Patent Publication Number: US-2012024974-A1

Title: Customized designed fragrance system

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to the field of fragrance dispensers, and in particular to customizable fragrance dispensers. 
     A wide variety of fragrance dispensers and air freshening devices are currently being marketed. For example, air fresheners having a given fragrance can be purchased at a wide variety of retail locations. Currently, there are few options that permit a customer to customize a fragrance dispenser, both in terms of a given fragrance as well as the appearance of the fragrance dispenser. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides fragrance dispensers that can be customized to accommodate the tastes of consumers. In so doing, the fragrance dispensers themselves include features that make them amenable customization. Additionally, various methods are provided to permit fragrance dispensers to be customized, both in terms of their aesthetics as well as the fragrances that they dispense. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a fragrance dispenser comprises a dispenser body having a top end, a bottom end, a front, a back, a left side and a right side. The front side includes a window to permit at least a portion of the interior of the dispenser body to be viewed from without. Also, the top end includes at least one opening for emitting a fragrance. A container is disposed within the dispenser body and is adapted to hold a liquid fragrance that is to be dispensed. This container is viewable through the window. Further, a dispensing mechanism is disposed within the dispenser body and is configured to dispense liquid fragrance from the container into the atmosphere. 
     In one aspect, the dispenser body has a central vertical axis running from the bottom side to the top side, midway between the left side and the right side. Also, the front side tapers inward toward the central axis. In another aspect, the dispenser body has a top portion and a bottom portion that are separable from each other. The container is deposited in the bottom portion. In a further aspect, the window is rectangular in geometry and is disposed in the front side of the bottom portion to permit visualization of the container. In this way, the color of the fragrance can be viewed through the window. 
     One way to customize the dispenser is through the use of one or more skins that are positioned over or about the dispenser body and/or the container. For example, in one embodiment, a top skin is configured to be adhered to the top portion of the dispenser body. The top skin includes at least one color and at least one design. For instance, the design could be the logo of a sports team, university, company or the like. As another example, a bottom skin is configured to be adhered to the bottom portion of the dispenser body. The bottom skin is sized so as to not interfere with the widow when positioned over the bottom portion of the dispenser body. For instance, the skin may contain an opening that is aligned with the window when adhered to the bottom portion. As still another example, a container skin may be placed onto the container to change the visual appearance of the container when viewed through the window. For instance, the color of the container skin may be selected based on the type of fragrance, e.g., pink for a rose scent. 
     In one arrangement, the container includes a wick, and the dispensing mechanism comprises a ceramic heater that is positioned to heat the wick and diffuse the fragrance into the atmosphere. An electrical plug may be electrically coupled to the ceramic heater. In a further aspect, at least one button may be provided to release an interlock between the top portion and the bottom portion. 
     The dispensing unit may be sold alone, or as part of a system or kit. Such a system may include the dispensing unit, one or more skins, and/or one or more fragrances. 
     A variety of methods may be employed to customize a fragrance dispenser. This could be done at the retail level or on-line. For example, at the retail level, the dispensing unit, fragrance and/or skins may be sold separately to allow the consumer to mix and match. These same components may be purchased on-line, such as by using a web site. In one on-line method, a first data file is transmitted from a computer system to a user computer. The first data file comprises data for displaying with the user computer a dispensing unit and examples of skins that may be placed about the dispensing unit. A second data file may be transmitted from the computer system to the user computer that comprises data for displaying with the user computer options for customizing the cover. The options may include an image to be included on the skin and/or a color for the skin. The computer system receives an order from the consumer that includes a selection of a skin with at least one of the options for customizing the skin. The computer system then transmits instructions to fulfill the order. 
