WO2001093919A1 - Distributeur de matieres actives a prise de courant decalee - Google Patents

Distributeur de matieres actives a prise de courant decalee Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001093919A1
WO2001093919A1 PCT/US2001/018633 US0118633W WO0193919A1 WO 2001093919 A1 WO2001093919 A1 WO 2001093919A1 US 0118633 W US0118633 W US 0118633W WO 0193919 A1 WO0193919 A1 WO 0193919A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
dispenser
plug
electrical
receptacle
adapter
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/018633
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mark E. Wefler
Original Assignee
S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. filed Critical S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
Priority to AU2001275415A priority Critical patent/AU2001275415A1/en
Priority to NZ523081A priority patent/NZ523081A/en
Publication of WO2001093919A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001093919A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
    • A61L9/02—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air by heating or combustion
    • A61L9/03—Apparatus therefor
    • A61L9/037—Apparatus therefor comprising a wick
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
    • A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
    • A61L9/02—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air by heating or combustion
    • A61L9/03—Apparatus therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
    • A01M1/00—Stationary means for catching or killing insects
    • A01M1/20—Poisoning, narcotising, or burning insects
    • A01M1/2022—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide
    • A01M1/2061—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide using a heat source
    • A01M1/2077—Poisoning or narcotising insects by vaporising an insecticide using a heat source using an electrical resistance as heat source

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to dispensers of vaporizable materials. More specifically, the invention relates to an improvement in devices for dispensing a fragrance or air freshener, or other material, in the form of a vapor for air freshening, insect control, or other purpose, in an enclosed environment.
  • the improvement disclosed herein relates to an attachment for an electrical plug-in air freshener device or insect control system, specifically of the type which utilizes an electrical heater to warm an active ingredient for dispensing. This improvement is specifically directed to plug-in units wherein the electrical plug and heater are located at the top of the assembly, a most common form of electrical air freshener dispenser.
  • vapor- dispensing devices utilizes a carrier material, such as paperboard impregnated or coated with a vaporizable composition.
  • a number of recent developments include a liquid air-treating composition in an enclosure, all or part of which is formed of a polymeric film, through which the air- treating composition can migrate to be released as a vapor, at an outer surface.
  • the use of this type of permeable polymeric membrane controls the dispensing of air-treating vapors, and tends to eliminate great variations in rate of dispensing over the life of the product.
  • Wicking devices are also well known for dispensing volatile liquids into the atmosphere, such as fragrance, deodorant, disinfectant, or insecticide active agents.
  • a typical wicking device utilizes a combination of a wick and an emanating region to dispense a volatile liquid from a liquid reservoir.
  • Typical wicking devices are described in U. S. Patent Numbers 2,802,695; 2,804,291 ; 3,550,853; 4,286,754; 4,413,779; 4,913,350; and 5,000,383; all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • wicking dispenser devices in which the wicking action is promoted by a heat source.
  • This type of wicking device is described, for example, in U. S. Patent Numbers 1 ,994,932; 2,597,195; 3,431 ,393; 4,020,321 ; 4,968,487; 5,038,394; and 5,290,546; all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • U. S. Patent 5,038,394, of Hasegawa et al. This reference teaches a cordless thermal vaporizer of the liquid type wherein the body of the vaporizer has a heater for heating a wick for drawing up a chemical solution from a bottle, and a socket disposed under the heater and removably fittable in the form of a cap to the bottle for attachment thereto.
  • the body is reduced in weight and thereby made attachable to an electric outlet with stability.
  • the solution bottle can be attached directly to the socket of the body and is easy to replace.
  • the patent relates to a thermal vaporizer in which an electric wick warmer is near the top of the assembly, with a bottle containing the vaporizable chemicals suspended below.
  • the reference in addition, teaches that the plug, located on the back of the vaporizer body, may be rotated through a range of from 0 to 90 degrees to make the arrangement of the plug blades selectively changeable to either a vertical or horizontal orientation, so as to make the vaporizer suitable for use in either vertically or horizontally oriented electrical outlets.
  • an aroma dispenser apparatus comprising a replaceable and expendable cartridge containing an aroma producing liquid, and a diffusion housing comprising a heater assembly and blades for coupling the heater assembly to an electrical outlet.
