Fragrance diffuser

Abstract

A diffuser is provided that can receive a refill bottle that supplies fragrance to the diffuser. The diffuser includes a seat that facilitates easy placement and alignment of the refill bottle in the diffuser. The diffuser has an arm that is rotatable about a pivot axis. The arm can be rotated away from the seat to allow a user to place the refill bottle into the seat of the diffuser. The arm can also be rotated toward the seat so that the arm can be placed over the refill bottle. The arm includes a piezoelectric member that can atomize the fragrance supplied by the refill bottle. The arm also includes a plurality of springs to create sufficient contact between the piezoelectric member and the refill bottle to exert a downward force on the refill bottle and to engage a locking member to secure the arm over the refill bottle.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 181,432, filed April 29, 2021, entitled “Spice Diffuser,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention generally relates to fragrance diffusers, and more particularly to intelligent fragrance diffusers with piezoelectric components for use in homes, offices, etc. Background Technology

[0004] Modern homes generate a variety of odors that can be unpleasant for residents, including smells emanating from garbage cans, bathrooms, or pets. As a result, many consumers use products to neutralize unpleasant odors and / or use fragrances with pleasant scents to mask unpleasant smells in their homes.

[0005] For example, household sprayers are installed so that fragrances are sprayed from pressurized containers as consumers move around the house. Heat sources can also be used to disperse fragrances (e.g., burning candle wicks, melting wax). These methods are inconvenient for users because the fragrance must be manually released from its container and the heat source must be activated. Furthermore, these items pose dangers to consumers because pressurized spray containers can explode if punctured, and many heat sources pose a fire hazard.

[0006] As a result, manufacturers have developed automatic spice dispensers that require no user intervention and no heat. These dispensers can be placed throughout the home to ensure that the spices they contain are evenly distributed throughout the house. Some of these automatic dispensers may even include timers or "smart chips" to release the spices at predetermined time intervals. Many of these "smart" dispensers accept refill bottles to reduce the environmental impact of diffusers and lower costs for consumers.

[0007] However, automated "smart" diffusers present new problems for consumers. Many of these smart dispensers accept refill bottles through a port in the bottom of the diffuser. Therefore, the user must use an upward motion to insert the refill bottle into the device, forcing them to either blindly insert the bottle or hold the entire diffuser above their head. Inserting the refill bottle into the diffuser in this way leads to two main problems.

[0008] First, when blindly inserting the refill bottle, the user cannot see whether it is aligned with the container designed to receive it, leading to frustration when multiple attempts to align it correctly may be necessary. Second, the user cannot see whether the refill is fully and properly inserted into the diffuser. If the refill bottle is not fully inserted, the diffuser may be unusable or fail to produce a complete fragrance spray. Furthermore, if the user applies excessive force when inserting the refill bottle and weds it into the diffuser, removing the bottle becomes extremely difficult. Attempting to insert the bottle above the user's head is often embarrassing and uncomfortable. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This invention overcomes many of the shortcomings and limitations of the prior art devices discussed above. The invention is a spice diffuser system, generally comprising a diffuser and a refill bottle. The diffuser may have a base and an arm rotatably connected to the base.

[0010] The base may generally include a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the base may include a rubber-like element to prevent the diffuser assembly from sliding on the surface. The shape of the seat positioned on the base of the diffuser may be designed to allow the refill bottle to be easily received within the base of the diffuser. Additionally, the seat may be shaped to receive the refill bottle in a desired orientation, thereby ensuring that components of the refill bottle are properly aligned to engage the diffusion system. The seat preferably includes electrical contacts capable of engaging a printed circuit board assembly (“PCBA”) on the refill bottle to allow communication between the refill bottle and the diffuser. The PCBA may convey the type and / or amount of fragrance contained within the refill bottle to the diffuser, allowing the diffusion system to adjust its diffusion process to ensure complete spraying of the fragrance released by the diffuser.

