Fabric element with passive fragrance diffuser

Abstract

The fabric element comprises a passive fragrance diffuser (1) comprising an inner layer (2) filled with fragrance and provided with a peripheral edge (B); a hydrophobic, oleophobic and air permeable first outer layer (3); a hydrophobic, oleophobic and air permeable second outer layer (4); wherein the inner layer (2) is enclosed between the first outer layer (3) and the second outer layer (4), the first outer layer (3) and the second outer layer (4) being connected together by a double-sided adhesive tape at least along a peripheral region (P) around the peripheral edge (B) of the inner layer (2), the fabric element comprising a pocket (T) into which the diffuser (1) is removably inserted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a textile element comprising a passive aroma diffuser. In particular, the textile element is a headrest cushion for vehicles such as cars, airplanes, trains and ships, and the diffuser can be inserted into the headrest cushion. Background Art

[0002] Description of the Prior Art

[0003] It is known in the art to manufacture disposable passive scent diffusers consisting of a material impregnated with a fragrance. Known diffusers are used in cars or enclosed spaces to diffuse a scent into the environment by direct contact with the air.

[0004] They are also known as passive scent diffusers, which comprise a fabric bag containing fragrance particles which diffuse the scent into the surroundings by direct contact with the air.

[0005] Known passive fragrance diffusers are disclosed in US 5782409 A, WO 99 / 06075A1 and WO 2018 / 067621A1.

[0006] Problems with existing technology

[0007] In the prior art, the diffusion of fragrance occurs by direct contact with the air. This results in a continuous and completely unpredictable release of the fragrance. In fact, ambient ventilation, humidity and temperature conditions as well as agents such as water or sunlight have a decisive influence on how the fragrance is released and how long the diffuser lasts before the fragrance runs out. In addition, the durability of the diffuser is also reduced by direct contact with the air, which results in a continuous release of fragrance even when it is not necessary, i.e. when no one benefits from it. Summary of the invention

[0008] A further object of the invention is to use a textile element comprising a passive fragrance diffuser which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to use a fabric element in the form of a headrest cushion for a vehicle comprising a passive fragrance diffuser which is able to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] The defined technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a textile element comprising one or more of the technical features stated in the appended claims.

[0011] Advantages of the invention

[0012] Thanks to the embodiments, a textile element may be obtained which may extend the durability of a diffuser comprised therein.

[0013] Thanks to the embodiments, it is possible to create textile elements that can release fragrance in a controlled manner.

[0014] Thanks to the embodiments, it is possible to produce textile elements, in particular headrest pads for vehicles, which comprise passive fragrance diffusers which can release fragrance in a controlled manner only when necessary. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a possible practical embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in a set of accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] - Figure 1 shows a front view of a passive fragrance diffuser according to the present invention,

[0017] - Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a diffuser,

[0018] - Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 Detail of the diffuser shown.

[0019] - Figure 4 Shows that there is Figure 1 A fabric element in the form of a headrest cushion for a vehicle with a diffuser shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The invention relates to a textile element provided with a passive fragrance diffuser 1 .

[0021] The diffuser 1 comprises a fragrance-filled inner layer 2. The inner layer 2 is provided with a peripheral edge B defining its perimeter and is preferably a layer with a substantially planar extension, more preferably a completely planar extension layer of uniform thickness.

[0022] The diffuser 1 comprises a first outer layer 3 which is hydrophobic, oleophobic and air permeable. The diffuser 1 also comprises a second outer layer 4 which is hydrophobic, oleophobic and air permeable. The inner layer 2 is enclosed between the first outer layer 3 and the second outer layer 4. Preferably, the first outer layer 3 and the second outer layer 4 are identical, for example two layers made of the same material and of the same size.

[0023] The first outer layer 3 and the second outer layer 4 are connected together by a double-sided adhesive tape at least along a peripheral area P around the peripheral edge B of the inner layer 2 (see Figure 1-3 ). Optionally, the first outer layer 3 and the second outer layer 4 are connected together by casting or welding, for example, by ultrasonic welding.

[0024] It should be noted that the diffuser 1 is a passive multi-layer system for diffusing fragrance by evaporation.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner layer 2 is made of an absorbent material with a high liquid retention capacity. Preferably, the inner layer 2 is made of a porous material. Also preferably, the porous material can contain up to ten times its weight of liquid without dripping. Even more preferably, the material of the inner layer 2 comprises polyester PE and / or polypropylene PP fibers and / or polyvinyl acetate PVA. Also preferably, the thickness is 1.5 ± 0.5 mm. Advantageously, this material provides a high liquid retention capacity without reaching saturation. Advantageously, the behavior of the inner layer 2 is similar to a sponge, and its porosity determines the diffusion speed of the fragrance and therefore determines the durability of the diffuser 1 itself, that is, the time length that the diffuser 1 can diffuse the fragrance before the fragrance runs out. It should be noted that the absorbent material of the inner layer 2 can be natural, synthetic or mixed, preferably flexible but not necessarily porous. In addition, its characteristics and performance make it possible to release the fragrance impregnated in the inner layer 2 in a controlled manner and slowly.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the first outer layer 3 and the second outer layer 4 are made of a polymer material, preferably PTFE, with a thickness of 0.13 mm. Preferably, the first outer layer 3 and the second outer layer 4 are made of GORE-TEX, i.e., an extremely thin layer / film of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), which controls the diffusion of fragrance through air channels (porosity) and thereby controls the durability, water resistance and breathability of the product. Advantageously, this material ensures water resistance and fragrance release capacity without releasing essential oils or solvents. According to a preferred embodiment, the inner layer 2 of polyester and / or polypropylene is then sandwiched between the two outer layers 3, 4 of PTFE, which, through capillary action and surface tension, retains the fragrance. The outer layers 2, 3 of PTFE are very thin and have a very low porosity of about half a micron. Porosity allows control of how the fragrance is released, allowing air to pass but not allowing liquid fragrance impregnated in the inner layer 2 to pass.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the double-sided adhesive tape comprises a central polymer layer enclosed between two acrylic adhesive layers and has a total thickness of 0.20 mm. Advantageously, the double-sided adhesive tape enables the outer layers 3 , 4 to be firmly connected.

