WO2020031195A1

WO2020031195A1 - Fragrance dispensing unit

Info

Publication number: WO2020031195A1
Application number: PCT/IN2019/050022
Authority: WO
Inventors: Saurabh Kapoor; Gaurav Kapoor
Original assignee: Saurabh Kapoor; Gaurav Kapoor
Priority date: 2018-08-07
Filing date: 2019-01-11
Publication date: 2020-02-13

Abstract

A fragrance dispensing unit is disclosed. The unit includes a container with an inner surface (101f), an upper portion (101c) and a lower portion. The container includes a plurality of openings. The container includes a plurality of cam units having a slanted structure with a distal end and a proximal end. The container includes a chemical substance placed on its lower portion. The unit includes a lid with a plurality of flanges. Each flange has a slider operatively coupled to the respective cam unit. The slider moves from the distal end to the proximal end of the respective slanted structure on rotation of the lid thereby, controlling release of the chemical substance.

Description

FRAGRANCE DISPENSING UNIT

FIELD OF INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a fragrance dispensing unit. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cup-shaped fragrance dispensing unit.

BACKGROUND

[002] De-odorizing and/or air freshening units have become a common consumer product and are widely utilized as a component of vehicles, houses, offices, etc. Various designs of such units have been proposed ever since and the conventional units include sprays, candles, oils, gels, beads, plug-ins, etc.

[003] Currently, air fresheners with gel based scents are widely utilized. The gel employed in these units is long lasting as compared to other conventional forms such as aerosols and liquid based scents, etc. However, even though the gel-based units emit a fragrance in a predefined vicinity, they do offer few disadvantages. The conventional units do not have a provision for controlled fragrance emission. Generally, such units constantly emit fragrance, once the cap/cover of the unit is opened. Further, the amount of fragrance emitted from such units cannot be regulated or altered. Therefore, the fragrance from such units is emitted at a constant rate even at times lower/higher levels of fragrance is required.

[004] The constant emission of fragrance may gradually reduce the comforting experience to usualness. Further, the constant emission may lead to faster consumption of fragrance which in turn requires the devices to be replaced frequently. Moreover, as these devices continuously emit fragrance, chemicals included in the fragrance may react with the heat emitted by the vehicle, which may gradually lead to severe health hazards to the users seated inside the vehicle.

SUMMARY

[005] The present invention discloses a fragrance dispensing unit with a feature of controlled fragrance release. The unit includes a container with an inner surface, an upper portion and a lower portion. The container includes a plurality of openings towards the upper portion. The container includes a plurality of cam units disposed on the inner surface in a predefined orientation. Each cam unit includes a slanted structure having a distal end and a proximal end.

The container further includes a chemical substance placed on its lower portion. The unit includes a lid with a plurality of flanges. Each flange includes a slider being operatively coupled to the respective cam unit. The slider is configured to move from the distal end to the proximal end of the respective slanted structure on rotation of the lid thereby, controlling release of the chemical substance from the openings and space between edge of the lid and container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[006] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[007] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of fragrance dispensing unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[008] FIG. la depict the lid of the fragrance dispensing unit 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[009] FIG. 2 illustrate a cam unit 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIGs. Ba-Be depict different states of the fragrance dispensing unit 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like;

Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases. [0012] Wherever possible, same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to same or like parts. Moreover, references to various elements described herein are made collectively or individually when there may be more than one element of the same type. However, such references are merely exemplary in nature. It may be noted that any reference to elements in the singular may also be construed to relate to the plural a nd vice-versa without limiting the scope of the disclosure to the exact number or type of such elements unless set forth explicitly in the appended claims.

[0013] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[0014] The present invention discloses a fragrance dispensing unit having a controlled fragrance release feature. The fragrance dispensing unit is utilized to mask/eliminate an unpleasant odor and to introduce a pleasant fragrance inside any enclosed space such as a vehicle, a house, etc. or an outdoor setting. In an embodiment, the fragrance dispensing unit of the present invention is a cup-shaped container which is covered by a lid. The fragrance dispensing unit may be detachably attached to an underlying surface so that the fragrance dispensing unit is not displaced.

[0015] The fragrance dispensing unit may be easily assembled/ dismantled by a user. The fragrance dispensing unit may be repeatedly used by replacing a fragrance cartridge of said unit once the fragrance cartridge is entirely consumed.

