Methods for emitting and refills for holding two or more compositions

A refill for holding at least two compositions comprises a container including a body and first and second compositions disposed within the body such that the first and second compositions are substantially separated and the second composition is disposed above the first composition. The refill further includes a tube disposed within the body of the container such that the tube contains the first and second compositions, wherein the tube has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. Still further, the refill includes a wick disposed within the tube, wherein the wick contains the first and second compositions and has a diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube to create a gap between the wick and the tube.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to methods and systems for emitting compositions and, more particularly, to methods and systems for emitting two or more compositions.

2. Description of the Background

It is known that the perception of a user of a dispensed fragrance at a constant intensity tends to decay over time. This decay in perception, which is commonly referred to as adaptation and/or habituation, reduces the enjoyment of the dispensed fragrance by the user. Adaptation and/or habituation are the reduction of physiological, psychological, or behavioral response occurring when a specific stimulus occurs repeatedly. It is generally believed that adaptation and/or habituation with respect to a fragrance can be reduced by changing the level of intensity of the dispensed fragrance or by dispensing a different fragrance. Fragrance dispensers and methods of dispensing fragrances that address the issue of adaptation and/or habituation are known in the art.

One such fragrance dispenser emits a first fragrance from a first refill for a first period of time followed by emission of a second fragrance from a second refill for a second period of time followed by emission of a third fragrance from a third refill for a third period of time. A further pattern or algorithm for dispensing fragrances includes emission of a first fragrance from a first refill in repeated short intermittent bursts during a first period of time, the emission of a second fragrance from a second refill in repeated short intermittent bursts during a second period of time, and the emission of a third fragrance from a third refill in repeated short intermittent bursts during a third period of time. In any of the above-described patterns or algorithms, one or more fans, heaters, or any suitable devices may be utilized to facilitate emission of each of the fragrances.

Another dispenser emits fragrances in an alternating sequence while the dispenser is activated. The dispenser includes, for example, first and second heaters for emitting first and second fragrances, respectively, from first and second refills, respectively. In one embodiment, the fragrances are alternatively emitted by deactivating one of the heaters at the same time the other of the heaters is activated. Alternatively, one of the heaters may be deactivated followed by a gap period and then the other of the heaters may be activated. Still further, one of the heaters may be activated before the other of the heaters is deactivated to create an overlap period. Existing devices offering solutions to adaptation and/or habituation may change dispensed fragrances or intensities thereof frequently over a period of a day or several hours, for example, every 45 minutes, thereby exposing a user to a seemingly constant change of fragrance.

Current multi-fragrancing devices require multiple refills and/or multiple actuators for emitting different fragrances. Multiple refills and/or multiple actuators increase the footprint and/or overall size of a dispenser from which the fragrances are emitted and/or increase the overall cost of the dispenser.

SUMMARY

In illustrative embodiments, a method of emitting two or more compositions may comprise the step of providing a refill including a container having a body and first and second compositions disposed within the body such that the first and second compositions are substantially separated. The method may further include the steps of emitting a first portion of the second composition, emitting a portion of the first composition after the first portion of the second composition is emitted, and emitting a second portion of the second composition.

In some embodiments, the step of emitting a portion of the first composition may include emitting substantially all of the first composition.

In some embodiments, the step of emitting a second portion of the second composition may include emitting the second composition until substantially all of the second composition is depleted.

In some embodiments, the first portion of the second composition may be emitted from within the tube, a portion of the first composition may be emitted from within the tube and a remainder of the first composition may be emitted from within the container, and the second portion of the second composition may be emitted from within the container.

In some embodiments, the method may further include the step of providing a dispenser including a housing forming a chamber adapted to retain the refill containing two or more compositions and a heater disposed within the chamber.

In some embodiments, the second composition may be disposed above and substantially separated from the first composition.

In illustrative embodiments, a refill for holding at least two compositions may include a container including a body and first and second compositions disposed within the body such that the first and second compositions are substantially separated and the second composition is disposed above the first composition. The refill may further include a tube disposed within the body of the container such that the tube contains the first and second compositions, wherein the tube may have an inner diameter and an outer diameter. A wick may be disposed within the tube, wherein the wick contains the first and second compositions and has a diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube to create a gap between the wick and the tube.

