Abstract:
A spill-proof aerator is disclosed that is adapted to flamelessly diffuse a liquid solution into the atmosphere. The device comprises a liquid solution having less than 20% volatile organic compounds housed in a vessel with at least one wall, wherein an opening is disposed in the wall. The device further includes a wick assembly including at least a wick of porous material capable of being disposed in the opening of the vessel for at least partial submergence in the liquid solution. The wick is further disposed for drawing up the liquid solution thorough capillary action. The wick assembly is reusable and adapted to removably seal the opening in the vessel.

Description:
This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/089,088, filed Aug. 15, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present exemplary embodiment relates to an apparatus for dispersing low volatile organic compound (VOC) liquid solutions into the atmosphere. It finds particular application in conjunction with flameless, environmental fragrance diffusers, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiment is also amenable to other like applications. 
     Over the past decade, fragrance diffusers have increased in popularity as consumers look for safe, non-flammable ways to scent their environments. Particularly, reed diffusers have quickly become household staples as a safe way to fill a space with fragrance while avoiding the dangers of candles. Additionally, the reed diffusers provide long-lasting scent while being both economical and attractive. Fragrance reed diffusers are all generally similar in form and consist of a glass container, a set of reeds and diffuser solution, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The glass bottle is filled about three quarters of the way full of the diffuser solution and the reeds are inserted into the solution. The reeds “wick,” or draw up the diffuser solution through channels disposed in each reed. The scent is then dispersed into the air through evaporation and the natural properties of the generally high volatile organic compounds in the fragrance solution “lift” the fragrance into the air. 
     Reed diffusers possess numerous disadvantages that cause such diffusers to be less desirable to a consumer. For instance, reed diffusers are not maintenance free, but rather require users to flip or turn the reeds about once a week to refresh the scent. Another known disadvantage is that diffusers are not spill-proof. The required reed flipping may cause the diffuser solution to spill onto the user&#39;s hands or surface top on which the diffuser rests. The diffusers generally have open tops into which the reeds or sticks are inserted. The reeds do not seal-off the opening and thereby leave the solution exposed to the air and vulnerable to spilling out of the diffuser. Therefore, current diffusers are not suitable for all environments, such as vehicles and areas with children and/or pets. Additionally, reed diffusers are not reusable and must be changed every time the scent is changed, or about once a month. The thin reeds or sticks that are used often become clogged up and must be thrown out. 
     Diffusers have recently come under environmental regulatory scrutiny due to their liquid content&#39;s levels of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC). VOCs are organic chemical compounds that have high enough vapor pressure under normal condition to significantly vaporize and enter the atmosphere. Household products such as air fresheners, insecticides, disinfectants, etc., commonly contain VOCs. VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids and liquids and include a variety of chemicals. There are several concerns surrounding VOCs. First, VOCs combine with nitrogen oxides in the air to form ozone (commonly known as smog), which has been demonstrated to contribute to air pollution problems. Additionally, select VOCs may impact the respiratory and neurological systems causing negative health effects. 
     The Environmental Protection Agency, along with a number of leading equivalent state agencies in California, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maine, Delaware and Washington D.C. have passed stringent statutes limiting the VOC content in various consumer related products. Of these states, California has been the most stringent, specifically calling on air freshener products to limit their VOC content to 18%. Market samplings of the products currently being sold on the market revealed that over 84% of the products had VOC levels far surpassing these levels. 
     Many of the liquid fragrance solutions used in traditional diffusers currently sold in the marketplace contain high levels of VOCs as they act as carriers lifting molecules into the air. In order to work effectively, the VOCs must come in contact with the surrounding air, react and then lift the non-volatile ingredients into the air. Therefore, current diffusers must either have the solution exposed directly to the surrounding air (as in an open top container), or by using a device/mechanism that transfers the solution from a container to a surface that is exposed to the air (as in many closed top containers). Historically wicking mechanisms in both types of diffusers, closed and open top, did not have to be as efficient in the diffusing function owing to the fact that a high VOC content liquid being wicked/exposed had enough lift to be able to diffuse itself into the surrounding environment. When using a mechanism to transfer the solution from a container, often times, the non-volatile compounds end up clogging the ‘channels’ that transfer the solution through capillary action. When channels become clogged, the wick can no longer function properly and must be replaced. As VOC content is lowered, the percentage of non-volatile ingredients increase, the design and functionality of the diffuser become much more important in order to maintain diffusion efficacy. Thus, the higher the concentration of non-volatile compounds, the more likely the mechanism will clog and work less effectively. 
