Abstract:
The invention is a combined air freshener and portable device mount which diffuses aromatic fragrance compounds contained in the main cavity of the invention and at the same time engages a fastener mounted on a personal device. The fastener can be but is not limited to ferromagnetic, detent based, or hook and loop fasteners. An elastic member wraps around the main cavity wall at the proximal end and provides friction and cushion for the personal device when it is held by the fastener. Helical threading on the main body engages compatible helical threading on a support structure, allowing the invention to be mounted in a variety of locations in a vehicle interior.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention being disclosed hereinafter relates to air fresheners, specifically air fresheners used inside vehicles that can also hold personal devices such as a phone. An air freshener is an apparatus that holds a fragrance medium and allows the diffusion of or diffuses molecules away from the fragrance medium. Fragrance mediums can be in liquid, gaseous and solid state or a combination of these states. In vehicles, air fresheners are often mounted on inside the cabin, such as an air conditioner vent louvers, dash surfaces, rear view mirror and etc. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    There has been exponential growth in consumer acceptance of personal electronic devices, many of which provide functions such as voice recognition, position navigation and etc. A problem arises when one tries to use a personal device while he or she is driving. Driving while holding a device with one hand is distracting and can slow a driver&#39;s response to emergency conditions on the road. It is also illegal in many jurisdictions to operate a hand held device while driving. Several means for holding or supporting a personal device inside a vehicle have been created in the past. Most of the existing means mount to members inside a vehicle cabin, and most have large footprint. The inside of a vehicle, especially around the driver&#39;s area, is usually fitted with instrument panels, switches, knobs, and buttons. Surface area for placement of an additional object is hard to identify, without interfering with access to controls. 
         [0003]    Many device holding solutions requires both hands to operate, others do not securely hold the phone against the force created by acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle and can be hazardous to use in a vehicle. On the other hand, many existing air fresheners used inside vehicles have very small footprint and very graceful form factor and have become very popular. However, existing air fresheners are light weight and usually very loosely connected to elements of vehicle&#39;s cabin such as air conditioner vent louvers. The air freshener apparatus does not have a very secure means to support, such that would hold a personal device such as a phone. One who prefers using air freshener inside a car does not have an easy and secure means to utilize the surface area which may already be occupied by the air freshener to place a personal device in a separate location. A similar problem arises when one uses a holding mechanism for personal device inside a vehicle and seeks to add an air freshener. 
         [0004]    This invention provides a single-hand operable apparatus that incorporates a secure device holder and an air freshener. The apparatus disclosed herein provides a secure holding means to hold a personal device and a means to freshen the ambient air within a combined footprint. The invention also provides an arrangement to engage with internal vehicle components of various form factor, shape and size with interchangeable adapters. 
         [0005]    There have been a few prior art devices in the domain of air freshener and device holders. 
         [0006]    DE202004002799u1 discloses an arrangement that has an air freshener with geared sliding mechanism. The apparatus comes with a gear wheel and a sleeve with teeth fitting the gear wheel, whereby the sleeve can be displaced by turning the gear wheel to adjust the pace of diffusion. Also disclosed is a base with two holding parts for the air freshener. And a second base mounted with a second holder parts so a device such as cell phone can be held between the holder parts with spring tension. Although this publication discloses a way for an air freshener to also hold a device, it does not disclose single-hand operation. When one tries to secure a device a lever needs to be pushed to release ratcheting teeth and open the clamping arms, another hand is then needed to hold a device to close the arms. Doing so is anything but safe while one is operating a vehicle. No secure way to connect the apparatus to any member of the vehicle has been disclosed. 
         [0007]    US20100327031 discloses a magnetic supporting device for a portable object configured to be clamped onto grill of an automotive air conditioner. The disclosure provides a clamp which is closed by preloaded spring. This does not provide a secure way to hold device, since the spring tension and the amount of force of friction cannot be adjusted to prevent slippage. The disclosed device can only clamp onto a grill. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,757,461 discloses a holder for electronic equipment with connection device of portable electronic equipment with anchorage device implemented by magnetic materials. The magnetic anchorage has attraction seat to house the coupling interface and coupling plates attached to portable electronic equipment. The anchorage device can be secured through a pair of clamps. A thumb screw can be turned to pull a center pin that the clamps pivots around and cause the clamps to close. The force of the clamp then will hold the device on to a thing piece. This device can only be used to clamp onto elongated extensions. It does not teach any means to adapt to different parts of various forms, sizes and surfaces. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,888,940B1 discloses a magnetic cell phone holder constructed for use with a cell phone, which has a cup formed of ferromagnetic metal and a conjugate ferromagnetic cavity for accepting the said cup. The said cup is then attached to the back of cell phone via means of glue film. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The main objective of the invention is to provide an air freshener which diffuses aromatic fragrance compounds contained in the main cavity  30  of the apparatus  1  and at the same time allow a coupling fastener  22  to engage a fastener  46  mounted on a personal device  45 . Coupling fastener  22  can be but is not limited to magnetic, ferromagnetic, detent based or hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro™. An elastic member  25  wraps around the removable cover  26  at the proximal end and provides friction and cushion for the personal device  45  when it is held by the coupling fastener  22 . 
