Abstract:
A device for controllably releasing a fluid into an ambient environment. According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a housing having a fluid compartment and an orifice compartment disposed adjacent thereto and in fluid communication therewith via an orifice. The fluid compartment contains the fluid for release to the ambient environment. The orifice compartment includes a fluid exit opening covered by a removable sealing element and contains an initial quantity of fluid when the device is in an inactivated state. A fluid restrictor is disposed adjacent the orifice to restrict fluid flow from the fluid compartment into the orifice compartment in the inactivated state. A gas-generating cell is in selective communication with the fluid compartment such that gas generated by the cell is directed into the fluid compartment when the device is in an activated state. A fluid membrane is disposed between the gas-generating cell and the fluid compartment that allows the gas generated by the cell to pass therethrough to the fluid compartment in the activated state while preventing fluid within the fluid container from passing therethrough to the cell in the inactivated state. The device is activated by removing the sealing element to allow the initial quantity of fluid to exit out of the orifice compartment via the fluid exit opening and activating the cell to generate gas and force fluid from the fluid compartment to the orifice compartment and out the fluid exit opening in a controlled manner.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 10/868,203, entitled “Device for Employing Gas Generating Cell for Facilitating Controlled Release of Fluid into Ambient Environment,” filed Jun. 14, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of the following applications: a.) U.S. application Ser. No. 09/645,673, entitled “Controlled Release of Substances,” filed Aug. 24, 2000; b.) U.S. application Ser. No. 09/649,563, entitled “Controlled Release of Substances,” filed Aug. 28, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/028,372, entitled “Controlled Release of Substances,” filed Feb. 24, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,539, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/880,124, entitled “Controlled Release of Substances,” filed Jun. 20, 1997, now abandoned; c.) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/115,273, entitled “Electrochemical Cell with Cathode Construction,” filed Apr. 2, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,787,008, which claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 60/335,050, entitled “Electrochemical Cell with Cathode Construction,” filed Oct. 30, 2001; d.) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/300,729, entitled “Foldable, Refillable Sustained-Release Fluid Delivery System,” filed Nov. 20, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/989,552, entitled “Dual Reservoir Dispenser for an Air Freshener or Insecticide,” filed Nov. 20, 2001, now abandoned and U.S. application Ser. No. 10/989,616, entitled “Apparatus with Potentiometer for Dispensing an Air Freshener or Insecticide,” filed Nov. 20, 2001, now abandoned; and e.) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/709,440 entitled “Moving Emanators,” filed May 5, 2004, which claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 60/483,833, entitled “Moving Emanators,” filed Jun. 30, 2003, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0002]     This application also claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 60/584,987, entitled “Device Employing Gas Generating Cell for Facilitating Controlled Release of Fluid into Ambient Environment,” filed Jul. 1, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0003]     This invention relates generally to fluid dispensing devices, and more particularly to fluid dispensing devices employing gas-generating cells as a propulsion component to facilitate controlled release of a fluid, such as, for example, a fragrance or sanitizer, into a surrounding environment.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     Various devices have been utilized as fluid dispensing apparatus, especially for fluids in liquid form, where the fluids are dispensed over an extended period of time at a predictable, substantially constant rate to the surrounding environment. One such device employs a gas-generating cell as a propulsion mechanism for the fluid.  
         [0005]     One important aspect of such fluid delivery devices is shelf life of the device, particularly in high volume consumer applications, such as air freshener devices. In such applications, a shelf life of more than two years is typically required. Most known devices, however, are not designed for long shelf life, especially when they are mated to bladder-type fluid delivery reservoirs.  
         [0006]     There are three major issues that affect shelf life of fluid delivery devices. First, shelf life is affected by the loss of moisture from the gas generating cell due to permeation through the gas chamber shell or through the flexible diaphragm. Since most of the reactions which generate hydrogen involve the consumption of water, desiccation of the cells typically will have a negative impact resulting in lower performance or shorter than desirable life. Second, if the gas generators are the type which consumes a metal, and oxygen is uncontrollably admitted to the cell, the metal will oxidize prematurely, and be spent when the device is to be activated. Third, if the gas generators are the type which consume a metal, hydrogen is generated to some degree prematurely. While corrosion inhibitors may be utilized to significantly reduce this effect, some hydrogen generation will occur if the active metal is in the presence of the aqueous solution, especially if the device is exposed to elevated temperature during storage. This hydrogen must be vented passively, otherwise the device will prematurely pressurize resulting in premature dispensing of the liquid, deformation of the device, or an undesirable burst of fluid delivery when the device is first activated.  