     Additionally, the surface area of exposed solution directly impacts the effectiveness of the diffuser. This is why many previous embodiments have used multiple reeds to increase the surface area of the exposed solution by creating two surfaces with which to expose the solution to the air (the reeds themselves and direct contact with the solution). The same is true for diffusers that use a mechanism to transfer the solution to an exposed surface. However, VOCs also play an important role in determining the necessary surface area. The lower the VOC content of the solution being diffused, the greater the need for a large surface area and efficient absorption in order to maintain optimal product function. 
     Due to the recent environmental VOC standard changes, there has developed a need for an aerator that can implement an increased concentration of non-volatile compounds (above 80%) resulting in low VOC levels without clogging. It is also desirable to ensure the diffuser has an absorption rate sufficient to quickly expose the solution to a large surface area and that the diffuser can provide a consistent flow of the solution to the surface and properly release the solution into the atmosphere. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a spill-proof device is disclosed that is adapted to flamelessly diffuse a low volatile liquid solution into the atmosphere. The device comprises a liquid solution having less than 20% volatile organic compounds housed in a vessel with at least one wall, wherein an opening is disposed in the wall. The device further includes a wick assembly including at least a wick of porous material capable of being disposed in the opening of the vessel for at least partial submergence in the liquid solution. The wick is further disposed for drawing up the liquid solution through capillary action. The wick assembly is reusable and adapted to removably seal the opening in the vessel. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a spill-proof diffuser assembly is disclosed that is adapted to flamelessly diffuse low volatile liquids into the ambient air. The assembly comprises a vessel for housing a liquid solution having an opening with a raised neck portion, an aerator top comprising a porous material having a first shallow recess and a second deeper recess concentrically disposed therein, and a wick capable of being removably disposed in the second recess. The first recess is adapted to removably engage the neck portion, and the wick is disposed for at least partial submergence in the liquid. At least one of the diffuser top and wick seal the opening of the vessel. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosed for flamelessly diffusing a low volatile liquid solution into the atmosphere. The method includes filling a vessel having an opening with a liquid solution having less than 20% volatile organic compound, creating a reusable, porous wick assembly comprising at least an aerator top and a wick by removably inserting at least one wick to said diffuser top; creating a spill-proof seal between said vessel and said wick assembly; and partially submerging one or more of the wicks in the liquid solution enabling the one or more wicks to transfer the liquid solution to said diffuser top through capillary action. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will take form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, preferred embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a three dimensional rendering of prior art reed diffusers; 
         FIG. 2  is a three dimensional view of the spill-proof aerator assembly according to the present invention 
         FIG. 3  is a two dimensional view of the spill-proof aerator assembly portrayed in  FIG. 2  as viewed from the side; 
         FIG. 4(   a ) is a three dimensional view of a spill-proof aerator assembly with a cube shaped vessel and square shaped top with a cylindrical wick; 
         FIG. 4(   b ) is a three dimensional view of a spill-proof aerator assembly with a cylindrically shaped vessel, top and wick; 
         FIG. 4(   c ) is a three dimensional view of a spill-proof aerator assembly with a pyramid shaped vessel and top and a cylindrical wick; 
         FIG. 4(   d ) is a three dimensional view of a spill-proof aerator assembly with a cylindrical shaped vessel with a domed top and a cylindrical wick; 
         FIG. 5  is a three dimensional view of the solid top of the proposed spill-proof aerator with the wick removed; 
         FIG. 6  is a two dimensional view of the solid top of the proposed fragrance aerator from the side with the dowel wick; 
         FIG. 7  is a three dimensional view of the vessel which holds the fragrance solution for diffusion having a neck portion; 
         FIG. 8(   a ) is a cylindrical shaped vessel with a neck portion that is narrower than the rest of the vessel; 
         FIG. 8(   b ) is a cylindrical shaped vessel without a neck portion; 
         FIG. 9  is a three dimensional view of a cylindrical wick used to wick liquid into the solid top. 
