Patent Description:
Applying a fragrance, for example, by spraying, to a strip of paper and then smelling it in order to test the fragrance is known. The strip of paper allows the fragrance to be dispensed so that it can be either acquired or discarded by the user.

Paper strips or blotters have the advantage of being simple and cost-effective means to test a fragrance. In addition, paper strips provide fresh odour by facilitating evaporation of ethanol usually contained, for example, in perfumes. However, paper strips have the disadvantage that fragrance odour evolves over time, resulting in different odour profiles, with which the user may come to perceive a different odour than that of the fragrance that is actually going to acquire. Another disadvantage of the paper strips is that waste is generated as they are discarded after use.

One alternative to overcome these disadvantages of the paper strips has been to replace them with ceramic bodies, which may take different shapes, and made of ceramic material, such as, for example, by pressing and firing. As with the paper strips, a fragrance is applied to the ceramic bodies, for example, by spraying, for subsequently smelling. A further disadvantage associated with the use of conventional paper strips relates to environment olfactory contamination due to the fact of having to perfume by spraying or immersion at the same test point, which negatively influences perception of odour to be tested.

<CIT> discloses a device of the above type for presenting a fragrance. The device includes a presentation stick comprising a confining enclosure for containing a fragrance and a porous element made of, for example, a ceramic material. The porous element is arranged to plug a neck in the confining enclosure to be received therein, in a zone in which the fragrance exists only in the gaseous state. The presentation stick has a holding head to plug the neck of the confining enclosure. To test the fragrance, the user removes the presentation stick from the confining enclosure which, as it is impregnated with the fragrance vapor, it is delivered it to the outside.

In the device of <CIT>, the fragrance is applied to the porous element so that it is loaded and stored closed within the enclosure so that it does not evaporate quickly. The fragrance, once applied, evolves within the enclosure, even if it is closed. With each use, this fragrance retained by the porous element evaporates. Fragrance time is thus heavily dependent on the number of consecutive uses. If, for example, with the same perfume protocol in a day, few fragrance applications are performed, and the next day many other fragrance applications are performed, the next day's client perception does not have much to do with the previous day's client perception.

In <CIT> a device for testing a perfume is provided. This device comprises a housing having an opening, and a test body which can be impregnated with perfume and which is capable of being at least partially inserted into the housing through the opening. A perfume-dispensing device is arranged within the housing for dispensing perfume when the test body is inserted into the housing. The perfume-dispensing device comprises at least one perfume-impregnating body with which the test body contacts when inserted into the housing, impregnating the test body with perfume.

In the device of <CIT>, the test body is inserted into the perfumed composition at the time of testing, so as to be impregnated and smelled. The ceramic of the test body is impregnated with the formulation without leaving time for the ceramic to collect the amount that it is capable of retaining. There remains, therefore, unabsorbed perfume residues that will be over-represented by the more volatile notes such as ethanol, so that olfactory experience is not faithful to the perfume and is not complete either. On the other hand, since the test body is impregnated and dried in each use, the oxidation process of the perfume residues remaining in the ceramic is very important, causing bad odours by oxidation.

<CIT> also discloses a device suitable for testing fragrances, comprising an absorbing element having two portions.

In addition to the aforementioned disadvantages and, in spite of the fact that these solutions of the prior art overcome some of the disadvantages related to paper strips, since, for example, no waste is generated as they are not frequently discarded, the use of a ceramic body with the configuration described in said documents is not without many other drawbacks. First, ceramic bodies provide a very intense smell in alcohol and do not have time to quickly absorb all the fragrance, so that liquid fragrance usually remains on the surface of the ceramic body in the case of smelling immediately after vaporization or immersion. Consequently, when directly smelling the non-absorbed liquid fragrance, saturation by ethanol is very high, which makes it impossible to appreciate other notes having less fragrance so well. A further disadvantage associated with the use of ceramic bodies for testing fragrances in prior art devices is that they only allow background notes to be appreciated, and fresh notes are not appreciated if it has been a while since the initial application of fragrance on the ceramic since the perfume applied thereon dries up. Another disadvantage relating to the use of ceramic bodies is that frequent application of the fragrance is required. In addition, ceramics are susceptible to oxidation and, as with paper strips, the odour of the fragrance applied evolves over time, producing different odour profiles. In practice, although the use of ceramic bodies allows the character of the perfume to be recognized, this has lost all fidelity when delivered, or rusty notes extraneous to the original perfume appear over time. Still another disadvantage of the use of ceramic bodies is that they are prone to staining in areas where the fragrance is applied.