[0011] The diffuser arm is capable of rotating about a pivot axis toward or away from the base. When the arm rotates away from the base, the refill bottle can be easily placed into the seat of the base without contacting the arm. As the refill bottle is placed into the seat, the arm can rotate toward the base until it engages the refill bottle. The arm may include a channel that aligns with the refill bottle when it is placed into the diffuser's seat. Thus, the user can easily apply a downward force to the arm to insert the top portion of the refill bottle into the channel of the arm. When the arm engages the refill bottle, the fragrance contained within the refill bottle is ready to diffuse into the environment surrounding the diffuser.

[0012] The refill bottle includes a container with an internal cavity into which liquid fragrance can be contained. The refill bottle may also include a spool element, which, for example, protrudes upward from the bottle. The spool element can thereby draw the liquid fragrance upward, for example, via capillary action. The spool can be configured to interact with a diffuser, thereby allowing the liquid fragrance to diffuse through the diffuser. Furthermore, since the positions of the arm's channel and the seat are predetermined, the spool is preferably properly aligned within the diffuser's arm when the refill bottle is in the diffuser's seat.

[0013] The PCBA on the bottom surface of the refill bottle can engage electrical contacts in the diffuser's base when the refill bottle is placed in the diffuser. The shape of the bottom surface of the refill bottle can be designed such that a proper connection is formed between the PCBA and the electrical contacts when it is placed in the diffuser's base, without requiring the user to manipulate the refill bottle into position. When the refill bottle is properly positioned in the base, the PCBA and the electrical contacts can form part of a circuit. The circuit preferably closes when the diffuser's arm is placed above the refill bottle. The closure of the circuit allows current to flow through the diffuser, thereby enabling the diffuser to operate.

[0014] The diffuser arm can house a piezoelectric element (hereinafter referred to as "piezoelectric element"). The piezoelectric element is configured to generate high-frequency sound waves when an electric current flows through it. The high-frequency sound waves can atomize liquids (e.g., fragrances contained in a refill bottle), thereby allowing the liquids to diffuse throughout the environment. The piezoelectric element can be housed within a piezoelectric housing seated within a channel of the arm. When the arm is positioned above the refill bottle, the piezoelectric housing is aligned with the wick of the refill bottle, so that the wick is housed within the piezoelectric housing. In this position, the wick can abut the piezoelectric element, allowing the high-frequency sound waves generated by the piezoelectric element to atomize the liquid fragrance on the wick, allowing the fragrance to diffuse throughout the environment. The duration of piezoelectric element operation can be predetermined, such that a predetermined volume of liquid is atomized each time the piezoelectric element is engaged, producing a "complete spray" of the fragrance. Furthermore, the duration of piezoelectric element operation can be adjusted based on the individuality of the fragrance in the refill bottle, thereby enabling the release of a complete spray regardless of the type of liquid fragrance used with the diffuser.

[0015] The piezoelectric housing may also include a piezoelectric spring seated within the housing above the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric spring applies a downward force to the piezoelectric element, ensuring adequate contact between the piezoelectric element and the core bar to achieve complete fragrance spray from the diffuser. Furthermore, the arm may include a second spring seated above the piezoelectric housing within the arm of the diffuser. The second spring applies a downward force to the piezoelectric housing, which in turn applies a downward force to the refill bottle. The downward force applied by the second spring ensures adequate contact between the PCBA of the refill bottle and the electrical contacts in the diffuser's seat, thereby enabling the diffuser to operate.

[0016] The arm of the diffuser assembly can be rotatably connected to the base of the diffuser via a shaft. Unless otherwise acted upon, the shaft can apply a biasing force to the arm to rotate it away from the base of the diffuser assembly. In one instance where the shaft is acted upon, a locking element and a hinge in the body of the arm can be used to hold it in place when the arm is positioned over the refill bottle. The hinge can be fixed relative to the shaft. When the locking element is positioned below the hinge, the arm can no longer rotate away from the base of the diffuser assembly.

[0017] When the user wishes to restore the arm's bias, they can push the unlock button. The unlock button applies force to the locking mechanism, which pushes the locking mechanism out from under the hinge. When this occurs, the axis can once again lift the arm away from the base of the diffuser assembly.

