Patent Publication Number: US-2010129268-A1

Title: Aroma projecting device and method

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to the field of scent dispersing, more particularly to a device for projecting and directing a scent. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The use of scents for improving the smell of one&#39;s environment is well known in the art, for example scented candles and air fresheners. Such air fresheners may be either portable or may be limited for use with an electrical outlet. Typically, such methods use diffusion principles, forcible ejection methods via propellants, or a combination of the two methods for transferring a particular scent from its container into the environment. The environment into which the scent is dispersed is typically one having a significant cubic volume of air, such as a room or automobile or even outdoors. However, such methods are problematic for several reasons. For example, a particular scent may be agreeable to some and disagreeable to others, yet there are no simple and effective methods of limiting others&#39; exposure to the scent. Also, the intermittent use for which many conventional devices are designed or those relying only on diffusion result in a temporary scent cloud. If used outdoors, particularly when one is walking or otherwise moving, the scent cloud quickly disseminates or is walked-through such that the beneficial effects of the scent are quickly minimized or eliminated. Furthermore, if a user forcibly ejects the scent (along with potentially harmful components such as propellants) in close proximity to the face, there is the likelihood that skin and/or eye irritation would result. Finally, conventional air fresheners typically dispense large amounts of scent in large cubic volume environments, where other environmental scents are to be covered or masked, thereby overwhelming not only any other scent in the environment but also the olfactory nerves of the user. 
     Thus, there is a need within the art for a device capable of projecting and directing a scent that is substantially perceived only by the user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to a device for projecting scent comprising (a) a housing having an interior space; (b) a housing cap, wherein the cap substantially encloses the housing; (c) a drive mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism is contained within the housing; (d) an air projector removably connected to the drive mechanism; and (e) a scent-releasing substance in the vicinity of the air projector. 
     The invention also relates to a device for projecting scent comprising (a) a housing having an interior space; (b) a housing cap, wherein the cap substantially encloses the housing; (c) a drive mechanism comprising a drive shaft; a motor rotatably connected to the drive shaft, a power source, and a plurality of leads connecting the power source to the motor, wherein the drive mechanism is contained within the housing; (d) a fan assembly removably connected to the drive shaft, wherein the fan assembly comprises a plurality of blades, a scent reservoir having the plurality of blades disposed thereon, a rotatable cover disposed over the scent reservoir, the rotatable cover having at least one aperture therethrough; and (e) a scent-releasing substance contained in the scent reservoir. 
     The invention also relates to a scent delivery device comprising (a) a housing having an interior space; (b) a housing cap, wherein the cap substantially encloses the housing; (c) a drive mechanism comprising a drive shaft; a motor rotatably connected to the drive shaft, a power source, and a plurality of leads connecting the power source to the motor, wherein the drive mechanism is contained within the housing; (d) a fan assembly removably connected to the drive shaft, wherein the fan assembly comprises a plurality of blades, a scent reservoir having the plurality of blades disposed thereon, a rotatable cover disposed over the scent reservoir, the rotatable cover having at least one aperture therethrough; and (e) a scent-releasing substance contained in the scent reservoir, wherein the device is configured to be child-safe. 
     The invention also relates to a method of directing and projecting a scent comprising providing a device of the invention, projecting air with an air projector containing a scent-releasing substance; and pointing the fan assembly in the proximity of a user&#39;s face. 
     The invention also relates to a method of refilling a scent-releasing substance of the device comprising removing a scent-releasing substance from the device; and inserting new scent-releasing substance. 
     The invention also relates to a method of marketing a scent directing and projecting device comprising packaging the scent projecting device in combination with a confectionary product; selling the combination package with at least one scent-pack refill; and instructing a user to control the level of scent emission, optimal proximity to the user&#39;s face and removing/replacing the fan assembly or secondary structure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For the purpose of illustrating the devices of the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an exemplary device of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary device of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a frontal view of an exemplary device of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a frontal view of an exemplary device of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of an exemplary device of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view showing a drive mechanism of an exemplary device of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a frontal view of an exemplary device of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a frontal view of an exemplary device of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It will be appreciated that the following description is intended to refer to specific devices of the invention selected for illustration in the drawings and is not intended to define or limit the invention, other than in the appended claims. 
     As used herein, the term “scent” and any derivations thereof refer to an element, ingredient, chemical, composition and/or substance that acts as a stimulant to olfactory sensory receptors, and specifically includes any fragrance, and/or aroma, and/or odor, and/or smell, whether pleasing or offensive. It is understood that “scent” includes the use of a single scent or the combination of two or more scents either in a mixture or individually. 
