Abstract:
A device that is adapted to discharge a volatile material includes a display frame with a front face and a rear face. An opening is disposed in the front face. A dispenser is disposed within the display frame. The dispenser comprises a blister holding a volatile material and a permeable membrane extends across an open end of the blister. The rear face includes an integral foot member actuable between first and second states. The permeable membrane is disposed adjacent the front face and prevents the release of the volatile material in a first condition and permits the release of the volatile material through the opening in a second condition.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Not applicable 
   REFERENCE REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable 
   SEQUENTIAL LISTING 
   Not applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Background 
   The present invention generally relates to a volatile material dispensing system, and more particularly, to a volatile material dispenser in combination with an adjustable chipboard holder. 
   2. Description of the Background 
   Volatile material dispensers have been used to provide fragrances to office or home settings. One such dispenser is an ornamental design for a combined picture frame and potpourri holder. The design includes front and rear panels angled from each other. A recess is centered within the front panel to provide an area to insert a photograph. A bridge connects both the front and rear panels. 
   Another such ornamental design for a dispenser includes a combined air freshener and picture frame. The frame includes front and rear faces, wherein the front face includes two rectangular stepped portions extending outwardly therefrom and the rear face is planar. An opening extends through the front and rear faces adjacent an upper portion of the frame. 
   Yet another dispenser includes first and second panels. A base joins the first and second panels to provide a platform to support the device in a tent configuration. The second side panel has a tab extending therefrom. Means are provided to capture the tab that is associated with the first side panel. An opening in one of the side panels is provided for mounting a volatile material filled reservoir. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   According to one embodiment of the present invention, a device adapted to discharge a volatile material includes a display frame having a front face and a rear face. An opening is disposed in the front face. A dispenser is disposed within the display frame. The dispenser comprises a blister holding a volatile material and a permeable membrane extends across an open end of the blister. The rear face includes an integral foot member actuable between first and second states. The permeable membrane is disposed adjacent the front face and prevents the release of the volatile material in a first condition and permits the release of the volatile material through the opening in a second condition. 
   According to another embodiment of the present invention, a substantially flat blank adapted for assembly into a dispensing system includes a first wall portion with a removable cover extending across a first opening. A second wall portion is hingedly connected to a first end of the first wall portion about a first fold line. A third wall portion is hingedly connected to an end of the second wall portion about a second fold line. The third wall portion further includes a second opening. A fourth wall portion is hingedly connected to a second end of the first wall portion about a third fold line. The fourth wall portion further includes a third opening adapted to receive a reservoir of a volatile material holding dispenser. The second and third openings are substantially the same size and are adapted to align within one another during a first in use position. 
   According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating a volatile material dispenser includes the step of providing an inverted V-shaped structure that has first and second sides. The first side retains a volatile material dispensing cartridge and the second side includes a support member actuable between first and second positions. A different step comprises activating the volatile material dispensing cartridge. Another step includes disposing the support member in at least one of the first and second positions. The first position is characterized by the support member being substantially flush with the first side and the second condition is characterized by the support member being angled from the first side a distance sufficient to support the V-shaped structure. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is front elevational view of the dispensing system in a first state that includes a frame and a dispenser; 
       FIG. 2  is an front isometric view of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a rear isometric view of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of  FIG. 2  along the lines  4 - 4  in a first condition; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser of  FIG. 2  along the lines  5 - 5  in a second condition; 
       FIG. 6  is a front elevational view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 1  with a front cover removed therefrom; 
       FIG. 7  is rear elevational view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 9  is an front isometric view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 1  in a second state; 
       FIG. 10  is a front isometric view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 9  with a front cover removed therefrom; 
       FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a rear isometric view of the dispensing system of  FIG. 9 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a plan view of a front side of a blank used to manufacture the dispensing system of FIGS.  1  and  6 - 12 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a plan view of a rear side of the blank of  FIG. 13 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a front elevational view of a second dispensing system in a first state that includes a frame and a dispenser; 
       FIG. 16  is a rear isometric view of the second dispensing system of  FIG. 15  in a second state; 
       FIG. 17  is a rear elevational view of a third dispensing system in a first state that includes a frame and a dispenser; and 
       FIG. 18  is a side elevational view of the third dispensing system of  FIG. 17 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a volatile material dispensing system  20  is illustrated. The dispensing system  20  includes a volatile material dispenser  22  and a display frame  24 . The frame  24  is operable between first and second states to provide a user various manners of utilizing the present dispensing system  20 . 
