Patent Abstract:
A method of dispensing a fragrance having at least one aroma chemical includes the step of providing a frame adapted to be attached to a dispenser for dispensing fluids and a cartridge including a volatile material containing a fragrance comprising at least one aroma chemical, wherein the cartridge is adapted for attachment to the frame. The method of dispensing further includes the steps of nebulizing water to create nebulized water particles, directing the nebulized water particles at the cartridge, and entraining volatile material from the cartridge in at least some of the nebulized water particles upon collision with the cartridge to create volatile material-infused water particles.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Disclosure 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to volatile material dispensers and, more particularly, to volatile material dispensers that mix water and volatile materials. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Background 
         [0004]    Various volatile material dispensers are known in the prior art, most of which deliver fragrance to the air by a number of different mechanisms, including, for example: (1) the fragrance is sprayed into the air or (2) the fragrance is evaporated into the air. Such volatile material dispensers generally include a housing with a refill inserted therein. The refill generally includes a container for holding a volatile material, wherein the volatile material may include various components including aroma chemicals, water, solvents, surfactants, alcohols, and other components. Some refills include a wick in contact with the volatile material and extending out of the refill to carry the volatile material out of the refill. Other refills include a gel-like substance that is emitted through a semi-permeable membrane. Regardless of the type of refill, a refill may be inserted into a volatile material dispenser having a heater, a piezoelectric element, an aerosol actuator, or any other diffusion element that may assist in delivering the volatile material. 
         [0005]    For volatile material dispensers that are evaporation-based, a perfumer or developer of fragranced volatile materials for the dispensers must select aroma chemicals (forming the fragrance) that are sufficiently volatile for the particular delivery system (i.e., heater-based, passive, fan-based, etc.). Similarly, if the volatile material dispenser is spray-based, the perfumer must choose aroma chemicals (forming the fragrance) that work with the bulk liquid of the spray (e.g., solubility parameters are important). The constraints in such dispensers limit the types of aroma chemicals that may be used in such dispensers. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In illustrative embodiments, a method of dispensing a fragrance having at least one aroma chemical may include the step of providing a frame adapted to be attached to a dispenser for dispensing fluids and a cartridge including a volatile material containing a fragrance comprising at least one aroma chemical, wherein the cartridge is adapted for attachment to the frame. The method of dispensing may further include the steps of nebulizing water to create nebulized water particles, directing the nebulized water particles at the cartridge, and entraining volatile material from the cartridge in at least some of the nebulized water particles upon collision with the cartridge to create volatile material-infused water particles. 
         [0007]    In other illustrative embodiments, a volatile material dispenser may include a frame adapted to be attached to a dispenser having an ultrasonic nebulizer for dispensing fluids. The dispenser may further include a cartridge containing a volatile material and adapted to be attached to the frame, wherein the frame is adapted to position the cartridge within the dispenser such that the cartridge is in a path of the nebulized water particles, whereby the cartridge acts a baffle that filters out larger nebulized fluid particles emitted by the ultrasonic nebulizer. 
         [0008]    In further illustrative embodiments, a volatile material dispenser may include a housing having a reservoir adapted to hold water and an ultrasonic nebulizer in communication with the reservoir and the water within the reservoir, wherein the ultrasonic nebulizer is adapted to volatilize and emit the water as nebulized water particles. The dispenser may further include a cartridge containing a volatile material and positioned such that nebulized water particles from the ultrasonic nebulizer impinge upon the cartridge and entrain volatile material within the nebulized water particles, wherein the volatile material comprises a fragrance with at least one aroma chemical and the volatile material is free of solvents and surfactants. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is top perspective view of an exemplary dispenser embodying the principles of the present application; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  with a cover removed therefrom and a cartridge attached to a cartridge holder within the dispenser; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2  and depicting various internal components of the dispenser. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of the cartridge of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the lines  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4  and depicting components of the cartridge; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6A  is a diagram of exemplary pathways in which aroma chemicals may be emitted into the air by any of the dispensers of the present application; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6B  is diagram illustrating an alternative manner in which to depict the exemplary pathways in which aroma chemicals may be emitted into the air of  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a diagram depicting the exemplary pathways taken by aroma chemicals having different volatilities and water solubilities; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a graph depicting perceived intensity by way of a fragrance-infused water, a passively evaporated fragrance cartridge, and an actively evaporated fragrance cartridge for different fragrances; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a chart detailing the fragrance delivery rates for the samples of  FIG. 8  for four different fragrances. 