  • the electrical plug is shown in the figures as being located in the lower portion of the dispenser, a heater assembly in the central portion, and an aroma block in the upper portion comprising a block of liquid absorbing material, impregnated with the liquid to be vaporized.
  • the dispenser is plugged into an outlet, the heater warms air, which rises to pass over the aroma block, causing the absorbed liquid to vaporize, and to exit the top of the device.
  • the figures also illustrate a centrally located mounting bolt for attaching the device directly to the electric outlet, i.e. as a replacement for the normal outlet face plate conventionally in use on electrical outlets.
  • this device involves removal of the outlet face plate for installation and use, and is not suited for simply plugging into one outlet of a vertically disposed outlet pair.
  • U. S. Patent No. 5,647,053 of Schroeder et al teaches a vapor dispensing device comprising an electric wick warming block in conjunction with a container of liquid to be dispensed, in which the electric plug is rotatable about an axis parallel to the plug pins.
  • This type of dispenser is exemplary of those to which the present invention is applicable.
  • Such devices typically comprise a reservoir of volatile liquid to be dispensed, an electric heater to warm the volatile material to cause it to vaporize more readily, and an electrical plug to plug the device into an electrical outlet for power.
  • an electric heater to warm the volatile material to cause it to vaporize more readily
  • an electrical plug to plug the device into an electrical outlet for power.
  • the consumer may choose to employ the use of the upper receptacle for another plug-in apparatus, such as a night light or an electrical cord for an appliance.
  • Such apparatus may therefore be exposed to the potential accumulation of condensation of vapors or fumes from the electrically heated vaporizing unit located below it.
  • Certain apparatus such as night-lights, are often made with low cost, easy to manufacture polymeric materials such as polystyrene, for example. These polymeric materials, while meeting the requirements for housing live electrical components, generally exhibit poor chemical resistance properties. Furthermore, some fragrance oils and other liquid compositions employed for use with electrically heated vaporizing units may contain elements which can cause plasticization of the polymeric materials often used in these other apparatus. Plasticization of the polymeric enclosure of these other apparatus could result in the exposure or reduced spacing of live electrical components, thereby creating a risk of shock or fire for the consumer.
  • the present invention is intended as a means to prevent the consumer from utilizing the upper receptacle when the dispenser is plugged into the lower receptacle of a vertically oriented duplex outlet.
  • the present invention is not limited to liquid dispensing media only, but may be applied to dispensers which utilize gels, solids, or impregnated solid sources of material to be dispensed, wherein said sources of material are heated electrically to increase or control their rate of dispensing, as well as those dispensing devices which employ heated wicking means for dispensing of a vaporizable liquid.
  • a further aspect of the present invention is the repositioning of the electrical plug of the warmer unit sufficiently low enough on the body of the dispenser that when the dispenser is plugged into the upper receptacle of a vertically oriented duplex outlet, such as commonly used for North American electrical outlets, the lower receptacle is completely exposed and usable for insertion of a conventional plug, such as for an appliance or other apparatus.
  • an electrical plug-in dispenser having a liquid reservoir be fashioned so as to prevent other items from being plugged in directly above it, thus preventing the consumer from placing such items in a position of possible danger.
  • the warming unit of the present invention incorporate a rotatable electrical plug, so that the dispenser may be used in a horizontally oriented electrical outlet, and still keep the warming unit and reservoir in an upright position. In this orientation of electrical outlet, other electrical devices could not be placed directly above the dispenser and would not pose a potential safety threat.
  • the invention comprises a means to modify existing plug-in dispensers by providing a readily attachable adapter which prevents use of the dispenser in an inappropriate manner.
  • the invention comprises a new design for a plug-in dispenser, wherein the electrical plug is located in such a manner as to overcome the above cited problems of the prior art.
  • the invention comprises an adapter suited for attachment to a conventional plug-in dispenser to offset the electrical plug to the extent necessary to prevent the unit, when plugged in, from permitting the use of the receptacle above the dispensing unit.
  • said adapter may be configured so as to permit the use of the dispensing unit in the upper receptacle of a vertically oriented electrical outlet without blocking the use of the lower receptacle for another appliance plug or apparatus.
