Diffuser secured to container for inhalation of oil flavors into diffuser element via capillary action

Abstract

A diffuser made from a thermoformed molding slurry in a desired shape (e.g., a hanging ornament) has features that secure a wick portion of the diffuser to a round bottle opening filled with an oil perfume. For insertion of the diffuser, the cap is unscrewed from the bottle filled with the oil perfume, and the wick portion is inserted through the opening of the bottle until it rests on the bottom of the interior of the bottle. There is a rotatable closure feature on top of the wick portion that closes during insertion of the wick portion to prevent accidental overflow and loss of oil due to evaporation. The core suction element sucks the oil fragrance into the decorative diffusion portion through capillary action.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 324,608 filed on March 28, 2022 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 416,402 filed on October 14, 2022, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to passive diffuser elements that evaporate volatile liquids into the atmosphere. Background Art

[0004] There are many forms of passive diffusers that do not require any power assistance to convert liquid into evaporated gas that is dispersed in the surrounding atmosphere or environment. A common example is an aromatherapy rattan diffuser, in which a user inserts a long rattan into a scented liquid contained in an open glass container or reservoir. Each rattan absorbs liquid by capillary action and diffuses it into the atmosphere by evaporation. However, in order to insert the rattan, the glass container must remain uncapped, allowing evaporation to escape through the container of the opening, and if it is poured, its liquid contents will overflow, eliminating or greatly reducing any further useful diffusion effect from a small amount of liquid that may remain in the container. In addition, each rattan has a relatively small surface area, which is limited by its diameter and length. In order to adjust the intensity of the diffused fragrance, the user is instructed to add or subtract rattan. In addition, the release rate of each rattan is limited by the small cross-section end plus the length such as the rattan is immersed in the liquid, and the diffuser is generally suitable for small rooms, such as bathrooms. As the liquid level drops, the release rate decreases, so even if all the reed is used, the intensity of the fragrance release will decrease over time before the liquid is completely removed from the container due to capillary action through the reed and evaporation through the open container.

[0005] In addition to the risk of spilling, unnecessary evaporation losses and the rate of reduced fragrance release, another problem that plagues passive diffusers is that they are not as easy to hang as decorations. Of course, the rattan diffusers mentioned above cannot be hung without using some external devices to keep the container. Many diffusers are just too heavy to be hung on relatively fragile or flexible structures, such as branches. The scented spice sticks sold with the trademark SCENTSICLES can be hung, but these sticks are pre-scented and have a form factor, which is the shape of a thin stick made of tightly rolled paper. The scented spice sticks will not absorb any fragrance upwards by capillary action, so when they are taken out of their containers, they begin to diffuse their fragrance into the atmosphere, which decreases over time until the pre-soaked fragrance load of the scented spice sticks has been exhausted. The stick shape will not inspire or cause the impression of any specific theme or holidays, even if they are usually sold as Christmas decorations. Thus, these types of scented hanging ornaments do not benefit from capillary action and, because they utilize rolled paper to form a stick-like "ornament" structure, they cannot accommodate themes, fanciful, or completely novel designs or shapes.

[0006] Furthermore, conventional passive diffusers have a static element that, when inserted into a reservoir containing a liquid to be diffused, remains in its inserted position (unless moved by a user). Thus, for example, any liquid remaining in the reservoir that is not lost by evaporation through an opening in the container may not be readily accessible to the diffuser element if the diffuser element is not positioned to pool or collect the liquid as it descends toward the bottom of the container. Leaving liquid in the container that is not drawn upward into the diffuser element by capillary action unnecessarily shortens the useful life of the diffuser. Even a small amount of liquid can translate into several days of additional evaporative release into the surrounding environment.

[0007] There is a need for an improved device that does not have any one or more of these and other disadvantages. There is also a need for an improved device that overcomes all of the above and other disadvantages by itself. The present disclosure is intended to address these and other needs. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for diffusing a volatile material into an ambient environment is disclosed.

[0009] The device includes: a wick portion having a free end configured to be inserted into a container containing a volatile material, the volatile material being drawn into the elongated wick portion by capillary action; a dispensing portion having an exposed surface from which the volatile material evaporates into the surrounding environment; and a plug portion having a hinge member connected to the elongated wick portion, the plug portion being configured to rotate about the hinge member to form a plug with the elongated wick portion, the plug being configured to be inserted into an opening of the container to inhibit the release of the volatile material due to evaporation through the opening and to maximize the dispersal of the volatile material from the elongated wick portion to the dispensing portion by capillary action.

[0010] The device can be combined with a container, which can have a bottle shape and a threaded cap over an opening and a shoulder between the opening and the body of the bottle, and the volatile material can include a fragrance oil. The combination of the device and the container can have a weight of no more than two ounces. The protruding member can be configured to be inserted into the opening and past the shoulder until it rests against the shoulder inside the container.

[0011] The elongate wick portion may have a semi-circular cross-section.The plug portion may have a semi-circular cross-section such that when the plug portion is connected to the elongate wick portion, the plug has a generally circular cross-section substantially closing the opening of the container.

[0012] The device may further include a first raised member on the elongated wick portion and a second raised member opposite the first raised member, wherein the first raised member is configured to connect the device to a container containing a volatile material without causing the device and the container to become disconnected under the weight of the container, each of the first raised member and the second raised member protruding from the elongated wick portion and having a tapered portion that gradually tapers toward the elongated wick portion toward the free end.

[0013] Each of the first and second protruding members may be flexible to be squeezed into the opening of the container until they deploy when moved beyond the opening of the container.

[0014] The free end of the elongated wick portion may have one or more flexible legs, each flexible leg being configured to bend and extend toward the side wall of the interior of the container body in response to the insertion of the elongated wick portion through the opening until the free end contacts the bottom interior surface of the container and each of the multiple flexible legs unfolds away from each other.

[0015] The device may further include a hole in the emanating portion, the hole being configured to accommodate a hanging element therethrough, the hanging element being used to hang the device as a decoration. The emanating portion may have a dimension across its surface along a cross section of the emanating portion that is at least 10% greater than a width of the emanating portion along the same cross section.

