Diffuser for essential oils

A diffuser includes a housing with at least one inlet and at least one vent outlet, and a microblower carried by the housing. The microblower has an inlet side to receive air from the at least one inlet, and an outlet port. A bottle adapted to carry essential oil is included and has a neck opening. A tube directs air from the microblower outlet port into the neck opening to generate oil-laden air. A fan draws ambient air in from the at least one inlet and exhausts ambient air and oil-laden air through the at least one vent outlet.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Generally, the present invention is directed toward diffusers. Specifically, the present invention is directed to essential oil diffusers, wherein a microblower assists with airflow of the essential oil within the diffuser and a fan generates added airflow to complete the diffusion process.

BACKGROUND ART

It is well known that aromatherapy utilizes plant materials and aromatic plant oils which are dispersed by a diffuser. In particular, essential oils are used for the purpose of calming and relaxing those in the vicinity of the diffuser. It is also believed that aromatherapy utilizing essential oils may assist in healing.

One common method of dispersing an essential oil is to utilize aerial diffusion wherein the essential oil is dispersed by passing an airflow over the oil or by gently warming the oil. It is also known to mix the essential oil with water in a diffuser reservoir, generate a vapor of the oil-water mixture by means of an ultrasonic transducer, and then distribute the vapor with a fan. However, the mixture dilutes the effectiveness of the oil and also requires repeated refilling of the diffuser reservoir. In other words, the reservoirs eventually run out of water which automatically triggers the diffuser to stop operating and thus no oil is dispersed, thereby limiting its effectiveness. The water and oil vapor mixture also potentially introduces unwanted humidity in the air.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for means to effectively diffuse the essential oil for longer periods of time without the need for a water-based diffusion system. Moreover, there is a need to effectively disperse the essential oil in a preliminary airflow and then utilize a second airflow to further amplify the preliminary airflow for a powerful aroma diffusion, using filtered air. There is also a need for combining an essential oil diffuser with an ion generator for air purification, which may be used anytime the essential oil diffuser is not operating or is selectively turned off by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, it is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a diffuser for essential oils.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a diffuser, comprising a housing having at least one inlet, and at least one vent outlet, a microblower carried by the housing, the microblower having an inlet side to receive air from the at least one inlet and an outlet port, a bottle adapted to carry essential oil, the bottle having a neck opening, a tube directing air from the microblower outlet port into the neck opening to generate oil-laden air, and a fan drawing ambient air in from the at least one inlet and exhausting ambient air and oil-laden air through the at least one vent outlet.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a diffuser, comprising a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a bottle adapted to carry essential oil, the bottle carried by the housing, a microblower associated with the bottle to direct an airflow on to a surface of the essential oil to generate oil-laden air, and a fan drawing ambient air in through the inlet and exhausting ambient air and oil-laden air through the outlet.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, it can be seen that a diffuser is designated generally by the numeral10. Generally, the diffuser10employs a two-stage diffusion process. First, a microblower is utilized to generate an essential oil and air mixture, also referred to as oil-laden air, and then a diffuser fan is used to disperse the oil-laden air in combination with filtered air to ambient. It is believed that this configuration adequately diffuses the essential oils in an airborne mixture instead of a vapor so as to enhance the benefits of the essential oils. Additionally, the diffuser10may be configured to operate as an ionic filtration system.

The diffuser10provides for a housing12which includes multiple structural components for configuration of the housing. The housing12may include a base16which forms a lower portion of the housing wherein the base includes a bottom18with an upwardly extending sidewall20. The sidewall20may provide for an internal lip22opposite the bottom, wherein the sidewall20forms an internal chamber24. The sidewall20, in the area of the lip22, may provide external threads25, which allow the base to be secured to other components of the housing12. The sidewall20may be provided with a plurality of wall inlets26which allow for entry of ambient air into the housing for filtration as will be described. In some embodiments a weight30may be received in the chamber24so as to maintain the diffuser in an upright and working condition.

A mesh filter32may be positioned within or around the chamber24or around the base16and aligned with the wall inlets26. The mesh filter32with filter openings may be of a cylindrical configuration with an opening therethrough such than an outer surface of the filter is substantially flush with an outer surface of the base16and an inner surface of the filter is positioned adjacent to or in close proximity with the inlets26. The mesh filter32prevents coarse air particles or other pollutants carried in the ambient air from entering the housing12. Also positioned within the chamber24on a side of the mesh filter32opposite the sidewall20may be a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter36which removes fine particulates or pollutants from the ambient air entering the housing12. Other configurations of filters may be used in place of the HEPA filter. The filter36provides for an internal filter cavity38.