  • a modification to the housing of the electrically heated vaporizing unit permits attachment thereto of an adapter with means to lower or offset the plug by a distance of about 1% inches, or a suitable distance such that when the apparatus is placed in the upper receptacle of a vertically oriented electrical outlet, the bottom of the vaporizing unit will remain sufficiently above the lower receptacle so as to fully expose the lower receptacle, thus permitting its use. Simultaneously, if the apparatus is placed in the lower receptacle of a vertically oriented duplex electrical outlet, the dispensing apparatus will prevent the use of the upper receptacle. If the adapter is provided with a rotatable electrical plug, as taught herein, the electrically heated plug-in dispenser may be used in either receptacle of a horizontally oriented duplex outlet without loss of accessibility to the other receptacle.
  • the objects of the present invention therefore include providing an adapter for a plug-in, electrically heated vaporizing dispenser, whereby the dispenser may be used in the upper receptacle of a vertically disposed outlet without inhibiting use of the lower receptacle.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide an electrically heated plug-in vaporizing dispenser which, when used in the upper receptacle, will not preclude use of the bottom receptacle, but when used in the lower receptacle will prevent use of the upper receptacle.
  • Still another object of the invention is to prevent the inadvertent deterioration or damage of electrical plugs or apparatus by preventing the use of such plugs or apparatus in a position subject to contact with volatile material being dispensed by a plug-in dispenser of such volatile materials.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a means by which an electrically heated plug-in vaporizing dispenser may be properly oriented for use in either a vertically disposed electrical outlet, such as are commonly employed in North America, or for use in horizontally disposed electrical outlets, which are common elsewhere in the world, and are becoming more commonly employed in North America.
  • This object is achieved by the use of a plug which may rotate through 90 degrees, so as to maintain vertical orientation of the plug-in dispenser and liquid reservoir regardless of the orientation of the electrical outlet into which it is plugged.
  • an electrically heated plug-in dispenser of active materials which is adapted for engagement and support by an electrical outlet, wherein: said dispenser comprises:
  • a liquid reservoir chamber of volatile active material having means for providing release of said volatile active material to the atmosphere;
  • an electrical heating element affixed within a hollow body, said hollow body configured so as to support and position said electrical heating element relative to said liquid reservoir chamber;
  • an electrical plug element in electrical contact with said heating element, said plug element having at least two metal blades which extend rearwardly from the hollow body for engagement with a receptacle of an electrical outlet for conducting an electrical current to said heating element, whereby volatilization of active materials into the atmosphere from said liquid reservoir chamber is enhanced by heating; wherein said electrical plug element is offset from said heating element a sufficient distance so as to fully expose the lower receptacle of a vertically oriented electrical outlet when said electrical plug element is plugged into the upper receptacle thereof.
  • said electrical plug element may optionally be rotatable through 90 degrees to provide for insertion of said blades into electrical outlets which are oriented either vertically or horizontally.
  • One or more objects of the present invention are further accomplished by modifying the body of an electrically heated plug-in dispenser of active materials to accept the attachment thereto of an "offsetting" electrical adapter which is adapted for engagement and support by an electrical outlet, thereby providing a dispenser of active materials which is a cooperative assembly of components comprising: a plug-in dispenser comprising:
  • an electrical heating element affixed within a hollow body, said hollow body configured so as to support and position said electrical heating element relative to said liquid reservoir chamber;
  • a dispenser plug element in electrical contact with said heating element, said dispenser plug element having at least two metal blades which extend rearwardly from the hollow body for engagement with a receptacle for said dispenser plug element, for conducting an electrical current from said receptacle to said heating element, whereby volatilization of active materials into the atmosphere is enhanced by heating; and an "offset" adapter comprising an adapter body having:
  • an adapter plug element comprising at least two metal blades in contact with said conductor and extending outwardly from the rearward side thereof to engage an external electrical outlet and to conduct an electrical current from said external electrical outlet to said receptacle for said dispenser plug element; wherein said adapter plug element is offset from said heating element a sufficient distance so as to fully expose the lower receptacle of a vertically oriented external outlet when plugged into the upper receptacle thereof.