         FIG. 10  is a three dimensional view of the solid top of the aerator assembly including the single wick which has been inserted into the solid top; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the solid top of the proposed spill-proof aerator; 
         FIG. 12  is a three dimensional view of an aerator assembly employing three cylindrical wicks; 
         FIG. 13  is a three dimensional view of a solid top employing three cylindrical wicks turned upside down; 
         FIG. 14  is an aerator assembly using a tapered wick to seal the top of the vessel; 
         FIG. 15  is a three dimensional view of an open vessel sealed by a gasket attached to the solid top; 
         FIG. 16  is an aerator assembly having a threaded screw top wick for mating with a threaded necked vessel; 
         FIG. 17  is an aerator assembly having a stopper based mechanism attached to the wick for insertion into the vessel opening and creating a seal; 
         FIG. 18  is an aerator assembly having a tongue and groove mechanism for sealing the top and wick to the vessel; 
         FIG. 19  is a solid top with an adhesive coating meant to be mated with the vessel opening; and 
         FIG. 20  is a two dimensional view of an aerator assembly wherein the diffusing mechanism is a wick with a large surface area top. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of this invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIG. 2  illustrates one exemplary embodiment of the spill-proof aerator assembly  2  fully assembled, in accordance with the present invention. Aerator assembly  2  includes a two-piece wick assembly comprising solid top  8  and wick  6 , inserted into the solid top  8  and partially submerged in vessel  4 . Alternatively, the wick assembly could be one continuous piece. Vessel  4  is filled with a liquid solution (not shown) preferably comprising a mixture of volatile/non-volatile liquids having a volatile organic compound (VOC) level below 20%. The liquid solution may include fragrances, deodorizers, insecticides, decongestants, and the like. The exact solution composition may be optimized according to a manufacturer&#39;s specific products. However, mixing various liquids must be proportioned such that solvents with naturally higher VOCs will require the addition of a lower VOC liquid to ensure the emission is below the 20% threshold. Similarly, when the solvent has a low VOC, a higher VOC content may be implemented in the liquid. 
       FIG. 3  displays aerator assembly  2  from a side angle with solid top  8  resting snugly against vessel  4 . Wick  6 , extends from the solid top  8  partially through vessel  4 . The aerator assembly is not limited to the particular shape or assembly displayed, and may take any form desired without affecting the function of the aerator. As illustrated in  FIG. 4(   a )-( d ), the aerator assembly may have a cube shaped vessel  13  with a square top  11 ( a ), a cylinder shaped vessel  17  and top  15 ( b ), a pyramid shaped vessel  21  and top  19 ( c ), or a cylindrical vessel  17  with a dome top  23 ( d ). However, the aerator assembly is not limited to the exemplary shapes listed herein. It is to be appreciated that the aerator referred to herein takes on a generic shape unless otherwise specified. 
     As seen in  FIG. 5 , solid top  8  includes at least a top surface  14  and bottom surface  16 . Solid top  8  is generally shaped so as to provide multiple evaporation faces to facilitate the release of liquid into the atmosphere; however a single face of the solid top can be used as the evaporative surface. The shape of solid top  8  is not critical, and may be, for example, a disk, square, rectangle, cone or sphere, with walls that are smooth, undulated, ribbed, grooved, flat, or formed in any other way, providing the solid top is able to evaporate the particular liquid used. Solid top  8  may be formed of a fibrous material with absorptive qualities, such as wood and ceramics, or the like. 