[0028] When the diffuser 1 is produced, the fragrance (or perfume) is prepared as a solution with a solvent suitable for indoor diffusers and applied to the inner layer 2, which is then closed and sealed between the two outer layers 3, 4 with a double-sided adhesive tape.

[0029] The fabric element is provided with a pocket T, in which the diffuser 1 is detachably inserted. Preferably, the fabric element is a cushion such as a pillow or a piece of clothing, which is provided with a pocket T, in which the diffuser 1 is inserted. Preferably, the pocket T should have a closable mouth, for example by means of a zipper, a magnet, a fabric bag cover, Velcro, a button or other known systems. Other application examples are fabric elements for indoor environments such as homes / hotels / offices / restaurants, such as mattress pads, sofas, cushions, chairs, headboards, wardrobes and drawers, etc. Other examples of fabric elements are bags, suitcases and backpacks. Preferably, the fabric element includes a fabric portion containing a pocket T, and the pocket T is made of a breathable fabric material to allow the fragrance to diffuse from the diffuser 1 to the outside.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the passive aroma diffuser 1 comprises at least one coupling member, preferably detachable, such as Velcro or magnets or coupling / decoupling members, for coupling to the interior of the pocket T, wherein preferably a corresponding coupling member is present.

[0031] It is always preferred that the textile element comprises coupling means, more preferably detachable, such as Velcro or magnets or coupling / decoupling members, for fixing to corresponding external coupling means.

[0032] Advantageously, the fabric element can be placed near an air vent of a vehicle such as a car, for example even under a seat of a car, airplane or boat. Advantageously, the diffuser 1 included in the fabric element can diffuse the fragrance by means of the air coming out of the nozzle, or the fragrance can also be diffused to other parts of the car due to air circulation.

[0033] refer to Figure 4 In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fabric element is a vehicle headrest cushion 10, of the type found on seats S of buses, airplanes, trains or ships, provided with an internal pocket T and comprising a passive fragrance diffuser 1 removably inserted into the pocket T. It should be noted here that the trapezoidal shape and proportions of the diffuser 1 shown in the drawings are suitable for this particular application. Advantageously, the diffuser 1 releases the fragrance when a person rests his head on the headrest cushion, since the air movement thereby induced in the cushion aids in the diffusion of the fragrance.

[0034] The inner pocket T should preferably have a closable mouth, for example by means of a zipper, magnet, fabric flap, Velcro, buttons or other known systems. Advantageously, when the fragrance has been used up, the diffuser 1 can be removed and replaced by inserting a new diffuser 1 into the pocket T. Since the diffuser 1 is a disposable product, it can be produced to last from six months to one year by controlling the properties of the layers 2, 3, 4 of the diffuser 1. Advantageously, the headrest pad 10 for vehicles can be used in cars, airplanes, ships and trains.

[0035] It should be noted that the durability of the diffuser depends on the location of its application, i.e. the space in which it is placed and its size and shape.

[0036] Advantageously, diffuser 1 may be removed and replaced with a new diffuser 1 for insertion into pocket T when the fragrance in the previous diffuser has been used up.

Claims

1. A fabric element, characterized in that It includes: - A passive fragrance diffuser (1), said passive fragrance diffuser (1) comprising: - an inner layer (2) filled with fragrance and provided with a peripheral edge (B); - a first outer layer (3) that is hydrophobic, oleophobic and air-permeable; - a second outer layer (4) that is hydrophobic, oleophobic and air-permeable; in, - said inner layer (2) is enclosed between said first outer layer (3) and said second outer layer (4), - the first outer layer (3) and the second outer layer (4) are connected together by a double-sided adhesive tape at least along a peripheral area (P) around the peripheral edge (B) of the inner layer (2); - a pocket (T) into which the diffuser (1) is removably inserted.

2. Textile element according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer (2) is made of an absorbent material with a high liquid retention capacity.

3. Textile element according to claim 2, wherein the inner layer (2) is made of a porous material.

4. Textile element according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the material of the inner layer (2) comprises polyethylene and / or polypropylene, preferably with a thickness of 1.5±0.5 mm.

5. Textile element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first outer layer (3) and the second outer layer (4) are made of a polymer material, preferably PTFE, with a thickness of 0.13 mm.

6. The textile element of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the double-sided tape comprises a central polymer layer comprised between two acrylic adhesive layers.

7. Textile element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diffuser (1) comprises at least one coupling member for coupling to the interior of the pocket (T).

8. The textile element according to claim 7, wherein the coupling member comprises Velcro or a magnet.

9. Textile element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pocket (T) is provided with a closable mouth.

10. The textile element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the textile element is a headrest cushion (10) for a vehicle.

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