     As used herein, the term “local environment” refers to the area that is substantially immediate to the device of the invention such as, for example, a radius of about five feet; for example, about four feet, about three feet, about two feet or about one foot, or about six inches or less. The local environment may encompass not only the operator, but also a recipient towards whom the device and scent are directed (collectively referred to as a “user”). 
     The invention provides a device for projecting a scent, wherein scent is emitted from the device and propelled into the local environment. The devices of the invention enhance a user&#39;s enjoyment of their local environment. The device offers directed on-demand delivery of a scent to a user, where the scent is substantially perceived and enjoyed only by the user in a given environment, thereby limiting others&#39; exposure to the scent. 
     The device can be used outdoors and can deliver a scent to the user whenever the user activates the device. Thus, the user can project the scent into the local environment and can perceive the scent when desired without experiencing dissipation of or walking through the scent cloud. Thus, the scent does not overwhelm other scents in the environment. 
     Projection of the scent does not require extraneous propulsive chemicals such as, for example, propellants that may be harmful to both the user and the environment. Instead, devices of the invention can utilize a non-pressurized volatile scent, a pump mechanism to spritz or spray a scent in the vicinity of the air projector or any other method known to one skilled in the art. 
     Additionally, the devices of the invention can be child-safe, such that their structural and chemical components are non-toxic, and safe for use by small children such as, for example about 3 years of age and older. For example, the device of the invention can be in conformity with standard child safety protocols or guidelines, such as European Standard BS EN 71 or its US equivalent. 
     Further, the devices of the invention can be used or distributed in combination with a secondary structure such as a confectionary product and, as a result, a user may experience both olfactory and taste sensations, thereby even further enhancing their experience and enjoyment. 
     Generally, the devices of the invention do not require the application of heat to disperse, emit or give-off the desired scent. However, the device can comprise a mild heating element known to those skilled in the art, for example, one powered by the power source, contained within the device as described more fully below. When scent-releasing substances which release a scent upon the application of heat are used, such as certain gel matrices known in the art, the heat enhances the dispersion of the scent contained therein. 
     Generally, the device for projecting a scent comprises (a) a housing having an interior space; (b) a housing cap, wherein the cap substantially encloses the housing; (c) a drive mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism is contained within the housing; (d) an air projector removably connected to the drive mechanism; and (e) a scent-releasing substance in the vicinity of the air projector, where the scent-releasing substance is positioned relative to the air projector so that the projected air disperses scent. Typically, the scent-releasing substance is contained within the air projector. 
     In the figures, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements, there is shown an exemplary scent projection device. With reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3 , the device  1  typically comprises (a) a housing  10  having an interior space  11 ; (b) a housing cap  20 , wherein the cap  20  substantially encloses the housing  10 ; (c) a drive mechanism  30  comprising a drive shaft  31 ; a motor  32  rotatably connected to the drive shaft  31 , a power source  33 , and a plurality of leads  34  connecting the power source  33  to the motor  32 , wherein the drive mechanism  30  is contained within the housing  10 ; and (d) a fan assembly  40  removably connected to the drive shaft  31 , wherein the fan assembly  40  comprises a plurality of blades  50 , a scent reservoir  60  having the plurality of blades  50  disposed thereon, a rotatable cover  70  disposed over the scent reservoir  60 , the rotatable cover  70  having at least one aperture  71  therethrough. 
     The housing  10  may comprise any suitable shape capable of accommodating the drive mechanism  30  as well as other components of the device  1  such as, for example, the housing cap  20 , scent reservoir  60 , and air projector. The housing  10 , drive mechanism  30 , air projector, scent reservoir  60  and any other components may be scaled to either larger or smaller sizes as appropriate as would be readily recognized and known by one skilled in the art. Exemplary suitable shapes for the housing  10  include humans, animals, generic geometric shapes, corporate logos, toy shapes (e.g. cars, planes, trains, and robots) or fanciful shapes. Moreover, the housing  10  may comprise one or more colors, designs or other fanciful indicia, and any combination thereof, which may be integrated into the shape of the housing or may be applied post-manufacture in many forms, including stickers, decals, appliqués and various combinations thereof. 
     The housing  10  may be constructed of any suitably rigid material such as, for example, plastics, metals, rubbers, synthetic resins, cardboard, wood or any combination thereof, wherein the use of such materials is well known by those skilled in the art. Preferably, the housing  10  is constructed of plastic. The housing  10  may be produced by any method generally known in the art suitable for use with a given material, such as, for example, injection molding for plastic. 
