Wick-based liquid emanation system with child-resistant overcap

Abstract

A child-resistant, wick-based liquid emanation system includes a container which is capable of containing liquid and has an opening. A wick is partially disposed within the container and extends through the opening of the container. A hollow overcap encases the extended portion of the wick and has a closed, separable tip and an open base attached to cover the opening of the container. The system is activated by separating the tip from the overcap. A retainer may be provided for obstructing complete removal of the wick from the container through the overcap after the tip is separated from the overcap. The retainer can include a shoulder disposed in the overcap between the tip and the base to retain the wick toward the base of the overcap. Alternatively, a protrusion from the wick can engage an inner surface of the overcap or the container. In this case, the overcap can have a frangible portion facilitating separation of the tip, and the wick can extend past the frangible portion toward the tip.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThe present invention relates to wick-based liquid emanation systems, and more particularly to (i) a wick-based liquid emanation system having a child-resistant overcap, and (ii) a child-resistant overcap for use with the wick-based liquid emanation system.2. Description of the Related ArtWick-based liquid emanation systems are known in the art for dispersing into the air vaporized particles of any number of liquids. Such systems are often used in the home with liquids varying from insect repellent to air freshener. Typically, in such systems, one end of a wick is partially submerged in the liquid to be dispersed. The liquid is contained in any suitable container. The partially submerged portion of the wick absorbs the liquid, some of which diffuses by capillary or wicking action into the exposed, unsubmerged portion of the wick. The exposed portion of the wick is locally heated, often by means of a ring-shaped heater which fits ov...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The overcap can have a frangible portion located near its tip facilitating separation of the tip from the overcap, and the wick can extend from within the container past the frangible portion toward the tip. The wick may be formed with the protrusion unitary therewith.

Problems solved by technology

A problem with conventional wick-based liquid emanation systems, as with many products suitable for home use, is the potential that a child will come into contact with the liquid contents of the system.

For example, this can occur when the child tampers with the system or if the system is accidentally tipped over, the contents spilled and left for the child to discover.

Many of the liquids utilized with such systems can be harmful if ingested, and some are harmful if merely contacted.

An additional concern is the potential that the contents of the system will be prematurely lost through spillage or evaporation.

The cap may be readily cut or torn.

Thus, the cap cannot be unscrewed without removing the tamper-evident band.

A problem with these cap configurations, however, is that they are not particularly suited for use with a liquid emanation system which employs a wick.

Nor do they provide "child-resistant" or "spill-resistant" closures for such wick-based liquid emanation systems.

Additionally, the foregoing configurations do not address a further problem which is often encountered with such wick-based liquid emanation systems, namely, the condensation that can accumulate on the heating mechanism and other parts of the system due to excess emanation.

If the wick extends a considerable length above the liquid, emanation will occur over the entire length, often leading to condensation of excess moisture on the heating device and the remainder of the system, which is inconvenient and can be potentially damaging.

However, if the wick only extends slightly above the surface of the liquid, then it becomes very difficult to heat the wick without heating the liquid reservoir as well.

This can lead to additional problems such as direct evaporation of the liquid.

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