with the opening.

11. The device of Claim 10, further comprising a band on which the lower body portion is mounted, the band being configured to secure the lower body portion to a portion of a user's body.

12. The device of Claim 11, wherein the lower body portion is releasably mounted on the band.

13. The device of Claim 12, further comprising at least one magnet connected to the lower body portion for releasably mounting the lower body portion to a metallic surface of the band.

14. A device to be worn on the body of a user for diffusing evaporative materials for the purpose of dispensing scents, aromas and/or medication, the device comprising:

a main body portion having an opening for receiving a cartridge containing an evaporative material;

a cover pivotally connected to the main body portion and moveable between a closed position in which the cover closes the opening and an open position in which the opening is exposed to permit diffusion of evaporative material contained within the cartridge positioned within the opening; and

a band on which the main body portion is mounted, the band configured to secure the main body portion to a portion of a user's body.

15. The device of Claim 14, wherein the band is configured to secure the main body portion to the user's wrist.

16. The device of Claim 14, wherein the main body portion includes a plurality of openings for receiving cartridges containing evaporative material and a plurality of covers pivotally connected to the main body portion, each cover corresponding to one of the openings and being movable between a closed position in which the cover closes the corresponding opening and an open position in which the corresponding opening is exposed to permit diffusion of evaporative material contained within the cartridge positioned within the corresponding opening.

17. The device of Claim 14, wherein the main body portion is releasably mounted on the band.

18. The device of Claim 17, further comprising at least one magnet connected to the main body portion for releasably mounting the main body portion to a metallic surface of the band.

19. The device of Claim 14, wherein the main body portion has a generally circular shape.

20. The device of Claim 14, wherein the main body portion has a generally rectangular shape.

21. A device for diffusing evaporative materials for the purpose of dispensing scents, aromas and/or medication, the device comprising:

a flexible main body portion having an opening for receiving a cartridge containing an evaporative material, the main body portion configured to allow a user to releasably secure the main body portion to a portion of the user's body; and

a cover pivotally connected to the main body portion and moveable between a closed position in which the cover closes the opening and an open position in which the opening is exposed to permit diffusion of evaporative material contained within the cartridge positioned within the opening.

22. The device of Claim 21, wherein the main body portion includes a plurality of openings for receiving cartridges containing evaporative material and a plurality of covers pivotally connected to the main body portion, each cover corresponding to one of the openings and being movable between a closed position in which the cover closes the corresponding opening and an open position in which the corresponding opening is exposed to permit diffusion of evaporative material contained within the cartridge positioned within the corresponding opening.

23. The device of Claim 21, wherein the main body portion is arcuate to permit the main body portion to be worn on a wrist of the user.

24. A device to be worn on the body of a user for diffusing evaporative materials for the purpose of dispensing scents, aromas and/or medication, the device comprising:

a main body portion having an opening for receiving a cartridge containing an evaporative material; and

a band on which the main body portion is mounted, the band configured to secure the main body portion to the user's body.

25. The device of Claim 24, wherein the band is configured to secure the main body portion to the user's wrist.

26. The device of Claim 24, further comprising a cover pivotally connected to the main body portion and moveable between a closed position in which the cover closes the opening and an open position in which the opening is exposed to permit diffusion of evaporative material contained within the cartridge positioned within the opening.

27. The device of Claim 26, wherein the main body portion includes a plurality of openings for receiving cartridges containing evaporative material and a plurality of covers pivotally connected to the main body portion, each cover corresponding to one of the openings and being movable between a closed position in which the cover closes the corresponding opening and an open position in which the corresponding opening is exposed to permit diffusion of evaporative material contained within the cartridge positioned within the corresponding opening.

28. The device of Claim 24, wherein the main body portion and band are integrally formed as a single component.

29. The device of Claim 24, wherein the main body portion is releasably mounted on the band.

30. The device of Claim 29, further comprising at least one magnet connected to the main body portion for releasably mounting the main body portion to a metallic surface of the band.

31. The device of Claim 24, wherein the main body portion has a generally circular shape.

32. The device of Claim 24, wherein the main body portion has a generally rectangular shape.

33. The device of Claim 24, further comprising:

an upper body portion rotatably connected to the main body portion, the upper body portion having an opening for venting the evaporative material contained in the cartridge when the opening in the upper body portion is aligned with the opening in the main body portion; and

means for biasing a lower surface of the upper body portion against an upper surface of the main body portion to at least partially seal the evaporative material contained in the cartridge when the opening in the upper body portion is not aligned with the opening in the main body portion.

34. The device of Claim 33, wherein the means for biasing the lower surface against the upper surface is a spring.

35. The device of Claim 33, further comprising:

a generally convex region projecting from the lower surface of the upper body portion, the convex region engaging the upper surface of the main body portion and following a contour of the upper surface; and

a generally concave region formed within the upper surface of the main body portion, the concave region corresponding to the shape of the convex region,

wherein the concave region is located on the upper surface of the main body portion so that the convex region projecting from the lower surface of the upper body portion is seated within concave region when the opening in the upper body portion is aligned with the opening in the main body portion to vent the evaporative material contained within the cartridge.

36. The device of Claim 33, further comprising:

a generally convex region projecting from the upper surface of the main body portion, the convex region engaging the lower surface of the upper body portion and following the contour of the lower surface; and

a generally concave region formed within the lower surface of the upper body portion, the concave region corresponding to the shape of the convex region,

wherein the concave region is located on the lower surface of the upper body portion so that the convex region projecting from the upper surface of the main body portion is seated within concave region when the opening in the upper body portion is aligned with the opening in the main body portion to vent the evaporative material contained within the cartridge.

37. The device of Claim 33, wherein the main body portion includes additional openings for receiving additional cartridges containing evaporative material and the lower surface of the upper body portion is biased against the upper surface of the main body portion to at least partially seal the evaporative material contained in the additional cartridges when the opening in the upper body portion is not aligned with the additional openings in the main body portion.

38. The device of Claim 33, wherein rotation of the upper body portion relative to the main body portion causes the concave region to travel on the upper surface of the main body portion so that the lower surface of the upper body portion moves away from the upper surface of the main body portion.

39. The device of Claim 38, further comprising at least one magnet connected to the main body portion for releasably connecting the device to a metallic surface of a wristband to be worn by a user of the device.

40. The device of Claim 39, further comprising at least one pin projecting from the lower body portion, wherein the pin is adapted to be received within an opening within the metallic plate to prevent rotation of the lower body portion when the lower body portion is releasably connected to the metallic plate.