[0018] The described diffuser embodiment improves upon commercially available diffusers. First, the refill bottle can be received by a seat in the base of the diffuser, which is easily visible to the user when using the diffuser. The seat can also align the refill bottle so that it can properly interact with the diffusion system within the diffuser. Second, the diffuser has an arm that the user places on top of the refill bottle. The user can place the arm above the refill bottle by applying a downward force to the arm. This allows the user to easily ensure that the refill bottle is re-engaged with the diffusion system, thus ensuring that a complete spray of fragrance is released from the diffuser each time it is activated. Finally, the refill bottle can be easily removed from the diffuser; the user simply needs to lift the arm upwards and away from the refill bottle, and remove the refill bottle from the diffuser's seat.

[0019] These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 It is an isometric view of the diffuser system, including the diffuser and the replenishment bottle;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of the diffuser taken from below;

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of the replenishment bottle from below;

[0023] Figure 4 It is a side cross-sectional view of the diffuser and the replenishment bottle, with the replenishment bottle arranged in the diffuser seat and the diffuser arm in the first open position;

[0024] Figure 5This is a side cross-sectional view of the replenishment bottle, which is arranged in the diffuser seat and the diffuser arm is in the second closed position;

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Top isometric view of the diffuser and refill bottle, with the top portion of the diffuser arm removed;

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A top isometric view of the diffuser and refill bottle, with the top portion of the diffuser arm removed; and

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A top-down isometric view of the diffuser and refill bottle, with the top portion of the diffuser arm removed and the unlock button on the arm pressed.

[0028] While this disclosure is subject to various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be specifically described herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and specific descriptions presented herein are not intended to limit this disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed, but rather, the invention should cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar parts. To clearly illustrate the features of the invention, the proportions of the elements in the drawings are not necessarily maintained.

[0030] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a fragrance diffuser system 1 for diffusing fragrances is shown. Typically, system 1 may include a diffuser 100 and a fragrance bottle or refill bottle 105. The diffuser 100 may be configured to diffuse the fragrance supplied by the refill bottle 105. As further detailed below, the diffuser 100 is configured to allow a user to easily insert the refill bottle 105 into the diffuser 100 by placing it inside. Additionally, the diffuser 100 can be adjusted so that a “full spray” of fragrance can be released from the diffuser 100, regardless of the type of fragrance contained in the refill bottle 105.

[0031] The diffuser 100 may have a body 110 including a base 115 and an arm 120. The base 115 may be configured as a cylinder having a top surface 125 and a bottom surface 130 (but other shapes are also foreseeable). The top surface 125 may include a recess 135 formed as a notch in the top surface 125 of the base 115. The shape of the recess 135 may be designed to receive a refill bottle 105. Furthermore, the recess 135 may have an electrical contact 140 that allows electrical components (not shown) of the diffuser 100 to interact with the refill bottle 105.

[0032] Arm 120 is shown in the first "open" position. Arm 120 is rotatably connected to base 115 at pivot axis 145. Arm 120 can rotate about pivot axis 145 away from base 115 in the first "open" direction and toward base 115 in the second "closed" direction. When arm 120 has been fully rotated to the open position in the open direction, the user can place refill bottle 105 into seat 135.

[0033] The refill bottle may have a body 150 having a bottom portion 155 shaped to sit in and be received by a base 135. Sealing the refill bottle 105 in the base 135 helps prevent the refill bottle 105 from tipping over when it is seated in the diffuser 100. Sealing the refill bottle 105 in the base 135 also helps to provide proper alignment between the electrical contact 140 and the refill bottle 105.

[0034] A neck member 160 may extend above the top portion 165 of the refill bottle 105. The neck member 160 includes an opening 170 extending through the neck member 160 and into the body 150 of the refill bottle 105. The neck member 160 may provide a passage through which spices stored in the refill bottle 105 can be delivered to the diffuser 100 via the core strip 175.