     The options for skins may include a top skin for the top portion of the dispenser, a bottom skin for the bottom portion of the dispenser, and/or a container skin for covering the container. In addition, the consumer may also order a dispensing unit and/or one or more fragrances. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a fragrance dispenser according to the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the fragrance dispenser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the fragrance dispenser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a right side view of the fragrance dispenser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the fragrance dispenser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is an assembly view of the fragrance dispenser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates one embodiment of a fragrance dispensing kit according to the invention. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates one method for disassembling a fragrance dispenser of the kit of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a method for applying a skin to a top portion of the fragrance dispenser of the kit of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a further step of applying the skin of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  illustrates still a further step of applying the skin of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a step of applying a skin to a bottom portion of the fragrance dispenser of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a step of applying a skin to a fragrance container of the kit of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a further step of applying the skin to the fragrance container of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a step of unscrewing a cap of the fragrance container of the kit of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a step of inserting the fragrance container into the bottom portion of the fragrance dispenser of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 17  illustrates the step of connecting the bottom portion of the fragrance dispenser back together with the top portion. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates the step of plugging the fragrance dispenser of  FIG. 7  into an electrical outlet. 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic system diagram describing a system that may be employed to order a fragrance kit or components for constructing a fragrance kit according to the invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a schematic diagram of a computer system that may be employed to order various components of a fragrance kit according to the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides fragrance dispensers, fragrances, covers for fragrance dispensers and methods for customizing fragrance dispensers. The fragrance dispensers are constructed of a dispenser body that may have one or more parts. For example, the fragrance dispensers may have a top part and a bottom part that are separable from each other in order to provide access into the interior of the dispenser so that the fragrance can be inserted. The fragrance body may be provided in a neutral color, such as white, so that the covers may be used to decorate the dispenser. Similarly, the containers holding the fragrances can have a neutral color, or be clear, so that these too can be customized using a skin. In this way, a consumer may purchase a dispensing unit, then have options for selecting different fragrances, as well as decorative skins for the dispensing unit and/or the container holding the fragrance. 
     To facilitate customization, a variety of marketing channels may be used. For example, some or all of the components (dispensing unit, covers and fragrances) could be sold at the retail level (brick and mortar stores or mail order catalogs) and/or on on-line using a web site. The components may be all sold separately or sold together as kits. For instance, a kit could include a dispensing unit and one or more fragrances. Or, the kit could also include one or more skins. Skins and/or replacement fragrances could also be purchased separately. 
     Further, the separate components or kits could be sold through the same or different marketing channels. As one example, a consumer may purchase a dispensing unit in a retail store or on-line. The consumer may also purchase a fragrance for the dispensing unit from the same channel or a different channel. This may be done at the same time, or a later time. For example, the consumer could purchase a dispensing unit at a retail location, then go home and purchase one or more fragrances on-line. In a similar manner, the skin(s) for the dispensing unit could be purchased along with the dispensing unit or be purchased at a separate time. For instance, if a consumer has a dispensing unit and wants to change the look of the dispensing unit, the consumer could go to a store or visit a web site to purchase a different skin(s). As an example, if the consumer&#39;s favorite sports team won a championship, a skin with the sports team&#39;s logo could be ordered and placed about the dispenser. Later, a different skin could be added to change the look of the dispenser. In a similar manner, the skin for the container that holds the fragrance could be changed, perhaps to suggest the type of fragrance being dispensed. For instance, lavender color could be used for a lavender scent. Or, it could simply be some whimsical pattern, or contain a logo. If another fragrance is used, a different skin for the fragrance container could be used. 
     The invention may utilize a variety of skins that may be adhered or attached to various components of the dispenser or fragrance container. The skins may comprise a flexible material, such as a vinyl, plastic, paper label, foils, or the like. Merely by way of example, the skin may comprise some type of appliqué with adhesive or other backing, a sticker, a decal, a wrapping, or the like. One exemplary material is a vinyl or PET material. This vinyl material may include a backing that may be peeled off prior to application of the skin to the dispenser body. The vinyl typically will not include an adhesive but will naturally stick to plastic or glass surfaces. However, in some cases an adhesive could be used so that the skin is permanently attached rather than removable. Such an adhesive is preferably a non-permanent glue or adhesive. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-5 , one embodiment of a fragrance dispenser  10  will be described. Fragrance dispenser  10  comprises a dispenser body  12  having a top portion  14  that is separable from a bottom portion  16 . As also shown in  FIG. 5 , top portion  14  has a central opening  18  and multiple vents  20 . Central opening  18  and vents  20  are employed to emit a fragrance that is emitted from dispenser  10  as described hereinafter. 