In some embodiments, the tube may have a volume that is between about 5% and about 50% of a volume of the body of the container.

In some embodiments, at least two ribs may extend inwardly from an inner peripheral surface of the tube and extend across the gap to center the wick and retain the wick within the tube.

In some embodiments, the refill may further include a first vent disposed in an upper peripheral edge of the tube and a second vent disposed in a lower peripheral edge of the tube.

In some embodiments, the first and second vents may be disposed at about 180 degrees with respect to one another.

In some embodiments, the refill may include a metering orifice or slot disposed through the tube to form a metering opening.

In some embodiments, the tube may include an inner tube and an outer tube that are configured to be rotated with respect to one another.

In some embodiments, the inner tube may include a first orifice and the outer tube includes a second orifice and the inner and outer tubes are configured to be rotated with respect to one another to open or partially open the first and second orifices.

In some embodiments, the first and second orifices may be disposed through bottom walls of the inner and outer tubes, respectively, a third orifice may be disposed through a side wall of the inner tube, and a fourth orifice may be disposed through a side wall of the outer tube, and rotation of the inner and outer tubes may fully or partially open the third and fourth orifices.

In some embodiments, either the first and second orifices may be opened or the third and fourth orifices may be opened, but both the first and second orifices and the third and fourth orifices may not be opened at the same time.

In illustrative embodiments, a method of assembling a refill having a container including a body for holding at least two compositions may include the step of filling the body of the container with first and second different compositions such that the first and second materials are substantially separated and the second composition is disposed above the first composition. The method may further include the steps of inserting a tube through the neck of the container and into the body such that the tube is filled with the first and second compositions and inserting a wick into the tube, wherein an outer diameter of the wick is smaller than an inner diameter of the tube such that a gap is created between the tube and the wick.

In some embodiments, the second composition within the wick may be disposed above the first composition within the wick.

In some embodiments, the tube may include one or more features selected from the group consisting of: a vent, a metering hole, a metering slot, and one or more ribs.

In some embodiments, the step of filling the body may include filling the body with first, second, and third different compositions and, during the step of inserting the tube, the tube may be filled with the first, second, and third compositions.

Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, wherein similar structures have like or similar reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for emitting two or more compositions. While the methods and systems of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms, several specific embodiments are discussed herein with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered only as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosure, and it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the embodiments illustrated.

Referring to the drawings,FIGS. 1 and 2depict a volatile material dispenser50adapted to accommodate, for example, a refill51, as seen inFIGS. 2-5. The refill51includes a container52that may include at least two compositions, for example, first and second compositions53,54, wherein the container52is adapted to be retained within a housing56of the volatile material dispenser50. The container52includes a retaining mechanism58to hold a wick60within the container52and further includes a body62for holding the compositions53,54. The body62includes a base portion64and first and second opposing sidewalls66a,66bthat extend upwardly and outwardly prior to curving inwardly toward first and second top walls68a,68b, respectively. Similarly, third and fourth opposing front and rear walls72a,72b, respectively, curve upwardly toward the neck70. The first and second top walls68a,68bmay be integral with a neck70.

The neck70may include a threaded portion74disposed on an outer surface thereof and an opening (not shown) disposed through a top portion thereof, wherein the opening allows access to the compositions53,54. The container52may further optionally include raised portions76extending outwardly from one or more of the third and fourth opposing front and rear walls72a,72b. In one embodiment, the raised portions76are in the form of inverted shell-shaped members. Optionally or additionally, the refill51may include any suitable features, for example, for retention in a dispenser. Although a specific dispenser50and container52are described with particularity, it is contemplated that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented with respect to any type of electrical or non-electrical dispenser and any type of refill. For example, dispensers useful for the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, the dispensers described in Belongia et al. U.S. Pat. No. 7,840,123, Varanasi et al. U.S. Pat. No. 6,968,124, Beland et al. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0049259, Zobele U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0180736, and Pedrotti et al. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0194225. Further, refills useful for the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, the containers described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,831, and the containers described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/969,261, filed on Dec. 15, 2010, both of which are owned by the same assignee as the present invention.