[0016] The elongated wick portion and the diffuser portion may form a unified, integral component formed from a thermoformed molded slurry. The elongated wick portion, diffuser portion, and plug portion may be formed as a unified, integral component from a thermoformed molded slurry introduced into a mold. The thermoformed molded slurry may be Type 3. The volatile material may include an oil-based fragrance.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a device for diffusing volatile materials into a surrounding environment is disclosed. The device includes a plug, a wick portion, and a dispensing portion. The plug is configured to be at least partially inserted into an opening of a container containing a volatile material to help at least partially inhibit the volatile material from flowing out of the container through the opening. The wick portion includes a thermoformed molded slurry, and the thermoformed molded slurry is configured to allow the volatile material to be drawn upward into the wick portion by capillary action. The dispensing portion includes a thermoformed molded slurry and is connected to the wick portion so that the volatile material is drawn upward into the dispensing portion by capillary action, and the dispensing portion has an exposed surface, and the exposed surface is configured to help diffuse the volatile material into the surrounding environment at an average release rate of greater than about 0.25 grams of volatile material / day within 30 days.

[0018] The thermoforming molding slurry may contain bagasse. The volatile material may contain oil-based fragrances. The oil-based fragrance may contain 100% oil. In some embodiments, the average release rate is greater than about 0.35 grams of oil-based fragrances / day within 30 days. In some embodiments, the emitting portion is configured to diffuse at least 0.1 grams of oil-based fragrances into the surrounding environment every day for 30 days. In some embodiments, the emitting portion is configured to diffuse at least 0.4 grams of oil-based fragrances into the surrounding environment every day during the first week, diffuse at least 0.3 grams of oil-based fragrances into the surrounding environment every day during the first week immediately after the first week, diffuse at least 0.2 grams of oil-based fragrances into the surrounding environment every day during the third week immediately after the second week, and diffuse at least 0.1 grams of oil-based fragrances into the surrounding environment every day during the fourth week immediately after the third week.

[0019] In some embodiments, the emission portion is configured to have an average release rate of about 0.6 grams of oil-based fragrance / day during the first week, an average release rate of about 0.4 grams of oil-based fragrance / day during the second week immediately following the first week, an average release rate of about 0.25 grams of oil-based fragrance / day during the third week immediately following the second week, and an average release rate of about 0.2 grams of oil-based fragrance / day during the fourth week immediately following the third week.

[0020] In some embodiments, the plug and wick portions are unified and / or integral, and the plug includes a first plug portion and a second plug portion that are movable relative to each other. The plug includes a first plug portion and a second plug portion that are movable relative to each other. The wick portion may include a hinge configured to allow the first plug portion and the second plug portion to move relative to each other between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closed position, the first plug portion and the second plug portion are configured to be inserted into an opening of a container.

[0021] The first stopper portion may include a first sealing protrusion configured to engage the container in response to the plug being inserted into the container to help inhibit the release of volatile materials via the opening of the container. The second stopper portion may include a second sealing protrusion configured to engage the container in response to the plug being inserted into the container and to help inhibit the release of volatile materials via the opening of the container. The first sealing protrusion and the second sealing protrusion may have a teardrop shape. The container may have a bottle shape and a threaded lid above the opening and a shoulder between the opening and the body of the bottle, and the first sealing protrusion and the second sealing protrusion may be configured to be inserted into the opening and pass through the shoulder until it rests against the shoulder inside the container.

[0022] The wick portion may further include a first tongue portion connected to the first plug portion and a second tongue portion connected to the second plug portion. In the closed position, the first tongue portion is connected to the second tongue portion. The first tongue portion may include a plurality of holes, and the second tongue portion includes a plurality of protrusions, wherein in the closed position, the plurality of protrusions engage one of the corresponding plurality of holes to help connect the first tongue portion and the second tongue portion and inhibit the first plug portion and the second plug portion from moving relative to each other. The plurality of holes in the first tongue portion may each have a diameter of about 4 mm.

[0023] The dispensing portion may include a hole configured to accommodate a hanging element therethrough, the hanging element being used to suspend the device as a decoration. The dispensing portion may have a generally triangular shape. The dispensing portion may include a plurality of grooves extending along its length, the grooves being configured to help diffuse the volatile material inhaled into the wick portion into the surrounding environment. The first plug portion and the second plug portion are configured to form a cavity between them in response to the wick portion being in the closed position.

[0024] The device may have a first length along its longitudinal axis in the open position and a second length along its axis in the closed position, wherein the second length is less than the first length. The second length may be about 50% to about 75% of the first length.

[0025] The wick portion and the emitter portion form a unified, integral part made of a thermoformed molded slurry. The thermoformed molded slurry can be Type 3. The wick portion and the emitter portion can be formed into a unified, integral part by a thermoformed molded slurry introduced into a mold.

[0026] The device can be combined with a container having a bottle shape and a removable threaded cap on the opening, the volatile material comprising a fragrance oil, the combination of the device and the container having a weight of no more than two ounces. The emitting portion can have a width at least 3 times greater than the diameter of the opening of the container.

[0027] The emitting portion may be configured such that the average release rate is greater than about 2.5 grams of volatile material per week over 30 days. The emitting portion may be configured such that the average release rate is about 2.5 grams to about 3 grams of volatile material per week over 30 days.

[0028] The device can be combined with a base including a hole configured to be a portion of a container received therein. The base can include a protrusion configured to engage a surface of the container to connect the base to the container via an interference fit. The wick portion, the emanation portion, and the base can include a thermoformed molded slurry. The thermoformed molded slurry can be Type 3.