  • the metal blades which engage the electrical outlet may be, but need not be, rotatable.
  • an adapter for attachment to a dispenser of active materials wherein said dispenser comprises a reservoir of active materials, an electrical heating element, and an electrical plug, and said adapter comprises:
  • an adapter plug for insertion of said adapter into a conventional receptacle of an electrical wall outlet, said adapter plug being located in the lower portion of said adapter and facing in the direction opposite the direction faced by said receptacle for the electrical plug of said dispenser; and (c) electrical circuitry providing a path for the flow of electricity between said adapter plug and said receptacle for the electrical plug of said dispenser, whereby electricity may be conducted between said wall outlet and said electrical plug of said dispenser; wherein said adapter plug is offset from said heating element a sufficient distance so as to fully expose the lower receptacle of a vertically oriented wall outlet when said adapter plug is plugged into the upper receptacle thereof.
  • an element of the present invention may comprise a means to adapt a dispenser of active materials to offset the electrical plug of said dispenser the approximate distance between the centeriines of the plug receptacles of a conventional electrical wall outlet, or 1.75 inches.
  • Such an adapter may take the form of a "bridge" adapter, or may comprise a new back cover to enclose the back of said dispenser.
  • an adapter may be part of the dispenser sold to the consumer, or may be provided as a separate element to be used by the consumer to adapt separately purchased dispenser units, it being an object of the invention to provide the consumer means to prevent the active element being dispensed from causing damage to electrical elements inserted into an electrical receptacle above that into which the dispenser is inserted.
  • FIG. 1 is a simplified perspective view of the rear portion of a typical conventional plug-in actives dispenser, showing the relative location of the various components thereof.
  • FIGS. 2 through 4 are simplified exploded perspective views of various forms of dispenser and adapter assemblies in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an adapter suitable for use in the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser modification of the present invention, having a rotatable offset plug.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of the assembled dispenser of Figure 6.
  • Figures 8 and 9 are exploded perspective views of alternative dispensers of the present invention.
  • the present invention provides an improvement, and a safety enhancement, over conventional electrically heated dispensers of air fresheners or other volatile materials. It is to be understood that while the present disclosure is written in terms of air fresheners, the invention is also applicable to electrically heated dispensers of various other volatile materials, such as insect control devices.
  • the materials most commonly dispersed by such dispensers include volatile substances selected from the group consisting of fragrances, air fresheners, deodorizers, odor eliminators, malodor counteractants, insecticides, insect repellants, medicinal substances, disinfectants, sanitizers, mood enhancers, .
  • aroma therapy compositions such as aroma therapy compositions, mixtures thereof, and other volatile materials easily dispersed by evaporation over an extended period of time, particularly when subjected to heat in an electrically warmed dispenser.
  • Such dispensing means frequently utilizing a wick for liquid dispersibles, are well known in the prior art.
  • Other dispensing products such as impregnated plastic or ceramic substrates, or deodorant blocks, are also used to disperse air-treating vapors into the atmosphere by evaporation.
  • Still other forms of such passive dispensers include liquid or gel cartridges which contain a dispersible substance which is time releasable through a porous covering of the cartridge, such as disclosed in U. S.
  • the dispensers of the present invention are those which are conventionally referred to as passive, and include those which require no action by the consumer, other than plugging into an electrical outlet, but dispense a dispersible by evaporation, sublimation, or the like, under the influence of an elevated temperature over a period of time, at a relatively low dispersal rate when compared to the dispersal rate of an active dispenser such as an aerosol or pump activated spray.
  • dispensers which may be free-standing, with an electrical cord for connection to a source of electricity to heat a resistance heating element in close proximity to a source of vaporizable material (hereinafter referred to as an active) contained within the dispenser, so as to heat the active and cause its more efficient vaporization.
  • active a source of vaporizable material contained within the dispenser
  • dispensers of this nature are known which are designed to be plugged directly into a wall outlet, and are structured with a plug and support means built right into the dispenser, so that when the plug is inserted into a wall receptacle, the dispenser is supported in place by the plug.