         [0011]    Another objective of the invention is to provide means to securely connect apparatus  1  to vehicle components of different sizes and forms. Disclosed is a means for two helical threads to mesh and interfere with each other, and convert the circular movement of the main body  21  or center column  29  when turned into linear movement of a support member, such as a threaded hook  23  or a threaded clamp  201 , in order to cause the support member to change its position, shape or form, so enough force be created against a vehicle component for supporting the invention. The thread engagement disclosed may provide an external or male thread on either of the main body  21  or the support structure  23  or  201 , with a corresponding internal or female thread on the other. As disclosed in  FIGS. 2-6 , the main body  21  has an internal thread  31  on the main body  21  and outside thread  301  on the supporting structures  23  and  201 . As disclosed in  FIG. 8 , an elongated column  81  with an external thread can be attached to the proximal end of main body  21  within hollow center column  29 , with supporting structure  23  or  201  having an internal thread within corresponding hollow cylindrical sleeve  82 , where the internal thread inside sleeve  82  engages with the external thread on column  81 . 
         [0012]    Another objective is to provide a means for the main body to be attached to an inside vehicle component of various shape, form, and surface material, with interchangeable threaded adapters. It is to be understood that the two support members  23  and  201  disclosed herein are examples of such said means of connecting the apparatus to the inside of a vehicle, they are not to be considered limiting. The apparatus  1  utilizes helical or screw-type threading on two engaging elements to secure the main body  21  to a support structure  23  or  201 . The support structures can be of different form, shape and mechanical composition, and have outside thread that interferes with the said inside thread  31 . Different support members, such as a suction cup, the support members  23  or  201  or alternate supports, can then also be made to fit different vehicle components of different size, form and surface material. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    It is to be understood that the drawings shown are of one of many possible embodiments of the present fragrance diffusing apparatus. It&#39;s is to be understood that the coupling mechanism, the particular embodiment, as well as the use scenarios shown hereinafter should not be considered limiting, as other embodiment and implementations could be constructed from what&#39;s being disclosed without deviating from the spirit of the current invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of the invention.  1 C is a perspective view of the apparatus  1  with main body  21  fixed with threaded tapered clamp  201 .  1 H is perspective view of the apparatus  1  with main body  21  torn-away and fixed with threaded hook  23 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is perspective exploded view of the components of the invention. Axial line  203  is perpendicular to cover surface  262  of the apparatus  1  and goes through the center of the apparatus  1   
           [0016]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of one variation of the threaded arrangement through which the hook  23  is secured onto the main body center column  29 , with the hook placed through ridged plate  24 , and the inside thread  31  is shown in the center column  29 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of threaded clamp  201 , showing clamping arms  44 , space  43  between clamping arms  44 , tapered surface  2011  and external thread  301 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  shows how the threaded hook  23  is used to secure the apparatus  1  to a component part of a vehicle passenger compartment, such as a louver  41  of an air conditioning vent. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  shows how the threaded clamp  201  with tapered surface  2011  is used to secure the apparatus  1  to a component part of a vehicle passenger compartment, such as a louver  41  of an air conditioning vent. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the back of a personal smart device  45  with coupling fastener  46  attached to the back of device  45 . Coupling fastener  46  works in conjunction with fastener  22  on the center column  29 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  shows an alternate arrangement the male-female or internal-external threads, showing internal/female thread inside sleeve  82  in hook  23 ; and external/male thread on an elongated column  81  inside the hollow center column  29 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0022]    Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0023]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0024]    The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form. 
         [0025]    Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference numerals. 
         [0026]    The invention discloses an air freshener and device holder apparatus  1  with a hollow cavity  30  formed by one or more walls  21 . The said cavity  30  of apparatus  1  in  FIG. 2  has a proximal end and a dismal end. 
         [0027]    The dismal end is partially closed by a wall  32  perpendicular to wall  21 . Said wall has vents  28  for diffusing fragrance molecules. A baffle adjuster  27  is fixed inside wall  21  of the cavity  30 . The said baffle adjuster  27  is placed against the dismal wall  32  of the cavity  30 . The baffle adjuster  27  rotates around the center line  203 . The opening  28  on the dismal wall  32  can be adjusted to restrict or extend the diffusion of fragrance molecules. 
         [0028]    The proximal end of the said cavity  30  is open. The distal end of the said cavity  30  is closed with another wall  32  with partial opening  28 . The cross-section of wall  21  can be of circular or other shapes. On the proximal end the cavity  30  is open, and can accept fragrance medium that can be solid, gas, gel or liquid or a mixture of any physical states. The said proximal end is covered by a cover  26  during normal use. The said cover  26  has actuating arms  261  extending perpendicular to surface  262  of the cover  26 . The said actuating arms  261  go thru notches  271  on baffle adjuster  27 . An elastic ring  25  is fixed to the outside edge of the cover face surface  262  and interfere with the outside edge of cover face surface  262 . When one turns the elastic friction ring  25 , friction around the outside face edge of surface  262  turns the cover  26 . The turning of the cover  26  together with the actuating arm  261  causes baffle adjuster  27  to turn accordingly, and hence opens and closes the vent  28  to varying degree, allowing the said baffle adjuster  27  to constrict or extend diffusion of molecule from the fragrance media placed inside the cavity  30 . 