         [0007]     Another concern exists with such fluid delivery devices that electrochemically consume a metal to form hydrogen in connection with the gas generator. With such devices, there is a delay before pumping of fluid occurs after the device is activated. This is caused by oxygen which has diffused into the headspace between the gas generating cell and the flexible diaphragm, which must be consumed before hydrogen generation begins.  
         [0008]     There is yet another concern with such fluid delivery devices of the type which electrochemically consume a metal to form hydrogen. Typically, the metals utilized in such devices are amalgamated with mercury to reduce the amount of corrosion while being stored. This creates environmental concerns since mercury is toxic.  
         [0009]     Among other things, the present invention is intended to address these as well as other shortcomings in the prior art and generally provides a device employing a gas-generating cell as a propulsion component to facilitate controlled release of a fluid to an ambient environment.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     A device for controllably releasing a fluid into an ambient environment. According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises a housing having a fluid compartment and an orifice compartment disposed adjacent thereto and in fluid communication therewith via an orifice. The fluid compartment contains the fluid for release to the ambient environment. The orifice compartment includes a fluid exit opening covered by a removable sealing element and contains an initial quantity of fluid when the device is in an inactivated state. A fluid restrictor is disposed adjacent the orifice to restrict fluid flow from the fluid compartment into the orifice compartment in the inactivated state. A gas-generating cell is in selective communication with the fluid compartment such that gas generated by the cell is directed into the fluid compartment when the device is in an activated state. A fluid membrane is disposed between the gas-generating cell and the fluid compartment that allows the gas generated by the cell to pass therethrough to the fluid compartment in the activated state while preventing fluid within the fluid container from passing therethrough to the cell in the inactivated state. The device is activated by removing the sealing element to allow the initial quantity of fluid to exit out of the orifice compartment via the fluid exit opening and activating the cell to generate gas and force fluid from the fluid compartment to the orifice compartment and out the fluid exit opening in a controlled manner.  
         [0011]     According to other aspects of the invention, the device comprises a container or housing having three compartments and an emanator system located to receive fluid drop from the container. The first compartment of the container contains a gas-generating cell and is located at the top of the container. The second compartment contains a predetermined quantity of fluid and the third compartment contains a small initial amount of fluid to be dispensed at the start of the activation of the device. The emanator system is located just below the container. The emanator system volatizes the fluid dispensed from the container into the surrounding atmosphere.  
         [0012]     The first and the second compartments are separated by either an impermeable member or a selectively permeable member. The impermeable member does not allow any fluid or its vapors within the second compartment to reach first compartment. It also does not allow gas generated by the gas generative cell to permeate into second compartment until such time that the pressure generated by the gas breaks the seal of the member and allows gas to put pressure on the fluid in second compartment. The selective permeable member allows only gas to permeate through but not allow fluid or its vapor in second compartment to permeate through to contact gas generating cell and associated electronics in the first compartment.  
         [0013]     The second and the third compartments are separated by a plug or restrictor having an aperture configured in such a way that the fluid in second compartment will not drip under storage and gravity and will drip under gravity and gas pressure when the device is activated.  
         [0014]     The third compartment has an opening in the bottom of the device. The third compartment contains a small initial amount of fluid. This compartment is sealed at the bottom opening by metal or plastic. The user of the device breaks the seal to get initial instant dose of fluid on to the emanator system to be volatilized into a surrounding atmosphere. The container of the device is positioned such that the first compartment is above second compartment and second compartment is above third compartment to allow gravity to help effectuate delivery of the fluid.  
         [0015]     The emanator system is located so that fluid dripping from the container falls on emanator system, which volatizes or delivers the fluid to surrounding atmosphere.  
         [0016]     According to other aspects of the invention, a means for holding and sealing a gas generating cell and associated electronics in the first compartment is provided so that gas generated by gas cell upon activation of the device puts pressure on the fluid in second compartment and does not escape out of first compartment when the device is activated.  