An appropriately sized bottle40, which contains essential oil42, is received within the filter cavity38. In the present embodiment the bottle40carries approximately one ounce of essential oil42, although the diffuser and in particular the housing12may be sized as needed for different sizes of bottles. For example, some bottles may be sized to carry 5 ml, 10 ml, 15 ml, or any appropriate amount of oil. In any event, the bottle40provides for a neck44which provides for a neck opening46. In the present embodiment an inner diameter of the neck opening is approximately 0.500 inches, but other inner diameter sizes may be employed.

A carrier50may be positioned on and at least partially supported by the bottle40. In the present embodiment, the carrier50is of a generally cylindrical configuration although other appropriately shaped configurations may be used so as to allow nesting receipt of the carrier in the housing12. The carrier50includes a plate52which may have an upwardly extending outer wall54at an outer periphery of the plate52. The plate52may provide for a plurality of flow openings53so as to provide an entry point for airflow, wherein the airflow may be filtered or not, from the wall inlets26through the housing12. The outer wall54forms a cavity58. Extending through the plate52, within the cavity58, may be a collar62which forms a collar opening64therethrough. The collar62provides for an upper collar wall66which extends upwardly from the plate52and a lower collar wall68which extends downwardly from the plate52. In the embodiment shown, an inner surface of the lower collar wall68may frictionally engage the exterior or outer diameter of the neck44. Skilled artisans will appreciate that the housing12and the carrier50may be disassembled from each other and other components so as to allow for insertion of different essential oil bottles into the lower collar wall68.

A manifold70may be received within the cavity58and in particular the manifold may be coupled to the upper collar wall66. The manifold70provides for a wall72wherein the wall has a collar fitting74at one end which is coupled to or positioned in close proximity to the upper collar wall66. The fit between the collar fitting74and the upper collar wall66is sufficient to result in an increased pressure within the bottle as will be described. The wall72also provides for a manifold outlet78at an end opposite the collar fitting74. Extending through the manifold, from the collar fitting74to the manifold outlet78, and substantially formed by the wall72is an aperture80. The manifold also may provide for a manifold inlet82which extends through one side of the wall72and into the aperture80. In the present embodiment, an inlet tube84is received in the manifold inlet82and extends downwardly through the aperture80and through the collar fitting74. And in the present embodiment, the inlet tube84is made from a flexible polymeric material, but other embodiments may employ a rigid tube made of any material. The inlet tube84may be receivable into the neck opening46. The inlet tube84may be sized to have an outer diameter which is smaller than an inner diameter of the neck opening. In the present embodiment there is a clearance of at least 0.010 inches between the outer diameter of the inlet tube84and the inner diameter of the neck44. In other words, the outer diameter of the inlet tube84and the inner diameter of the neck44define a clearance86therebetween. The inlet tube84may be concentrically aligned with the neck44, but in some embodiments the outer surface of the inlet tube may touch the inner surface of the neck44as long as a sufficient clearance to permit airflow is provided between the surfaces. Skilled artisans will appreciate that the manifold70may have an internal structure which eliminates the need for an inlet tube.

A microblower90may be carried on the plate52and positioned away from an inner surface of the outer wall54. The microblower90utilizes a transducer sheet such that an applied voltage bends the sheet to change the volume within a pump chamber maintained by the blower. Accordingly, as the pump chamber volume increases, the pressure in the chamber decreases, and ambient air or the other input gas flows into the pump chamber. As the pump chamber volume decreases, by energizing or de-energizing the transducer sheet, the chamber pressure increases and forces the ambient air or other gas out of the pump chamber. The microblower is electrically operated and receives a blower signal92which is also designated in the drawing as capital letter A. The amount or flow of ambient air or other gas generated by the microblower may be controlled by the amount of voltage applied to the transducer sheet or by other voltage signal adjustments. The microblower90may have an inlet side94which faces the inner surface of the outer wall54and is positioned so as to receive ambient or filtered air that has passed through the mesh filter32and/or the HEPA filter36. In most embodiments, filtered air from the filter36is delivered to the microblower's inlet side94. The microblower90may also provide for an outlet port96which may be directly connected to the inlet tube84. In other embodiments, an entry end of the tube may be placed close enough to collect air flow generated by the blower to allow transfer of the airflow through the length of the tube.