[0029] The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. Additional features and benefits of the present disclosure are apparent from the detailed description and drawings presented below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The above and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a device for diffusing a volatile substance into an ambient environment and a bottle with a cap containing the volatile substance;

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the device and a rear perspective view of the bottle shown, wherein the stopper portion is used to rotate to form the stopper;

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of the device and bottle shown with the stopper portion rotated into a closed position to form a stopper prior to insertion into the opening of the bottle;

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the device and bottle shown with the elongated wick portion partially inserted into the opening of the bottle such that the free end of the wick portion begins to be immersed in the volatile material;

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of the device and bottle shown, wherein the flexible protruding members are pressed together against the wick portion as the flexible protruding members pass through the opening and neck of the bottle;

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of the device and bottle shown with the wick portion fully inserted into the bottle, with the legs at the free end spread out so that they reach the inner edge of the bottom surface of the bottle, and with the protruding members having extended back to their original position to support the shoulder of the neck of the bottle so that the device can be hung, for example as a decoration, with the stopper portion blocking the opening inside the neck to prevent spillage or evaporation of volatile materials through the opening;

[0037] Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C shows the capillary action by which volatile materials in a bottle are drawn upward through the wick portion and then into the emanation portion across its surface, where the volatile materials evaporate into the surrounding atmosphere (e.g., as fragrance);

[0038] Fig. 8A is a close-up of a cross-sectional view of the bottle showing a portion of the wick portion partially but not fully inserted therein, with the raised members beginning to deform as they are squeezed through the neck of the bottle;

[0039] Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A a cross-sectional view of the bottle and wick portion shown;

[0040] Fig. 9A is a close-up of a cross-sectional view of the bottle showing the legs of the wick portion beginning to expand outward at their free ends while the protruding members have cleared the neck of the bottle and returned to their respective initial positions;

[0041] Fig. 9B yes Fig. 9A a cross-sectional view of the bottle and wick portion shown;

[0042] Fig. 10A is a close-up of a cross-sectional view of the bottle showing the legs of the wick portion fully extended apart at their free ends with the projecting member having cleared the neck of the bottle and resting beneath a shoulder of the neck to support the weight of the bottle, such as when the device is suspended and the stopper portion is closed to form a stopper and inserted into the neck of the bottle;

[0043] Fig. 10B yes Fig. 10A a cross-sectional view of the bottle, wick portion, and closed stopper portion shown;

[0044] Fig.11 is from Fig. 7A A cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 is shown to illustrate the increased surface area available for evaporation of volatile materials compared to the width of the emanation portion;

[0045] Fig.12 is a front perspective view of a device for diffusing a volatile material into a surrounding environment according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] Fig.13 According to some embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of a dispensing portion of a device;

[0047] Fig.14A According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig.12 A front perspective view of the device;

[0048] Fig. 14B is a front perspective view of a device transitioning from an open position to a closed position according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0049] Fig. 14C According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig.12 A front perspective view of the device;

[0050] Fig.14D According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, Fig.12 A rear perspective view of the device;

[0051] Fig.15A is a cross-sectional view of a container containing a volatile material according to some embodiments of the present disclosure and Fig.12 A side view of the device;

[0052] Fig. 15B According to some embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.14A a cross-sectional view of a container with a portion of the device inserted into the opening;

[0053] Fig. 15C According to some embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.14A a cross-sectional view of the container with the device fully inserted into the opening;

[0054] Fig.15D shows the capillary action by which volatile materials in a container are drawn upward into the device, causing the volatile materials to evaporate into the surrounding atmosphere, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0055] Fig.16Ais a perspective view of a base for a container according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0056] Fig. 16B According to some embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.16A A plan view of the base;

[0057] Fig. 16C According to some embodiments of the present disclosure Fig.16A Base, container and Fig.12 A partial cross-sectional view of the device; and

[0058] Fig.17 The invention is to illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure from Fig.12 A diagram of the amount of oil-based fragrance emitted by the same device.

[0059] Although the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments and implementations thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents and substitutions that fall within the concept and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Figure 1 A device 100 for diffusing a volatile material 116 into a surrounding environment is shown. The device 100 includes an elongated wick portion 104 having a free end 130 configured to be inserted into a container 110 containing a volatile material 116 that is drawn into the elongated wick portion 104 by capillary action. The device 100 includes a dispensing portion 102 having an exposed surface 106 from which the volatile material 116 evaporates into the surrounding environment. The device 100 includes a first raised member 140a and a second raised member 140b on the elongated wick portion 104, each member configured to connect the device 100 to the container 110 containing the volatile material 116 without the device 100 and the container 110 becoming unattached under the weight of the container 110. The wick portion 104 includes a plug portion 150 having a hinge member 210 ( Figure 2 The plug portion 150 is configured to rotate about the hinge member 210 to form, together with the elongated wick portion 104, an opening 302 configured to be inserted into the container 110 ( Figure 3 ) in the plug 150 to inhibit the release of the volatile material 116 due to evaporation through the opening 302 and maximize the dispersion of the volatile material 116 from the elongated wick portion 104 to the emitting portion 102 by capillary action.

[0061] The hinge member 210 has a thinner thickness relative to the body 108 of the wick portion 104 to allow it to be flexible. The plug portion 150 is similar in shape to half of a soda can so that when it is pressed Figure 2 The direction of the arrow A shown is from its initial open position ( Figure 2 ) to the closed position ( Figure 3 ), it forms a stopper when inserted into the neck 224 of the container 110. The neck 224 has an inner diameter D1 ( Figure 2 ), and the body 202 of the wick portion 104 has an outer width D2 ( Figure 3 ), said D2 is substantially equal to D1 to ensure a tight fit. The diameter of the plug portion 150 (see Fig. 10B ) is at least equal to D1, and the diameter of the plug portion 150 can be slightly larger than D1 when inserted through the neck 224 of the container 110 to ensure a tight interference fit. This tight fit ensures that no volatile material 116 will overflow if the container 110 is accidentally rotated toward the horizontal direction, and will also minimize or inhibit the evaporation of the volatile material 116 into the surrounding environment, ensuring that all or substantially all of the volatile material 116 contained in the body 112 of the container 110 will be drawn upward from the container 110 into the emitting portion 102 by capillary action before evaporating into the surrounding environment.