     The housing  10  is generally hollow, thereby having a defined interior  11  throughout at least a portion of its structure. While portions of the housing  10  may be solid, an entirely hollow structure can be used. The housing  10  also typically provides a method for instituting electrical contact between the power source  33  and the motor  32  such as, for example, an ON/OFF switch  23 . 
     The housing cap  20  for use in conjunction with the housing  10  may have any configuration necessary and/or known by those skilled in the art to enclose the housing  10 . The cap  20  may be threaded, ribbed or have some other configuration to allow it to snap onto the housing  10 , thereby securing any contents therein. The cap  20  may further comprise an electrically conductive piece (e.g. a metal piece) disposed on an interior surface  21  of the cap  20  (the surface of the cap facing the interior of the housing) for use as a contact in combination with the ON/OFF switch  23  and the power source  33 , thereby forming a circuit to provide power to the motor  32 . The cap  20  may further serve as a method of detachably connecting a secondary structure  80  to the housing  10 , where both the interior  21  and exterior  22  (the surface facing away from the housing&#39;s interior) cap surfaces may be threaded, ribbed or have some other configuration to allow it to snap onto the housing  10  to secure the contents therein. The housing cap  20  thus can permit the secondary structure  80  to be readily engaged and disengaged from the housing  10  for independent use apart from the devices of the invention or for use in combination with the devices of the invention. 
     The drive mechanism can comprise any mechanism for powering the air projector. Such mechanisms can include a gear arrangement, a pump/trigger arrangement, a solar power arrangement and any other method known to one skilled in the art. Typically, the drive mechanism  30  comprises a drive shaft  31 ; a motor  32  rotatably connected to the drive shaft  31 , a power source  33 , and a plurality of leads  34  electrically connecting the power source  33  to the motor  34 . The power source  33  may be any type known to those skilled in the art, including a battery, for example a AA battery. The leads  34  are typically wire as is known to those skilled in the art, for example copper or aluminum wire, and include an electrical contact  35 . The motor  32  may be any appropriate electric motor known and available to those skilled in the art. The drive shaft  31  rotates the fan assembly  40  in order to project the scent. The drive shaft  31  extends from the motor  32  through the housing  10  and allows for removeable attachment of the fan assembly  40 . Suitable methods for ensuring removable attachment are known to those skilled in the art. The drive shaft  31  may be constructed of any suitable material such as, for example, plastics, metals or other material known to those skilled in the art. 
     The invention may utilize any air projector suitable for projecting a scent known to one skilled in the art, but generally uses a fan assembly  40 . The fan assembly  40  is removably attached to the drive shaft  31  such that the user may detach it from the drive shaft  31 . The fan assembly  40  can comprise a plurality of blades  50 , a scent reservoir  60  having the plurality of blades  50  disposed thereon, a rotatable cover  70  disposed over the scent reservoir  60 , the rotatable cover  70  having at least one aperture  71  therethrough. The fan assembly  40  uses the plurality of blades  50  to draw air past the scent reservoir  60  and scent-releasing substance, thereby projecting and directing the scent. 
     The plurality of blades  50  are typically those having the configuration of a conventional fan blade, wherein the blades  50  extend radially away from the rotational axis of the fan assembly  40  and, upon rotating, the blades  50  are able to direct and project air as well as any scent dispersed therein. The blades  50  may be constructed of any suitable material known to those skilled in the art such as, for example, metal, plastic, foam or a combination of these materials. Generally, the plurality of blades are comprised of a pliable soft foam comprising a polymer such as, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). The blades  50  may be formed according to those methods known in the art for a given material, such as injection molding in the case of EVA. Typically, there are two blades, however 3 or 4 or more blades can be used. 
     The scent reservoir can be positioned in a number of places and can comprise many different configurations as known by one skilled in the art. For example, the scent reservoir can be a container and may be located in the interior of the housing, where it is in fluid connection with the environment by using a tube. With reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the scent reservoir  60  comprises a base  61  and at least one chamber  62 , cavity or well or other concave configuration (e.g. bowl-shaped) that contains a scent-releasing substance. The base  61  is posterior to the at least one chamber  62  and typically form a unitary structure. The base  61  allows for the proper positioning of the plurality of blades  50  that are disposed on the back thereof while also providing for removeable attachment of the rotatable cover  70 . The plurality of blades  50  may be locked into portion using a backing  51 . The backing  51  is typically complimentary in shape to the base  61  of the scent reservoir  60 . The backing  51  can be posteriorly engaged with the base  61  thereby ensuring proper positioning such as the blade angle. Both the methods of positioning the blades  50  and removable attachment of the rotatable cover  70  to the base  61  are well known to those skilled in the art. The at least one chamber  62  is defined by a side wall and floor and can comprise four sub-chambers  63  completely separated from one another by cross-walls  64  such that one or more scents can be used simultaneously without substantial direct contact among the various scent-releasing substances. 