When energized, the microblower90draws air in through the inlet side94and directs that air through the outlet port96into the tube which has its opposite end placed in the bottle40. Accordingly, as will be described in further detail below, the microblower generates an airflow that is directed through the inlet tube which is then directed into the bottle40. In some embodiments, the end of the inlet tube does not contact the oil or a surface of the oil, but instead directs the airflow into the bottle so as to cause the air within the bottle to become pressurized and thus expel the pressurized air containing microscopic or other appropriately sized essential oil droplets through the clearance86and into aperture80of the manifold70. In other embodiments, the manifold70may have an internal structure that directs the airflow from the outlet port96in such a way to pressurize the air within the bottle40to allow the pressurized air containing appropriately sized essential oil droplets into the aperture of the manifold. In either embodiment, the manifold serves as a conduit to generate oil-laden airflow100for further diffusion which is then expelled out the manifold outlet78.

The carrier, and in particular the plate52, may also support a negative ion generator106. In the present embodiment, the generator106may be positioned diametrically opposite the microblower90, but it may also be positioned substantially anywhere on the plate52, or anywhere where airflow may pass in or around the generator's surface area. The negative ion generator is operated by a signal108which is also designated in the drawing as capital letter B. The generator102, which may also be referred to as an ionizer, generates negative ions which are attracted to airborne particles which in turn are attracted to nearby grounded surfaces once expelled from the housing12. As a result, the airborne particles, which may contain airborne bacteria, are removed from ambient air.

Positioned above the carrier50within the housing12is a fan/motor compartment110. The compartment110provides for a motor inlet port112which is connected, or in close proximity, to the manifold outlet78so as to receive oil-laden airflow100therefrom. The fan/motor compartment112may be provided with air input ports114therethrough which receive filtered airflow124that passes from the mesh filter32and the HEPA filter36via the flow openings53. A motor116may be carried by the fan/motor compartment and is energized by a signal118also designated in the drawing as capital letter C. The motor116drives and rotates a fan120with appropriately sized and shaped vanes so as to generate airflow through the housing. In particular, rotation of the fan draws ambient air in through the mesh filter32, the inlets26, and through the HEPA filter36, which may be referred to as filtered airflow124. Some of the filtered airflow124may be directed into the carrier50so as to pass in proximity to the microblower90and/or the negative ion generator106. Airflow which is not directly exposed to either the microblower90or the generator106passes into the input ports114whereupon rotation of the fan directs that air through the remainder of the housing. Additionally, the fan120may receive airflow from the motor inlet port112which contains the oil-laden airflow100from the manifold70. As a result, rotation of the fan120moves a combination of oil-laden airflow100and filtered airflow124. Skilled artisans will appreciate that the oil-laden airflow intermixes with the filtered airflow124and is then expelled out the housing as will be discussed.

A fixture130may hold the fan/motor compartment110within the motor compartment in place. The fixture may provide for fixture openings132so as to allow the combination airflows to pass therethrough. Carried by the fixture130may be a circuit board140which carries a controller144and an appropriate battery or power supply connection. The controller144provides the necessary hardware, software, and memory so as to control operation of the diffuser10. At a minimum, the controller energizes the microblower via signal A, the motor116via signal C, and the negative ion generator106via signal B as appropriate. The controller144may also receive various types of user inputs so as to control operation of the selected components. The circuit board may also provide a power supply input145to provide electrical power to the various components of the diffuser. Power may also be supplied by batteries.

An outer cover146may fit over the fixture130, the fan/motor compartment110, the carrier50, and attach to the base16, and in particular the sidewall20so as to fully enclose the aforementioned components. A lower edge of the cover146may provide internal threads147which mate with the external threads25to allow for assembly of the cover146to the base16. The outer cover146may provide for a vent plate148which provides for a plurality of vent outlets150therethrough to allow for the filtered air124and oil-laden air100combination to be expelled out the housing.

The vent plate148may also carry a negative ion switch152and a power switch153. The negative ion switch152generates a signal154also designated in the drawing as capital letter D, and the power switch153generates a signal155also designated in the drawing as capital letter E. Also associated with the fixture130and/or the vent plate148may be a plurality of lights, which in the present embodiment are LED lights158A-E and which are controlled by corresponding signals160which are designated in the drawing as capital letter F. A user may control operation of the diffuser by manually activating any one or combination of the switches152and153, wherein the lights provide a visual feedback to designate the various operational states or conditions of the diffuser.