A device for testing fragrances and the like is described below, which allows disadvantages associated with prior art devices to be overcome and which further provides other significant advantages, as it will be seen hereafter.

The present device is primarily intended to allow a user to test a fragrance, such as a perfume, for example, before being acquired. The present device, however, is of general application to any composition that can be tested, such as, for example, detergents, softeners, oils, air fresheners for clothes, air fresheners for open spaces, etc. and, in general, odour compositions.

The present device for testing fragrances and the like according to claim <NUM> comprises a container which is adapted to contain therein an amount of fragrance, usually in the liquid or gel state. Other compositions are not ruled out. The container has at least one opening, for example, at the top thereof. However, the arrangement of a container with more than one opening and said opening or openings being located in other portions of the container are not ruled out.

The device for testing fragrances and the like further includes an absorbing element. Said absorbing element serves the purpose of carrying the fragrance from the inside of the container to the outside. The absorbing element of the present device can be made of, for example, a ceramic material, although it can be made of other different materials, provided that they are capable of absorbing a substance, such as a liquid substance, and that they do not have any odour so that perception of the fragrance is not altered. Examples of materials that can be used for making the absorbing element of the present device are porous materials, such as cotton, cellulose, neutral wood, pumice stone, porcelain, rigid foams, rigid rubbers, silica structures or calcium silicates (glass, aerogels), synthetic materials such as polymethylsiloxane, vermiculite, fabric, non-woven fabric, polymers, plastic fibres (PP, PET, PLA. ), ceramics, metal foams, plastic or metal sinters, etc. Other materials or combinations thereof are however not ruled out.

The absorbing element has a first portion and a second portion. As used herein, the terms "first portion" and "second portion" may refer to physical parts, that is, the case where the absorbing element is formed by two or more physical pieces, for example, of different materials, and also to imaginary portions, that is, the case where the absorbing element is formed by a single piece in which two or more areas are defined in said one piece.

According to an important feature of the present device, the first portion of the absorbing element is received within the container, continually in direct contact with the fragrance contained therein. The second portion of the absorbing element is arranged at least partially outside the container, passing through said opening, which can remain in contact with the external environment. In one preferred example of the present device, the absorbing element is a rod-shaped porous material, which is partially submerged into the fragrance in the liquid state contained within the container. The absorbing element may be solid, entirely hollow, or partially hollow.

According to a further important feature of the present device for testing fragrances and the like, a cover is also provided which is intended to at least partially cover the second portion of the absorbing element. Said cover is configured, e.g. sized and/or shaped, to suitably cover the second portion of the absorbing element, that is, the one on the outside of the container. The cover of the device is configured to cover the second portion of the absorbing element in a fluid-tight and impermeable manner.

As used herein, the term "fluid-tight" refers to the fact that the second portion of the absorbing element may be completely closed by the cover of the device without communication with the outside of the container. Also, as used herein, the term "impermeable" refers to the fact that the second portion of the absorbing element may be closed by the cover of the device in a manner that liquid of or odour is prevented from being released to the outside.

It is preferred that the cover is at least partially made of an absorbing material.

As used herein, the term "absorbing" refers to a material capable of at least temporarily absorbing and retaining a fluid. As an example of an absorbing material, the cover may be made of a porous material, or it may contain therein a portion made of an absorbing material, such as a porous material, capable of being impregnated by the fragrance contained within the container, which is transmitted through the above mentioned absorbing element. As used herein, the term "porous" refers to a material having interstices, cavities or tiny holes in its composition.