     The rotatable cover  70  comprises at least one aperture  71  therethrough, and provides for containment of the scent-releasing substance while also allowing for the controlled release of the scent. The rotatable cover  70  may have any suitable shape known to those skilled in the art, however it is preferably concave or dome-shaped. The rotatable cover  70  engages with the base  61  of the scent reservoir  60  such that a user may rotate the cover  70  where the at least one aperture  71  is open and allows for the passage of the scent. Conversely, the user may counter-rotate the cover  70  to close the at least one aperture  71  thereby substantially preventing release of the scent. As a result, when not in use, the device of the invention allows for the preservation of the scent-releasing substance, which further extends the useful life of scent-releasing substance. The rotatable cover  70  may be engaged with the base  61  of the scent reservoir  60  using those methods known to one skilled in the art. Thus, certain devices of the invention not only provide a scent to a user, but, by allowing for controlled scent release, the user can use the devices of the invention to project air for its cooling effects without substantial projection or dispersion of the scent. 
     The fan assembly  40  can be removably attached or connected to the drive shaft of the drive mechanism  30 , whereby the fan assembly  40  may be easily disengaged or detached. Those skilled in the art readily understand the methods by which such a removeable attachment or connection is effectuated. As a result, the devices of the invention can further comprise a secondary structure  80  that can be engaged with the drive shaft  31  and enjoyed either independently or in combination with any scent. 
     The scent reservoir  60 , backing  51  and rotatable cover  70  may be constructed of any suitably rigid material such as, for example, plastics, metals, rubbers, synthetic resins, cardboard, wood or any combination thereof, wherein the use of such materials is well known by those skilled in the art. Generally, the scent reservoir  60  and rotatable cover  70  are constructed of plastic. The scent reservoir  60  and rotatable cover  70  may be produced by any method generally known in the art for a given material; for example, injection molding for plastic. 
     The scent can be formulated as a component or ingredient of a scent-releasing substance. The scent-releasing substance may be in the form of a solid, gel matrix or liquid (e.g., an oil) or other scent-producing/releasing form (e.g., a semi-solid such as a wax) known in the art that allows for the evaporation, vaporization, dispersing, exuding, emitting or giving-off of a scent. The processes for making such scent-release substances are known by those skilled in the art. For example, gel formulations can comprise a gel matrix derived from an organic or inorganic system and are typically prepared hot, and the scent is added as the product cools to preserve the integrity of the scent. Preferably the scent-releasing substance is capable of releasing a scent for a prolonged or extended period of time such as, for example, at least about one day, at least about a week, or at least about a month. 
     Any scent known in the art may be used with the devices of the invention. Formulations for such scents along with the processes for making them are known in the art. The scent may be of natural origins (e.g., made with plant, flower or fruit extracts), chemically synthesized according to processes known to those skilled in the art, or a combination of natural and synthetic scents. Generally, the scent for use in the invention is non-toxic and child-safe. The scent-releasing substance can utilize a scent in a concentrated form, so as to minimize the volume used and to maximize the time such scent-releasing substances are capable of providing their scent. 
     Representative examples of scent-producing chemicals include aldehydes. When concentrated, aldehydes smell soapy or fatty; however, when mixed in the proper proportions with water, they develop a sweet, flowery smell. “Green” scents are fresh, having an odor similar to cut grass or plant stems, and are also generally produced by synthetic perfume oils. However, natural sources of green notes such as galbanum (a tropical resin) or violet leaf oil can also be used. “Floral” notes are some of the oldest and most popular scent components. Examples include jasmine-rose complexes blended with lilac and lily-of-the-valley. “Herbal-spice” scent notes can also be used. Lavender, sage, moss, cinnamon, cloves, sandalwood, and cedar can be used to provide these notes. “Oriental” scent notes can be used. Oriental scent notes are sweet, heavy, and strong, and are often found in natural animal materials, such as musk. 