[0035] The core 175 is preferably arranged in the orifice 170. The core 175 may be a closed cylinder having an upper portion 180 (but other shapes are also foreseeable). The diameter of the core 175 may be substantially the same as or only slightly smaller than the diameter of the orifice 170, thereby holding the core 175 within the orifice 170 by frictional engagement. The core 175 extends upward from the body 150 of the refill bottle 105 through the orifice 170 and extends above the neck member 160. The core 175 facilitates the delivery of fragrance through the neck member 160 by physical means, such as capillary action or other similar physical phenomena as can be understood by those skilled in the art. Capillary action draws the fragrance through the core 175 into the upper portion 180, thereby allowing the fragrance to be dispersed by the diffuser 100.

[0036] like Figure 2As shown, the bottom surface 130 of the diffuser 100 may have a base 185. The base 185 may be formed in the shape of a circular pad and attached to the bottom surface 130. The base 185 may have a low profile so as not to affect the overall stability of the base 115. Moreover, the base 185 may be constructed of rubber or another high-friction material to prevent the diffuser from sliding on the surface on which it is disposed. In an alternative embodiment, the bottom surface 130 may be equipped with a high-friction coating instead of a base to prevent the diffuser 100 from sliding.

[0037] The bottom surface 130 may also include a port 190, which may be positioned within a cavity 195 of the bottom surface 130. The port 190 may be shaped to receive a wire (not shown) capable of supplying current to operate the diffuser 100, or another equivalent power source. To help prevent accidental removal of the wire from the port 190, a wire guide 200 may be provided. The wire guide 200 is attached to the bottom surface 130 and arranged within the cavity 195. Figure 2 As shown, the wire guide 200 is configured in a squeezed U-shape to allow the wire to be held in the wire guide 200 and also to allow the wire to be removed and placed in the wire guide 200, but other configurations are contemplated. Finally, the cavity 195 prevents the base 115 from resting on the wire and reducing the stability of the diffuser 100.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment, the diffuser 100 may be equipped with an internal power source, such as a battery. The battery may be disposed in the cavity 195 or within the body 110 of the diffuser 100.

[0039] Turn Figure 3 The bottom portion 155 of the refill bottle 105 may include a printed circuit board assembly (“PCBA”) 205. The PCBA 205 is preferably constructed of a non-conductive surface to which electrical components can be attached and connected to each other. The PCBA 205 may have contacts 210 that engage electrical contacts 140 on the base 115. Additionally, the circuitry (not shown) of the PCBA 205 may, for example, store information about the type of fragrance contained in the refill bottle 105 and / or measure and store the amount of fragrance remaining in the refill bottle 105. When connected to the diffuser 100, the PCBA 205 can transmit the information stored in its circuitry to the diffuser 100. Based on the transmitted information, the diffuser 100 can adjust its diffusion process to suit the different physical properties of different types of fragrances, thereby enabling the diffuser 100 to release a complete spray of the fragrance.

[0040] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the diffuser 100 and the refill bottle 105 is shown when the arm 120 is in the open position. When the arm 120 is in the open position, the user can place the refill bottle 105 into the seat 135 of the diffuser 100.

[0041] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the diffuser 100 and the replenishment bottle 105 is shown with the replenishment bottle 105 seated in the base 135. The arm 120 of the diffuser 100 is in a second or "closed" position, positioned above the top of the replenishment bottle 105 and generally parallel to the base 115 of the diffuser 100. When the arm 120 is in the closed position and the replenishment bottle 105 is positioned within the base 135, the neck member 160 and the core bar 175 of the replenishment bottle 105 preferably extend into the body 215 of the arm 120.

[0042] The body 150 of the refill bottle 105 includes an inner surface 220 defining an inner cavity 225. The inner cavity 225 can accommodate spices supplied to the core strip 175. The core strip 175 extends from the bottom surface 230 of the inner cavity 225 through the orifice 170 and upward beyond the neck member 160. The core strip 175 can extend to the bottom surface 230, thereby allowing the spices contained within the inner cavity 225 to be drawn into the arm 120 via the core strip 175.