         [0029]    Concentric to the cavity  30  is a hollow center column member  29  with proximal and dismal ends. The proximal end has a coupling fastener  22  affixed to the proximal end of column  29 . Coupling fastener  22  can be any type of removable fastener, including magnetic or hook and loop fasteners. The corresponding coupling fastener  46  is affixed to a personal device  45  by means such as high strength adhesive. The friction ring  25  is concentric to the cavity  20  and the column  29 , together with the coupling fastener  22 , the friction ring  25  assists in holding a personal device  45  in place. When one places a personal device  45  against the friction ring  25  with coupling fasteners  22  and  46  aligned, the force created by coupling fasteners  22  and  46  holds the device  45  and prevents it from moving along the axial line  203 . The friction ring  25  is held against the back of the device  45  by the said force along the axial line  203  created by the coupling fasteners  22  and  46 , thus creates friction that prevents the device  45  from pivoting around the axial line  203 . 
         [0030]    The center column  29  is preferably a cylindrical form and has a hollow body. Center column  29  may be fixed relative to wall  21  or can turn independent from wall  21 . The inside surface of the column may be threaded with internal thread  31 , for embodiments that include adapters provided with an external thread  301 . The internal thread  31  and external thread  301  mesh and engage each other. In an alternate embodiment, an elongated threaded column  81  is provided inside the main body  21  center column  29 , with an external thread that can mesh and engage internally threaded hollow sleeve  82  inside the supporting structures  201  and  23 , regardless of whether the threaded column  81  can turn independently from the body  21  or center column  29 . 
         [0031]    Before explaining the detail of movement of the threaded hook  23  and threaded clamp  201  relative to the rotational movement of the column  29 , it is to be understood that the threaded hook  23  and threaded clamp  201  are two examples of arrangement that can be made to work with car components of various form, size and surface material, and should not be considered limiting. 
         [0032]    First, I will explain how the threaded hook  23  is used to secure the apparatus to a car part. When threaded hook  23  is used with the apparatus  1 , it can be used on a narrow elongated flat part, such as a louver of an air conditioning vent. One would first insert the threaded hook  23  together with ridged plate  24  into the center column  29  from the dismal end and start rotating threaded hook  23 . The inside thread of the center column  29  mesh and engage with outside thread  301  on the threaded hook  23  and turns the rotational movement into longitudinal movement along axial  203 . Preferably, a user would rotate the thread hook  23  until enough space is left for the back of the threaded hook  29  to go over the one edge of the louver  41 . With the edge of the louver  41  engaged with the hook  23 , one would keep turning the center column  29  so that head of hook  42  and ridge  241  on the ridged plate  24  become closer. The ridge plate  24  rest against the back wall  32  of main body  21 . The collaborative force created by the head of hook  42  and ridge  241  towards the direction that minimizes the distance between them thereby preventing movement of the louver  41  against threaded hook  23  and the plate  24 , therefore holds the relative position of the apparatus  1  and the louver  41 . Friction ridges  241  on plate  24  help prevent movement of the invention relative to the louver. 
         [0033]    Another arrangement is disclosed as a thread clamp  201 . The thread clamp  201  is preferably made of flexible material that can deform and fit the various forms of car parts. The working principle is similar to that of threaded hook  23 , in that a rotational movement causes a linear movement perpendicular to the said rotational movement and therefore causes movement of parts to create enough force to keep the apparatus in place. First, thread clamp  201  would be inserted into the hollow column  29 . Spaces  43  are between clamp arms  44 , and is preferably aligned with center axial line  203 . At least one of spaces  43  is placed over the car component where it is desired to engage. As one turns enter column  29 , thread  31  engages thread  301  and in turn causes linear movement along axial line  203 , as is known in the art. The edge of center column  29  acts as a collar, and the diameter of center column  29  is smaller than the maximum diameter of tapered surfaces  2011 . When the edge of center column  29  moves over the tapered surface  2011  on the outside of clamp arms  44 , the edge of center column  29  causes clamp arms  44  to move inward toward center axial line  203  and cause spaces  43  to contract as clamp arms  44  are moved closer to each other. This makes the clamp arms  44  to be forced onto a car part shown as louver  41 . The compression of clamp arms  44  creates friction sufficient to hold the apparatus onto the louver  41 , or any other compatible car part. 
         [0034]    With the aforementioned principle that converts gradual rotation movement of the center column  29  into gradual linear movement along the axial line  203  of another threaded part, other applications can be implemented with the same spirit. For example, a suction cup can have a threaded pull arm and thus be used to grab onto smooth surfaces such as polycarbonate surface. Parts can also be made to expand to fit and hold onto existing slots inside a vehicle cabin, such as CD eject slot, that can be found on many places inside a vehicle. 
         [0035]    While certain novel features of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.