       
    
    
       [0019]    Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, wherein similar structures have like or similar reference numerals. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    The present disclosure is directed to volatile material dispensers that are capable of mixing water and volatile materials. While the present application may be embodied in many different forms, several specific embodiments are discussed herein with the understanding that the present application is to be considered only as an exemplification of the principles of the application, and it is not intended to limit the application to the embodiments illustrated. 
         [0021]    Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-3  depict a volatile material dispenser  50  for combining water and volatile materials for dispensing. The volatile material dispenser  50  generally includes a housing  52  having a reservoir  54  for holding water  56 . An ultrasonic nebulizer  58 , or any other suitable device for emitting one or more materials as a mist, is disposed within or adjacent the reservoir  54  so as to be submerged in the water  56  within the reservoir  54 . In an illustrative embodiment, the ultrasonic nebulizer  58  may be disposed within a bottom wall  60  of the reservoir  54  with a top surface of the ultrasonic nebulizer  58  in contact with the water  56 . In other illustrative embodiments, the ultrasonic nebulizer  58  may be positioned in any suitable location within the ultrasonic nebulizer  58  for aerosolizing the water  56 . 
         [0022]    As best seen in  FIGS. 2-5 , a volatile material cartridge  70  is disposed within the housing  52 , for example, above the reservoir  54  or within the reservoir  54 . In an illustrative embodiment, the cartridge  70  is spaced from the water  56  within the reservoir  54 . Similarly, the cartridge  70  is spaced from the bottom wall  60  of the reservoir  54 . In illustrative embodiments, as best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the cartridge  70  includes a plastic tray  72  for holding a liquid or gel volatile material  74  ( FIG. 5 ) and having a peripheral flange  76  extending outwardly from an upper edge  78  of the plastic tray  72 . The plastic tray  72  and the peripheral flange  76  may be formed of a recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) layer adhesively bonded to a nylon laminate, wherein the nylon laminate may include a layer of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) coextruded to each side of a middle nylon layer. Optionally, the plastic tray  72  and the peripheral flange  76  may be made from any other suitable non-porous, non-permeable material. 
         [0023]    Still referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a non-porous permeable membrane  80  may be attached to the peripheral flange  76  to cover the plastic tray  72 . In illustrative embodiments, the permeable membrane  80  may be comprised of a low density polyethylene (LDPE) or any other suitable material. An impermeable membrane  82  may be releasably adhered to the peripheral flange  76  over the non-porous permeable membrane  80 . In illustrative embodiments, the impermeable membrane  82  is formed of foil or any other suitable material. During use, the impermeable membrane  82  may be removed to allow the volatile material  74  to escape through the non-porous permeable membrane  80 . In illustrative embodiments, a cartridge sold by S. C. Johnson &amp; Son, Inc. under the trademark Glade Sensations® may be used or a cartridge as disclosed in Martens, I I I et al. U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,770, issued on May 8, 2007, and entitled “Volatile Material Dispensing System” may be used. While a particular cartridge  70  is disclosed and depicted herein, any other suitable cartridge or refill may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present application. 
         [0024]    The volatile material  74  within the cartridge  70  may include one or more active ingredients. Exemplary active ingredients include, but are not limited to, one or more of a cleaner, an insecticide, an insect repellant, an insect attractant, a disinfectant, a mold or mildew inhibitor, an antimicrobial, a fragrance comprised of one or more aroma chemicals, a disinfectant, an air purifier, an aromatherapy scent, an antiseptic, an odor eliminator, a positive fragrancing active material, an air-freshener, a deodorizer, a medicinal component, an inhalant (e.g., for relieving a cough or congestion), or the like, and combinations thereof. 