         [0017]     Means for protecting and separating gas generating and associated electronics from exposure to fluid or its vapor in the second compartment is also provided. Means for not allowing the fluid in second compartment to flow into third compartment under storage or inactivated conditions is also provided. Means for allowing the fluid in the second compartment to flow through third compartment out of container and on to emanator system under gravity and hydrogen gas pressure under an activated condition is also provided.  
         [0018]     A predetermined quantity of initial fluid in the third compartment is dispensed instantaneously at the start of the activation of device and is released onto the emanator system to start the emanation of the fluid instantaneously while the fluid in the fluid compartment begins to flow.  
         [0019]     A seal at the bottom opening of the container retains the fluid in the third compartment under storage and until such time a user of the device breaks the seal in order to get instantaneous release of fluid onto the emanator system located adjacent to a fluid exit opening of the third orifice compartment.  
         [0020]     The emanator system comprises means for vaporizing the dispensed fluid to the surrounding atmosphere. The emanator systems may comprise mechanisms involving pleated high surface area paper emanators, generating cells, heated pads or elements, fans, vibrating elements or pads and combinations thereof.  
         [0021]     These and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent after consideration of the written description, drawings and claims herein. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]      FIG. 1  is a schematic partial section view of an embodiment of a fluid delivery device in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is an exploded section view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is a schematic partial section view of an embodiment of a fluid delivery device in an inactivated state in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a schematic partial section view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3  in an activated state in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a refillable cartridge device that accepts a refill cartridge such as that shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 6  is an engineering drawing illustrating the embodiment of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a refillable cartridge device that accepts a refill cartridge such as that shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 8  is an engineering drawing illustrating the embodiment of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram illustrating functional aspects of the embodiment of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a refillable cartridge device that accepts a refill cartridge such as that shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5  showing a piercing pin of a refill cartridge in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a refill cartridge that incorporates an activation ring having a removable strip in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram illustrating functional aspects of the embodiment of  FIG. 12 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a refill cartridge in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a refill cartridge in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a piercing element in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0038]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wick having a smooth surface in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the wick of  FIG. 17  disposed within a refill cartridge in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0040]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wick having pleats in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0041]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the wick of  FIG. 19  disposed within a refill cartridge in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
         [0042]      FIGS. 21A-21E  are schematic diagrams illustrating several blank designs for use in manufacturing respective wick designs in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0043]      FIGS. 22A-22F  are schematic diagrams additionally illustrating aspects of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0044]     While the present invention is capable of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, one or more specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to these specific embodiments.  
         [0045]      FIG. 1  depicts a particular embodiment of the device, shown in section view in order to illustrate the details of construction.  FIG. 2  shows the preferred embodiment in an exploded section view. In this embodiment, the device has two main components, a fluid delivery container  1  and an emanation system  33 . The container  1  is made up of three main sections, a gas generation compartment  3 , a fluid compartment  5  and an orifice compartment  7 .  
         [0046]     The gas generation compartment  3  features a gas generating cell  9 , held within a top cover  13 . The top cover  13  is made of a material that is substantially impermeable to the gas being generated. The gas generating cell  9  is sealed to the top cover by an O-ring  11  or similar gas tight seal. The seal  11  prevents the gas generated by the cell  9  from escaping the container. The gas cell  9  is held in place within the top cover  13  by a retaining ring  15 .  
         [0047]     The retaining ring  15  and the top cover  13  can be connectable by a snap fit, press fit, screw threads or similar removable fit if it is desirable to be able to remove the gas cell  9  for recycling or disposal, or it could be a permanent method of joining such as gluing or heat staking. In addition, the retaining ring  15  could be made of a substantially electrically conductive material so that the surface of the retaining ring  15  can be used as the cathode contact for the gas generating cell  9 . This is useful since the cathode surface of the gas generating cell  9  could be substantially covered by the seal  11 . An electrically conductive retaining ring  15  can make contact with the top of the cathode portion of the gas generating cell  9  as it holds the cell in place, allowing the cathode contact of the switching mechanism to make contact with the retaining ring  15  anywhere on its surface. The anode contact area is found on the top surface of the gas generating cell  9 .  