[0062] To help with tight fit, such as Figure 2 As shown, a recess 220 may be formed in the area of ​​the wick portion 104 where the plug portion 150 will be received against the body 202 of the wick portion 104 . Figure 2 The enlarged portion of FIG. 1 shows the plug portion 150 in the open position, which in this example has the shape of a soda can with a circular lid and bottom and a semi-cylindrical body. When rotated about the hinge 210, the lid and bottom of the plug portion 150 are received in the recess 220 to take into account the thickness of the plug portion 150 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 ). The wick portion 104 passes through the opening 302 as indicated by arrow B ( Figure 3 ) direction into the neck 224 of the container 110 to initiate capillary action as described below.

[0063] The device 100 constitutes a passive diffuser, meaning that no electrical assistance through heat or active exhaust (e.g., an electric fan) is required to disperse the volatile material into the surrounding atmosphere. The device 100 is intended to remain stationary (meaning that it remains against gravity) and has no actively moving parts, and can be hung like a decorative object and sway only due to air movement in the surrounding environment. For example, the device 100 can be inserted into a container, which in turn is inserted into a fixed base.

[0064] The emission portion 102 contributes significantly more than the wick portion 104 in regulating the rate at which molecules of the volatile material are released or evaporated into the atmosphere.

[0065] The volatile material 116 may be a reactive volatile liquid or gel that is distributed or diffused into the surrounding environment by evaporation. The liquid is at least partially volatile and can evaporate at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient room temperature (typically 15° C. to 35° C.).

[0066] One purpose of the device 100 is to control the rate at which the volatile material is released or evaporated into the surrounding environment. As will be discussed herein, this control takes the form of inhibiting the possibility of evaporation or spillage from the container 110, the shape and geometry of the emanation portion 102, the length and cross-sectional area of ​​the wick portion 104, etc. The primary action that causes the volatile material 116 to diffuse into the atmosphere is capillary action, wherein the volatile material 116 is drawn into the wick portion 104 and then into the emanation portion 102, where it is released into the surrounding environment by evaporation.

[0067] Volatile substances 116 may include perfumes, spices, odors, scents, aromatic odors, odor suppression or masking agents, insect repellents, air fresheners, deodorants, odorants, microbicides, larvicides, disinfectants, insecticides, rodent repellents or bactericides. Volatile substances 116 may include natural oils or extracts, such as pine, mint, lavender, cinnamon, cedar, lemon and other essential oils and extracts. Dyes may be added to volatile substances 116 so that device 100 changes color as the volatile substances of dyeing diffuse through the surface of the device by capillary action. In specific aspects, oil-based color dyes may be introduced into oil or oil extracts to produce colored oils, and when the oil of dyeing diffuses to its visible surface by capillary action, the color of device 100 changes to a color corresponding to the dye (considering the starting color of device 100, which may result in a slightly darker chromaticity than the color perceived by the naked eye). As used herein, "fragrance" need not be pleasant (eg, to humans), but can be unpleasant (eg, to predators, pests, etc.).

[0068] Inhalation core part 104 and distributing part 102 can be made up of inhalation core absorbent material, cardboard, sugar cane, bagasse, plant fiber, cellulose, cotton, cotton lint base material fiber, cellulose derivative, paper, molded ceramics, sintering or porous plastic, organic and inorganic material, wood powder, felt, cotton, paper towel, pulp, weaving and nonwoven cotton fiber, synthetic fiber, cellulose derivative, nylon, open-cell foam or polyethylene. Inhalation core part 104 and distributing part 102 can be made up of identical material, and form unified parts, for example, be formed by single mold. Inhalation core part 104 and distributing part 102 can be made up of thermoforming molding pulp (3 types) (wet pressing or dry pressing) or by transfer molding fiber (2 types). In an example, inhalation core part 104 and distributing part 102 comprise thermoforming molding bagasse (3 types). Bagasse can be white, black or natural (for example, do not add color). The device 100 can be generally rigid (maintaining its shape without sagging or curling over time), or the device 100 can be non-rigid or semi-flexible, for example, the raised members 140a, 140b can be compressed or squeezed against the body of the wick portion 104 and then return to their original position.

[0069] All the names "emanating," "emitting," "releasing," "dispersing," "expressing," and "diffusing" as applied to the emanating portion, part, or piece of a structure from which volatile materials are typically evaporated into the surrounding environment are used interchangeably herein. The emanating portion 102 includes an evaporation surface or area 106 and can take any shape or geometry.

[0070] A "wick" is generally understood herein as the portion of the wick / emanation structure of the device 100 that is inserted into the volatile material 116 contained in the container 110 when the device 100 is activated.

[0071] Returning to the drawings, the container 110 can have a bottle shape and a threaded lid 114 over the opening 302 and a shoulder 430 between the opening 302 and the body 112 of the bottle 110. The volatile material 116 can include a fragrance oil, and the combination of the device 100 and the container 110 (when filled with the volatile material 116) can have a weight of no more than two ounces. The protruding members 140a, 140b are configured to be inserted into the opening 302 and pass over the shoulder 320 until the members 140a, 140b abut against the shoulder 320 inside the container 110 (see Figure 6 ).

[0072] The elongated wick portion 104 has a semicircular cross-section 202 ( Figure 8B ), and the plug portion 150 has a semicircular cross-section ( Fig. 10B ) such that when the plug portion 150 is engaged with the elongated wick portion 104, the plug 150 has a generally circular cross-section that substantially closes the opening 302 to the container 110 ( Fig. 9B and Fig. 10B by comparison).

[0073] The first protruding member 140a and the second protruding member 140b extend from the elongated wick portion 202 ( Figure 3 ) protrudes and has a tapered portion (at Figure 4 (enlarged in).