[0016] The fragrance dispensing unit of the present invention includes a provision for controlled release of the fragrance thereby providing a cost-effective system for dispensing fragrance. Further, a user(s) in the vicinity of the fragrance dispensing unit of the present invention is not exposed to the chemicals constantly thereby reducing the health hazards generally offered by conventional systems. [0017] Referring to figures, FIG. 1 of the present invention illustrates an exemplary architecture of the fragrance dispensing unit 100. The fragrance dispensing unit 100 is a light weight and portable assembly. The material used to construct the fragrance dispensing unit 100 may be a durable material known in the art such as metal, polymer, fiber, etc. In an embodiment, the material is an elastomeric material such as Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate (PC), etc.

[0018] The fragrance dispensing unit 100 may be placed over an underlying surface.

Alternately, in case of de-odorizing a car, the fragrance dispensing unit 100 may be placed at an air conditioner vent with the help of a fixation means. The fixation means may include a hook or any other clasping mechanism.

[0019] The fragrance dispensing unit 100 may include two states: a diffusion state and a non diffusion state. In an embodiment, the diffusion state corresponds to a state in which the fragrance dispensing unit 100 is unlocked and the fragrance is dispensed in the vicinity of the fragrance dispensing unit 100. The non-diffusion state corresponds to a state in which the fragrance dispensing unit 100 is locked and hence, in capable of dispensing fragrance in its vicinity.

[0020] As illustrated, the fragrance dispensing unit 100 includes, without limitation, a container 101 and a lid 103.

[0021] In an embodiment, the container 101 may be a cup-shaped container with a circular circumference. The container 101 includes a top end 101a, a bottom end 101b, an upper portion 101c and a lower portion lOld. The container 101 of the fragrance dispensing unit 100 may define an outer surface lOle and an inner surface lOlf.

[0022] As depicted in FIG. 1, the top end 101a of the container 101 corresponds to a circular periphery. The top end 101a is utilized to receive the lid 103 of the fragrance dispensing unit 100.

[0023] The bottom end 101b of the container 101 is in direct contact with an underlying surface. In an embodiment, the bottom end 101b of the fragrance dispensing unit 100 may include an attachment means, such as, without limitation, adhesive or glue, which detachably fixes the fragrance dispensing unit 100 to the underlying surface.

[0024] The upper portion 101c of the container 101 includes a plurality of elongated slots 10 and a plurality of cam units (not shown, described in FIG. 2). For example, the elongated slots 10 are provided in the body of the container 101 at the upper portion 101c. The elongated slots 10 may extend from a predefined distance from the top end 101a of the container as per the length of the slot. For example, the slots may be provided 1cm below the top end 101a having a length of 2cm as depicted in the figure.

[0025] The elongated slots 10 may be disposed at least partially around the circumference of the fragrance dispensing unit 100. In an embodiment, the elongated slots 10 are disposed around the entire circumference of the upper portion 101c. In an alternate embodiment, the elongated slots 10 are disposed around half of the circumference of the fragrance dispensing unit 100.

[0026] The elongated slots 10 may be placed at a predetermined distance from each other, say 0.2 cm. The predetermined distance between two elongated slots 10 may be same or may vary. The dimension of the elongated slots 10 may be predefined as per the volume of perfume to be diffused.

[0027] On the inner surface lOlf of the container 101 and towards the upper portion 101c, a covering layer 30 is provided. The covering layer 30 can be made of any durable material. In an embodiment, the material of covering layer 30 is same as the material of the container 101.

[0028] The covering layer 30 partially covers the elongated slots 10 on the inner surface lOlf of the container 101. The covering layer 30 serves to cover the elongated slots 10 to control the volume of perfume diffused. In an embodiment, the opening 10a between the elongated slots 10 and the covering layer 30 may be controlled by the movement of the lid 103. Alternately, the opening 10a between the elongated slots 10 and the covering layer 30 is fixed. The openings 10a may act as a vent for diffusion of the fragrance into the atmosphere.

[0029] The outer surface lOle defined by the lower portion lOld of the fragrance dispensing unit 100 may be a smooth surface or a non-uniform surface. The inner surface lOlf enclosed by the lower portion lOld of the container 101 is utilized to house a chemical substance(s). The chemical substance(s) may be any artificial or natural fragrance emitting substance(s) conventionally used for de-odorizing a space. The chemical substance may be in the form of, without limitation, a liquid perfume, a gel matrix, a solid scent, etc.