     Other examples of suitable scent ingredients for use in the invention include bergamot, bitter orange, lemon, mandarin, caraway, cedar leaf, cloverleaf, cedarwood, geranium, lavender, patchouli, lavandan, rose absolute, geranyl (apple), citral (lemon), bornyl isovalerate (pine) and ethylmethylphenyl glycidate (strawberry), and the like, or combinations thereof. These scent-producing chemicals can be mixed with a variety of synthetic scent components, such as aldehydes, ketones, esters, alcohol, terpenes, and the like, or combinations thereof. 
     Exemplary scents include, but are not limited to, candy (e.g., bubblegum, cotton candy, caramel apple, popcorn, and chocolate), fruit scents (e.g., grape, lemon, orange, cherry, lime, apple, strawberry and watermelon), cola, floral scents, the ocean, herbs, pine and a variety of food items (e.g., peanut butter, pizza, hot dogs, and hamburgers). Additionally, the scent used in the device of the invention need not be pleasurable, but instead may be unusual, displeasing or offensive. Such scents include garbage, vomit, limburger cheese, onions or garlic. It is contemplated that combinations of scents can be used such that innumerable scent combinations are available to the user. 
     Typically, when the scent is a component of a volatile liquid, it is retained in an absorbent material of types including cotton or other cellulose based material, flexible foam or other absorbent or sponge-like material capable of retaining the scent-releasing substance known to those skilled in the art, for example as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,011 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. When the scent is used in the form of a gel matrix, the use of an absorbent material is optional. Those skilled in the art recognize and understand the appropriate components of a gel matrix useful in the invention and the process used for producing the scent-releasing gel matrices, for example as described in U.S. Patent Publication 2004/0188535 which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Similarly, those skilled in the art recognize and understand the methods and process for forming the scent-releasing liquids, solids and semi-solids that may be used with the devices of the invention. The scent-releasing substances are readily refillable, such that once the scent has been substantially depleted, the scent reservoir may be refilled with either the same or different scent-releasing substance and the same or different scent. Generally, the scent-releasing substances described herein are non-reactive with the other components and materials used in the device of the invention. 
     The air projector may be any suitable air projector known to those skilled in the art, such as a fan assembly. As noted above, the fan assembly  40  can be removably attached or connected to the drive shaft  31  of the drive mechanism  30 , whereby the fan assembly  40  may be disengaged and a secondary structure  80  may be engaged with the drive shaft  31 . Also as noted above, the secondary structure  80  may be readily engaged and disengaged from the housing cap  20 , thereby permitting independent use of the secondary structure  80  or use in combination with the device of the invention by removably attaching it to the drive shaft  31 . The secondary structure  80  can comprise a confectionary product  90  (e.g., a candy product such as lollipops, stick candy or other types of hard candy known to those skilled in the art), wherein the device of the invention can rotate the secondary structure  80 , thereby enhancing both the pace of enjoyment of consumption for the user. The secondary structure  80  may originate from outside sources independent of the device of the invention (e.g., separate scent-pack refills) or as noted above, may be detachable from the exterior  22  face of the cap  20  and placed in rotatable connection with the drive shaft  31  and subsequently replaced onto the cap&#39;s exterior face  22 . Moreover, a secondary structure cap  81  may be used to cover the structure. For example when candy is the secondary structure  80 , the cover prevents contact with foreign substances or contamination from dirt or other elements that may affect the taste of the candy. 
     In those instances where the secondary structure  80  is candy, it may be enjoyed by itself or it may be complimentary to the scent contained in the scent reservoir  60  such that perception of the scent and consumption of the candy provide a combined sensory effect to the user. Exemplary combinations include peanut butter and jelly, applies and cinnamon, lemon and lime, chocolate and vanilla, strawberry and banana, cherry and vanilla, or suitable or well-known combination of tastes and scents desired to be experienced by a user. 
     To assist in properly operating the device of the invention, instructions can be provided with the device that provide information regarding operation and enjoyment of the device, including the control of scent dispersing, optimal proximity to the user&#39;s face, and removing/replacing the air projector (e.g., fan assembly) or secondary structure. 
     The invention also provides to a method of marketing a scent projecting device. The marketing method involves packaging the scent projecting device of the invention in combination with a confectionary product as shown in  FIG. 1 ,  2  or  3 . The combination package can then be sold along with a variety of scent-packs (which can comprise packages containing refills of any of the variety of scent-releasing substances). 
     The device of the invention can be further marketed with other items such as electronic devices (such as for keeping time or producing light and/or sound effects) and promotional items such as contests, lotteries, stickers, collectible items (e.g., cards and toys). 
     A variety of modifications to the devices described will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure provided herein. Thus, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.