For example, in the configuration shown inFIG. 1, the negative ion switch152, also referred to as an ion cycle button, controls a negative ion cycle, and the power switch153, also referred to as a power cycle button, controls a power cycle. The lights and the switches may be provided with indicia to indicate the operating condition of the diffuser10. In the present embodiment, light158A may be associated with the word “AROMA;” light158B may be associated with the abbreviation “MED,” which indicates a medium fan speed; light158C may be associated with the word “HI,” which indicates a high fan speed; light158D may be associated with the word “PURIFY,” which indicates operation of the microblower or the negative ion generator; and light158E may be associated with the word “IONIC,” which indicates operation of the ion generator. Accordingly, actuation of the power button153will turn on the microblower90and the fan120at a low speed. This actuation will also automatically turn off the ion generator106. In this arrangement, the light158A designating aroma and the light158D designating purify are illuminated. A second activation of the power button153will maintain the microblower90in an on condition, increase the speed of the fan120to medium, and maintain the ion generator106in an off condition. In this configuration the lights158A,158B, and158D are illuminated. A third touch of the power button153will maintain the microblower90in an on condition; increase the speed of the fan120to high; and maintain the ion generator106in an off condition. In this configuration, the lights158A,158C, and158D are illuminated. A fourth touch of the power button153will turn off the microblower90, the fan120, and the ion generator106will remain in an off condition. In this configuration none of the lights are illuminated.

Actuation of the negative ion cycle button152will place the microblower90in an off condition, place the fan120in a low speed condition, and the ion generator106is placed in an on condition. In this configuration, the lights158D and158E are illuminated. A second press of the ion cycle button152maintains the microblower90in an off condition and the fan120is elevated to a medium speed. The negative ion generator106is maintained in the on condition. The lights158B,158D, and158E are illuminated. A third press of the ion cycle button152keeps the microblower90in an off condition, elevates the speed of the fan120to a high condition, and maintains the negative ion generator106in an on condition. In this configuration, the lights158C,158D, and158E are illuminated. A fourth press of the ion cycle button152turns off all of the components, the fan120and the ion generator106, and the microblower90remains in the off condition.

In any of the configurations above and at any given time, if the ion cycle button152is pressed, the diffuser will cut over to the negative ion cycle. In a similar manner, if the power switch153is pressed, the diffuser will switch over to the power cycle. Skilled artisans will appreciate that other user interface configurations may be implemented so as to control operation of the microblower90, the fan120, and the ion generator106. However, despite the foregoing, skilled artisans will appreciate that the microblower90and ion generator106will likely never operate simultaneously as the ion generator will likely interfere with operation of the microblower90and its dispersal of oil-laden air.

In operation, the user will first insert a selected essential oil bottle40into the chamber24. The carrier50, which may be preassembled with other components such as the generator106, is associated with the bottle40by a frictional or close fit between the lower collar wall68and the bottle neck44. The preassembled carrier may include the microblower90wherein the outlet port96is connected or associated with the manifold and the inlet tube84. The opposite end of the tube is directed through the aperture80in such a way that it is inserted into the neck44where the inlet tube may or may not contact the oil. The carrier50may also provide a frictional or close fit between the collar fitting74of the manifold70and the upper collar wall66. In any event, skilled artisans will appreciate that the inlet tube is positioned within the neck so as to assist the microblower in pressurizing the air within the bottle an appropriate amount. The remaining components of the housing are then assembled onto the carrier50including the motor/fan compartment and the outer cover146and vent plate148. At this time, the user will select the various settings provided by actuating the switch152and/or switch152, which may be used to control the motor speed associated with the microblower and/or fan as described above. Accordingly, the fan and/or the microblower may be operated at various speeds such as low, medium, high, or any other speed deemed appropriate. The user may also select to operate the microblower or may select to operate the negative ion generator. The controller will be configured such that the microblower and negative ion generator do not operate at the same time. In other words, the microblower will operate exclusively of the negative ion generator, and likewise the negative ion generator will operate exclusively of the microblower. As a result, only one of these two devices may be allowed operate at one time. Accordingly, the user is allowed to either implement the negative ion generator or diffuse essential oils, depending on their particular preference. The LED lights associated with the controller may be utilized to indicate the various operating modes and also indicate whether the device is on or off.

When the microblower90is operating, the pressurized air is directed through the inlet into the bottle, whereupon oil droplets are carried by the air through the manifold and drawn into the fan/motor compartment by the fan and then expelled out through the vent outlets150. When the negative ion generator is operating, the airflow generated by the fan120is ionized and routed through the compartment110and out the vent outlets150.

Based on the foregoing the advantages of the present invention are readily apparent. The diffuser is configured so as to generate a controlled and specific airflow into the diffuser bottle so as to diffuse the essential oils at their source without any further carrier, such as water, being added. This oil-laden air is then mixed in with filtered ambient air for exhaustion out of the housing. This eliminates the use of water which requires refilling every several hours, and consumers are to enjoy the benefits of undiluted essential oil diffusion using purified air. The diffuser is also advantageous in that it can be implemented as a negative ion generator at the discretion of the user.

Thus, it can be seen that the objects of the invention have been satisfied by the structure and its method for use presented above. While in accordance with the Patent Statutes, only the best mode and preferred embodiment has been presented and described in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby. Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of the invention, reference should be made to the following claims.