[0074] The first and second protruding members 140a, 140b are flexible to be pressed into the opening 302 of the container 110 until they are deployed when they move beyond the opening 302 of the container 110 (see Figures 5 and 6 and Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B , Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B ). For example, Figure 4 As shown, the first protruding member 140a and the second protruding member 140b can be rotated or bent in the directions of arrows C1 and C2 respectively to form a wick portion 104. Figure 4 The first protruding member 140a and the second protruding member 140b are inserted through the opening 302 in the direction of arrow B shown in the figure and squeezed into the neck 224 of the container 110. Then, as the wick portion 104 continues to move toward the bottom of the container 110, the first protruding member 140a and the second protruding member 140b begin to move around the body 202 of the wick portion 104 in the directions of arrows C1 and C2, respectively. Figure 5 Deformed, bent or folded as shown. Fig. 8A As shown, some slight deformation of the sidewall of the body 202 of the wick portion 104 may occur until the first and second raised members 140a, 140b clear the shoulder 320 just after clearing the neck 224 of the container 110.

[0075] The free end 130 of the elongated wick portion 104 has flexible legs 132a, 132b, 132c (three in this example), each of which is configured to bend and extend toward the side wall 620 of the interior of the body 112 of the container 110 in response to the insertion of the elongated wick portion 104 through the opening 302 ( Figure 6 ), until the free end 130 contacts the bottom inner surface 604 of the container 110 ( Figure 6 ) and each of the flexible legs 132a, 132b, 132c are spread out away from each other. Although three legs are shown, two or more than three are also contemplated. The use of the term leg is not intended to convey any particular shape. The legs are extensions of the wick portion 104 that are bent, curved, folded, or otherwise deformed to reach otherwise inaccessible areas inside the container 110 to draw upward any remaining stagnant volatile material as the volatile material is nearly exhausted over time. This overcomes the problem of conventional rattan diffusers, which require the rattan to be manually moved around (e.g., flipped 180 degrees) to dry any residual oil remaining at the bottom of the diffuser container, assuming that such movement occurs before evaporation consumes the remaining residual oil. Here, the plug portion 150 eliminates or inhibits any opportunity for evaporation to occur from the already blocked opening 302 of the container 110, allowing all or substantially all of the volatile material 116 to pass through the wick portion 104 and then into the emanation portion 102 by capillary action before being consumed by evaporating into the molecules in the surrounding atmosphere outside the emanation portion 102. When the volatile material is oil-based, it has been found that the emanation portion 102 has a width of approximately 3 inches ( Fig.11 W) and approximately 4.6 inches tall (along Figure 1 102 is made of thermoformed molded paste (Type 3), when completely immersed in oil, the emitting portion 102 maintains its structural integrity and does not get wet, and is not easily disintegrated for a period of time far exceeding the time of consuming all the volatile materials 116 in the container 110. In the example shown, the wick portion 104 has a length of about 2 inches (along its long dimension). Therefore, when the entire device 100 and container 110 are hung, the hole 120 remains intact and does not cause the emitting component 102 to break, so there is no danger of falling even if the decoration is left unattended for many weeks.

[0076] Back to Figure 6 The flexible legs 132a, 132b, 132c may be present in any number and in any shape. The intent here is to allow a portion of the wick portion 104 to cover some or all of the bottom 604 of the container 100 to ensure that all available volatile materials 116 are drawn upward into the wick portion 104 by capillary action. For example, the legs 132 may be in the form of a rake or mop so that when the wick portion 104 reaches the bottom 604 and is pressed into the bottom 604, the legs may spread out like fingers or like a mop to absorb the volatile materials 116. For example, as Figure 6As shown, this configuration is particularly useful when the bottom surface 604 of the container 110 is slightly convex (relative to the outer bottom of the container 110) rather than completely flat. The convex shape of the bottom surface 604 actually helps to spread the legs 132 in a direction away from each other, so the device 100 can actually take advantage of this feature during assembly.

[0077] The device 100 may include a hole 120 ( Figure 1 ) to accommodate a hanging element 122 (e.g., a hook or rope) therethrough, the hanging element 122 being used to suspend the device 100 as a decoration, for example, from an artificial or real tree branch. Alternatively, the device 100 can be self-supporting (e.g., resting on a surface). Advantageously, when the volatile material 116 is depleted, the contents of the container 110 can be refilled, allowing capillary action to resume. As discussed above, when the volatile material is oil-based rather than water-based, and the device 100 is constructed of a thermoformed molding slurry, the structural integrity is not compromised when immersed in oil, allowing for multiple repeated refillings of the container without having to discard the device 100.

[0078] The emanating portion 102 has a dimension across its surface 106 along a cross section of the emanating portion 102. This dimension is at least 10% or at least 20% or at least 30% or at least 40% or at least 50% greater than the width W of the emanating portion 102 along the same cross section. Fig.11 The surface 106 of the emitting portion 102 includes a wavy cross-section with peaks and valleys 1104, 1106 to increase its total surface area. Fig. 7A The cross section shown is extracted and Fig.11 The overall dimension of the cross section 1102 shown is larger (by about 10%) than the width W of the emanating portion 102. An example width of the emanating portion is 3 inches. Instead of being wavy, the surface 106 may include a serrated structure (like a lampshade) to increase the surface area.

[0079] The elongated wick portion 104 and the emanation portion 102 may form a unified, integral component of a thermoformed or thermoformed molding slurry. Alternatively, the elongated wick portion 104, the emanation portion 102, the raised members 140a, 140b and the plug portion 150 are formed as a unified, integral component of a thermoformed molding slurry introduced into a mold. The thermoformed molding slurry may be of type 3, also known as a "cured in mold" type, in which a damp / wet pulp is poured into a mold and cured in situ when heat is used to remove moisture.