In some cases, it is envisaged that the cover may have an inner cavity defining a chamber. Said chamber may be configured, e.g. sized and shaped, so that it is suitable to at least partially receive the second portion of the absorbing element, with said portion of the absorbing element being in contact with the cover when the cover is closed, that is, on the container covering the absorbing element.

When the cover is closed, that is, arranged on the container covering the absorbing element, it remains in contact with the second portion of the absorbing element. The cover is always in contact with the second portion of the absorbing element, which corresponds to a case where the cover is removed from the container together with the second portion of the absorbing element.

Thus, the cover, whether it is made of an absorbing material, or it includes an absorbing material contained therein, contains fragrance that has been transferred by the absorbing element from the inside of the container, as described above, so that the cover itself acts as an olfaction point, with the advantages of being shielded from the outside. The fact that, in use, the cover is impregnated with the fragrance, has the advantage of a great comfort of use, since the user smells the fragrance bringing the cover to her/his nose without having to approach the device, and without having to remove the absorbing element from the inside of the container avoiding drops or spillages. Since the fragrance is smelled directly, with the cover outside the device, there is no excess fragrance and the user does not therefore have an unpleasant and irritating sensation of smelling an alcoholic formulation as occurs in other conventional devices.

As mentioned above, the cover is releasable from the container so as to leave the absorbing element exposed to the outside and to allow the fragrance to be released to test it, bringing it close to the nose to smell it. However, variants where the cover is attached or rotatably coupled to the container are not ruled out. Many other configurations are possible. A very easy and comfortable device is thus obtained by the ease of moving the cover to the nose avoiding having to bring the nose closer to the absorbing element. This advantage is especially important if there is more than one person testing fragrances at a time.

As stated above, the cover, when closed at least partially covering the absorbing element, is continuously impregnated with the fragrance of the container, thanks to the particular configuration described, through the absorbing element. In turn, the cover also provides an effective blockage to release of fragrance when the device is with the cover in the closed position.

The fact that it is not necessary to remove the absorbing element from the container is a great advantage for reasons of comfort and simplicity of use and because it has been found that the fact that the absorbing element is in permanent contact with the fragrance in a liquid state does not involve any dripping problems. In the above mentioned prior art known devices, the most volatile products are initially lost and, at the end, only the less volatile products remain, which involves that the user is receiving a different impression over time.

If the cover itself is formed from an absorbing material it is preferred that it includes an impermeable outer coating. Likewise, if the cover is provided with an absorbing material therein, the outer portion of the cover is made of an impermeable material. This allows the cover to be externally insulated from the inside of the container, preventing the user from getting impregnated with the fragrance when taking it.

Therefore, in the proposed device the cover is a functional element at the olfactory level, that is, the cover is the element that is smelled by the user to test the fragrance. The cover in the proposed device is therefore not limited to perform a container containment or closure function.

The present device has a very simple configuration with which many significant advantages are obtained with respect to the devices known so far. The fragrance contained in the container of the present device ascends by capillarity through the absorbing element from the first portion to the second portion thereof, unlike devices known so far where the absorbing element is already impregnated and the fragrance evaporates. In the present device, the ceramic is reloaded with fragrance on demand. The fragrance is replenished as it evaporates, so there is no overload of fragrance or lack of fragrance. Only just the amount of fragrance that is needed for the test is released and its use is limited with the cover.

A further advantage of the above described configuration is that there is less risk of fragrance loss during the use of the device since, as pointed out, the user does not have to remove the absorbing element from the container, but simply release the cover, for example, lifting it, rotating it, etc., with respect to the container, to smell the fragrance impregnated in the cover.

A suitable closure element, such as a screw cap, may be provided for closing the container. The above mentioned opening of the container may be formed in said closure element for the passage of the second portion of the absorbing element.