[0043] The neck member 160 may also include a sealing member 235 surrounding the core strip 175. The sealing member 235 is preferably made of an elastic or similar elastic material to seal any space formed between the core strip 175 and the neck member 160. The sealing member 235 can hold the core strip 175 in an upright position and keep it stationary, thereby enabling it to effectively engage the diffuser 100. The sealing member 235 can also effectively reduce the diameter of the orifice 170, thereby preventing the fragrance from evaporating too quickly from the refill bottle 105. The sealing member 235 also helps prevent the fragrance from leaking from the refill bottle 105 in the event of the refill bottle 105 tipping over.

[0044] Arm 120 includes a top surface 240 and a bottom surface 245. Arm 120 preferably includes a channel member 250 extending through the body 215 from the top surface 240 to the bottom surface 245. The diameter of the channel member 250 may be substantially the same throughout its length, or the channel member 250 may be tapered at either end. When the refill bottle 105 is in the seat 135 and the arm 120 is in the closed position, the neck member 160 and the core strip 175 may extend into the channel member 250.

[0045] A piezoelectric housing 255 can be held within and attached to the inner surface 260 of the channel member 250. The piezoelectric housing 255 houses a piezoelectric element 265 and a piezoelectric spring 270. The piezoelectric spring 270 can be positioned within the piezoelectric housing 255 and above the piezoelectric element 265, applying a predetermined downward force to the piezoelectric element 265. A top portion 275 and a bottom portion 280 of the piezoelectric housing 255 can define a gap 285 within the piezoelectric housing 255. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the gap 285 at the bottom portion 280 is smaller than its opening at the top portion 275; however, in other embodiments, the size and shape of the gap 285 can be varied, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0046] The lip element 290 can protrude inward from the top surface 240 of the arm 120 and enter downward into the channel member 250. The lip element 290 can limit the diameter of the channel member 250, thereby allowing the piezoelectric spring 270 to be retained within the channel member 250. The piezoelectric spring 270 can be designed to have a diameter larger than both the opening of the gap 285 at the bottom portion 280 and the diameter of the channel member 250 adjacent to the lip element 290.

[0047] The piezoelectric element 265 may be constructed of a crystalline material (e.g., quartz) that mechanically deforms when an electric current is applied to it. Suitable materials for use as piezoelectric elements are well known in the art. The piezoelectric element 265 may be connected to a circuit board (not shown) that controls the timing and amount of current sent to it. The piezoelectric element 265 may vibrate at different rates based on the amount of current passing through it. At a predetermined current level, the piezoelectric element 265 may vibrate, thereby emitting high-frequency sound waves capable of atomizing liquid. The atomized liquid may then diffuse into the air and away from the piezoelectric element 265, and thus away from the diffuser 100 via the core strip 175.

[0048] Different fragrances used with diffuser 100 can have different physical properties. Thus, the frequency emitted by piezoelectric element 265 can be varied to match the optimal acoustic frequency (as determined by laboratory testing) required for effective diffusion of each fragrance. As a non-limiting example, piezoelectric element 265 can be configured to emit a first frequency for a first fragrance and a second frequency for a second fragrance. Therefore, varying the frequency emitted from piezoelectric element 265 helps to provide a complete spray of fragrance emitted from diffuser 100, regardless of the individual properties of the fragrance used.

[0049] When the refill bottle 105 is seated on the base 135 and the arm 120 is in the closed position, at least a portion of the core strip 175 can extend into the piezoelectric housing 255. More specifically, the core strip 175 of the refill bottle 105 can extend into the gap 285 and abut against the piezoelectric element 265. The piezoelectric spring 270 helps to provide sufficient contact between the core strip 175 and the piezoelectric element 265, so that high-frequency sound waves emitted by the piezoelectric element 265 cause the fragrance delivered to the upper portion 180 of the core strip 175 to evaporate.