         [0048]     The gas generating compartment  3  is situated adjacent to and above the fluid compartment  5 , separated by a fluid membrane  17 . The fluid membrane  17  is sealed to the top cover  13  preferably by a compression fit as shown in order to prevent fluid  23  from the fluid compartment  5  from entering the gas generating compartment  3  which could potentially damage the gas generating cell  9 . The gas generating compartment  3  is attached to the fluid compartment  5  with a gas tight seal. The joint shown in  FIG. 1  between the top cover  13  and a fluid container  21  is an ultrasonic weld, but could be some other gas tight joint, including a one-piece integrated design.  
         [0049]     As stated above, the fluid membrane  17  prevents fluid  23  from entering the gas generating compartment  3 , but in addition it allows the gas being generated to pass through it into the fluid compartment  5 . In the embodiment described, this is achieved by making the fluid membrane  17  from a material that is substantially permeable to the gas being generated. For example, if hydrogen is being generated by the gas generating cell  9  the fluid membrane  17  could be made of polypropylene.  
         [0050]     An additional membrane, the gas membrane  19 , may optionally be employed in this device. The gas membrane  19  is sealed to the top cover  13  in a gas tight arrangement. Its purpose is to protect the gas generating cell  9  from potentially harmful vapors from the volatile fluid  23  in the fluid compartment  5 , and also to prevent the cell  9  from drying out before use. In the event that vapors from the fluid  23  could permeate through the fluid membrane  17 , the gas membrane  19  will prevent them from coming into contact with the gas cell  9 . In the event that it is desirable to partially assemble the fluid delivery container  1  with the gas cell  9  installed, and in case the gas cell  9  is subject to damage from drying out over time in this condition due to storage or environmental conditions, the gas membrane  19  will prevent water vapor from escaping the small gas generating compartment  3 , thus preserving the integrity of the gas generating cell  9 .  
         [0051]     There are two preferable configurations for the gas membrane  19 . First, it could be made of a material that is impermeable to the vapors from the fluid  23 , but substantially permeable to the gas generated by the gas generating cell  9 . In this embodiment the driving gas permeates freely through the gas membrane  19  as it is generated. Another embodiment is one in which the gas membrane is impermeable to both the vapors from the fluid  23  and the driving gas. In this case, the gas membrane  19  itself, or the joint between the gas membrane  19  and the top cover  13 , is ruptured by the pressure developed by the driving gas once the gas cell  9  is activated. In both of these embodiments, the gas cell  9  is protected during storage of the device.  
         [0052]     The fluid compartment  5  holds a predetermined amount of volatile fluid  23  to be dispensed within the fluid container  21 . This compartment is situated adjacent to and above the orifice compartment  7  and is attached with a fluid tight seal, or made in an integrated one-piece configuration as shown in  FIG. 1 . The orifice compartment  7  is separated from the fluid compartment  5  by a restrictor  25 . The restrictor  25  contains a tortuous path  27  for the fluid  23  to pass through. In the embodiment shown, the restrictor  25  has one or more grooves along its length to form the tortuous path(s)  27 , and is sealed to the inside walls of the orifice compartment  7  with an interference fit.  
         [0053]     The orifice compartment  7  contains a predetermined bolus of volatile fluid  29  that serves as an instant dose when the device is activated. The bolus  29  is sealed within the orifice compartment  7  by a removable membrane  31  covering a fluid exit opening of the compartment. This removable membrane  31  could be in the form of a screw cap that is removed just before use or, as shown in this embodiment, a thin metal foil seal that is punctured or peeled off just before use. Alternatively, a similar removable membrane could be employed.  
         [0054]     To activate the fluid delivery container  1 , a user breeches the removable membrane  31  in a prescribed manner, which allows the bolus of volatile fluid  29  to exit the orifice compartment  7 . The user also applies an activation switch to the gas generating cell  9 , connecting the anode and cathode of the cell  9  with a resistance, which begins gas generation within the cell  9 . As the driving gas is generated by the gas generating cell  9 , it passes through the gas membrane  19  and the fluid membrane  17  into the fluid compartment  5 . Thus the driving gas applies pressure to the top of the fluid  23 , driving it through the tortuous path  27  of the restrictor  25 , and finally out of the orifice compartment  7 .  
         [0055]     As the volatile fluid  23  exits the fluid delivery container  1 , it is directed onto the emanation system  33 . The emanation system  33  can be a simple surface for the volatile fluid  23  to evaporate from, a wicking system to spread the fluid  23  to wick the fluid  23  up vertically over a large surface area, or a more active emanation system such as a fan, heater or ultrasonic vibrator.  