The cover of the device may extend up to said closure element, for example, being supported thereon. In other examples, the cover of the device may extend up to a portion of the container, entirely or partially covering it. In some cases, the cover may be adapted to be inserted into a decorative element intended to be exposed to the outside of the device. Thus, the cover might be configured, for example, as a disc, inserted into a decorative figure. Other configurations are however not ruled out.

The absorbing element and/or the closure element may have at least one fluid pathway. Said fluid pathway may be configured, for example, as one or more of a channel, a groove, a hole, a corrugation, or others, or combinations thereof, to compensate for a pressure increase within the container. Said fluid pathway may be formed, for example, in an inner ring that is coupled to the closure element.

It is also envisaged that the present device may further comprise a receptacle configured for receiving at least said container therein. Such receptacle is provided with an opening through which the second portion of the absorbing element that is outside the container is allowed to at least partially pass. The opening of the receptacle may be sized in such a way that the cover is allowed to at least partially pass through.

A device for testing fragrances, in particular perfumes, and similar substances with the above described configuration solves the aforementioned disadvantages and problems with reference to the devices that for the same purpose had been used so far and, at the same time, it has been found that it provides many significant advantages.

On the one hand, the present device is self-impregnated, so that it is always loaded with fragrance until it is exhausted in the container, which may happen after weeks or months depending on the container volume. It is therefore not necessary for the absorbing element to be loaded or impregnated with the fragrance very frequently. In contrast, in conventional devices, either at the time of smelling the fragrance or with a certain frequency, the absorbing element is required to be removed from the container, sprayed it with the fragrance, and then arranged it back again therein to smell the fragrance. This is a more uncomfortable operation and, in addition, the container is required to be loaded with fragrance frequently.

The fact that, in the present device, the absorbing element is impregnated on its own as the fragrance evaporates, with continued absorption, prevents the absorbing element from experiencing drying and reloading cycles, i.e. periods that are drier than others, are therefore avoided, and the exposure of the fragrance to oxidation is thus much lower, unlike in prior art devices. Furthermore, due to the above described configuration of the present device, perfume oxidation does not occur, liquid evaporation is minimized, and contact with external environment is avoided. Continued absorption of the fragrance allows for a longer duration at the point of sale by limiting the evaporation of the fragrance, unlike prior art devices, especially in fragrances with alcoholic formulations.

Furthermore, with the described device it has been found that a more constant olfactory profile is obtained throughout its useful life, keeping the odour stable. In the absence of drying of the absorbing element, the olfactory profile is always the same, unlike the devices known hitherto where fragrance odour is not the same when the absorbing element has just been impregnated as compared to some time afterwards. Thus, as stated above, in the present device no changes exist in the fragrance profile depending on when it is smelled, keeping the absorbing element odour constant, without over-representation of ethanol, when for example the fragrance is a perfume, since no fragrance remains on its surface. Therefore, there are no changes in the olfactory profile, which is faithful to the product that is being marketed, which allows working with the same formulation for both the test fragrance and the fragrance that is being marketed.

A further significant advantage of the present device is that it produces less environmental pollution, which is especially important in points of sale where there is a large number of fragrances to be tested. As a consequence of the lower environmental pollution, several devices can be arranged at a smaller distance between them, that is, different fragrances can be placed closer together.

The proposed device is based on a direct and controlled capillary transfer mechanism of the fragrance through the material of the absorbing element, which makes the user's olfactory perception similar at all times. The amount of fragrance that is impregnated in the cover is controlled by the porosity of the absorbing material selected, which results in the amount of fragrance that is actually delivered to the nose of the user always being adequate, since the absorbing element is always impregnated with the right amount of fragrance admitted by the material of the absorbing element. It is thus the absorbing element material itself that automatically regulates its impregnation according to use and its exposure to the consumer, as indicated. This is a difference with respect to the prior art devices, where the absorbing element is impregnated with the fragrance with certain periodicity and the absorbing element is then enclosed in the container to avoid part of the evaporation thereof, generating a gas phase that impregnates it. In said prior art devices, if the absorbing element is not reloaded, it dries and loses fidelity to the initial perfume. When the absorbing element dries, oxidations and odours strange to formulation occur. Also in prior art devices, once the absorbing element has been loaded with fragrance, odour qualities are lost as the device is used since the composition varies, as a result of which the quality of the fragrance becomes altered when oxidation occurs.