         [0025]    The volatile material  74  may be in any form that, in combination with the structure of the cartridge  70 , prevents leaking, dripping, or flowing of the volatile material  74  from the cartridge  70  and may provide a slow, passive diffusion into the surrounding atmosphere. In illustrative embodiments, the volatile material  74  is in the form of a gel including a fragrance and/or insecticide, and further comprising at least one dye and a thickening agent that color and thicken the volatile material  74 , respectively. In illustrative embodiments, the volatile material is free of solvents and surfactants. 
         [0026]    As best seen in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , a hollow post  100  may extend upwardly from the bottom wall  60  of the reservoir  54 . A cartridge holder  102  includes a cap  104  that is detachably attached to a top end  106  of the post  100  in any suitable manner and a frame  108  for attachment of the cartridge  70 . In illustrative embodiments, the frame  108  may include first and second opposing side edges  110 ,  112  and third and fourth opposing side edges  114 ,  116  extending between the first and second opposing side edges  110 ,  112 . An opening  118  may be formed in a central portion of the frame  108  between the side edges  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 . 
         [0027]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , one or more projections  120   a ,  120   b  may extend from any number of the side edges  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  to aid in retaining and orienting the cartridge  70  on the frame  108 . More specifically, when a user desires to emit volatile material  74  from the dispenser  50 , the user may insert the cartridge  70  by removing the cartridge holder  102  from the post  100  and attaching the cartridge  70  to the frame  108  or attaching the cartridge  70  to the frame  108  while the cartridge holder  102  is attached to the post  100 . Regardless of the manner in which the cartridge  70  is attached, the projections  120   a ,  120   b  force a user to insert the cartridge  70  with the non-porous permeable membrane  80  facing the bottom wall  60  of the reservoir  54 . In particular, the projection  120   a  creates a small gap  122  between the projection  120   a  and the first side edge  110  that may accommodate the peripheral flange  76  of the cartridge  70 . Upon insertion of the cartridge  70  with the plastic tray  72  facing downwardly, the cap  104  of the cartridge holder  102  interferes with the downwardly extending plastic tray  72  to prevent insertion with the plastic tray  72  facing downwardly. In contrast, when the peripheral flange  76  is inserted into the gap  122  with the non-porous permeable membrane  80  facing toward the bottom wall  60  of the reservoir  54 , the peripheral flange  76  of the cartridge  70  creates a planar surface that fits against the side edges  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  for proper insertion of the cartridge  70  into the frame  108 . In illustrative embodiments, one or more of the sides edges  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  may include full or partial upwardly extending walls  126  that additionally assist in positioning the cartridge  70  on the frame  108 . While particular positioning features are disclosed, other suitable positioning features may additionally or alternatively be utilized to position the cartridge  70  on the frame  108 . 
         [0028]    In illustrative embodiments, the cartridge  70  is positioned with the cartridge  70  disposed above the ultrasonic nebulizer  58  and the ultrasonic nebulizer  58  horizontally centered with respect to the cartridge  70 . In further illustrative embodiments, the ultrasonic nebulizer  58  may not be centered with respect to the cartridge  70 . The cartridge  70  may be placed above the ultrasonic nebulizer  58  and/or above the water  56  to allow nebulized water to be projected upwardly at the cartridge  70 , as will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. 
         [0029]    When the volatile material  74  within the cartridge  70  is gone or the user no longer desires volatile material  74 , the cartridge  70  may be removed in a manner similar to the manner the cartridge  70  was inserted into the frame  108 . As best seen in  FIG. 1 , notches  130  are formed in the third and fourth side edges  114 ,  116  of the frame  108  to assist a user in grasping the peripheral flange  76  of the cartridge  70 . 