Two or more different compositions may be held within the body62of the container52, as seen inFIGS. 4 and 5. The first composition53and the second composition54may be layered within the body62, for example, with the first composition53below the second composition54. The first and/or second compositions53,54may be any suitable liquid or liquids and one or both of the compositions53,54may include one or more active ingredients. Exemplary active ingredients include, but are not limited to, one or more of a cleaner, an insecticide, an insect repellant, an insect attractant, a disinfectant, a mold or mildew inhibitor, an antimicrobial, a fragrance comprised of one or more aroma chemicals, a disinfectant, an air purifier, an aromatherapy scent, an antiseptic, an odor eliminator, a positive fragrancing active material, an air-freshener, a deodorizer, a medicinal component, an inhalant (e.g., for relieving a cough or congestion), or the like, and combinations thereof. Additives may be included in the composition, such as, for example, fragrances and/or preservatives. Regardless of the specific compositions, the first and second compositions53,54may be the same or different.

One or more of the compositions utilized in the refill51may include one or more dyes of any suitable color or colors. In this manner, if each composition takes on a different color (or no color), the compositions may be visible to a user as distinct layers of material within the container52(and/or wick60) and tube, which is discussed in detail below. In an illustrative embodiment, if the first composition53contains a first dye of a first color and the second composition54contains a second dye of a second color different than the first color, a user may be able to discern from the first and second colors how much of each composition53,54remains in the refill51and which composition53,54is being emitted. Additionally, during transition between compositions, the first and second colors may mix to form a third, different color to indicate a transition between the compositions. If more than two compositions are utilized, different dyes of different colors (or no color) may be utilized for each composition.

In illustrative embodiments, the first composition53is denser than the second composition54such that the first and second compositions53,54form two distinct layers within the body62of the container52. In illustrative embodiments, the first composition53may be a water-based composition that contains one or more active ingredients, for example, a fragrance, and the second composition54may be an oil-based fragranced composition. In alternative embodiments, the first or second compositions53,54may both be water-based or oil-based (with different densities) and/or one of the compositions53,54may not include any active materials (for example, one composition may be water).

It should be understood that any densities may be utilized with the concepts of the present disclosure. In the illustrative embodiment described above, first and second compositions53,54of different densities create two distinct layers, wherein the first and second compositions53,54are substantially separated. In this manner, the compositions53,54may be sequentially emitted. If more than two compositions are used, each of the compositions may form a separate layer within the refill51for sequential emission thereof.

The compositions53,54may have one or more of the same active materials or may have all different active materials. In illustrative embodiments, a change in emission from one of the compositions53,54to the other of the compositions53,54provides an increase in noticeability of the active ingredients, for example, fragrances. In one embodiment, the compositions53,54may include different, distinct fragrances that provide a noticeable difference between the compositions53,54. In another embodiment, the compositions53,54may include the same or similar fragrances with the fragrance(s) in one of the compositions53,54being much stronger (for example, by having a greater weight percentage of fragrance(s) that the other of the compositions53,54) to provide a noticeable difference between the compositions53,54.

Now turning generally toFIGS. 1 and 2, the housing56of the volatile material dispenser50includes front and rear portions90,92attached to one another to form a chamber93therebetween. The container52may be inserted into the housing56by inserting the wick60upwardly into the chamber. The container52may be retained within the housing56by conventionally known means, including a snap-fit connection, a threaded interaction, and the like. In illustrative embodiments, a portion of the wick60may be disposed adjacent a heater94(seeFIG. 2) that is disposed in the housing56. A top and/or a front portion of the housing56may include an opening for release of the compositions including one or more active materials therethrough. As noted above, the dispenser50may be any dispenser50for insertion into a conventional electrical socket, operated by one or more batteries, or may be passive and/or the dispenser50may include any number of adjustment features, vents, or other features, as known in the art.

In an illustrative embodiment of a refill51, a tube100is disposed around at least a portion of the wick60disposed within the container52with a gap102formed between the tube100and the wick60, as seen inFIGS. 4 and 5. More specifically, the tube100has an outer diameter D1and an inner diameter D2forming a thickness of the tube100and the wick60has an outer diameter D3. The inner diameter D2of the tube100is greater than an outer diameter D3of the wick60to create the gap102. In illustrative embodiments, the gap102may be of any suitable dimensions that provide the gap102with a volume between about 5% and about 50% of a volume of the container52. In an illustrative example, if a container52can hold up to 20 milliliters of liquid, the gap102may hold between about 1 milliliter and about 10 milliliters of liquid. In illustrative embodiments, the tube100may be integral with or otherwise connected to the retaining mechanism58that holds the wick60in place within the container52and/or closes the neck70of the container52. The tube100may be made of a polymeric material, such as, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene, cross-linked polyethylene, other polymers, other suitable materials, or combinations thereof.