  • Exemplary of such plug-in dispensers are those marketed under the tradename GLADE®, by S. C. Johnson and Son, Inc., of Racine, Wisconsin. The present invention is specifically considered to be an improvement upon such dispensers.
  • this type of plug-in dispenser of active materials frequently prevents usage of the second or lower receptacle of a vertically oriented wall outlet when plugged into the upper receptacle.
  • any plug inserted into the upper receptacle is subject to contact by vapors of the active being dispensed.
  • the active may contain a solvent which may condense on the surface of another appliance or device plugged directly into the upper receptacle. This may in turn cause deterioration or degradation of the other device or appliance, and may in time cause short circuits or damage thereto.
  • fragrance oils frequently employed in air fresheners contain solvents or compositions which may cause plasticization of plastics such as styrene, which is often used in the manufacture of night-lights, for example, due to its low cost and ease of manufacture.
  • the present invention provides a means by which both receptacles of a vertically oriented wall outlet may be used without inconvenient or potentially dangerous consequences,
  • One means is by offsetting the electrical plug of a plug-in dispenser of actives sufficiently that the dispenser may be used in the upper receptacle without inhibiting the use of the lower receptacle.
  • a key element of the present invention is to assure that the electrical plug of the dispenser is positioned low enough on the rear portion of the dispenser so that when the dispenser is plugged into the upper receptacle of a vertically oriented duplex outlet, the lower receptacle is completely exposed and usable.
  • the upper receptacle will be blocked, thus preventing the consumer from inadvertently creating a safety hazard by plugging a night-light (for example) into the upper receptacle and causing it to be subjected to vapors which might deteriorate or degrade the composition thereof.
  • the dispensers thereof may be placed in either receptacle of a horizontally oriented outlet, while still maintaining the vertical orientation of the dispenser, and thus preventing leakage from the reservoir containing the active. In such a situation, this dispenser would not be subject to placement of another electrical device or appliance directly above the dispensing device and therefore in the path of volatiles being dispensed thereby.
  • the conventional plug-in dispenser has the plug located on the rear of the dispenser, generally in the upper portion thereof.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the rear of an electrically heated dispenser unit, illustrating the typical structure thereof.
  • an electrically heated dispenser 1 having an external housing, or cover, 2.
  • an external housing or cover
  • wicking means for example
  • heating means in close proximity to the active material to more rapidly vaporize said active.
  • the dispenser illustrated is of the type which may be plugged directly into a receptacle in a wall outlet, and which generally bears decorative indicia or patterns on the external surface, particularly the front surface, which faces the consumer when the dispenser is plugged into a wall outlet.
  • This type of dispenser may be inserted into either of the two receptacles of a vertically oriented duplex outlet.
  • the upper outlet When inserted into the upper outlet, it may be seen that the lower portion of the dispenser will prohibit use of the bottom outlet, by virtue of the relatively high position of the plug. Conversely, if the dispenser is inserted into the bottom outlet, the upper outlet will be available for insertion of another plug or appliance, which will be exposed to vapors rising from the dispenser, and thus subject to possible damage.
  • Figure 2 illustrates the use of an adapter in conjunction with a dispenser of active materials such as shown in Figure 1.
  • the adapter, 6, is configured so as to have a receptacle (not shown) positioned on the forward side thereof to accept the metal blades of the heater plug of the dispenser, 4.
  • the heater plug blades are preferably shortened, so as to enable the adapter to be made smaller, thus decreasing the distance by which the dispenser is moved outwardly from the wall outlet by the adapter.
  • the adapter has electrical circuitry to provide a path for the flow of electricity between the external offset plug, 7, located near the bottom edge of the rear surface of the adapter, and said receptacle for the heater plug.
  • the intemal circuitry may take any appropriate form, such as connecting wire, printed circuitry, printed metal film, conductive blades, etc.
  • a flow of electricity is provided to the heater element within the housing of the dispenser, thus heating the active material and causing it to vaporize.
  • various means may be employed, in addition to the insertion of the heater plug, 4, into the adapter receptacle, to attach the adapter to the dispenser.
  • a male mounting pin, 8 may be inserted into an appropriately sized hole or receiver, 5, in the housing of the dispenser unit, to hold the adapter in position.