     For convenience of discussion, dispenser body  12  may be defined in terms of a top end  22 , a bottom end  24 , a left side  26  and a right side  28 . Also, dispenser body  12  may define a front  30  and a back  32 . A central vertical axis extends from bottom end  24  to top end  22 , generally through the area of central opening  18  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In other words, the central vertical axis is midway between left side  26  and right side  28 . Further, front  30  tapers inward to the central axis from both the left side  26  and the right side  28  as best illustrated in the top and bottom views of  FIGS. 3 and 5 . The tapering of dispenser body  12  not only serves to provide the dispenser with an aesthetically pleasing appearance, but also is employed to accentuate the depiction of the color which is displayed through a window  34  in front  30  of bottom portion  16  as best illustrated in  FIG. 1 . By way of example, the distance from left side  26  to right side  28  may be in the range from about 4 cm to about 8 cm, and the distance from front  30  to back  32  along the outer edges may be in the range from about 3 cm to about 6 cm. In contrast, the distance from front  30  to back  32  at the central axis may be about 2 cm to about 5 cm, making the depth of the V-shaped notch up to about 1 cm, and in some cases about 0.5 cm. Also, in some cases, the front surface may be flat or planar. Typically, the distance from bottom end  24  to top end  22  will be in the range from about 6 cm to about 10 cm. These dimensions provide sufficient space to hold the fragrance and heating elements while also permitting it to be conveniently plugged into an electrical outlet as described hereinafter. 
     Referring also now to  FIG. 6 , construction of fragrance dispenser  10  will be described in greater detail. As shown, top portion  14  is separable from bottom portion  16 . This is so that the internal components of fragrance dispenser  10  may be accessed. In particular, separation of top portion  14  from bottom portion  16  permits access into the interior space of the fragrance dispenser which holds a container  36  which in turn holds a fragrance that is to be dispensed. Conveniently, container  36  is sized and shaped so that it will fit within bottom portion  16 . Further, a major surface of container  36  is visible through window  34  in bottom portion  16 . In this way, the user is able to both see the volume of fragrance remaining within container  36  as well as to view a particular color of the fragrance and/or the container  36  as described hereinafter. 
     Fragrance dispenser  10  further includes a dispensing mechanism  38  which comprises a ceramic heater  40 . In turn, ceramic heater  40  receives power from an electric plug  42  which is sized and configured to be inserted into a conventional 110V outlet. Alternatively, plug  42  could be configured for other voltages such as those used in many international countries. When plug  42  is inserted into an electric outlet, electrical power is transferred via wires (not shown) to a ceramic heating element in ceramic heater  40 . A wick (not shown) extends vertically upward from container  36  and is surrounded by the annular ceramic element. As the annular ceramic element is heated, it accelerates vaporization of the fragrance contained within  36  which passes upwardly through central opening  18  and vents  20  of top portion  14 . Central opening  18  and vents  20  are designed to maximize the amount of fragrance that is dispensed from fragrance dispenser  10  while still being able to provide the tapered outer features as previously described. Top portion  14  also includes back vents  44  which provide adequate ventilation to fragrance dispenser  10  and enhance airflow upwardly through dispenser body  12  so that the vaporized fragrance may more easily be dispensed from central opening  18  and vents  20 . Dispensing mechanism  38  may also include vents  46  to facilitate this process. 
     Top portion  14  includes a semi circular region  48 , and dispensing mechanism  38  also includes a semi circular region  50  that cooperate together to hold plug  42  in place once fragrance dispenser  10  is assembled. Semi circular regions  48  and  50  may include a groove for receiving a circular protrusion  52  on plug  42 . 
     An insert  54  may be coupled to top portion  14  to facilitate coupling of top portion  14  to bottom portion  16  when fragrance dispenser  10  is fully assembled. More specifically, bottom portion  16  includes a left tab  56  and a right tab  58  that interact with holes  60  in insert  54 . Once top portion  14  and bottom portion  16  are slid adjacent each other, left tab  56  and right tab  58  snap into holes  60 . When ready to remove top portion  14 , tabs  56  and  58  are depressed to remove them from holes  60 . In this way, top portion  14  may be slid from bottom portion  16  to access the interior of fragrance dispenser  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7-18 , one exemplary method for utilizing fragrance dispenser  10  will be described. In one embodiment, fragrance dispenser  10  may be included as part of a kit  70  that includes a package  72  for containing all of the components. Package  72  may comprise a box or other container that is sized to hold fragrance dispenser  10  and one or more containers  36  which hold a fragrance that is to be dispensed. Package  72  may conveniently include a window  74  for viewing the components of kit  70 . When included within kit  70 , container  36  will include a lid  76  that may be screwed or snapped to container  36  so that the liquid fragrance within container  36  will not spill or evaporate. Also, a wick  78  extends vertically upward through container  36  and is enclosed by lid  76  to prevent evaporation of the liquid fragrance. 
