Abstract:
A method of attaching two or more different refills to a volatile material dispenser includes the steps of providing a volatile material dispenser that includes a housing and a cavity adapted to accept two or more different refills containing volatile materials and attaching a first refill within the cavity of the volatile material dispenser. The method further includes the steps of removing the first refill from the cavity and attaching a second refill within the cavity of the volatile material dispenser, wherein the second refill has at least one feature that is different than at least one feature of the first refill.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/837,948, filed Jul. 16, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to volatile material dispensers and, more particularly, to volatile material dispensers having one or more retention features for coupling a refill thereto. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Background of the Invention 
         [0005]    Multiple different volatile material dispensers are commercially sold and generally include a housing and a volatile material refill that is inserted into the housing. The refill generally includes a container or bottle for holding a volatile material therein. In some dispensers, the volatile material is passively emitted therefrom. In other dispensers, a diffusion element is utilized to facilitate the dispensing of the volatile material. Examples of diffusion elements include heaters, piezoelectric elements, fans, aerosol actuators, and the like. Regardless of the manner in which the volatile material is emitted, once the volatile material has been expended from the refill, the refill can typically be removed by a user and replaced with a new refill. 
         [0006]    One type of commercial volatile material dispenser, referred to herein as a plug-in scented oil dispenser, includes a housing and a heater disposed within the housing. A refill for use with a plug-in scented oil dispenser generally includes a container portion having a bottom end and a top end, wherein the container portion terminates in a neck portion at the top end. A volatile material is disposed within the container portion and a wick is in contact with the volatile material and extends out of the refill through the neck portion. A plug or other connector generally positions and retains the wick within the neck portion. Upon insertion of the refill into the dispenser, at least a portion of the wick is disposed adjacent the heater such that volatile material that moves through the wick is volatilized by the heater. 
         [0007]    Another feature of various volatile material dispensers and refills is that each refill has features that are unique or complementary to the particular dimensions of the housing of the dispenser for which it is sold. Still further, each refill has a feature that interacts with a further feature in the dispenser for which it is manufactured to retain the refill within the dispenser. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to illustrative embodiments, a method of attaching two or more different refills to a volatile material dispenser includes the steps of providing a volatile material dispenser that includes a housing and a cavity adapted to accept two or more different refills containing volatile materials and attaching a first refill within the cavity of the volatile material dispenser. The method further includes the steps of removing the first refill from the cavity and attaching a second refill within the cavity of the volatile material dispenser, wherein the second refill has at least one feature that is different than at least one feature of the first refill. 
         [0009]    In any of the embodiments herein, the step of attaching the first refill within the cavity may include the step of attaching the first refill to the housing by a latch that interacts with a structure on a neck portion of the first refill to prevent downward movement of the first refill. 
         [0010]    In any of the embodiments herein, the latch may not retain the second refill. 
         [0011]    In any of the embodiments herein, the volatile material dispenser may further include a channel disposed within the cavity for accommodating first and second wicks extending from the first and second refills, respectively, and a heater disposed within the housing and spaced from the channel such that heat is transferred from the heater to each of the wicks when the respective refills are attached to the housing. 
         [0012]    In any of the embodiments herein, the first refill may be symmetrical about a plane that extends along a width of the first refill and through a vertical axis of the first refill and the second refill may be asymmetrical about a plane that that extends along a width of the second refill and through a vertical axis of the second refill. 
         [0013]    In any of the embodiments herein, the feature of the first refill may include similarly-shaped protrusions extending from front and rear surface thereof and the feature of the second refill does not include similarly-shaped protrusions extending from front and rear surfaces thereof. 
         [0014]    In any of the embodiments herein, the feature of the second refill may include a cylindrical projection extending from the rear surface thereof and the feature of the first refill does not include a cylindrical projection extending from the rear surface thereof. 