  • Said pin or other supporting means may be designed to be removably fitted to the dispensing unit, or permanently attached thereto.
  • the distance between the centerline of the receptacle of the adapter and the centerline of the plug of the adapter is sufficient so as to offset the dispenser and reservoir vertically to a position that fully exposes the lower receptacle of a vertically oriented duplex outlet when the plug of the adapter is inserted into the upper receptacle thereof.
  • the offset plug is placed in the lower receptacle of a vertically oriented duplex outlet, the upper receptacle is blocked by the dispensing unit and will not be available for use.
  • FIG 3 an alternative form of adapter is illustrated, having clips as the mounting means, 8, for insertion into appropriately shaped and located openings, 5, in the housing, 2, of the dispensing unit 1.
  • the adapter, 6, has internal circuitry between offset plug 7, and the receptacle (not shown) for the metal blades of the dispenser plug, 4.
  • FIG 4 A variation of the invention is illustrated in Figure 4, wherein an adapter suitable for permanent attachment to the electrical plug of the dispensing unit is illustrated.
  • this embodiment of the invention may have attachment means 9, located on the dispenser, 1 , in proximity to the plug, 4.
  • These attachment means may be inserted into receivers, 10, in the adapter, and affixed thereto either temporarily or permanently.
  • the attachment means, 9, may take the form of threaded members which pass through the aligned receivers, 10, and are capped with a complimentarily threaded nut or cap.
  • the attachment means may take the form of threaded bolts which are passed through the receivers 10 in the adapter and threaded into complimentarily threaded holes in the housing, 2.
  • the attachment means may merely constitute pins which are affixed to the heater plug, and pass into or through the receivers 10, where they are heat staked to create a rivet head type of attachment to prevent their removal from the receivers.
  • Alternative attachment means may of course be utilized, such as gluing, melting to bond, or crimping.
  • the adapter as illustrated comprises a one piece injection molded housing having the necessary receptacle, internal electrical path, and offset plug, with the lower portion thereof, 13, folded upward as a closure, as set forth in Figure 5.
  • an injection molded adapter housing is shown in exploded form to illustrate one method for providing an electrical path between the adapter's receptacle for the dispenser plug, and the offset plug.
  • the adapter, 6, comprises an injection molded housing, having a hinge, 12, whereby the lower portion, 13, of said molded housing may be folded upward to form a closure over the internal electrical connection, which may be a printed thick film comprising a conductive ink path, 14, on a suitable flexible non-conductive base, 15.
  • the non-conductive base may be mounted in said housing, 11 , by means of appropriate locating means or pins, 16.
  • the printed thick film has die cut, "U” shaped slits, 20, at the ends of the conductive ink path, into which the plug pin bridge, 17, and the shortened heater plug, 4, not shown, are inserted.
  • the blades, 19, of said plugs when passed through said slits, deform the flexible base and contact the conductive ink path thereupon, thus establishing an electrical connection, as shown.
  • the plug pin bridge is inserted through the lower section of the printed thick film, and held in place in the plug housing by means of pin bridge lock 18, and the lower portion, 13, of said plug housing is folded upward to close over the plug pin bridge and the printed thick film electrical path, and held in position by flexible clips 21.
  • the adapter may then be placed over the blades of the plug of a dispenser, and said blades shall pass through the upper die slits in the printed thick film, contacting the conductive ink path thereupon, and completing the electrical circuit.
  • the injection molded housing may be of any appropriate polymeric material, suitably rated as V-2 or better, for the direct support of live un-insulated electrical parts, such as polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, or nylon, for example.
  • the conductive ink may be any such ink known to the art with a high electrical conductive rating and low resistance value, such as a silver or gold filled ink, suitable to establish an electrical current.
  • the base film may be any suitable flexible non-conductive film, such as a mylar or polyester film. While this embodiment is illustrated as one alternative for the configuration of a suitable adapter, other embodiments will be apparent to one of skill in the art, and are to be considered within the scope of the present invention. For example, a simple wired connection may be made between the adapter's receptacle for the dispenser plug and the offset plug, thus providing the necessary electrical circuitry.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a modified dispensing unit, having a simplified back cover attachment.