         [0030]    As further seen in  FIG. 3 , the bottom wall  60  of the reservoir is generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the dispenser  50 . The frame  108  is spaced from the bottom wall  60  and may be disposed at an angle A 1  with respect to a horizontal plane  133  that is generally orthogonal to a longitudinal axis  132  of the dispenser  50  and parallel to the bottom wall  60  of the reservoir  54 . While A 1  is shown such that a free end of the frame  108  tilts upwardly (positive angle A 1 ), the free end of the frame  108  may alternatively tilt downwardly (negative angle A 1 ). In illustrative embodiments, the angle A 1  may be between about −15 degrees and about 15 degrees. In other illustrative embodiments, the angle A 1  may be between about −10 degrees and about 10 degrees. In still other illustrative embodiments, the angle A 1  may be between about −5 degrees and about 5 degrees. In other illustrative embodiments, the frame  108  may be tilted to one side or the other at angles similar to the angles described above with respect to the angle A 1 . In further illustrative embodiments, the frame  108  may be tiled to one side and may further be tilted upwardly or downwardly. As will be discussed in more detail below during a discussion of the operation of the dispenser  50 , the angle A 1  (and/or tilting to either side) is designed to allow water condensing on a bottom of the cartridge  70  to runoff and drip back into the reservoir  54  in a uniform and consistent manner. 
         [0031]    Still referring to  FIG. 3 , one or more partial or continuous stiffening ribs  140  may be disposed on bottom surfaces of one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth side edges  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116 . The stiffening ribs  140  provide rigidity to the frame  108  and aid in retaining the frame  108  at the angle A 1 . In illustrative embodiments, the ribs  140  extend downwardly from each of the first, second, third, and fourth side edges  110 ,  112 ,  114 ,  116  and are connected to one another such that the ribs  140  extend around the entire frame  108 . 
         [0032]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , the dispenser  50  may include a cover  142  that is removably attached to the housing  52 . If a cover  142  is utilized, an aperture  144  may be disposed through at least a portion of the cover  142  for emission of water and volatile material therethrough. If used, the cover  142  may be removed to refill the water  76  in the reservoir  54  and/or to replace the cartridge  70 . In illustrative embodiments, a retention feature (not shown) may be utilized to prevent inadvertent removal of the cover  142  from the housing  52 , but allow removal of the cover  142  when desired. Such retention feature may include one or more of detents, latches, clips, and/or any other suitable retention feature(s). 
         [0033]    The dispenser  50  may include any suitable circuitry  152  that controls the operation of the ultrasonic nebulizer  58 . In illustrative embodiments, the circuitry  152  operates the ultrasonic nebulizer  58  in a constant manner. In other illustrative embodiments, the circuitry  152  may control the ultrasonic nebulizer  58  to run intermittently, at increasing or decreasing intervals, or in any other constant or varied manner. The dispenser  50  may include a number of batteries (not shown) for powering the components of the dispenser  50  and/or may include any suitable plug  154  for connection of a power cord (not shown). 
         [0034]    In illustrative embodiments, the dispenser  50  may further include a blower  150  that may be any suitable device that moves air. In illustrative embodiments, the blower  150  is operatively connected to the circuitry  152 , which is programmed to run the blower  150  at different speeds. In illustrative embodiments, such different speeds may include a steadily increasing speed, a pulsed speed, alternating speeds (e.g., on and off or slow and fast), or any other varied or constant speed(s). Increasing fan speeds may be used to steadily increase fragrance delivery over time and alternating speeds may provide bursts of fragrance over time, both of which promote long-lasting noticeability. 
         [0035]    The dispenser  50  may further include a sensor (not shown) that detects a low or empty level (of water) within the reservoir  54 . The sensor may be located in any suitable location within or adjacent the reservoir  54 . When a low or empty level (of water) in the reservoir  54  is detected, the circuitry  152  may be programmed to turn off one or more of the ultrasonic nebulizer  58 , the blower  150 , and/or any other components of the dispenser  50 . After the ultrasonic nebulizer  58  and/or blower  150  are turned off, the fragrance (and its aroma chemical components) in the cartridge  70  continues to passively evaporate into the dispenser  50 . When the dispenser  50  is again turned on, the fragrance collected in the dispenser  50  will be evacuated, giving the user an initial burst of fragrance that signals the dispenser  50  is functioning. 