The tube100may be a separate component, may be attached to the wick60, and/or may be integral with or attached to one or more of the container52, the body62, the retaining mechanism58, the wick60, a wick holder, a sheath surrounding the wick60, and/or any other component of the refill51.

In an illustrative embodiment, during assembly of the refill51, the body62of the container52is filled (for example, through the neck70) by pouring or otherwise transferring the first and second compositions53,54into the body62. Since the first composition53is denser than the second composition54, the order in which the compositions53,54are transferred into the body62is not very relevant, as the compositions53,54will eventually settle (i.e., reach equilibrium) with the first composition53disposed below the second composition54. As noted above, the first and second compositions53,54have different densities such that the first and second compositions53,54are substantially separated from one another. One skilled in the art will understand that there may be minor mixing of the compositions53,54at an interface between the compositions53,54. If more than two compositions are utilized and have different densities, the compositions may be transferred into the body62in any suitable order, as the different compositions will settle (i.e., reach equilibrium) with the densest composition on the bottom and the least dense composition on the top.

After filling the body62with the compositions53,54, the tube100may be inserted through the neck70of the container52and into the body62such that the tube100is filled with the first and second volatile materials53,54. In illustrative embodiments, after insertion of the tube100into the body62, as seen inFIG. 4, the tube100is filled with the first and second compositions53,54, for example, at53a,54aat levels that are similar to or the same as the levels of the compositions53,54in the body62. The compositions53a,54awithin the tube100are also substantially separated, as are the compositions53,54within the body62. Once the tube100is inserted into the body62and filled with the compositions53a,54a, the wick60may be inserted into the tube100. As the wick60is inserted into the tube100, the wick60begins to absorb the compositions53a,54a. Even though a bottom end110of the wick60begins to absorb the second composition54afirst, once the wick60is fully inserted into the tube100, for example, with the bottom end110of the wick60aligned with a bottom end112of the tube100, the less dense second composition54arises to a level within the wick60that is above the more dense first composition53asuch that the first composition53ais also disposed below the second composition54awithin the wick60. As noted above, in illustrative embodiments, the outer diameter D3of the wick60is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube100. In this manner, the first and second compositions53a,54aare absorbed by the wick60, but some of the first and second compositions53a,54aremain in the gap102between the tube100and the wick60.

Optionally, the wick60and the tube100may be assembled (possibly even with the retaining mechanism58) prior to insertion into the container52. Once the wick60, the tube100, and/or the retaining mechanism58are assembled, they are inserted into the container52. Depending on how quickly or slowly the assembly is inserted into the container52, the wick60and the tube100may or may not include the first and second compositions53a,54aat generally the same level as the levels of the first and second compositions53,54in the container52.

In an illustrative method of emitting compositions from the refill51, for example the compositions53,54, heat may be applied to the wick60. In alternative illustrative embodiments, a fan, a piezoelectric element, or any other suitable activation element may be utilized to emit the compositions53,54from the wick60or the compositions53,54may be passively emitted (without any activation element) from the wick60. During emission of the compositions53,54, the second composition54adisposed within the wick60and the tube100is first emitted since it has a density less than the first composition53aand is therefore closer to a top end114of the wick60. Once the second composition54awithin the wick60and the tube100is substantially depleted, the first composition53awithin the wick60and the tube100is emitted. The wick60thereafter absorbs and emits the remainder of the first composition53disposed within the body62of the container52because the only access point to the wick60is the bottom end110of the wick60through a bottom end112of the tube100. Lastly, after the first composition53has been substantially depleted, the second composition54within the body62is emitted until substantially depleted. One skilled in the art will understand that, at the time when the first composition53is almost depleted, there may be some mixing of the first and second compositions53,54because the tube100and/or wick60may be spaced from the base portion64of the container52and/or because of minor mixing of the compositions53,54at an interface between the compositions53,54.