         [0056]      FIG. 3  depicts a section view of one embodiment  35  of the emanation system with the fluid delivery container  1 , shown prior to activation.  FIG. 4  shows the same embodiment after activation. The fluid delivery container  1  is held to an upper emanator cage  37  with a snap fit configuration. A lower emanator cage  39  attaches to the upper emanator cage  37  with a vertically sliding fit. A wicking emanator pad  41  is held within the upper emanator cage  37  as well. The configuration of the emanator pad  41  shown is pleated in order to increase its surface area in order to increase the rate of fluid evaporation from its surface.  
         [0057]     The lower emanator cage  39  contains a piercing element in the form of a pin  43 . The pin  43  pierces the removable membrane  31  when the upper emanator cage  37  is pushed down into the lower emanator cage  39 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The bolus of volatile fluid  29  exits the orifice compartment  7 , flowing down the surface of the piercing pin  43  to make contact with the emanator pad  41 . The fluid is then wicked up the emanator pad  41  where it can evaporate into the environment. As the fluid  23  in the fluid compartment  5  is discharged from the fluid delivery container  1  by the driving gas from the gas generating cell  9 , it follows the same path to the emanator pad and into the environment on a continuous basis.  
         [0058]     It should be noted that the aforementioned embodiment  35  (hereinafter referred to as refill cartridge  35 ) can be utilized as a refill cartridge for a device in a refillable configuration. It should also be noted that the fluid delivery container  1 , which is disposed within the refill cartridge  35 , can be configured to be replaceable as well.  
         [0000]     Refill Cartridge Device Embodiments  
         [0059]     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a refillable cartridge device  60  is shown in a “desktop” configuration. In this configuration, a desktop cover  62  is removably connected to the refill cartridge  35 . The desktop cover  62  includes a switch  64  that, when connected to the refill cartridge  35 , is in electrical communication with the gas generating cell  9 . The switch  64  preferably includes 4 setting positions as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , an OFF position, a LO position, a MED position, and a HI position. When turned to one of the “on” positions, i.e., LO, MED, and Hi, an electrical circuit is completed with respect to the gas generating cell  9 , such that the cell begins to produce gas. The removable membrane  31  of the refill cartridge  35  must also be pierced to start the flow of fluid for the device to function properly, as will be described later in more detail below.  
         [0060]     Referring to  FIGS. 7-9 , yet another embodiment in the form of a refillable cartridge device  70  is shown, wherein the refill cartridge  35  can be inserted into a housing  72  of the device  70 . The housing comprises a platform portion  74 , a main portion  76 , an activation portion  78  and a cover portion  80 . The cover portion  80  is connected to the activation portion  78 , which is pivotably connected to the main portion  76  of the housing  74  to allow the cover portion  80  and the activation portion  78  to engage the refill cartridge  35  as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the activation portion  78  includes an electrical contact arrangement  82  and a resistor  84  in electrical communication therewith. As the cover portion  80  and the activation portion  78  are pivoted toward a closed position, the activation portion engages the refill cartridge  35  such that the contact arrangement  82  completes an electrical circuit with, and therefore applies the resistance from resistor  84  to, the gas generating cell  9 , thereby activating the gas generating cell  9 . Additionally, as the cover portion  80  and the activation portion  78  are pivoted toward a closed position, the cover portion  80  properly positions the refill cartridge  35  and also pushes downwardly on the refill cartridge  35  to facilitate piercing of the removable membrane  31  of the refill cartridge  35  to start the flow of fluid. This piercing mechanism will be described in more detail below.  
         [0061]     Referring to  FIG. 10 , yet another embodiment in the form of a refillable cartridge device  90  is shown, wherein the refill cartridge  35  can be inserted into a housing  92  of the device  90 , which includes a fan blade  94  and a motor  95  to facilitate emanation of the fluid. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the motor  95  is powered by a battery  96 . The gas generating cell  9  is activated by completion of a circuit with a set of contacts  98 . Rotation of the fan blade  94  causes movement of air across the wicking pad  41  of the refill cartridge  35  in a direction and path as shown in  FIG. 10 .  