     FIG. 1  depicts the display frame  24  in the first state. A front face  26  of the display frame  24  comprises a first wall portion  28 . The first wall portion  28  is substantially rectangular in shape and has a width of about 3.5 in. and a height of about 5 in. A cover  30  is provided within the front wall portion  28  and attached thereto by a perforated section  32  about a periphery of the cover  30 . The cover  30  is substantially square except for an arcuately shaped portion that has been removed from an upper corner of the cover  30 . The removed portion defines a slot  34 . The cover  30  is substantially centered about the width of the front face  26  and is directed closer to a bottom end  36  of the display frame  24  than a top end  38  thereof. A hole  40  is disposed within the first wall portion  28  adjacent the top end  38 . 
   The cover  30  overlies the dispenser  22  further illustrated in  FIGS. 2-5 . With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the dispenser  22  or cartridge comprises a blister  44 , a peripheral flange  46 , and an impermeable laminate  48  releasably adhered to the blister  44  and the flange  46 . The blister  44  includes a non-porous permeable membrane  50  and a cup-shaped structure  52  or reservoir. The cup-shaped structure  52  includes a bottom wall  54  and four side walls  56  that in conjunction with the permeable membrane  50  act as a sealed reservoir to contain a volatile material  58 . Illustratively, the cup-shaped structure  52  and the permeable membrane  50  are formed from clear and/or translucent materials, thereby allowing the volatile material  58  to be visible therethrough. The peripheral flange  46  is planar and is coupled to and extends outwardly from top edges of the cup-shaped structure  52 . In one embodiment, the peripheral flange  46  extends outwardly from upper edges of the side walls  56  and is integrally formed therewith. The present dispenser  22  and the volatile material  58  are similar to those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/881,816, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates the dispenser  22  in a first condition. The dispenser  22  is completely or substantially full in the first condition, i.e., little or no volatile material  58  has diffused through the permeable membrane  50  because the impermeable laminate  48  has not been removed from the blister  44 . There is substantially no diffusion of the volatile material  58  when the dispenser  22  is filled and the impermeable laminate  48  covers the permeable membrane  50 . Illustratively, the impermeable laminate  48  is removed from the blister  44  by a user grasping an end of the impermeable laminate  48  and peeling it off the blister  44 . A tab  60 , extension, or other means for grasping may be included as an extension of the impermeable laminate  48  to aid in removal of same. The extension may be at the corners, ends, and/or on the surface of the impermeable laminate  48 . 
   Following removal of the impermeable laminate  48 , the dispenser  22  begins to transition from a full or first condition ( FIG. 4 ) to an empty or second condition ( FIG. 5 ). There may be a small amount of the volatile material  58  that remains in the blister  18  and the dispenser  22  will still be considered to have reached the second condition. As the volatile material  58  diffuses through the permeable membrane  50 , the permeable membrane  50  slowly collapses upon the bottom wall  54 . With reference to  FIG. 5 , following diffusion of the volatile material  58  across the permeable membrane  50  there is less volatile material  58  contained within the dispenser  22 . Substantially no new air enters the dispenser  22  subsequent to diffusion of the volatile material  58 . The result of this is a pressure gradient across the permeable membrane  50 , with a higher pressure existing in the ambient air than the pressure in the dispenser  22 . The pressure gradient causes the ambient air to exert a net positive pressure upon the dispenser  22 , which presses the permeable membrane  50  against the remaining volatile material  58  and ultimately the bottom wall  54 . 