As noted above, the tube100may be integral with or otherwise connected to (e.g., through a friction or interference fit) a retaining mechanism58, as depicted inFIG. 6. The retaining mechanism58may include a cap portion116that may connect the retaining mechanism58to the neck70of the container52and/or a second sheath portion118that is integral with or otherwise connected to the cap portion116and extends outwardly from the cap portion116. The sheath portion118, if present, surrounds and protects a portion of the wick60that extends outside of the refill51. The cap portion116may include any suitable features to retain the cap portion116on or within the neck70of the container52and/or may include any suitable features to retain the tube100and/or wick60within the cap portion116. In some embodiments, the wick60may extend beyond the bottom end112of the tube100and/or a top of the sheath portion118. In other embodiments, the wick60may extend to the bottom end112of the tube100and/or may include one or more vents as disclosed in detail hereinbelow. The tube100may optionally or alternatively include one or more ribs and/or one or more metering holes or orifices and/or slots, as described in detail below.

In an illustrative embodiment, any of the tubes disclosed herein, for example the tube100ofFIGS. 4 and 5, may include one or more ribs130extending inwardly from an inner periphery132of the tube100. While the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 7 and 8depicts three ribs130, any suitable number of ribs130may be utilized. In illustrative embodiments, the ribs130are designed to slide onto the wick60without damage to the wick60and to create a friction or interference fit with the wick60to retain the wick60in position along a longitudinal axis134of the tube100and about a rotational axis136of the tube. In this manner, the ribs130may be utilized as an assembly tool to position the wick within the tube100and thereafter allow for insertion of the tube100into a cap or the retaining mechanism58(and then the container52). The ribs130may also center the wick60such that a longitudinal axis of the wick60is coincident with the longitudinal axis134of the tube100. The ribs130may also create equidistant columnar channels131of the same shape and size to provide even fluid distribution and flow to and around the wick60. Optionally, differently-sized columnar channels131may be created. Still further, the ribs130allow for variation in a diameter of the wick60.

In illustrative embodiments, the ribs130have a width W that varies along a length L thereof, for example, the ribs130may have a width W at a center section138thereof that is greater than at a top end140or bottom end142thereof. A greater width W at a center section138than at top and/or bottom ends140,142provides for ease in insertion of the wick60within the tube100and insertion of the wick60into the tube100from the bottom end112or a top end144while still retaining the wick60as described in detail above. While the length L of the ribs130is shown as being the same as a length of the tube100, the length L of one or more of the ribs130may be less than the length of the tube100, for example, the ribs130may end short of the bottom end112and/or the top end144of the tube100.

In a further illustrative embodiment, the wick60may be formed in a helix, a star shape, or may have any other similar shape or feature(s) (such as splines) having a number of internal grooves formed therein that create the columnar channels131when an outer periphery of the wick60is disposed adjacent an inner periphery of the tube100. In such an embodiment, the wick60may fit tightly by, for example, an interference or friction fit, within the tube100to provide the columnar channels131. In another embodiment, the tube100may include one or more annular rings, helical ribs, and/or longitudinal ribs130that create specific spaces or volumes, create wick contact points, and/or control the flow of the compositions53,54therethrough.

In other illustrative embodiments, for example, as seen inFIGS. 8 and 9, the tube100may include one or more vents150. In an exemplary embodiment, the tube100may include a first vent150adisposed in a bottom peripheral edge152of the tube100and/or a second vent150bdisposed in an upper peripheral edge154of the tube100. In an illustrative embodiment, the vents150a,150bmay be disposed about 180 degrees around the tube100from one another. Alternatively, the vents150a,150bmay be disposed between 1 and 360 (aligned along the longitudinal axis134) degrees around the tube100from one another. Still further, although one vent is shown in each of the bottom and upper peripheral edges152,154, any suitable number of vents may be disposed in the bottom and upper peripheral edges152,154, and/or the number of vents in each of the bottom and upper peripheral edges152,154need not be the same. In illustrative embodiments, the vents150a,150bmay have a semi-circular shape. Alternatively, the vents150a,150bmay have any other suitable shape. The vents150a,150bmay ensure liquid flow through the bottom end112of the tube100and/or may prevent shut off at the top end144of the tube100where the tube100may potentially be in contact with or integral with the retaining mechanism58or another feature that supports the tube100and/or closes the neck70of the container52. As can be seen inFIG. 8, a tube100of the present disclosure may include one or more ribs130and/or one or more vents150.