         [0036]    In use, water  56  is placed within the reservoir  54  to be nebulized by the ultrasonic nebulizer  58 . The dispenser  50  may be actuated before or after insertion of the cartridge  70 . As noted above, the cartridge  70  may be placed above the ultrasonic nebulizer  58  to allow nebulized water to be projected upwardly at the cartridge  70 , as seen by the arrows  146  in  FIG. 3 . In this manner, the cartridge  70  acts as a baffle. More particularly, during operation of the dispenser  50 , the ultrasonic nebulizer  58  may be periodically or continuously energized to nebulize and spray the water  56  within the reservoir  54 . The nebulized water is sprayed directly at the cartridge  70 . In illustrative embodiments, an optional blower  150  may be disposed within the reservoir  54  or adjacent the reservoir to assist in moving the nebulized water toward the cartridge  70  and/or out of the dispenser  50 . 
         [0037]    In an example in which the volatile material includes a fragrance having one or more aroma chemicals, the cartridge  70  provides fragrance in multiple ways, as seen in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . First, the aroma chemical(s) within the cartridge  70  are passively emitted through the non-porous permeable membrane  80  of the cartridge  70  (see ( 1 ) in  FIG. 6A ). In addition, nebulized water particles forcibly hit the cartridge  70 , which acts as a baffle. Some of the nebulized water particles pick up the aroma chemical(s)  74  through an infusion-extraction process that occurs upon hitting the non-porous permeable membrane  80  and the fragrance-infused particles are emitted from the dispenser  50  (see also ( 1 ) in  FIG. 6A ). Other of the nebulized water particles forcibly hit the cartridge  70  acting as a baffle, condense on the non-porous permeable membrane  80  and/or other portions of the cartridge  80 , and drip back into the water  56 , thereby creating a fragranced water. Second, the fragranced water is later emitted passively from the reservoir  54  by evaporation of the aroma chemical(s) and water from the reservoir  54  (see ( 2 ) in  FIG. 6A ). Third, the fragranced water in the reservoir  54  is nebulized and emitted by the ultrasonic nebulizer  58  (see ( 3 ) in  FIG. 6A ). 
         [0038]    The cartridge  70  adds fragrance including one or more aroma chemicals to the nebulized water and also acts to filter out larger nebulized water particles (allowing the smaller particles to stay within the airstream and be dispensed from the device). The larger water particles collide with the cartridge  70 , agglomerate into even larger particles, return to the reservoir  54  (with volatile material entrained therein), and are eventually recirculated through nebulization. The smaller particles remain airborne and minimize fall-out or dropping of particles onto surfaces surrounding the dispenser  50 . 
         [0039]    The volatile material compositions  74  of the present application may include any volatile material composition, regardless of the volatility or the solubility of the composition. In illustrative embodiments utilizing fragrances with one or more aroma chemicals, any aroma chemical or combination of aroma chemicals may be utilized regardless of their volatility or solubility. Providing different methods or pathways for volatilization, as described above, allows the aroma chemicals in the volatile material compositions  74  to be emitted regardless of their volatility and/or solubility. As seen in  FIG. 7 , each of the aroma chemicals will make its way into the air via the manner most suitable for that aroma chemical. More specifically, the aroma chemicals with a high volatility and low water solubility will be biased to delivery via direct evaporation (either passively or through nebulized water particles hitting the cartridge  70 ). Aroma chemicals with a high water solubility and a low volatility will be biased toward delivery via nebulization of water from the reservoir  54  that has been infused with fragrance. Aroma chemicals with a low water solubility and low volatility will be biased toward delivery by any pathway of “least resistance”, but may show low delivery rates. Lastly, aroma chemicals with a high water solubility and low volatility will be biased toward delivery by any pathway of “least resistance”, but may show high delivery rates. 