In the proposed system, the passage of the fragrance through the absorbing element causes odour modification over time to be much less and that the olfactory quality is therefore maintained for a longer time for the sample with respect to prior art devices where the fragrance is periodically sprayed into a ceramic body, as mentioned above.

Finally, although it has been found that the above described device for testing fragrances and the like is suitable for both ethanolic and oily formulations, being especially interesting for the former, the present device is suitable for a wide range of other many compositions giving off odour, with which a very fresh and non-aggressive odour is provided due to the appropriate amount of fragrance being impregnated in a controlled manner in the absorbing element, which is perceived by the user without excesses that might be annoying for olfaction.

Additional objects, advantages and features of examples of the device for testing fragrances and the like will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the description, or may be learned by practice thereof.

Particular examples of the present device for testing fragrances and the like will be described in the following, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the figures of the appended drawings, in which:.

Several non-limiting examples of the present device for testing fragrances and the like have been illustrated in <FIG> of the drawings, wherein the devices of <FIG>,<FIG> are not according to the invention. The device has been designated as a whole by reference numeral <NUM>.

In all the examples illustrated and described herein, the device <NUM> is used to test a perfume <NUM>. The device <NUM> can be however used to test any type of fragrance, in addition to perfume, such as, for example, detergent, softener, oil, air freshener, etc. and, in general, any odour compositions that can be tested before being acquired.

In all the examples illustrated in <FIG> of the drawings, the device <NUM> comprises a container <NUM> made of plastic, glass, or any other suitable material. The container <NUM> has, in the illustrated examples, a generally cylindrical overall configuration, although other configurations, such as prismatic, spherical, oval, combinations thereof, or even irregular, are not ruled out. The container <NUM> may be either transparent in order to see the amount of perfume <NUM> contained therein, opaque, or translucent, having decorations, colours, etc..

The device <NUM> illustrated in all the examples shown includes, in addition, an absorbing element <NUM>. The absorbing element <NUM> shown in the non-limiting example of <FIG> is rod-shaped although many other configurations are not ruled out. The absorbing element <NUM> is made of a high capillarity absorbing material, for example, a porous type material, capable of transporting the perfume <NUM> from the inside of the container <NUM> to the outside.

In the examples illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the absorbing element <NUM> is formed by a single piece while, in the examples illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the absorbing element <NUM> is formed by two pieces. In any case, in all the examples, two portions <NUM>, <NUM> are defined in the absorbing element <NUM> which may be independent pieces (<FIG>, <FIG>) or simply areas of the same physical piece (<FIG>, <FIG>).

More specifically, in all the examples illustrated in the drawings, a first portion <NUM> is identified in the absorber element <NUM>, which is intended to be received within the container <NUM>, continuously in direct contact with the perfume <NUM> that is contained therein. The arrangement of the first portion <NUM> of the absorbing element <NUM> in permanent contact with the perfume <NUM> in the liquid state within the container <NUM> results in that the absorbing element <NUM> is continuously impregnated always by itself as the perfume <NUM> evaporates. Consequently, it is not necessary for the absorbing element <NUM> to be periodically impregnated with perfume <NUM>, replenishing perfume <NUM> in the container <NUM> being only necessary when it is exhausted, which may happen after weeks or months depending on the volume contained in the container <NUM>. Thanks to this configuration, oxidation of perfume <NUM> does not occur and evaporation is minimized, avoiding contact with external environment.

A second portion <NUM> is also identified in the absorbing element <NUM>, which is partially arranged outside the container <NUM>, through an opening <NUM> that is formed in a top portion of the container <NUM>, in particular, formed in a closure element <NUM>, which will be described later. It is clear that, in a normal use of the device, the second portion <NUM> of the absorbing element <NUM> is not in direct contact with the perfume <NUM> within the container <NUM>.