[0080] Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 7C104 has been inserted into a container 110 filled with volatile material 116, the capillary action of volatile material 116. For ease of illustration and discussion, the relative height of the remaining volatile material 116 has been exaggerated. In reality, during the initial absorption of the volatile material 116, the height will not be noticeably reduced. Once the wick portion 104 contacts the volatile material 116, the capillary action will begin to draw the volatile material 116 upward into the wick portion 104, as shown in FIG. Figure 7B 132 to the emitting portion 102, there is an opportunity for the volatile material 116 to pass through even against gravity to find a suitable location to travel to. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that the pressure inside the container 110 and outside the container should be approximately the same to allow capillary action to occur, or at least the pressure inside the container should not be lower than the atmospheric pressure of the surrounding environment. Under these conditions, the volatile material 116 will eventually penetrate into the most distal (relative to the free end 130) portion of the device 100, as shown in FIG. Figure 7C The wavy lines propagate the emission of fragrance or other molecules as the volatile material 116 is converted into vaporized gaseous form into the surrounding environment.

[0081] Another way to describe the connection between the device 100 and the container 110 is by the number of contact points. In one example, when the entire assembly (container + device) is hung as a decoration, there are at least four contact points to hold and support the container 100. These four contact points between the device 100 and the container 110 include: the stopper 150, the protruding members 140a, 140b, and the wick portion 104 itself. The amount of volatile material in the container 100 can be about 0.5 ounces or 15 grams.

[0082] Although the emanation portion 102 is shown in the present disclosure as being tree-like or having a tree shape, the shape or form factor of the emanation portion 102 is not a significant aspect of the present disclosure. Any other shape or form factor can be envisioned. For example, the emanation portion 102 can have a candy cane shape, and the volatile material can include peppermint oil. The emanation 102 can resemble a cinnamon stick with a volatile material including cinnamon oil.

[0083] In order to assemble the device 100 into a decorative or self-supporting device that scatters fragrance, the user rotates the plug part 150 to close it and form a plug. The threaded cap 114 is unscrewed from the container 110, and the free end 130 of the wick part 104 is inserted into the neck 224 of the container 110 through the opening 302 of the container. When the protruding members 140a, 104b hit the opening, a slight resistance can be felt, but the user simply applies a slightly more downward force to force the members 140a, 104b to squeeze through the neck 224 until they leave the shoulder 320 of the container 110. At the same time, due to the downward pressure, the legs 132 are simultaneously unfolded when they hit the bottom 604 of the container 110, until the user can no longer further press the elongated wick part 104 in the downward direction (B). Optionally, a hook or rope 122 passes through the hole 120 in the scattering component 102, and the entire device 100 can be suspended on, for example, a tree branch together with the connected container 110.

[0084] When the volatile material 116 is an oil-based fragrance and the device 100 is molded from a Type 3 thermoformed molding slurry, using the example dimensions provided herein, a large room, for example, a 144 square foot room with an 8 foot high ceiling, can be filled with pleasant fragrance. For example, when used for the Christmas holiday, the volatile material 116 can last for the entire holiday season and can even be refilled to extend its fragrance emission life. To stop or pause the emission of fragrance, the user can remove and discard or seal the wick portion 104 from the container 110 and screw the lid 114 back onto the container 110. By "oil-based" is meant a volatile material comprising an oil, such as 100% oil that may comprise a fragrance, which may be pleasant (e.g., to humans) or unpleasant (e.g., to pests or predators), or a perfume, odor, scent, aromatic odor, odor suppressing or masking agent, insect repellent, air freshener, deodorant, odorant, microbicide, larvicide, disinfectant, insecticide, rodent repellent, fungicide, or any combination of the foregoing.

[0085] refer to Fig.12 , shows a device 400 similar to the device 100 described herein, wherein the device 400 can be used to diffuse a volatile material (eg, an oil-based fragrance) into a surrounding environment.

[0086] Device 400 includes wick portion 410 and distributing portion 430. Wick portion 410 and distributing portion 430 can be made of wick absorbent material, cardboard, sugarcane, bagasse, plant fiber, cellulose, cotton, cotton lint-based material fiber, cellulose derivative, paper, molded ceramics, sintered or porous plastics, organic and inorganic materials, wood powder, felt, cotton, paper towel, pulp, woven and non-woven cotton fiber, synthetic fiber, cellulose derivative, nylon, open-cell foam or polyethylene. For example, in some embodiments, wick portion 410 and distributing portion 430 include thermoforming molded bagasse (3 types). Bagasse can be white, black or natural (e.g., no added color). Thermoforming molded pulp can be 3 types, which are also referred to as "curing in mold" type, in which wet / wet pulp is poured into a mold and cured in situ when heating is used to remove moisture. Optionally, wick portion 410 and / or distributing portion 430 can include transfer molded fibers (2 types).

[0087] The wick portion 410 and the emanation portion 430 can be made of the same material and form a unified component. For example, the wick portion 410 and the emanation portion 430 can be formed together in a single mold. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the wick portion 410 and the emanation portion 430 can be formed as separate and distinct components made of the same or different materials and connected together (e.g., glued together).

[0088] The wick portion 410 includes a first portion 410 and a second portion 420 configured to be at least partially inserted into an opening of a container (e.g., the container 110 described herein). The wick portion 410 includes a hinge 404 located between the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 to allow the first portion 410 to move relative to the second portion 420 (and vice versa). The relative movement of the first portion 410 and the second portion 420 allows the device 400 to be moved from Fig.12 The open position shown moves to a closed position as further described herein. The hinge 404 can be formed as a fold or perforation line to help allow the first plug portion 410 and the second plug portion 420 to oppose each other.

[0089] The first part 410 includes a first stopper portion 412, a first sealing protrusion 414, a first tongue 416 and a pair of holes 418A to 418B. The first stopper portion 412 is configured to be at least partially inserted into the opening of the container (e.g., the opening 302 of the container 110 described herein). The first stopper portion 412 is generally semi-cylindrical, so as to form a cylindrical stopper with a part of the second stopper portion 420, as further described below. The first sealing protrusion 414 has a general teardrop shape, and is configured to engage with a part of the container to help fix the device 400 to the container, as described in further detail below. The tongue 416 is roughly located between the first stopper portion 412 and the distributing portion 430.