         [0040]    In determining low/high volatility chemicals and low/high water solubility chemicals, a database of 171 aroma chemicals most commonly used in home fragrancing was analyzed. High volatility aroma chemicals were defined as those aroma chemicals having a vapor pressure greater than or equal to the seventieth (70) percentile for the data set (or a vapor pressure of greater than or equal to about 1.0E-01 hectopascal (hPa)) and low volatility aroma chemicals were defined as those aroma chemicals having a vapor pressure less than or equal to the thirtieth (30) percentile for the data set (or a vapor pressure of less than or equal to about 7.5E-03 hPa). Low solubility aroma chemicals were defined as those aroma chemicals having a solubility greater than or equal to the seventieth (70) percentile for the data set (or a solubility of greater than or equal to about 3.97 Log P) and high solubility aroma chemicals were defined as those aroma chemicals having a solubility less than or equal to the thirtieth (30) percentile for the data set (or a solubility of less than or equal to about 2.6 Log P). 
         [0041]    Examples of high volatility and low water solubility chemicals are iso-bornyl acetate (with a molecular weight of 196, a solubility of 4.3 Log P, and a volatility or vapor pressure of 1.00E-01 hPa) and limonene (with a molecular weight of 136, a solubility of 4.38 Log P, and a volatility or vapor pressure of 1.93E+00 hPa). An example of a low volatility and low water solubility chemical is lilial (with a molecular weight of 204, a solubility of 4.4 Log P, and a volatility or vapor pressure of 5.00E-03 hPa). An example of a high volatility and high water solubility chemical is methyl benzoate (with a molecular weight of 136, a solubility of 2.1 Log P, and a volatility or vapor pressure of 5.00E-01 hPa). Examples of low volatility and high water solubility chemicals are cinnamic alcohol (with a molecular weight of 134, a solubility of 2 Log P, and a volatility or vapor pressure of 4.00E-03 hPa), methy cyclopetenone (with a molecular weight of 112, a solubility of 1.29 Log P, and a volatility or vapor pressure of 1.14E-03 hPa), and sulfurol (with a molecular weight of 143, a solubility of 1.11 Log P, and a volatility or vapor pressure of 2.28E-03 hPa). 
         [0042]    The multiple pathways for volatilization described above and shown in  FIG. 6  create unique, consumer-preferred fragrance experiences and eliminate issues associated with creating fragrances for a delivery system that can only tolerate water-soluble aroma chemicals or only tolerate highly volatile aroma chemicals. 
         [0043]    In an illustrative study, test chambers were used that were made of steel and 200 cubic feet in size with no air circulation. Each sample, as will be detailed below, was placed in its respective chamber two hours before panelists in the study began their evaluations. The samples remained in the chambers throughout the test period (blinded from the panelists). The panelists assessed smell in the chambers by opening a small door into the chamber and placing their noses inside to sniff. The panelists did not enter the chambers. After smelling a particular chamber, the panelist was asked, “How strong is the fragrance?” and were asked to rate the perceived fragrance intensity within the chamber on a scale of 1 to 7 (with 1 being weak and 7 being strong). 
         [0044]    The order of presentation of the samples to the panelists was randomized. The study consisted of three samples: (1) a fragrance infused water (about 99.9% water and balance of fragrance oil) delivered by a piezoelectric-mesh nebulizer sold by Homedics under the item model number HUM-CM10 (the fragrance-infused water was created by submerging the cartridge  70  in water for a week before the study and then the resulting fragrance-infused water was nebulized into the air); (2) fragrance emanating from the cartridge  70  at room temperature; and (3) fragrance emanating from the cartridge  70  heated by a dispenser having a heater. Each of the chambers was kept at 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). Various scents were also utilized for each sample including, Lavender &amp; Peach Blossoms, Attraction, Vanilla, and Nectar Blossoms, all of which have been or are currently sold under the Glade® trademark by S. C. Johnson &amp; Son, Inc. 