     Kit  70  also includes multiple skins that may be attached to fragrance dispenser  10  and/or container  36 . These skins are generally designated with reference numeral  80 . As described hereinafter, skins  80  permit fragrance dispenser  10  and/or container  36  to be customized to include various colors, logos, language, designs, or the like. For example, each dispensing kit  70  could include multiple types of skins so that the user may mix and match so as to be able to customize the fragrance dispenser. Also, skins  80  and/or container  36  may be sold separately so that even if a customer purchases a kit, the customer is provided with the option of redesigning the overall appearance by selecting different skins and/or fragrances. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , to begin the customization process top portion  14  may be separated from bottom portion  16 . This is accomplished by depressing left tab  56  and right tab  56  and sliding top portion  14  from bottom portion  16 . 
     The user then selects a skin  82  for top portion  14  and removes the backing from skin  82 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the user may begin from left side  26  of top portion  14  and begin applying the skin, slowly adhering it to the outer surface. As shown in  FIG. 10 , once skin  82  is attached to left side  26  it is wrapped about front  30  of top portion  14  and then wrapped around to left side  26  as shown in  FIG. 11 . Skin  82  is sized so that it generally covers the bulk of the surfaces of the left side, front and right side of top portion  14 . 
     This same process may generally be repeated for bottom portion  16 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 12  the user selects a skin  84  for bottom portion  16 . Conveniently, skin  84  may include a left opening  86 , a right opening  88  and a central opening  90  for receiving left tab  56 , right tab  58  and window  34 , respectively. Once skin  84  is selected, the backing is removed and beginning with the left side, skin  84  is placed onto the surface of bottom portion  16  so that left opening  86  is aligned with left tab  56 . Then, skin  84  is adhered to the front of bottom portion  16  with central opening  90  aligned with window  34 . Finally, skin  86  is placed about the right side, with right opening  88  positioned about the right tab  58 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , container  36  may also be customized by selecting a skin  92  which preferably has a certain color and/or design. For example, skin  92  may be a transparent colored skin that allows the user to see the contents of container  36  while altering the color of its contents. To attach skin  92 , the user removes the protective backing and then wraps it about the container  36  as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . The front side of container  36  includes an indent  94  such that container  36  tapers inward toward indent  94  in a manner similar to dispenser  10 . As further illustrated in  FIG. 14 , skin  92  is placed completely over the front of container  36  so that as it is viewed through window  34  it will have the color of the skin  92 . Once fragrance dispenser  10  and container  36  have been customized using their respective skins, the dispenser  10  is ready to be put back together. As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , lid  76  is unscrewed from container  36 , thereby revealing the protruding wick. With lid  36  removed, container  36  is inserted into bottom portion  16  as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . As previously described, the front surface of container  36  is tapered to match the tapering of the front of bottom portion  16 . In this way, container  36  will fit within bottom portion  16  in only one orientation. This helps to insure that the skin is aligned with the window. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , top portion  14  is then slid onto bottom portion  16  until it is snapped in place via tabs  56  and  58 . Further, dispenser  10  is now customized and ready to be operated. This is accomplished by inserting plug  42  into an electrical outlet as illustrated in  FIG. 18 . Once within the wall, the user is able to visualize skins  82  and  84  that were placed onto the outer surface of dispenser body  12 . Further, because skin  92  was placed about container  36 , the liquid fragrance within container  36  will have a color based on the color selected for skin  92 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates the various ways in which the components of a fragrance dispenser kit can be purchased. For example, fragrance dispenser kits of the type described herein may be purchased at a brick and mortar retail store  100 . The kits may include a fragrance dispenser along with one or more skins and one or more fragrance containers. In some cases, the components could be sold separately so that a customer can purchase only skins to modify the décor of an existing fragrance dispenser. Similarly, fragrances and skins for those fragrances could also be purchased separately. 