     As best displayed in  FIG. 6 , one exemplary embodiment of solid top  8  includes a first hole  10  and a second, larger hole  12 , each disposed in bottom surface  16 . Neither first hole  10  nor second hole  12  fully traverse the solid top  8 . Second hole  12  is larger in diameter, but shallower than first hole  10 . Therefore, first hole  10  is concentrically disposed inside second hole and extends deeper into solid top  8 , toward top surface  14 . The solid top  8  may be formed to any thickness providing the thickness is sufficient to allow for a first hole  10  and a second hole  12 , if such holes are used in the top  8 . In another embodiment, solid top  2  may comprise only one hole, or no holes at all. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary vessel  4  according to the present invention. Vessel  4  is depicted as being substantially cube-shaped; however, as stated previously, the particular shape and/or volume is not critical to the assembly and substantially depends on aesthetic requirements. Generally, vessel  4  includes an upper wall  20 , a lower wall  22 , and at least one end wall  23 . Vessel  4  is preferably formed of glass. However, the vessel  4  may alternatively comprise any suitable material such as metal, porcelain, plastic, etc. According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, vessel  4  includes a neck portion  24 , circumferentially surrounding an opening  32 . Neck portion  24  is preferably more narrow than the rest of the vessel and raised above upper wall  20  to releasably engage second hole  12  of solid top  8 . In this exemplary embodiment, vessel  4  includes a crimp-top neck  24  that fits snuggly inside second hole  12 , creating a spill-proof seal between the solid top  8  and the vessel  4 . A screw top neck on the bottle can also be utilized to the same effectiveness. When solid top engages vessel  4  creating a seal, a second spill-proof seal is created by the insertion of wick  6  through opening  32 . Therefore, this particular embodiment comprises a double spill-proof seal.  FIG. 8  displays two additional exemplary embodiments of the vessel opening  32 . The vessel in  FIG. 8(   a ) contains the narrow neck portion  24  raised above the upper wall  20 . The neck portion  24  may be threaded or non-threaded for mating with the solid top  8  and wick  6  assembly. The vessel displayed in  FIG. 8(   b ) does not include a neck portion and instead maintains a wide opening  32 . 
     Wick  6  comprises a porous or fibrous material, including but not limited to wood, ceramics, fibers, plastics, or any other materials providing significant absorption. As opposed to known diffusers, the wick  6  according to the present invention may be re-used multiple times, even if the particular type of liquid is changed. Once the wick  6  completely dries and is rid of the previous liquid, it may be re-used regardless of the scent or composition of the previous liquid. Due to the particular cut, moisture level and wood material, the wick will not experience the problem of clogging known diffusers face, wherein the wicks may only be used once and then must be changed. In one embodiment, wick  6  comprises wood cut longitudinally with the wood grain in a vertical fashion. This assists in liquid uptake. If the wood was cut horizontally, capillary action will be retarded and the device will not diffuse efficiently. Moreover, it is preferable if the wood has a moisture content of less than 15% to maximize absorption and further limit clogging. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , wick  6  comprises a first end  28  extended opposite a second end  30 . First end  28  is formed such that it may be releasably received by first hole  10 , as best seen in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . Wick  6  is preferably inserted into first hole  10  by hand and the fit should be exact, thereby eliminating any need for extra tools. Wick  6  may alternatively be mated with solid top  8  in any way known in the art, such as threading, use of adhesives and interlocking connectors, so long as the liquid solution is effectively communicated from the wick  6  to solid top  8 . In one embodiment, wick  6  is cylindrical in shape, with second end  30  being tapered such that first end  28  has a larger radius than second end  30 . Although depicted in the figures as a cylinder, wick  6  may take on any shape appropriate for the particular aerator to be used. For example, if first hole  10  is shaped as a square, it may be necessary for first end  28  of wick  6  to be shaped as a complementary square. Additionally, an aerator may employ multiple wicks, as seen in  FIGS. 12 and 13 .  FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate the use of three separate wicks, each mated with first holes  10  of solid top  8 . However, any number of wicks may alternatively be used. 