  • the dispenser, 1 having housing 2
  • the cover in turn, has an opening, 24, therein, through which the new rotating plug deck, 25, may fit.
  • the rotating plug, 26, is connected to dispenser plug 4, by means of electrically conductive wires, 27, or other appropriate conductive means.
  • the dispenser and back cover attachment of Figure 6 provide an attractive and simple modified dispenser, 28, as illustrated in Figure 7.
  • the modified dispenser comprises a housing, 2, a back cover 23, and a rotatable plug deck 25.
  • This dispenser is particularly suitable for placement in a horizontally oriented outlet, since the rotation of the plug 26 permits one to maintain the dispensing unit and actives reservoir contained therein, in an upright orientation.
  • the offset of the rotating plug of the modified dispenser is sufficiently spaced so as to offset the dispenser and reservoir vertically to a position that fully exposes the lower receptacle of a vertically oriented duplex outlet when the unit is plugged into the upper receptacle of a vertically oriented wall outlet.
  • modified dispenser housing 29 is provided having an opening, 30, therein for insertion of a heater unit, 31 , which is mounted to the face of printed circuit board 32, having electrically conductive path 33 printed thereupon.
  • the printed conductive path, 33 when the dispenser is assembled, will contact rotating plug deck 25, assuring a conductive path from offset plug 26 to heater 31.
  • the back cover, 23, is provided a hole 24, to fit over the plug deck and a means for permanent attachment of the back cover to the mounting points 22 of the modified dispenser housing 29.
  • a bottle of liquid active material may be placed in the lower portion of the dispenser, with a wicking material rising therefrom to a position in proximity to the heater unit when it is placed in the opening, 30.
  • a similar modified dispenser having a fixed or non-rotating plug, may be provided, as shown in Figure 9.
  • a modified dispenser housing, 29, having mounting points 22, may be attached to a back cover, 23, having non-rotating offset plug 26.
  • the necessary electrical connection between the offset plug, and the heater plug, 4, are not shown, but may take any of the forms previously illustrated, or any other suitable form.
  • Dispensers in accordance with the present invention have been produced, in the various forms illustrated by the Figures. These dispensers have been used to dispense such actives as insecticides and fragrancing compounds. Such dispensers were suitable for use in either receptacle of a vertically oriented duplex outlet, and permitted use of the lower receptacle for another purpose when the dispensers were plugged into the upper receptacle, but precluded use of the upper receptacle when plugged into the lower receptacle, as desired.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un distributeur de matières actives, comme par exemple un désodorisant ou un insecticide. Ce distributeur comprend un adaptateur « décalé » à brancher dans une prise de courant murale, double, orientée verticalement. Au moyen de ce dernier, la position effective de la prise de courant du distributeur est suffisamment abaissée pour que la prise de courant inférieure soit entièrement exposée et accessible lorsque l'adaptateur est branché dans la prise de courant supérieure. De plus, le distributeur bloque l'accès et empêche l'utilisation de la prise supérieure lorsqu'il est branché dans la prise inférieure. Ainsi, on ne permet pas au consommateur de brancher un autre appareil ou dispositif dans une prise qui peut mettre celui-ci en contact avec de la vapeur émise par le distributeur.