[0050] An arm spring 295 can be accommodated within the channel member 250 between the piezoelectric housing 255 and the lip member 290. The arm spring 295 can generally surround the piezoelectric housing 255. When the arm 120 is in the closed position, the arm spring 295 applies a predetermined downward force to the piezoelectric housing 255. The piezoelectric housing 255 then applies a downward force to the refill bottle 105. The amount of force supplied by the arm spring 295 is sufficient to establish a connection between the PCBA 205 of the refill bottle 105 and the electrical contact 140 in the base 135. Thus, when the arm 120 is in the closed position, the circuit within the diffuser 100 is closed, allowing current to flow through the diffuser 100.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the force applied to the piezoelectric element 265 by the piezoelectric spring 270 is less than the force applied to the piezoelectric housing 255 by the arm spring 295. However, in other embodiments, the forces applied by the piezoelectric spring 270 and the arm spring 295 may be the same, or the force applied by the piezoelectric spring 270 may be greater than the force applied by the arm spring 295. Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, the piezoelectric spring 270 and the arm spring 295 may be replaced by a single spring or a single spring system that can apply a downward force to both the piezoelectric element 265 and the piezoelectric housing 255.

[0052] Figures 6-8 The arm 120 is shown in the closed position; in these figures, the top portion of the arm 120 is removed, thus making the interior of the diffuser clearer. Figure 6 One embodiment of the diffuser 100 is shown, wherein a piezoelectric spring 270 is housed within a piezoelectric housing 255 and an arm spring 295 surrounds the piezoelectric housing 255. In other embodiments, the arm spring 295 and the piezoelectric spring 270 may be located at other positions within the arm 120, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0053] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the middle, arm 120 is fixed in the closed position by locking member 300 in the first position, while... Figure 8 In the middle, the locking element 300 is unlocked by being placed in the second position. Although Figure 6 and Figure 7One embodiment of a locking member 300 is shown, which is capable of securing the arm 120 in the closed position. Other embodiments of the locking member 300 may also secure the arm 120 in the open position.

[0054] Turn Figure 7 Arm 120 is preferably rotatably connected to the base 115 of diffuser 100 at a pivot axis 145. Rotation of arm 120 can be accomplished by a shaft 305 attached to the base 115 at the pivot axis 145. Shaft 305 can cause arm 120 to rotate in an opening direction (away from the base 115 of diffuser 100) and a closing direction (towards the base 115). In some embodiments, shaft 305 can be biased to rotate in the opening direction until arm 120 reaches the open position. To counteract this bias, a user can apply a force to arm 120 to rotate arm 120 in the closing direction until it reaches the closed position. In other embodiments, shaft 305 can be biased to rotate arm 120 in the closing direction, or shaft 305 can be biased to rotate arm 120 in both the opening and closing directions. Other equivalent systems that can accomplish rotation of arm 120 are readily understood by those skilled in the art.

[0055] The locking element 300 can secure the arm 120 in the closed position via the hinge element 310 of the engaging shaft 305. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the locking member 300 is constructed from a first arm 315, a second arm 320, a third arm 325, and a rotating body 330, but other structures are contemplated. Arms 315, 320, and 325 may be formed in one piece with the rotating body 330. The first arm 315 and the second arm 320 may be located at opposite ends of the rotating body 330, and the third arm 325 may be adjacent to the second arm 320. The rotating body 330 may be formed in a disc shape and rotatably connected to the inner surface 335 of the arm 120, such that the rotating body 330 surrounds the piezoelectric housing 255. In other embodiments, the locking member 300 may be arranged at other locations within the body 215 of the arm 120.

[0056] The hinge element 310 may be U-shaped, but other shapes are foreseeable, and it includes a top surface 340 and a bottom surface (not shown). The hinge element 310 may protrude from the shaft 305 and enter the body 215 of the arm 120. Moreover, the hinge element 310 may be fixed relative to the shaft 305. When the locking member 300 is in the first position, the top surface 345 of the first arm 315 abuts the bottom surface of the hinge element 310. Positioning the first arm 315 below the hinge element 310 prevents the arm 120 from rotating away from the base 115 of the diffuser 100.

[0057] Spring 350 can rotate locking member 300 to a first position. Spring 350 can be attached to the inner surface 335 of arm 120 adjacent to second arm 320. Spring 350 can apply force to second arm 320, causing locking member 300 to rotate clockwise. As locking member 300 rotates toward the first position, first arm 315 is pushed under hinge element 310. Clockwise rotation of locking member 300 can continue until further clockwise rotation is stopped by unlock button 355.