[0090] A pair of holes 418A-418B are formed in tongue 416 and may have a diameter of, for example, about 4 mm. As described below, the pair of holes 418A-418B engage with a portion of second portion 420 to help connect first portion 410 to second portion 420. The pair of holes 418A-418B may be formed as part of a mold used to form device 400, or may be punched after first portion 410 is formed in the mold.

[0091] The second portion 420 includes a second plug portion 422, a second sealing protrusion 424, a second tongue 426, and a pair of protrusions 428A to 428B. The second plug portion 422 is configured to be at least partially inserted into an opening of a container (e.g., the opening 302 of the container 110 described herein). The second plug portion 422 is generally semi-cylindrical in shape so as to form a cylindrical plug when located adjacent to the first plug portion 412. The second sealing protrusion 424 is the same or similar to the first sealing protrusion 414.

[0092] Tongue 426 has a generally triangular shape. As described in further detail herein, when first stopper portion 412 and second stopper portion 422 are inserted into the opening of the container, tongue 426 is not located within the container, so that tongue 426 provides additional surface area for dispensing substances from the container, which are drawn into the device via capillary action. A pair of protrusions 428A-428B have a generally circular or dome shape and are formed on second tongue 426. A pair of protrusions 428A-428B are configured to engage one of a corresponding pair of holes 418A-418B to help connect first stopper portion 410 to second stopper portion 420, as described further herein.

[0093] At least a portion of the wick portion 402 of the device 400 can be inserted into an opening of a container (e.g., container 110) to draw a substance (e.g., substance 116) into the device 400 by capillary action. The emitting portion 430 includes an evaporation surface or area 432, from which the volatile substance is drawn upward into the emitting portion 430 via the wick portion 402 to evaporate into the surrounding environment. The emitting portion 430 also includes a hole 436 to accommodate a hanging element (e.g., a hook or a rope) passing therethrough, which is used to hang the device 400 as a decoration, for example, hanging from an artificial or real tree branch. Optionally, the device 400 can be self-supporting (e.g., resting on a surface), as described below.

[0094] like Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 , the evaporation surface or region 432 of the dispersing portion 430 has a generally curved cross-sectional profile and includes a plurality of grooves 434A to 434C that increase the total surface area of ​​the evaporation surface or region 432. Although shown as including three grooves 434A to 434C, the evaporation surface or region 432 may include any suitable number of grooves (e.g., 2, 4, 8, 10, etc.) for increasing the surface area of ​​the evaporation surface or region 432. Fig.12 As shown, the emitting portion 430 has a generally triangular or conical shape (e.g., similar to the shape of a tree), wherein the first width of the emitting portion 430 adjacent to the first plug portion 410 of the wick portion 402 is greater than the second width of the emitting portion 430 located at its distal end (e.g., opposite to the wick portion 402 and adjacent to the hole 436). The first width of the emitting portion 430 can be about 1.1 times to about 10 times, about 2 times to about 6 times, about 3 times to about 5 times greater than the second width. For example, the first width can be about 2.25 inches, and the second width can be about 0.5 inches (e.g., the first width is about 4.5 times greater than the second width). As further described below, at least the first width is greater than the diameter of the opening of the container into which the wick portion 402 is inserted (e.g., about 2 times to about 6 times greater than the diameter of the opening). The emitting portion 430 also has a length greater than both the first width and the second width (e.g., about 2 times greater than the first width). For example, the length of the emanation portion 430 (eg, measured from the top of the first tongue 416 to the distal end adjacent the hole 438) is about 3 inches to about 6 inches (eg, about 4.5 inches). In some embodiments, the thickness of the emanation portion 430 is about 0.032 inches.

[0095] exist Fig.12 , the device 400 is shown in a first or open position, wherein the hinge 404 is not bent. FIG. 14A to FIG. 14D , the device 400 can be moved from the open position ( Fig.14A) to the closed position ( FIG. 14C to FIG. 14D ), so that the wick portion 402 of the device 400 can be inserted into a container containing a substance (e.g., the container 110 described herein). Fig.14A In, with Fig.12 Similarly, the device 400 is in the open position. Fig. 14B As shown, in order to convert the device 400 toward the closed position, the second portion 420 can be moved relative to the first portion 410 via the hinge 404 by moving the second plug portion 420 in the direction of arrow A. For example, the user can hold the dispensing portion 430 and / or the first portion 410 and move the second portion 420 in the direction of arrow A. The user can continue to move the second portion 420 in the direction of arrow A until the pair of protrusions 428A-428B on the second tongue portion 426 are aligned with the pair of holes 418A-418B ( Fig.12 ) connection. FIG. 14C to FIG. 14D As shown, a pair of protrusions 428A-428B form a press fit or interference fit with a pair of holes 418A-418B to connect the first plug portion 410 and the second portion 420 and help inhibit relative movement of the first portion 410 and the second portion 420. In the closed position, the first plug portion 412 and the second plug portion 422 form a generally cylindrical plug that can be inserted into the opening of the container.

[0096] The device 400 may be inserted into a container 110 as described herein to diffuse a substance 116 stored therein into the surrounding environment. FIG. 15A to FIG. 15D The device 400 is shown inserted into the opening 302 of the container 110, and the capillary action of the volatile material 116 when the wick portion 402 is inserted into the container 110 filled with the volatile material 116. For ease of illustration and discussion, the relative height of the remaining volatile material 116 has been exaggerated. In reality, during the initial absorption of the volatile material 116, the height will not be noticeably reduced.

[0097] exist Fig.15A , the device 400 moves to the above-mentioned closed position ( FIG. 14C to FIG. 14D ), and the wick portion 402 is located approximately adjacent to the opening 302 of the container 110. When the device 400 is moved toward the container 110 in the direction of arrow B, the hinge 404 first enters the opening 302 of the container 110. Then, when the first plug portion 412 and the second plug portion 422 are moved into the opening 302 of the container 110, the first sealing protrusion 414 and the second sealing protrusion 424 are deflected or deformed (e.g., elastically deformed), such as Fig. 15B shown.