PCT/US2001/018633 2000-06-09 2001-06-08 Distributeur de matieres actives a prise de courant decalee WO2001093919A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001275415A AU2001275415A1 (en) 2000-06-09 2001-06-08 Actives dispenser with offset electrical plug
NZ523081A NZ523081A (en) 2000-06-09 2001-06-08 Air freshner dispenser with offset electrical plug to prevent user from plugging in further devices that could come into contact with the vapour

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US59122400A 2000-06-09 2000-06-09
US09/591,224 2000-06-09

Publications (1)

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WO2001093919A1 true WO2001093919A1 (fr) 2001-12-13

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KR (1) KR20030020884A (fr)
AU (1) AU2001275415A1 (fr)
NZ (1) NZ523081A (fr)
WO (1) WO2001093919A1 (fr)

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WO2003068276A2 (fr) * 2002-02-12 2003-08-21 The Dial Corporation Diffuseur de vapeur
US6810204B2 (en) 2002-02-12 2004-10-26 The Dial Corporation Low profile vaporizer
WO2008148003A3 (fr) * 2007-05-23 2009-01-29 Belmay Inc Purificateur d'air jetable comprenant un support de parfum sous forme de gel ou polymère
US8141754B2 (en) 2007-10-24 2012-03-27 Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited Pressurized fluid dispenser
CN102526788A (zh) * 2003-04-16 2012-07-04 宝洁公司 用于喷射挥发性组合物的系统

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US5647053A (en) * 1995-10-11 1997-07-08 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Vapor dipensing device
DE29714848U1 (de) * 1997-08-19 1997-10-30 Mueller Wolfgang Luftaromatisierungsvorrichtung
US5903710A (en) * 1997-04-14 1999-05-11 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Air freshener dispenser device with disposable heat-promoted cartridge
US5926614A (en) * 1994-08-03 1999-07-20 Steinel Gmbh & Co. Kg Electric device for the vaporization of additives
EP0943344A1 (fr) * 1998-03-19 1999-09-22 ZOBELE INDUSTRIE CHIMICHE S.p.A. Vaporisateur pour un insecticide liquide ou une composition parfumante avec réglage du flux de chaleur
EP0945062A1 (fr) * 1998-03-26 1999-09-29 ZOBELE INDUSTRIE CHIMICHE S.p.A. Vaporisateur pour insecticide ou parfum liquides, avec élément électrique de chauffage fixé à la prise électrique rotative
EP0976410A1 (fr) * 1998-07-30 2000-02-02 Dekko Heating Technologies, Inc. Système distributeur de substances chimiques électriquement chauffé et procédé pour sa fabrication

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US5926614A (en) * 1994-08-03 1999-07-20 Steinel Gmbh & Co. Kg Electric device for the vaporization of additives
US5647053A (en) * 1995-10-11 1997-07-08 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Vapor dipensing device
US5903710A (en) * 1997-04-14 1999-05-11 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Air freshener dispenser device with disposable heat-promoted cartridge
DE29714848U1 (de) * 1997-08-19 1997-10-30 Mueller Wolfgang Luftaromatisierungsvorrichtung
EP0943344A1 (fr) * 1998-03-19 1999-09-22 ZOBELE INDUSTRIE CHIMICHE S.p.A. Vaporisateur pour un insecticide liquide ou une composition parfumante avec réglage du flux de chaleur
EP0945062A1 (fr) * 1998-03-26 1999-09-29 ZOBELE INDUSTRIE CHIMICHE S.p.A. Vaporisateur pour insecticide ou parfum liquides, avec élément électrique de chauffage fixé à la prise électrique rotative
EP0976410A1 (fr) * 1998-07-30 2000-02-02 Dekko Heating Technologies, Inc. Système distributeur de substances chimiques électriquement chauffé et procédé pour sa fabrication

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003068276A2 (fr) * 2002-02-12 2003-08-21 The Dial Corporation Diffuseur de vapeur
WO2003068276A3 (fr) * 2002-02-12 2004-03-25 Dial Corp Diffuseur de vapeur
US6810204B2 (en) 2002-02-12 2004-10-26 The Dial Corporation Low profile vaporizer
CN102526788A (zh) * 2003-04-16 2012-07-04 宝洁公司 用于喷射挥发性组合物的系统
WO2008148003A3 (fr) * 2007-05-23 2009-01-29 Belmay Inc Purificateur d'air jetable comprenant un support de parfum sous forme de gel ou polymère
US8119072B2 (en) 2007-05-23 2012-02-21 Scent2Market Inc. Disposable air freshener including gel or polymer fragrance support
AU2008256674B2 (en) * 2007-05-23 2014-04-03 Scent2Market Inc. Disposable air freshener including gel or polymer fragrance support
CN101720235B (zh) * 2007-05-23 2014-09-24 香味2市场股份有限公司 包含凝胶或聚合物香料支持体的一次性空气清新器
US8141754B2 (en) 2007-10-24 2012-03-27 Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited Pressurized fluid dispenser

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2001275415A1 (en) 2001-12-17
NZ523081A (en) 2003-08-29
KR20030020884A (ko) 2003-03-10

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