   With reference again to  FIG. 1 , a portion of the impermeable laminate  48  is visible through the slot  34 . The dispensing system  20  is activated by removing the cover  30  from the display frame  24 , such as is depicted in  FIG. 6 . The cover  30  is removed by grabbing a portion of the cover  30  within the slot  34  and pulling the cover  30  outwardly away from the display frame  24 . When a sufficient force is exerted upon the cover  30 , same will tear away from the first wall portion  28  and provide a substantially square opening  62 . The opening  62  in one embodiment has length and width measurements of about 2.876 in. The impermeable laminate  48  is viewable and accessible through the opening  62 . The impermeable laminate  48  extends a distance substantially coterminous with a width and height of the opening  62 . The impermeable laminate  48  is removed by grasping a portion of the laminate  48 , such as the tab  60 , and pulling the laminate  48  off of the blister  44 . Removal of the impermeable laminate  48  allows the dispenser  22  to transition from the first condition ( FIG. 4 ) to the second condition ( FIG. 5 ), thereby allowing for the volatile material  58  to be dispersed into the atmosphere. 
   A rear face  64  of the display frame  24  is depicted in  FIG. 7 . The rear face  64  comprises second and third wall portions  66 ,  68 , respectively. The second wall portion  66  is substantially rectangular in shape and has a width of about 3.5 in. and a height of about 1 in. The third wall portion  68  is integrally connected to the second wall portion  66  and has a width of about 3.5 in. and a height of about 4 in. A second opening  70  is provided within the third wall portion  66 . The second opening  70  is substantially square-shaped and has length and width dimensions substantially equal to or greater than the length and width dimensions of the cup-shaped structure  52  of the blister  44 . In one embodiment, the second opening  70  is dimensioned to be smaller than the opening  62  of the first wall portion  28  and has length and width measurements of about 2.313 in. The second opening  70  is centered about the width of the rear face  64  and is disposed closer to the bottom end  36  of the display frame  24  than the top end  38 . The hole  40  extends through the second wall portion  66  adjacent the top end  38  of the display frame  24 . The cup-shaped structure  52  protrudes through the second opening  70 . In other embodiments, the cup-shaped structure  52  partially protrudes into the second opening  70  or is substantially aligned therewith.  FIG. 8  provides a side elevational view that illustrates the extent to which the cup-shaped structure  52  extends through the second opening  70  in the present embodiment. The distance the cup-shaped structure  52  extends through the second opening  70  may be modified by adjusting the dimensions of the dispenser  22  and/or the display frame  24 . For example, one or more of the first wall portion  28 , the second wall portion  66 , the third wall portion  68 , or a fourth wall portion  72  may be manufactured from a material having a different thickness to adjust the degree to which the cup-shaped structure  52  extends though the second opening  70 . 
   The dispensing system of FIGS.  1  and  6 - 11  depict the dispensing system  20  in the first state. The first state is characterized by a having the first, second, third, and fourth wall portions  28 ,  66 ,  68 ,  72  disposed in a substantially parallel manner to each other. Portions of the dispenser  22 , such as the bottom wall  54  and the impermeable laminate  48 , are also parallel to the first, second, third, and fourth wall portions  28 ,  66 ,  68 ,  72 . Typically, a cord or other member is strung through the hole  40  and the dispensing system  20  is hung from a support structure (not shown). In a different embodiment, the dispensing system  20  is propped against a wall or other surface or may be laid upon a support surface. There are numerous manners of deploying the dispensing system  20  in the first state that users may employ. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 9-12 , the dispensing system  20  is disposed in the second state. With particular reference to  FIG. 12 , the rear face  64  of the display frame  24  is shown. The third wall portion  68  is rotated about a hinge  74  to extend outwardly from the remaining portions of the display frame  24 . In the second state, the cup-shaped structure  52  does not extend through the second opening  70  and is no longer aligned therewith. The third wall portion  68  acts as a support member or foot member to assist in propping up the dispensing system  20  from a support surface  76 .  FIG. 11  illustrates that the dispensing system  20  takes on a substantially inverted V-shape in the second state with the second wall portion  66  and portions of the first wall portion  28  extending therefrom at an angle. A bottom end  78  of the third wall portion  68  and a bottom end  80  of the combined first and fourth wall portions  28 ,  72  exert forces upon the support surface  76  to maintain the dispensing system  20  in an upright position in the second state. 