[0030] In an embodiment, the lower portion lOld is made from a transparent material so that the user is easily able to visualize the level of consumption of the chemical substance.

Alternately, the container 101 may include any other type of indicator such as a strip, etc. In case of complete consumption of the chemical substance(s), a new chemical substance(s) may be externally added to the lower portion lOld of the container 101.

[0031] As depicted in FIG. 1, the upper portion 101c and lower portion lOld are separated by an indent. Alternately, the lower portion lOld of the container 101 may be a detachable unit. The lower portion lOld may be replaced and /or refilled when the chemical substance(s) is entirely consumed. In an embodiment, the lower portion lOld is smaller than the upper portion 101c of the container 101.

[0032] The lid 103 is a cover utilized to avoid direct exposure of the chemical substance with the atmosphere. The lid 103 includes a top surface 103a and a bottom surface 103b

(represented in FIG. la). The top surface 103 may include a rotation means 103c which helps the user to rotate the lid 103. As represented in FIG. 1, the rotation means 103c may be S- shaped embossed portion disposed in the middle of the lid 103. Any other rotation means which helps the user to rotate the lid 103 also lies within the scope of the present invention.

[0033] As depicted in FIG. la, the bottom surface 103b of the lid 103 includes a plurality of flanges 103d. In an embodiment, there are four flanges 103d. In an embodiment, the number of flanges 103d is equivalent to the number of cam units. The length of the flanges 103d may vary depending on the disposition of the cam units.

[0034] Each flange 103d of the lid 103 includes a slider 103e. The sliders 103e in association with the corresponding cam unit of the container 101 cause rotation of the lid 103 (described in detail below). In an embodiment, the shape and dimensions of the slider 103e are dependent upon the cam unit 20 of the container 101.

[0035] FIG. 2 represents an exemplary depiction of the cam unit 20. In an embodiment, there are four cam units 20. The cam units 20 may be supported on a base 20a along the inner surface lOlf of the container 101 in a predefined orientation. In an embodiment, the base 20a is disposed circumferentially at a predefined distance from the top end 101a. The predefined distance is say, 5 mm.

[0036] The base 20a may be a common platform for all the cam units 20. Alternately, each cam unit 20 may include a separate base disposed at different predefined distances from the top end 101 i.e zig-zag orientation. In an embodiment, two cam units 20 are mounted over a base disposed at 5 mm from the top end 101a while the other two cam units 20 are mounted over a base disposed at 10 mm from the top end 101a. In another embodiment, each of the four cam units 20 are disposed on respective bases disposed at 2 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm and 10 mm respectively. In such cases (the preceding two embodiments), the length of all flanges 103d of the lid 103 are different, i.e the length of each flange 103d is dependent upon the disposition of the corresponding cam unit 20.

[0037] Further, the cam units 20 may be placed in a parallel orientation i.e all cam units 20 are parallel to each other.

[0038] As depicted in FIG. 2, each cam unit 20 includes a slanted structure 20b, a plurality of support structures 20c and a stopper 20d.

[0039] The slanted structure 20b is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the base 20a. The predetermined angle may range from 20°. The slanted structure 20b may include a proximal end 'a' and a distal end 'b'. The proximal end 'a' is in contact with a top edge of the covering layer. The distal end 'b' is in contact with the base 20a.

[0040] The support structures 20c are used to support the slanted structure 20b on the base 20a. In an embodiment, the cam unit 20 includes two support structures 20b.

[0041] The stopper 20d is utilized to lock the lid 103 so that the fragrance dispensing unit 100 may switch to non-diffusion state. As depicted in FIG. 2, the stopper 20d of the cam unit 20 includes a U-shaped structure dl and an extension member d2.

[0042] FIGs. 3a-3e depict an exemplary embodiment of the fragrance dispensing unit 100 in different states i.e non-diffusion state and diffusion state. As depicted in FIG. 3a, the lid 103 is completely open while the slider 103e is at the proximal end 'a' of the slanted structure 20b of a first cam unit 20. In this position, the lid 103 is positioned above the top end 101a of the container 101 and therefore, the openings 10a provided with the container 101 are completely exposed. Further, the space between the side edge of the lid 103 and corresponding surface of the container 101 is maximum. Due to this positioning, fragrance from the chemical substance is diffused in the surroundings via the openings 10a.