         [0015]    In other illustrative embodiments, a method of attaching two or more different refills to a volatile material dispenser includes the step of providing a volatile material dispenser that includes a housing, a cavity adapted to separately accept two or more different refills containing volatile materials, a first implement that attaches a first refill to the housing, and a second implement that attaches the second refill to the housing, wherein the first and second implements are different and retain the first and second refills, respectively, in different manners. The method further includes the steps of attaching the first refill within the cavity of the volatile material dispenser such that the first implement retains the first refill, removing the first refill from the cavity, and attaching the second refill within the cavity of the volatile material dispenser such that the second implement retains the second refill, wherein the second refill has at least one feature that is different than at least one feature of the first refill. 
         [0016]    In any of the embodiments herein, the first implement may not attach the second refill to the housing and the second implement does not attach the first refill to the housing. 
         [0017]    In any of the embodiments herein, the step of attaching the first refill within the cavity may include the step of attaching the first refill to the housing by a latch that interacts with a structure on a neck portion of the first refill to prevent downward movement of the first refill. 
         [0018]    In any of the embodiments herein, the latch may not retain the second refill. 
         [0019]    In any of the embodiments herein, the volatile material dispenser may further include a channel disposed within the cavity for accommodating first and second wicks extending from the first and second refills, respectively, and a heater disposed within the housing and spaced from the channel such that heat is transferred from the heater to each of the wicks when the respective refills are attached to the housing. 
         [0020]    In any of the embodiments herein, the first refill may be symmetrical about a plane that extends along a width of the first refill and through a vertical axis of the first refill and the second refill may be asymmetrical about a plane that that extends along a width of the second refill and through a vertical axis of the second refill. 
         [0021]    In any of the embodiments herein, the feature of the first refill may include similarly-shaped protrusions extending from front and rear surface thereof and the feature of the second refill does not include similarly-shaped protrusions extending from front and rear surfaces thereof. 
         [0022]    In any of the embodiments herein, the feature of the second refill may include a cylindrical projection extending from the rear surface thereof and the feature of the first refill may not include a cylindrical projection extending from the rear surface thereof. 
         [0023]    Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, wherein similar structures have like or similar reference numerals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a top isometric view of a first embodiment of a volatile material dispenser according to the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the volatile material dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the volatile material dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of the volatile material dispenser of  FIG. 1  with a front cover removed therefrom; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a bottom isometric view of the volatile material dispenser of  FIG. 1  with the front cover removed therefrom; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a bottom elevational view of the volatile material dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a top isometric view of a refill that may be inserted into the volatile material dispensers disclosed herein; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the refill of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a top elevational view of the refill of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of the volatile material dispenser of  FIG. 4  with the refill of  FIGS. 7-9  inserted therein in a first orientation; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a front elevational view of the volatile material dispenser of  FIG. 4  with the refill of  FIGS. 7-9  inserted therein in a second orientation; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  is a top isometric view of another refill that may be inserted into the volatile material dispensers disclosed herein; 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  is a side elevational view of the refill of  FIG. 12 ; and 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  is a front elevational view of the volatile material dispenser of  FIG. 4  with the refill of  FIGS. 12 and 13  inserted therein in a first orientation. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    The present invention is directed to volatile material dispensers for vaporizing and dispensing volatile materials. While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, several specific embodiments are discussed herein with the understanding that the present invention is to be considered only as an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and it is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