The first portion <NUM> of the absorbing element <NUM> may be longer than the second portion <NUM> of the absorbing element <NUM>, as shown in the figures. It is not however excluded the case where the first portion <NUM> of the absorbing element <NUM> is shorter than the second portion <NUM> of the absorbing element <NUM>, or that where both parts <NUM>, <NUM> have the same length. The length of the first portion <NUM> of the absorbing element <NUM> may be set, for example, as a function of the maximum level of perfume <NUM> within the container <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> of the absorbing element <NUM> may extend up to the maximum level of perfume <NUM> within the container <NUM> or even further, until reaching the neck of the container <NUM>, in some cases.

The device <NUM> also includes, in all the examples, a cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is configured to cover, in a fluid-tight and impermeable manner, the second portion <NUM> of the absorbing element <NUM>, that is, the portion of the absorbing element <NUM> arranged outside. The cover <NUM> is made of an absorbing material, or it contains an absorbing material therein, such as, for example, a porous material, impregnable by the perfume <NUM> that is transmitted by capillarity from the inside of the container <NUM>. If the cover <NUM> is made of an absorbing material, it may include a liquid-tight coating to provide insulation from the inside of the container <NUM>. This prevents the user from being impregnated with perfume <NUM> when taking the cover <NUM>, for example, for releasing it from the device, or for coupling it thereto. The cover <NUM> might however not be made of an absorbing material, but contain a part with an absorbing material therein. In any case, the cover <NUM>, whether it is entirely made of an absorbing material or it contains an absorbing material therein, is adapted to collect the perfume <NUM> that is transported by the absorbing element <NUM> from the inside of the container <NUM>. In this way, removing the absorbing element <NUM> from the container <NUM> to smell the perfume <NUM> is not necessary but it is sufficient to take the cover <NUM> to the nose, once it has been released from the container <NUM>, and smell it.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, the cover <NUM> has an inner cavity <NUM> defining a chamber or space suitable for receiving the second portion <NUM> of the absorbing element <NUM>, which is outside the container <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, however, the inner cavity <NUM> is suitable for receiving the second portion <NUM> of the absorbing element <NUM> so that both are in contact. In any case, the perfume <NUM> is transmitted from the absorbing element <NUM> to the inside of the cover <NUM>, impregnating it continuously, as indicated above. The cover <NUM> thus acts as an olfaction point, so that the user simply has to remove it, for example, by separating, lifting, moving away, turning, etc. the cover <NUM> from the container <NUM> so that the absorbing element <NUM> is exposed, and to smell it near the nose. The user can thus directly smell the perfume <NUM> in a comfortable and simple way, without excess perfume <NUM> being produced and thus avoiding unpleasant and irritating sensations.

In the examples shown in <FIG>, a closure element <NUM> is provided, as indicated above. A sectional view of the closure element <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The closure element is configured as a screw cap <NUM> with an opening <NUM> for the passage of the absorbing element <NUM> therethrough. The cap <NUM> is intended to be screwed to the neck of the container <NUM> so as to close it properly.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG> the cover <NUM> extends to the top of the closure element <NUM>. By contrast, in the example illustrated in <FIG>, the cover <NUM> extends into a portion of the container <NUM>. However, cases are envisaged where the cover <NUM> extends entirely or partially covering the container <NUM> and even cases, such as the example illustrated in <FIG>, where the cover <NUM> extends into a receptacle <NUM> that externally covers the entire container <NUM>. Said receptacle <NUM> will be described further below. Also, the cover <NUM> may be adapted to be inserted into a decorative element, not shown.