[0043] Once the lid 103 is rotated in for example, a clockwise direction, the slider 103e slides down along the slanted structure 20b of the first cam unit 20 from its proximal end 'a' towards its distal end 'b'. As shown in FIG. 3b, the slider 103e slides along the slanted structure 20b of the first cam unit to the middle of the slanted structure 20b. In this position, the openings 10a may lie partially below the lid 103 while partially above the lid 103. Further, the space between the side edge of the lid 103 and corresponding surface of the container 101 is reduced when compared to the space between the two depicted in FIG. 3a. Thus, the volume of fragrance diffused from the chemical substance in the surroundings is reduced.

[0044] FIG. 3c depicts the embodiment in which the fragrance dispensing unit 100 is in non diffusion state. As depicted, the slider 103e is at the distal end 'b' of the slanted structure 20b of the first cam unit 20. The lid 103 is closed, namely, the space between the side edge of the lid 103 and corresponding surface of the container 101 is approximately zero. Further, the openings 10a lie above the lid 103. The chemical substance is completely covered inside the container 101 and no openings 10a are exposed in this position for fragrance to be diffused in the surroundings.

[0045] As evident from FIGs 3a-3c, via the movement of the slider 103e from the proximal end 'a' to the distal end 'b' of the slanted structure 20b of the first cam unit 20, a user is capable of controlling the volume of fragrance in his/her surroundings.

[0046] FIGs. 3d-3e depict various positions of the slider 103e with respect to locking of the slider 103e in the container. In FIG. 3d, slider 103e is depicted to be positioned on the base 20a of the container 101. The slider 103e reaches this position from the distal end 'b' of the slanted structure 20b (shown in FIG. 3c) when the lid 103 is rotated further clockwise. FIG. 3e depicts the lock position in which the slider 103e is seated at the U-shaped structure 'dl' of the stopper of the subsequent cam unit 20 (or second cam unit) when the lid 103 is rotated furthermore. In this position, the slider 103e is locked and is not impacted when the vehicle may experience bumps, jerks, etc., which may cause non-intentional release of the fragrance. Thus, the fragrance dispensing unit 100 is also locked and prevents wastage of chemical substance.

[0047] To unlock the slider 103e and permit diffusion of fragrance, the lid 103e can be rotated in the opposite direction for example, anti-clockwise direction which causes the slider 103e to move from the U-shaped structure 'dl' of the second cam unit 20 to the proximal end 'a' of the first cam unit 20.

[0048] While the above description has been provided using an exemplary first cam unit 20, it is to be noted that when the lid 103 is operated, the one or more cam units 20 operate in synchronization and more or less mimic the same operation.

[0049] From the aforesaid figures, it is evident that the user can manually rotate the lid 103 of the fragrance dispensing unit 100 to control the release of the chemical substance thereby providing a cost-effective system for dispensing fragrance. [0050] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used.

Claims

We claim:

1. A fragrance dispensing unit with a feature of controlled fragrance release, the unit comprising: a. a container having an inner surface, an upper portion and a lower portion, the container includes a plurality of openings towards the upper portion; b. a plurality of cam units disposed on the inner surface in a predefined orientation, each cam unit including a slanted structure, the slanted structure having a distal end and a proximal end; c. a chemical substance placed on the lower portion within the container ; and d. a lid including a plurality of flanges , each flange including a slider operatively coupled to the respective cam unit ; wherein the slider is configured to move from the distal end to the proximal end of the respective slanted structure on rotation of the lid thereby, controlling release of the chemical substance from the openings and space between edge of the lid and container.

2. The unit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the chemical substance is one of an artificial or natural fragrance emitting substance present in the form of a liquid perfume, a gel matrix or a solid scent.

3. The unit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the each cam unit includes a stopper.

4. The unit as claimed in claim 3 wherein the stopper includes a U-shaped structure and an extension member.

5. The unit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the slider of the flange is locked in a stopper of a successive cam unit.

6. The unit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the predefined orientation includes parallel placement of the cam units.

7. The unit as claimed in claim 1 wherein the predefined orientation includes zig-zag placement of the cam units.