         [0039]    Further, the use of the term volatile material herein refers to any volatile material that a consumer may desire to emit into an area surrounding one or more refills holding the volatile material(s) and/or a dispenser holding one or more refills. Illustratively, the types of volatile materials may be, for example, a cleaner, an insecticide, an insect repellant, an insect attractant, a mold or mildew inhibitor, a fragrance, a disinfectant, an air purifier, an aromatherapy scent, an antiseptic, a positive fragrancing volatile material, an air-freshener, a deodorizer, or the like, and combinations thereof. Additives may be included in the volatile material, such as, for example, fragrances and/or preservatives. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-7 , a first embodiment of a volatile material dispenser  20  of the present invention includes a housing  22  formed from a front cover  24  and a rear cover  26 . A chassis  28  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) is disposed within the housing  22  between the front and rear covers  24 ,  26  and supports various components, such as, a plug assembly  28  ( FIGS. 2 ,  5 , and  6 ), a printed circuit board (not shown), a fan  30  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ), first and second ceramic heating bodies  32   a,    32   b  ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ), first and second light emitting diodes (LEDs)  34   a,    34   b  (only  34   a  shown  FIGS. 3 and 4 ), and a selector switch  36  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the chassis  28  generally includes first and second generally cylindrical structures  40   a,    40   b  forming first and second channels  42   a,    42   b , respectively, wherein the first and second ceramic heating bodies  32   a,    32   b  are disposed above the first and second generally cylindrical structures  40   a,    40   b,  respectively. The heating bodies  32   a,    32   b  further include channels  44   a,    44   b  formed therethrough to accommodate wicks, wherein the channels  44   a,    44   b  are aligned with the channels  42   a,    42   b  through the cylindrical structures  40   a,    40   b  to accommodate wicks. The chassis  28  further includes first and second chimneys  46   a ,  46   b  that are disposed above and aligned with the first and second heating bodies  32   a,    32   b , respectively. The PCB is disposed within the chassis  28  behind the heating bodies  32   a,    32   b , cylindrical structures  40   a,    40   b,  and the chimneys  46   a,    46   b,  wherein the first and second LEDs  34   a,    34   b  extend from the PCB to points adjacent rear surfaces of the first and second chimneys  46   a,    46   b,  respectively, to illuminate same. 
         [0042]    As seen in  FIGS. 2-7 , the chassis  28  further includes a generally horizontal member  60  disposed at lower ends of the cylindrical structures  40   a,    40   b  and a generally vertical member  62  that is perpendicular to and extends downwardly from a central portion  64  of the horizontal member  60 . A lower end  66  of the vertical member  62  is curved and includes curved ledges  68   a ,  68   b  extending from opposing sides  70   a,    70   b  thereof and being generally perpendicular to the vertical member  62 . 
         [0043]    The volatile material dispenser  20  includes a number of retention features or implements that aid in retaining a refill therein in more than one orientation, wherein such retention features will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. Specifically, as seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the dispenser  20  includes a first retention feature including a plurality of stationary ribs  80   a,    80   b  disposed on inner surfaces along a height (parallel to a vertical axis of the dispenser) of each of the cylindrical structures  40   a,    40   b  and extending into the channels  42   a,    42   b  formed by the cylindrical structures  40   a,    40   b.  Although seven ribs are depicted on each cylindrical structure  40   a,    40   b,  any number of ribs may be utilized. A second retention features includes flexible, movable ribs  82   a,    82   b  forming a part of the cylindrical structures  40   a,    40   b  and extending into the channels  42   a,    42   b  formed by the cylindrical structures  40   a,    40   b.  The movable ribs  82   a,    82   b  are connected to the cylindrical structures  40   a,    40   b  by a hinge or other flexible structure that allows lower ends  84   a,    84   b  of the ribs  82   a,    82   b  to move in and out of the respective channels  42   a,    42   b.  Although only a single movable rib  82   a,    82   b  is depicted in each cylindrical structure  40   a,    40   b,  any number of movable ribs  82   a,    82   b  may be utilized. The function of the ribs  80   a,    80   b,    82   b,    82   b  will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. 
         [0044]    Still referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a third retention feature includes first and second latches  100   a,    100   b  extending downwardly from the horizontal member  60  and spaced from the respective cylindrical structures  40   a,    40   b.  Each of the latches  100   a,    100   b  includes a downwardly extending member  102   a,    102   b  and an inwardly extending projection  104   a,    104   b.  The curved ledges  68   a,    68   b  described above provide a fourth retention feature. The function of the ledges  68   a,    68   b  and the latches  100   a,    100   b  will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. 