[0058] The unlock button 355 extends into the body 215 of the arm 120 and passes through an opening (not shown) in the arm 120. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the unlock button 355 generally comprises a cylinder 365, a protrusion 370, and a lip element 375, but other configurations are contemplated. The cylinder 365 and the protrusion 370 may be at opposite ends of the unlock button 355 and spaced apart by the lip element 375. The cylinder 365 may extend through an opening and into the body 215 of the arm 120, and its dimensions may be designed to have a diameter substantially the same as the opening.

[0059] The protrusion 370 and the lip element 375 can be positioned within the body 215 of the arm 120. The third arm 325 may include a first rod 385 and a second rod 390 adapted to receive the protrusion 370, thereby allowing the protrusion 370 to interact with the locking member 300. More specifically, the first rod 385 may be shorter than the second rod 390, such that the protrusion 370 can abut the second rod 390 when the protrusion 370 is received in the third arm 325.

[0060] The lip element 375 can be designed to have a wider diameter than the opening of the arm 120 to prevent the unlock button 355 from dislodging from the body 215 when the locking member 300 is rotated clockwise. Further clockwise rotation of the locking member 300 is prevented when the lip element 375 abuts the inner surface 335 of the arm 120.

[0061] When the refill bottle 105 is empty, the user may wish to remove the refill bottle 105 from the diffuser 100. To remove the refill bottle 105, the user can unlock the locking element 300, allowing the arm 120 to return to the open position.

[0062] like Figure 8 As shown, the locking member 300 can be disengaged by being placed in the second position. When the locking member 300 is in the second position, the bottom surface of the hinge element 310 is no longer adjacent to the top surface 345 of the first arm 315. When the locking member is in the second position, the shaft 305 can rotate the arm 120 away from the base 115 of the diffuser 100, as described in more detail below.

[0063] To unlock the locking element 300, the user can press the unlock button 355. When the unlock button 355 is pressed, the protrusion 370 applies force to the third arm 325, which in turn causes the rotating body 330 to rotate counterclockwise. As the rotating body 330 rotates counterclockwise, the spring 350 is compressed by the second arm 320 and the cylinder 365 slides into the body 215 of the arm 120. As the counterclockwise rotation of the rotating body 330 continues, the first arm 315 rotates away from the hinge element 310 until it is no longer adjacent to the hinge element 310. Then, the shaft 305 can lift the arm 120 away from the base 115 of the diffuser 100 until the inner surface 335 abuts the bottom surface of the hinge element 310. When the inner surface 335 abuts the hinge element 310, the arm 120 is in the open position. After arm 120 reaches the open position, the unlock button 355 is no longer pressed, and the hinge element 310 prevents clockwise rotation of the locking member 300 because the side portion 395 of the hinge element 310 can abut the first arm 315. By preventing clockwise rotation of the locking member 300, the side portion 395 prevents the locking member 300 from returning to the first position. If the user wishes to re-engage the locking member 300, the arm can return to the closed position. As the user lowers arm 120 toward the base 115 of diffuser 100, an opening (not shown) can be formed between the hinge element 310 and the inner surface 335. Once the opening reaches a predetermined size, the first arm 315 can be displaced below the hinge element 310, and the locking member 300 can return to the closed position. Figure 7 The first position shown.

[0064] As will be clearly understood from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific details of the examples shown herein, and therefore other variations, applications, changes, and equivalents of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, it should be noted that all drawings are not to scale. All such changes, variations, changes, and other applications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention should be considered as being covered by the invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A diffuser for activating a fragrance bottle, the diffuser comprising: main body; An arm, rotatably connected to the main body; When the arm is in the first position, the arm is adjacent to at least a portion of the spice bottle and the diffuser is activated; When the arm is in the second position, the arm and the spice bottle are not adjacent to each other; Wherein, when the arm is in the first position, the circuit is closed, thereby activating the diffuser; and In the first position, the arm is approximately parallel to the body.