<FIG> of the drawings show examples of a fluid pathway <NUM> formed in the closure element <NUM> and in the absorbing element <NUM>, respectively. The fluid pathway <NUM> is intended to compensate for a pressure increase within the container <NUM>. In particular, in the case of <FIG>, the fluid pathway <NUM> is formed in the closure element <NUM> and, more specifically, in an inner ring <NUM> coupled or inserted into the closure element <NUM> while, in the case of <FIG>, the fluid pathway <NUM> is formed in the absorbing element <NUM>. Other options are possible, such as, for example, arranging a fluid pathway <NUM> formed internally in the same material of the closure element <NUM>, or formed both in the closure element <NUM> and in the absorbing element <NUM>. In the particular example illustrated in <FIG>, the fluid pathway <NUM> is configured as a small sized U-shaped channel to avoid evaporation and contamination. The channel <NUM> is formed radially in the closure element <NUM>, or longitudinally in the absorbing element <NUM>. However, other configurations for the fluid pathway <NUM>, such as in the form of a groove, hole, or corrugation, are not ruled out, having a continuous or irregular shape, with various sizes and shapes, as appropriate.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in <FIG>, the device <NUM> further comprises a receptacle <NUM>, as indicated above. The receptacle <NUM> is configured to externally cover the entire container <NUM>, and also partially the absorbing element <NUM>. The receptacle <NUM> may be formed of metal, plastic, or other suitable material, and may be opaque, translucent, or transparent, and may even include decorative elements. In the non-limiting example illustrated in said <FIG>, the receptacle <NUM> has a cylindrical configuration with no lower base and with an opening <NUM> at the top through which the second portion <NUM> of the absorbing element <NUM> is allowed to partially pass. The cover <NUM> may be received in the opening <NUM> of the receptacle <NUM>, as shown in said <FIG>.

Although only a number of particular examples of the present device for testing fragrances and the like have been described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other alternative examples and/or uses and obvious modifications are possible not departing from the scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

Thus, there exist many compositions that can be used with the present device, in addition to fragrances, and in various states, in addition to the liquid state. On the other hand, the container of the device may have different shapes apart from the generally cylindrical shape described above, with one or several openings formed in different areas thereof. Also, the absorbing element may be formed of an absorbing material or a combination of suitable absorbing materials capable of being impregnated with an odour composition. Likewise, the absorbing element may be formed by a single piece with one or several areas defined therein, equal or different in length, or it may be formed by several pieces, equal or different in length. A number of configurations and shapes for the cover are also envisaged, for example, disc-shaped, oval-shaped, etc., and also different means for coupling to the device in general, or to the container, such as press fitted, pivotally coupled, etc. Finally, the fluid pathway to compensate for pressure increases within the container may have multiple configurations, in addition to the above described shape of groove, hole, or corrugation, with straight, curved, and/or with continuous or discontinuous configurations, etc. being possible.

Claim 1:
Device for testing fragrances and the like (<NUM>), comprising:
- a container (<NUM>) adapted to contain a fragrance (<NUM>) which has at least one opening (<NUM>);
- a cover (<NUM>), and
- an absorbing element (<NUM>),
wherein the absorbing element (<NUM>) comprises a first portion (<NUM>) received within the container (<NUM>) and intended to be continuously in direct contact with the fragrance (<NUM>) and a second portion (<NUM>) arranged at least partially outside the container (<NUM>) through the opening (<NUM>), wherein the cover (<NUM>) is removable from the container (<NUM>) together with the second portion (<NUM>) of the absorbing element and the second portion (<NUM>) is projecting outwardly from the cover (<NUM>) towards the first portion (<NUM>) through the opening (<NUM>) when the cover (<NUM>) is attached to the container (<NUM>);
wherein the cover (<NUM>) is intended to cover, in a fluid-tight and impermeable manner, and at least partially, the second portion (<NUM>) of the absorbing element (<NUM>), such that liquid or odour is prevented from being released to the outside, wherein the cover (<NUM>) is either made of an absorbing material or it includes an absorbing material contained therein, the cover (<NUM>) being intended to contain the fragrance (<NUM>) that has been transferred by the absorbing element (<NUM>) from the inside of the container (<NUM>) so that the cover (<NUM>) acts as an olfaction point.