     In a similar manner, kits or various components of the kits (including the skins), may be purchased over a network  102 . The network  102  may be any type of network familiar to one skilled in the art that can support data communications using any of a variety of commercially available protocols, such as TCP/IP, SNA, IPX, AppleTalk, and the like. As one example, network  102  may be a local area network (“LAN”) such as an Ethernet network, a token ring network, a wide area network, a virtual network, a virtual private network, the Internet, and intranet and extranet, a public switched telephone network (“PSTN”), in infrared network, a wireless network, including networks operating under the IEE802.11 suite of protocols, the Blue Tooth protocol, or other wireless protocol, or other types of networks including GSM, 3G, 4G, and the like. To order any of the components of a kit a personal computer  104  may be employed. Computer  104  may be any type of computer known in the art, including personal computers and/or laptop computers running various operating systems, such as Microsoft Corporation&#39;s Windows or Apple Corporation&#39;s Macintosh or Leopard Operating Systems. Alternatively, a user mobile device  106  may be used to view and order various components of the fragrance kit. Such a user mobile device may have both voice and data transfer capabilities, including those currently being marketed by BlackBerry, Apple&#39;s iPhone, and the like. 
     Typically, the user will use a computing device to access a merchant server  108  that is able to render an image on the display screen over the World Wide Web. The server  108  may be any type of general purpose computer and/or specialized server computer, such as PC servers, UNIX servers, mid range servers, main frame computers, rack mounted servers, and the like. The website accessed by the user may have various displays that permit the user to customize a particular skin. For example, the website may list various sports teams, countries, decorating genres, and the like. By clicking on any of these links, the user may be directed to images showing skins with certain sports logos, colors, designs, and the like. In some cases, the user could upload a photo or design of their own so that the skin may include a particular feature from the user. In a similar manner, the user may select various fragrances. After making the selection, these items may be placed into a checkout cart as is known in the art. Upon receipt of payment information, the purchased components may be shipped to a location designated by the user. In order to produce the web page and/or to provide or facilitate payment and shipping, the system may also include a database of enabling data  110 . By way of example, database  110  may reside on a storage medium local to or resident in one or more of the computers on the network  102  including merchant server computer  108 . Alternatively, database  110  may be remote from all of the computers. Any necessary files for performing the functions on any of the computers on network  102  may be stored in database  110 . 
     Also coupled to network  102  may be a mail order system  112  that may receive orders from a mail order catalogue. This catalogue may offer all of the components in a kit or may sell them separately, such as the fragrance dispenser, skins and/or the fragrance. These components may be ordered using computer  104  or user mobile device  106 . 
     In summary, any of the kits described herein or their various components may be purchased in whole or in part in a separate brick and mortar location and/or online over a network. Further, the skins may be selected from an assortment already prepared skins that may be used to customize the look and feel of the fragrance dispenser or fragrance container. Another option is to permit the user to construct their own skins by uploading photos or other images or designs which can be manufactured into a skin and then provided to the consumer. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer system upon which various elements of the environment illustrated in  FIG. 19  may be implemented. The computer system  200  is shown comprising hardware elements that may be electively coupled by use of a bus  255 . The various hardware elements may include one or more central processing units  205 , one or more input devices  210  (such as a scanner device, a mouse, a keyboard), and one or more output devices  215 , such as a display device, a printer, or the like. Computer system  200  may also include one or more storage devices  220 . For instance, storage device  220  may be a disc drive, optical storage device, solid state storage device, such as a random access memory and/or a read only memory, which can be programmable, flash updatable and/or the like. 
     Computer system  200  may additionally include a computer readable storage media reader  225 , a communication system  230  such as a modem, and working memory  240 . In some embodiments, computer system  200  may also include a processing acceleration unit  235 . 
     The computer readable storage media reader  225  can be connected to a computer readable storage medium which together may represent remote, local, fixed and/or removable storage devices. The communication system  230  may permit data to be exchanged with a network and/or any other computer or other type of device. 
     The computer system  200  may also comprise software elements that may be stored within a working memory  240 , including an operating system  245  and/or other code  250 , such as an application program. The application programs may implement the methods of the invention herein, including the rendering of various web pages when ordering or designing fragrance kits and/or skins. 
     The invention has now been described in detail for purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.