         [0000]     Piercing Mechanism Configurations  
         [0062]     As previously mentioned above, the refill container  35  preferably includes a piercing element. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the piercing element is in the form of a pin  100 . By including the pin  100  with the refill cartridge  35 , the pin  100  is replaced every time the refill cartridge is replaced. This prevents collection of surfactants and build-up of dust on the pin over long periods of time, which would occur if the same pin was continually used as part of the device. A new pin with each refill also ensures that the removable membrane  31  is properly pierced. A new pin, which is clean, also ensures that the fluid properly flows down the pin.  
         [0063]     Referring to  FIG. 12 , the refill cartridge  35  is shown in a configuration that includes a removable piece of material in the form of a strip  110  (pull strip) on an activation member in the form of an activation ring  112  of the cartridge  35 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the activation ring  112  includes a piercing pin  114 . Upon removal of the strip  110 , the activation ring  112  is allowed to be pushed upwardly toward the removable membrane  31  such that the piercing pin  114  is allowed to pierce the membrane  31 . The activation ring  112  is moveable a distance equivalent to a width of material represented by the strip  110 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . In a preferred embodiment, the activation ring  112  moves axially by applying an axial force thereto, such as by a user pushing it upwardly. Alternatively, the activation ring  112  can be configured to move axially by rotating the activation ring  112 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . The rotational movement can be converted to axial movement via a cam and follower combination. Referring to  FIG. 15 , an annular rib  115  on the activation ring  112  includes an annular cam surface  116 . A corresponding annular slot  117  on the refill cartridge  35  includes a follower surface  118  that facilitates axial movement of the activation ring  112  as the cam surface  116  engages it through rotation of the activation ring  112 . The camming action is preferably facilitated by the cam and follower surfaces  116 ,  118  being configured as ramped surfaces.  
         [0064]     The piercing pin can be integrated into the activation ring  112  (as shown in  FIG. 11  (pin  100 ) and  FIG. 13  (pin  114 )), or it can be integrated into a sleeve portion  119 A of the refill cartridge  35  (as shown in  FIG. 15 ). In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the piercing pin moves by virtue of movement of the activation ring  112 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , the piercing pin moves when the activation ring  112  moves upwardly to cause a flexure member  119 B of the sleeve portion to deflect upwardly and direct the pin toward the removable membrane  31 . In this embodiment, one or more portions of the flexure member can have a thinner cross-section with respect to other portions to facilitate deflection.  
         [0065]     Referring to  FIG. 16 , an alternate piercing arrangement  120  is shown wherein a plurality of piercing blades  122  is disposed on the activation ring  112 . This configuration allows the removable membrane  31  to be pierced even if the activation ring  112  is off center with respect to the orifice compartment  7 . Furthermore, this configuration makes a larger tear into the removable membrane  31 .  
         [0000]     Wick Embodiments  
         [0066]     It has been shown that various wick embodiments are effective when utilized in the aforementioned embodiments. For example, as shown in  FIG. 17 , a smooth surface conical wick  140  can be utilized.  FIG. 18  depicts the wick  140  disposed within the refill cartridge  35 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 19 , a pleated conical wick  150  can be utilized.  FIG. 20  depicts the wick  150  disposed within the refill cartridge  35 .  
         [0067]      FIGS. 21A-21E  depict various blank designs that can be utilized to manufacture the wicks.  FIG. 21A  depicts a blank  160  utilized to create a conical shaped wick.  FIG. 21B  depicts a blank  162  having a pair of wings  164  that can be folded inwardly when forming the conical wick, thereby increasing wicking surface area.  FIG. 21C  depicts a similar concept that incorporates a blank  166  having a plurality of fingers  168  that can be folded inwardly when forming the conical wick, thereby increasing wicking surface area.  FIGS. 21D and 21E  depict blanks  170  and  172 , respectively, which are examples of pleated wick blanks having variable pleat sizes, rather than constant pleat sizes.  
         [0000]     Additional Illustrations of Aspects of Invention  
         [0068]     Additional illustrations of aspects of the present invention may be depicted in  FIGS. 22A-22F . For example,  FIG. 22A  shows steps of manufacturing an embodiment of the fluid delivery container  1 . The remaining figures depict other aspects, which will be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the descriptions set forth herein and in these drawings.  
         [0069]     While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, numerous modifications may come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.