2. The diffuser as claimed in claim 1, wherein, In the second position, the arm extends away from the body.

3. The diffuser as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The arm also includes a piezoelectric housing configured to hold a piezoelectric element positioned below a piezoelectric spring.

4. The diffuser as claimed in claim 3, wherein, When the arm is in the first position: A portion of the core strip of the spice bottle is received within the piezoelectric housing; The core bar is adjacent to the piezoelectric element; and The piezoelectric spring applies a downward force to the piezoelectric element, which is less than the downward force applied to the spice bottle by the arm spring.

5. The diffuser of claim 1, wherein the arm further comprises: axis; Locking components, including: Rotatable body; and A spring is positioned adjacent to the rotatable body, such that the spring applies a force to the rotatable body; An unlocking button extends into the arm, the unlocking button being adjacent to the rotatable body; and The axis thereunder prevents the diffuser arm from moving away from the first position when the unlock button is in the locked position.

6. A spice diffuser system, comprising: The diffuser as described in any one of claims 1-5, the diffuser comprising: A base, the base including a seat positioned and located in the top surface of the base; An arm, rotatably attached to the base, the arm comprising: The main body; and The channel extends through the main body; The piezoelectric element is positioned and located within the channel; and A replenishment bottle, the replenishment bottle comprising a core strip.

7. The spice diffuser system of claim 6, wherein, When the arm is in a first position generally parallel to the base, the piezoelectric element is adjacent to the core strip of the replenishment bottle.

8. The spice diffuser system of claim 6, wherein, The arm also includes a piezoelectric housing attached to and held within the channel, the piezoelectric housing being configured to hold the piezoelectric element.

9. The spice diffuser system of claim 6, wherein the diffuser further comprises a piezoelectric spring adapted to apply a downward force on the piezoelectric element.

10. The spice diffuser system of claim 9, wherein, The piezoelectric spring is held within the channel of the arm and is positioned above the piezoelectric element.

11. The spice diffuser system of claim 6, wherein the arm further comprises an arm spring configured to apply a downward force on the refill bottle when the arm is in a first position substantially parallel to the base.

12. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 6, wherein the refill bottle further comprises: The bottle body defines the internal cavity; Top section; An orifice extends through the top portion of the refill bottle; and The core strip extends upward from the bottom surface of the internal cavity of the main body and passes through the orifice.

13. The fragrance diffuser system of claim 6, further comprising: A piezoelectric housing is positioned and located in the channel of the arm, the piezoelectric housing being designed to hold the piezoelectric element and the piezoelectric spring; An arm spring is positioned and located within the channel; and Specifically, when the arm is in a first position that is substantially parallel to the base: The piezoelectric spring applies a first downward force to the piezoelectric element and the core bar; and The arm spring applies a second downward force to the replenishment bottle.

14. A diffuser system, comprising: The diffuser as described in any one of claims 1-5, the diffuser comprising: main body; An arm, rotatably coupled to the body, the arm including a channel extending from the top surface of the arm to the bottom surface of the arm; A piezoelectric housing is received within a channel of the arm, and the piezoelectric housing further includes a piezoelectric spring adapted to apply a downward force to the piezoelectric element; The refill bottle includes a core strip extending upwards from the bottle body; and When the replenishment bottle is received into the body and the arm is in the closed position, the piezoelectric housing receives at least a portion of the core strip.

15. The diffuser system of claim 14, further comprising an arm spring positioned and located around the piezoelectric housing.

16. The diffuser system of claim 15, wherein when the arm is in the closed position, the piezoelectric spring applies a first downward force, and the arm spring applies a second downward force, and wherein, The first downward force is less than the second downward force.

17. The diffuser system of claim 14, wherein the replenishment bottle further comprises a printed circuit board assembly adapted to communicate with the main body.

18. The diffuser system of claim 14, wherein the piezoelectric element is configured to emit a first frequency for a first fragrance and a second frequency for a second fragrance.

19. The diffuser system of claim 14, further comprising: A locking element is positioned and located within the arm; An unlock button extends from the inside of the arm to the outside of the arm; and When the arm is in the closed position, the locking element is designed to hold the arm in the closed position until the unlock button is pressed.

Images