         [0045]    The first channel  42   a,  the vertical member  62 , the ledge  68   a,  the stationary ribs  80   a , the movable ribs  82   a,  and the latch  100   a  are formed within a first cavity  110   a  of the dispenser  20  and provide a first retention housing  112   a  for the retention of a first refill. Likewise, the second channel  42   b,  the vertical member  62 , the ledge  68   b,  the stationary ribs  80   b,  the movable ribs  82   b,  and the latch  100   b  are formed within a second cavity  110   b  of the dispenser  20  and provide a second retention housing  112   b  for the retention of a second refill. 
         [0046]    A first refill  200  capable of insertion into the volatile material dispenser  20  is depicted in  FIGS. 7-9 . The refill  200  generally includes a container portion  202  that holds a volatile material, wherein a cylindrical neck portion  204  extends upwardly from the container portion  202 . A plug assembly  206  is disposed within and attached to the neck portion  204  of the refill  200 . A wick  208  is disposed in contact with the volatile material inside the container portion  202  and extends upwardly through the neck portion  204 , such that a portion of the wick  208  is exposed to a surrounding environment. The wick  208  is retained within the neck portion  204  by the plug assembly  206 , wherein a sheath  209  extends upwardly from the plug assembly  206  to surround a portion of the wick  208 . A thread  210  is disposed on the neck portion  204 , wherein the thread  210  may retain a cap (not shown) thereon and/or may aid in retaining the refill  200  within the dispenser  200 , as discussed in greater detail hereinafter. 
         [0047]    The container portion  202  of the refill  200  includes front and rear surfaces  212   a,    212   b  and first and second side surfaces  212   c,    212   d  connecting the front and rear surfaces  212   a,    212   b . The front surface  212   a  has a generally bulbous central portion and is generally curved inwardly at sides and a bottom thereof and the rear surface  212   b  is generally planar. Further, and referring to  FIG. 7 , the side surfaces  212   c,    212   d  begin at the neck portion  204  and curve outwardly at top portions  214  thereof and inwardly at bottom portions  216  thereof to generally form a heart shape that is truncated at a bottom surface  218  thereof. A shell-shaped protrusion  220  extends outwardly from the front surface  212   a  and a semi-cylindrical projection  222  extends outwardly from the rear surface  212   b  along a height of the container portion  202 . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 10 and 11  depict the refill  200  inserted into and retained within the second retention housing  112   b  of the dispenser  20  in first and second orientations, respectively. In the first orientation of  FIG. 10 , the wick  208  and sheath  209  are inserted into the channel  42   a  and the refill  200  is pushed upwardly until the latch  100   b  meets the thread  210  on the refill  200 . As the thread  210  passes the latch  100   b,  an interference between the thread  210  and the projection  104   b  on the latch  100   b  causes the latch  100   b  to flex outwardly until the thread  210  passes the projection  104   b.  During such movement, the stationary ribs  80   b  create an interference fit between the sheath  209  surrounding the wick  208  of the refill  200 . The movable rib  82   b  allows for a bit of give or movement of the wick  208  and sheath  209  such that the interference fit is not too tight. The stationary ribs  80   b  and movable rib  82   b  create a horizontal load on the sheath  209  that aids in retaining the wick  208  within the channel  42   a.  Once the thread  210  passes the projection  104   b,  the refill  200  is in a retained position, wherein the stationary and movable ribs  80   b,    82   b  partially retain the wick  208  and the sheath  209  in place, the projection  104   b  extending from the latch  100   b  interferes with the thread  210  to prevent downward movement of the refill  200 , and the protrusion  220  extending from the refill  200  sits on the ledge  68   b  to also prevent downwardly movement of the refill  200 . 
         [0049]    In the second orientation of  FIG. 11 , the refill  200  has been rotated 180 degrees about a vertical axis  230  ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ) of the refill  200 . In such orientation, the wick  208  and sheath  209  are inserted and retained in the same manner as with the first orientation (by the stationary and movable ribs  80   b,    82   b ). Additionally, the projection  104   b  extending from the latch  100   b  provides an interference with the thread  210  to prevent downward movement of the refill  200 . In this orientation, the refill  200  is not retained in any way by the protrusion  220  extending therefrom. 