         [0045]    The study was designed so that the mass fragrance delivery rate of each fragrance composition was about the same for Samples  1  and  2 . As shown in the graph of  FIG. 8 , which depicts average fragrance intensity ratings for each of Samples  1 - 3  for each of the four evaluated fragrances, the fragranced-infused water (Sample  1 ) was perceived as significantly more intense than the passively emitted cartridge  70  (Sample  2 ) for three of the four evaluated fragrances (Lavender &amp; Peach Blossoms, Attraction, and Vanilla), even though the delivery rate for Samples  1  and  2  was about the same (see  FIG. 9 ). While the average fragrance intensity for the fragrance Nectar Blossoms for Sample  1  was not perceived as being significantly more intense than for Sample  2 , the average intensity rating for Sample  1  was nominally higher than the average intensity rating for Sample  2 . The fragrance delivery rates for each of Samples  1 - 3  for each of the fragrances is shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0046]    Still referring to  FIG. 8 , the average intensity rating for Sample  1  was significantly higher than the average intensity rating for Sample  3  for the Vanilla fragrance. This is notable, as the mass fragrance delivery rate for Sample  3  (which was 20 milligrams per hour for the Vanilla fragrance) was significantly higher than the mass fragrance delivery rate for Sample  1  (which was 10 milligrams per hour for the Vanilla fragrance). 
         [0047]    The dispensers described herein are more dynamic that typical fragrance dispensers. First, as described above, multiple pathways for emission of fragrance from the dispenser  50  are provided. Additionally, other system dynamics provide for a dynamic dispenser. In illustrative embodiments, some of the dynamic components of the dispenser  50  include, but are not limited to, the water  56  in the reservoir  54  depleting during usage, the delivery rate changing as a water level in the reservoir  54  changes, and a temperature of the water  56  in the reservoir  54  increasing over time. All of these changes vary the overall fragrance delivery rate of the dispenser  50  over time. The net result is a dynamic fragrancing dispenser, wherein the dynamics may be leveraged to create unique and differentiated fragrance experiences, which may promote long-lasting noticeability. 
         [0048]    One of the advantages of the dispensers as disclosed herein, which include fragrance-infused water, is that the fragrance delivery to the water  56  within the reservoir  54  is dictated by the solubility dynamics of the dispenser  50 . The inherent physics of, for example, the dispenser  50 , significantly minimize (or possibly prevent) the accumulation of an oil slick on top of the water  56 , which occurs in dispensers in which a fragranced oil is delivered directly to the water. An oil slick promotes the accumulation of residues in the water reservoir, thereby necessitating more frequent cleaning of the dispenser. 
         [0049]    In alternative illustrative embodiments, an ultrasonic nebulizer or any other suitable device for emitting one or more materials as a mist, may be positioned outside of the reservoir  54  and not submerged within the water  56 . In such an embodiment, the water  56  (and any aroma chemicals entrained therein) may be fed to the nebulizer. Water mist particles may then be directed at the cartridge  70  or through a tortuous path including that knocks down or filters out the larger water mist particles. A volatile material cartridge may be disposed within the tortuous path such that the water mist particles contact the volatile material and entrain the volatile material therein. 
         [0050]    In alternative illustrative embodiments, a frame or other device for holding a cartridge or refill may be sold or provided to users of humidifiers for attachment to their humidifiers. In illustrative embodiments, the frame may be adapted for attachment to a portion of a humidifier or other water and/or volatile material dispensing device. Cartridges including one or more volatile materials may be attached to the frame for volatilization thereof. The frame may be sold as a kit, for example with one or more adapters for attaching the frame to one or more humidifiers or other device(s). The kit may also include one or more volatile material cartridges. The kit may be universal in that it may allow for attachment of the frame to multiple devices and/or the kit may be individually tailored for a single device. 
         [0051]    Any of the embodiments described herein may be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in connection with other embodiments. 
         [0052]    Further, although directional terminology, such as front, back, top, bottom, upper, lower, etc. may be used throughout the present specification, it should be understood that such terms are not limiting and are only utilized herein to convey the orientation of different elements with respect to one another. 
         [0053]    All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present disclosure. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0054]    The present invention provides volatile material dispensers for mixing of water and volatile materials, for example, fragrances containing one or more aroma chemicals. One of the advantages of such a dispenser, which includes fragrance-infused water, is that no surfactants or solvents are necessary because the fragrance-infused water for emission is created on demand or as needed. The fragrance-infused water only needs to exist as a dispersion in the air and not as a stable, single-phase system that is designed and needs to maintain its integrity through a long and unpredictable distribution channel. 
         [0055]    Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments of the disclosure 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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1