   The third wall portion  68  is actuable between the first state and a plurality of positions that define the second state. Prior to placing the dispensing system  20  in the second state, the third wall portion  68  is juxtaposed with the fourth wall portion  72  and substantially parallel therewith in a first position. The dispensing system is placed in the second state by rotating the third wall portion  68  about the hinge  74 . Rotation of the third wall portion  68  causes same to be angled from the fourth wall portion  72  and placed in a second position. The third wall portion  68  may be angled anywhere between about 1 degree to about 180 degrees to place the dispensing system  20  in the second state. Illustratively, the angle of the third wall portion  68  is between about 20 degrees and about 70 degrees. 
   Regardless of whether the dispensing system  20  is in the first or second state, the permeable membrane  50  of the dispenser  22  is directed substantially away from the rear face  64  of the display frame  24 . The volatile material  58  is therefore emitted into the atmosphere without obstruction, thereby allowing for more efficient diffusion of the volatile material  58 . The permeable membrane  50  is also viewable from the front face  26  of the dispensing system  20 . A user may therefore determine the level of the volatile material  58  remaining in the dispenser  22  without exercising great effort. 
     FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate one type of blank  82  that may be used to manufacture the present dispensing system  20 . The blank  82  may be manufactured from paperboard or the like and die cut into the appropriate shape.  FIG. 13  depicts a front side  84  of the first wall portion  28  with the removable cover  30  and the hole  40 .  FIG. 14  depicts a rear side  86  of the first wall portion  28 . The second wall portion  66  is attached to a first end  88  of the first wall portion  28  by a hinge  90  or a fold line. The second wall portion  66  also includes the hole  40  and front and rear sides  92 ,  94 , respectively. The third wall portion  68  is attached to the opposite end of the second wall portion  66  at the hinge  74  or a fold line. The third wall portion  68  includes the second opening  70  and front and rear sides  96 ,  98 , respectively. The fourth wall portion  72  is attached to a second end  100  of the first wall portion  28  by a hinge  102  or a fold line. The fourth wall portion  72  includes a third opening  104  similar in dimensions to the second opening  70  and front and rear sides  106 ,  108 , respectively. 
   The dispensing system  20  is assembled by inserting the cup shaped structure  52  of the dispenser  22 , which is not shown in  FIG. 13 , through the third opening  104  from the rear side  108  of the fourth wall portion  72 . The peripheral flange  46  of the dispenser  22  is hot sealed onto portions of the rear side  108  of the fourth wall portion  72  surrounding the third opening  104 . The fourth wall portion  72  is rotated about the hinge  102  to position the rear side  108  of the fourth wall portion  72  substantially flush with the rear side  86  of the first wall portion  28 . The rear side  108  of the fourth wall portion  72  and the rear side  86  of the first wall portion  28  are hot sealed together. When the fourth wall portion  72  is positioned in such a manner the impermeable laminate  48  of the dispenser  22  is centered behind the cover  30  of the first wall portion  28 . The second wall portion  66  is folded about the hinge  90  so that the holes  40  are aligned. The rear side  94  of the second wall portion  66  is similarly hot sealed to the rear side  86  of the of the first wall portion  28 . The remaining third wall portion  68  lies substantially flush against the fourth wall portion  72  so that the rear side  98  of the third wall portion  68  is juxtaposed against the front side  106  of the fourth wall portion  72 . 