         [0050]    Although a thread  210  is utilized to interact with the latch  100   b,  any annular member, projection, or other structure that interacts with the latch  100   b  to prevent downward movement may alternatively be utilized. Still alternatively, the thread  210  may be discontinuous. 
         [0051]    Although the refill  200  is shown inserted into and retained within the second retention housing  112   b,  the refill  200  can be retained in first and second orientations within the first retention housing  112   a.  In particular, in the first orientation, the protrusion  220  extending from the refill  200  is captured by the ledge  68   a  and in the second orientation, the protrusion  220  extends outwardly away from the ledge  68   a  and is not utilized to retain the refill  200  within the dispenser  20 . 
         [0052]    A further refill  300  capable of insertion into the volatile material dispenser  20  is depicted in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . The refill  300  includes a container  302 , a neck portion  304  extending upwardly from the container  302 , a wick  306  in contact with a volatile material in the container  302  and extending out the neck portion  304 , and a plug assembly  308  for holding the wick  306  within the neck portion  304 . The container  302  includes a body  310  that is generally symmetrical about the neck portion  304  and includes opposing front and rear walls  312   a,    312   b  and opposing side walls  314   a,    314   b.  Shell-shaped protrusions  316   a,    316   b  extend outwardly from the front and rear walls  312   a,    312   b,  respectively. The protrusions  316   a,    316   b  may alternatively have any other suitable shape. The neck portion  304  includes a thread  320  disposed on an outer surface thereof for attachment of a cap (not shown) thereto and the plug assembly  308  includes a sheath  322  extending upwardly therefrom, wherein the sheath  322  surrounds at least a portion of the wick  306 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 14  depicts the refill  300  inserted into and retained within the second retention housing  112   b  of the dispenser  20  in a first orientation. Because the refill  300  is symmetrical about the neck portion  304  thereof, the refill  300  fits within the dispenser  20  in the same exact manner for the second orientation, so only the first orientation will be discussed herein. In the first orientation, the wick  306  and sheath  322  are inserted into the channel  42   a  and the refill  300  is pushed upwardly. During such movement, the stationary ribs  80   b  create an interference fit with the sheath  322  surrounding the wick  306  of the refill  300  (by way of a horizontal load being applied to the sheath  322 ), as discussed in detail above. The movable rib  82   b  allows for a bit of give or movement of the wick  306  and sheath  322  such that the interference fit is not too tight. In a retained position, wherein the stationary and movable ribs  80   b,    82   b  partially retain the wick  306  and the sheath  322  in place, the protrusion  316   a  extending from the refill  300  sits on the ledge  68   b  to prevent downward movement of the refill  300 . In the second orientation, which is rotated 180 degrees about a vertical axis  330  ( FIG. 13 ) of the refill  300  from the first orientation, the protrusion  316   b  would prevent downward movement of the refill  300  in the same manner. 
         [0054]    Although terms such as vertical, horizontal, downward, inward, etc. are utilized throughout the present application, such terms are not meant to limit the present invention, but instead, give relative direction when the dispenser  20  and/or refills  200 ,  300  are placed in a use position. Still further, although the dispensers  30  herein are described as having certain electrical features (LEDs, fan, heaters, etc.), the principles of the present invention may be utilized in dispensers having different electrical features. 
         [0055]    Although multiple retention features are described herein, not all of such retention features are necessary for the present invention. Further, other refills having different shapes, sizes, and/or configurations may be utilized with the dispensers herein, so long as the appropriate retention features are present and capable of attachment with the dispensers. 
         [0056]    Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with other embodiments. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0057]    The present invention provides volatile material dispensers that accommodate different volatile material refills having different features. This allows a user to purchase a single volatile material dispenser and use refills from multiple different manufacturers. 
         [0058]    Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure and to teach the best mode of carrying out same. The exclusive rights to all modifications that come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.