The emission of the first and second compositions53,54(or more, if utilized) may be controlled or metered through the strategic placement of holes or slots in the tube100. In an illustrative embodiment, as seen inFIGS. 10-12, the tube100may include one or more metering holes160and/or metering slots162. The tube100may be integral with or otherwise connected to a retaining mechanism58, as discussed in detail above. The metering holes and slots160,162may control fluid phase mixing and/or timing of emission of the first and second compositions53,54having different phases. As seen inFIGS. 11 and 12, the inner diameter D2of the tube100may be greater than the outer diameter D3of the wick60to create a gap102(FIG. 11), as discussed in detail above, or the outer diameter D3of the wick60may be the same as or greater than the inner diameter D2of the tube100to create an interference or friction fit therebetween (FIG. 12). Metering holes160or slots162may be utilized with any embodiments herein.

Other illustrative embodiments in which the placement of orifices in the tube100controls emission of the first and/or second compositions53,54are depicted inFIGS. 13-15. InFIG. 13, the tube100is depicted as having a single orifice170through an otherwise closed bottom end172of the tube100. If the tube100with wick60inserted therein is inserted into the container52with first and second compositions53,54therein, the first composition53travels into the tube100and the first composition53awithin the tube100is absorbed by the wick60. In this manner, the tube100and the wick60fill with the first composition53a. Once substantially all of the first composition53awithin the wick60and the tube100and the first composition53within the container52are depleted, the second composition54travels into the tube100through the orifice170until the second composition54is substantially depleted.

In another embodiment with metering, as seen inFIGS. 14A and 14B, the tube100may be comprised of an inner tube190aand an outer tube190b. The inner and outer tubes190a,190bmay include one or more orifices192a,192bin bottom ends194a,194bof the tubes190a,190b, wherein the orifices192a,192bmay be aligned with one another for metering of the compositions53,54into the tube100. In illustrative embodiments, one or both of the inner and outer tubes190a,190bmay be rotated relative to the other, as schematically seen inFIG. 14B, to close or partially close the orifices192a,192b. The inner and outer tubes190a,190bmay additionally or alternatively include one or more orifices196a,196bin cylindrical side walls198a,198bof the tubes190a,190bthat may be aligned with one another for metering of the compositions53,54into the tube100. In illustrative embodiments, one or both of the inner and outer tubes190a,190bmay be rotated relative to the other to close or partially close the orifices196a,196b, as described above with respect to the orifices192a,192b. In one embodiment, alignment of the orifices192a,192band the orifices196a,196bmay occur at the same time. In another embodiment, alignment of the orifices192a,192bmay not occur at the same time as alignment of the orifices196a,196b, such that only one set of orifices192a,192bor196a,196bmay be open at a time. Rotation of the inner and outer tubes190a,190brelative to one another can be implemented electronically (e.g., such that the tubes190a,190bautomatically rotate, for example, on a periodic or programmed basis) and/or the tubes190a,190bmay be rotated manually by a user (e.g., using a knob, switch, lever, or other device that extends external to the refill).

Referring again toFIG. 14A, in an embodiment in which the alignment of the orifices192a,192band196a,196boccurs at the same time, once the tube100with wick60inserted therein is inserted into the tube100, the tube100begins to fill with the first and second compositions53a,54a. More particularly, the first composition53flows through the orifices192a,192bsuch that the first composition53afills a portion of the tube100at a level similar to a level of the first composition53in the container52and the second composition54flows through the orifices196a,196bsuch that the second composition54afills a portion of the tube100above the level of the first composition53,53a. The second composition54awithin the wick60and the tube100is emitted first and the second composition54within the container52will continue to move into the tube100and be emitted from the wick60until the orifices196a,196bare closed. When the orifices196a,196bare closed, the second composition54awithin the wick60and the tube100and the first composition53awithin the wick60and the tube100will be emitted. Since the orifices192a,192bwould also be closed, once the composition53awithin the wick60and the tube100is emitted, emission of the compositions will stop until the orifices192a,192band196a,196bare again opened. When the orifices192a,192band196a,196bare re-opened, the tube will again fill with the first and second compositions53a,54a(until a level of the second composition54ain the container52is below the orifices196a,196b) and the process repeats. More specifically, the second composition54awithin the wick60and the tube100will be emitted and the second composition within the container52will be emitted until the orifices192a,192band196a,196bare closed. The orifices192a,192band196a,196bmust be re-opened every time the first composition53awithin the wick60and the tube100is depleted to re-start the alternation/emission of compositions53,54.