     The spill-proof aerator of the present invention according to one exemplary embodiment, is assembled by first filling vessel  4  with a desired volatile and, optionally, nonvolatile liquid (maintaining total VOC levels below 20%). Once the liquid is disposed in vessel  4 , first end  28  of wick  6  is inserted into first hole  10  of solid top  8 . Second end  30  of wick  6  is then inserted through opening  32  and into vessel  4 . Due to the tapered shape of wick  6 , as the wick  6  is lowered into vessel  4 , the width of the wick  6  increases until the wick  6  seals off the opening  32  of vessel  4 , as best seen in  FIG. 14 . As described above, the opening  32  may alternatively, or additionally, be sealed by the engagement of solid top  8  and opening  32 . Second hole  12  may be secured to neck portion  24  using a snap arrangement, screw arrangement, or any other suitable method known in the art. Solid top is preferably removable from the vessel by hand, without the use of external tools. Therefore, once assembled, solid top  8  rests flush up against vessel  4  and opening  32  is sealed off creating a spill-proof effect that will endure even if it were knocked on its side or even turned over. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates another embodiment of the spill-proof seal of the present invention, using a gasket  38  to form a pressure seal. Gasket  38  can be either attached to solid top  8  or to vessel opening  32 . Gasket  38  may be made out of any flexible material known in the art that is resistant to liquid and does not corrode or wear easily. Common gasket/seal materials that may be used include rubber, neoprene and various soft plastics. The pressure seal is created when the top/wick combo is inserted into the vessel  4  and pressed down gently. 
       FIG. 16  displays yet another embodiment of the spill-proof seal according to the present invention. Vessel  4  includes a threaded neck  26  that is adapted to engage a threaded cap  40  that fits over first end  28  of wick  6  and creates a tight seal.  FIG. 16  shows how the threaded cap  40 /wick  6  arrangement is then securely mated with an opening  32 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention seen in  FIG. 17 , a stopper/gasket  48  is attached to wick  6 , close to first end  28 . Wick  6  is then inserted into opening  32  of vessel  4  to create a spill-proof seal. The stoppered wick  6  can then be mated to solid top  8  through the various methods described above. Similar to the gasket seal, the stopper  48  can be made of a number of flexible materials that are impervious to liquids including, but not limited to rubbers, plastics, neoprene, and similar materials. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as seen in  FIG. 18 , a spill-proof seal is created by employing a tongue and groove mechanism between the solid top  8 , wick  6  and the vessel  4 . Vessel  4  has a tongue  50  protruding inwards on opening  32 , similar to an inner tube. Tongue  50  can be made from a number of flexible, liquid impervious material such as rubber or various plastics. Solid top  8  has a separate grooved piece  52 , which is made to fit the tongue  50  and fits snuggly when the top/wick combo is pressed unto vessel  4 . Additionally,  FIG. 19  displays another exemplary embodiment for creating a spill-proof seal between the vessel  4  and solid top  8 . An adhesive may be applied to hole  53  of solid top  8 , which is then mated on to vessel neck  24 . The adhesive may be a commercially available adhesive. This method of adhesion may also be used on no-neck vessels. 
     The spill-proof aerator assembly may alternatively not include a solid top, and diffusion into the atmosphere occurs completely through the wick  6 , as displayed in  FIG. 20 . The wick  6  preferably expands as it extends out of the vessel opening  32  creating a larger surface area to optimize diffusion. 
     The spill-proof aerator for low volatile organic compound liquids, once assembled and filled with the liquid solution, uses the natural properties of the solid top  8  and the wick  6  to diffuse the liquid into the air. The one or more wicks  6  act as a sponge and soak up the liquid contained in the vessel through capillary action. The liquid then travels through the wick  6  and into the solid top  8 , whereby through further capillary action, the solid top becomes soaked in the liquid. This wicking action through the wick and the top begins the diffusion process through the air as the liquid reaches the surface of the top. 
     Since solid top  8  is solid and the vessel  4  is sealed, through either a single or double seal, there is no need for maintenance of the spill-proof aerator. After initial assembly and insertion, no further user action is required. The solid top will continue to diffuse and the wick will continue to “wick” until all of the liquid solution in the vessel has been used. Once all the liquid has been used, the solid top  8 /wick  6  assembly may be removed from engagement with vessel  4  and vessel  4  may be refilled with liquid to be diffused. 
     The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the exemplary embodiment be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.