   The blank  82  may comprise any other type of paper based material or a different material such as plastic. Different materials such as plastics may be useful in humid environments that would otherwise be harmful to paper based materials. Further, portions of the blank  82  and the dispenser  22  may be adhered to one another by an adhesive or different type of glue. The display frame  24  itself may also be shaped in a decorative manner for aesthetic effect or provided with varying colors and/or pictures.  FIGS. 15 and 16  depict one such dispensing system  120 , wherein like reference numerals are assigned with respect to similar structure utilized in the dispensing system  20 . The dispensing system  120  is characterized by curved side walls  122  of the first, second, third, and fourth wall portions  28 ,  66 ,  68 ,  72 . The dispensing system  120  is also provided with a string  124  that is threaded through the hole  40 . The string  124  may be used to support the dispensing system  120  from a support surface such as a rod or door knob. The present embodiment may also be provided without the cover  30  to omit material that has to be discarded.  FIGS. 15 and 16  are illustrative of the variations that may be found in other embodiments with respect to the size and shape of various wall portions. 
     FIGS. 17 and 18  depict a different embodiment of a dispensing system  220  similar to the dispensing system  20 . However, the dispensing system  220  differs in that a retention member  222  is provided on the fourth wall portion  72  adjacent the bottom end  80  of the combined first and fourth wall portions  28 ,  72 . The retention member  222  comprises a resilient curved member that is partially cut away from the fourth wall portion  72  and that is angled outwardly toward the third wall portion  68 . When the dispensing system  220  is in the first state, a portion of the bottom end  78  of the third wall portion  68  is retained within the retention member  222 . Retention of the third wall portion  68  within the retention member  222  causes the bottom end  78  of the third wall portion  68  to be held against the fourth wall portion  72 . Removal of the third wall portion  68  from the retention member  222  transitions the dispensing system  220  from the first state to the second state. The retention member  222  provides the dispensing system  220  with enhanced means for maintaining the dispensing system  220  in the first state. For example, the retention member  222  may prevent an inadvertent state transition from an outside force acting on the dispensing system  220  or from movement of the third wall portion  68  due to over-flexing of the hinge  74 . It is envisioned that other types of retention members may be used that are of varying shape, number, or placement. Further, a retention member may be integral with the display frame as shown with respect to  FIGS. 17 and 18  or may be a separate structure attached to the display frame. 
   In a different embodiment, the dispensing systems  20 ,  120 ,  220  are provided with openings and dispensers of varying shapes. For example, the dispenser  22  may be fashioned in the shape of a rectangle or other design, such as a snowflake or an animal. Further, multiple dispensers may be provided in a single dispensing system  20 ,  120 ,  220  with different or similar volatiles disposed therein. It is also envisioned that a re-usable adhesive may be used to hold some or all of the first, second, third, and fourth wall portions  28 ,  66 ,  68 ,  72  and the dispenser  22  together so that the dispenser  22  may be replaced as opposed to replacing the entire dispensing system  20 ,  120 ,  220  after the volatile material  58  has expired. In yet another embodiment, the dispensing systems  20 ,  120 ,  220  may be placed on a side thereof so that the bottom and top ends  36 ,  38  of the dispensing systems  20 ,  120 ,  220  do not touch a support surface. Rather, portions of the first, second, third, and fourth wall portions  28 ,  66 ,  68 ,  72  defining either a left or right side of the dispensing system  20 ,  120 ,  220  are disposed adjacent the support surface. The third wall portion  68  is still rotated about the hinge  74  to transition between first and second states and offers a user a different way of operating the present dispensing systems  20 ,  120 ,  220  as disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the numerous variations that may be made with respect to the present disclosure and which is intended to be captured by the present disclosure. 
   INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
   The air freshener dispensing system described herein advantageously combines the functional and aesthetic characteristics of a display frame that is adjustable between a hanging position and a stand alone position with a fragrance dispenser. Thus, the use of the air freshener dispensing system provides a user greater flexibility in positioning an air freshener within a home or office setting. 
   Numerous modifications 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 for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and to teach the best mode of carrying out same. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.