In an embodiment in which the alignment of the orifices192a,192band196a,196bdoes not occur at the same time, a user can fully or partially shut off the flow of either or both of the first and/or second compositions53,54into the tube100. In this manner, a user can switch or alternate between the compositions53,54in any manner the user desires.

In another embodiment including metering, as seen inFIG. 15, any number of orifices200a,200bmay be formed in a cylindrical side wall202of the tube100. In the embodiment ofFIG. 15, the tube100includes a closed bottom wall204and two orifices200a,200bformed in the cylindrical side wall202. Once the tube100with wick60inserted therein is inserted into the container52with the compositions53,54, the compositions53,54begin to flow through the orifices200a,200binto the tube100. When equilibrium is reached, a level of the first composition53within the container52is substantially the same as a level of the first composition53awithin the tube100. Additionally, the second composition54afills the tube100and the wick60above the level of the first composition53a. The second composition54awill be depleted from the wick60and the tube100until a level of the second composition54within the container is below the orifice200b, in which case, the first composition53awithin the wick60and the tube100will be emitted and will continuously refill from the first composition53within the container52until the first composition53is substantially depleted. When the first composition53is substantially depleted (or below the orifice200a), the second composition54will travel through the orifice200ainto the wick60for emission of the second composition54.

As discussed above, each of the compositions53,54(or more, if utilized) may include one or more dyes that may differentiate the compositions53,54from one another. Dyes may be utilized in any of the embodiments disclosed herein such that each of the compositions53,54changes the color of portions of the wick60occupied by the respective compositions53,54. In this manner, the color closest to a tip of the wick60will indicate which of the compositions53,54is being emitted from the refill51. Alternatively or additionally, a user may be able to discern from colors of the tube and/or colors within the tube which of the compositions53,54is being emitted from the refill.

While the refills and methods of the present disclosure have been discussed in relation to the dispenser50ofFIGS. 1-4, the methods of the present disclosure may be implemented within any dispenser capable of emitting compositions having one or more active ingredients. Further, while the embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in relation to a particular refill, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented with any refill. The principles of the present disclosure may be implemented within a refill that has been designed to control a volume and timing of emission of the different compositions, for example, the refill may be larger at a top or a bottom for greater or lesser volumetric ratio of multi-layer compositions.

In any of the embodiments herein, any number of tubes100and wick60may be present within a single refill51. If multiple tubes100and wicks60are utilized, each of the tubes100and/or wicks60may be the same, one or more of the tubes100and/or wicks60may be the same, or none of the tubes100and/or wicks60may be the same.

While the tubes100and wicks60are depicted herein as being in a vertical orientation, any of the principles of the present disclosure may be utilized in conjunction with tubes100and/or wicks60that are disposed in other orientations, such as angled or a horizontal orientation.

While the wicks and tubes herein are shown and disclosed as being generally cylindrical, the principles of the present disclosure may be applied to wicks and tubes of all shapes and sizes. The wicks and/or tubes of the present disclosure may have cross-sectional shapes such as round, square-shaped, star-shaped, rectangular, oval, octagonal, hexagonal, pentagonal, or any other suitable cross-sectional shape or shapes. Still further, the principles of the present disclosure may be applied to wicks having any features, such as hollow wicks, splined wicks, helixed wicks, wicks with internal grooves and/or external ridges, or wicks with any other features. A size and/or shape of the tubes of the present disclosure also need not be the same as a size and/or shape of the wicks of the present disclosure. In an illustrative embodiment, a tube may have a round cross-sectional shape and a wick may have a star shape.

Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with other embodiments.

Further, although directional terminology, such as front, back, top, bottom, upper, lower, etc. may be used throughout the present specification, it should be understood that such terms are not limiting and are only utilized herein to convey the orientation of different elements with respect to one another.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure provides refills, methods, and systems for emitting two or more compositions from a single refill. The refills, methods, and systems provide metering of two or more compositions and/or alternation of two or more compositions to prevent habituation and create a more pleasurable experience for a user.