[0098] As the device 400 continues to move in the direction of arrow B, the first sealing protrusion 414 and the second sealing protrusion 424 eventually cease to be deflected or deformed by the neck 224 and engage with the shoulder 320 of the container 110, as shown in FIG. Fig. 15C The first and second sealing projections 414, 424 help secure the device 400 to the container 110 (e.g., so that if a user picks up the device 400 from the dispensing portion 430, the container 110 will be picked up with the device 400). The first and second sealing projections 414, 424 and the first and second plug portions 412, 422 also form a substantially airtight seal that inhibits the substance 116 from escaping the container 110 due to evaporation or tipping of the container 110.

[0099] Once the wick portion 402 comes into contact with the volatile material 116, capillary action will begin to draw the volatile material 116 upward into the wick portion 402, as shown in Figure 15, while (slightly) reducing the amount of available volatile material 116. Because the wick portion 402 is uninterrupted from the hub 404 to the emission portion 402, there is an opportunity for the volatile material 116 to pass through even against gravity to find a suitable location to travel. It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that the pressure inside the container 110 and outside the container should be approximately the same to allow capillary action to occur, or at least the pressure inside the container should not be lower than the atmospheric pressure of the surrounding environment. Under these conditions, the volatile material 116 will eventually infiltrate the farthest (relative to the hub 404) portion of the device 400, as shown in Figure 15. Fig.15D The wavy lines propagate the emission of fragrance or other molecules as the volatile material 116 is converted into vaporized gaseous form into the surrounding environment.

[0100] When the volatile material 116 is an oil-based fragrance and the device 400 is molded from a Type 3 thermoform molding slurry, using the example dimensions provided herein, a pleasant fragrance can be diffused throughout a large room, such as a 500 square foot, 750 square foot, or 1000 square foot room with a 10 foot high ceiling. For example, when used during the Christmas holiday season, the device 400 can diffuse fragrance for the entire holiday season (e.g., about 1 month), and the container can even be refilled to extend its fragrance emission life.

[0101] In some embodiments, the device 400 diffuses the volatile materials drawn upwardly through the wick portion 402 into the surrounding environment at a predetermined average release rate. The scented fragrance device preferably diffuses enough fragrance so that it is perceptible and pleasant to the user. However, as described above, many conventional diffusers have the disadvantage of suffering from a reduction in the fragrance release rate over time. Among other ways, the device 400 overcomes the shortcomings and limitations of conventional diffusers by having an average release rate of greater than about 0.25 grams of volatile materials / day over 30 days.

[0102] In the first example, the test includes a device of thermoformed molded sugarcane pulp with the same shape as device 400 to demonstrate the average release rate of 100% oil flavor (pure oil) in 45 days. The dissemination portion of the device has a length of about 4.5 (measured from the top of the first tongue to the distal end adjacent to the hole), the width of the adjacent plug measured is about 2.25 inches, the width of the adjacent distal end measured is about 0.5 inches, and the thickness is about 0.032 inches. During the test, the device is inserted into the container during the entire test, and the oil-based flavor is released into the environment where the ambient temperature is maintained at about 72 degrees Fahrenheit. By weighing the device and the container storing the oil-based flavor at the beginning of the test, the release rate is measured when the device is inserted into the container. In this example, the initial weight is 54.12 grams. As shown in Table 1 below, the weight is measured at daily intervals to show how much oil-based flavor is diffused into the surrounding environment (in grams).

[0103] Table 1

[0104] sky 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Output .74 .52 .52 1.06 .84 .46 .51 .42 .69 .69 .7 .49 .32 .39 .21 sky 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Output .21 .44 .21 .23 .27 .23 .36 .13 .14 .15 .19 .16 .17 .18 .13 sky 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 Output .11 .11 .13 .12. .1 .08 .02 .02 .07 .06 .06 .04 .04 .03 .01

[0105] In this first test, after device is inserted into container 5 hours, roughly 0.11 gram of oil-based fragrance is released into environment.Based on starting weight and daily output, the average release rate in 45 days is roughly 0.28 gram / day.In 30 days, the average release rate is roughly 0.39 gram / day.In addition, for each day in first 35 days, device releases at least 0.1 gram of volatile oil-based fragrance every day.During the first week (the 1st day to the 7th day), device releases at least about 0.4 gram of volatile oil-based fragrance every day, and has an average release rate of about 0.66 gram / day.During the second week (the 8th day to the 14th day), device releases at least about 0.32 gram of volatile oil-based fragrance every day, and has an average release rate of about 0.53 gram / day.During the third week (the 15th day to the 21st day), device releases at least about 0.21 gram of volatile oil-based fragrance every day, and has an average release rate of about 0.26 gram / day. During the fourth week (day 22 to day 28), the device released at least about 0.13 grams of volatile oil-based fragrance per day, and had an average release rate of about 0.19 grams per day. During the fifth week (day 29 to day 35), the device released at least about 0.1 grams per day, and had an average release rate of about 0.13 grams per day. During the sixth week (day 36 to day 42), the device released at least about 0.02 grams per day, and had an average release rate of about 0.05 grams per day.

[0106] In a second example, a device that is the same or similar to that used in the first example above was tested to demonstrate the average release rate of the same oil-based fragrance over 45 days under the same conditions as in Table 1. In this example, the starting weight of the device and container was 53.83 grams. The weight was measured at daily intervals to show how much oil-based fragrance was diffused into the surrounding environment (in grams), as shown in Table 2 below.

[0107] Table 2

[0108]

[0109]

[0110] In this second test, 5 hours after the device was inserted into the container, approximately 0.08 grams of oil-based fragrance was released into the environment. Based on the starting weight and daily output, the average release rate within 45 days was approximately 0.26 grams / day. Within 30 days, the average release rate was approximately 0.35 grams / day. In addition, within the first 34 days, the device diffused at least 0.1 grams of oil-based fragrance every day. During the first week (the 1st day to the 7th day), the device released at least about 0.42 grams of material every day, and had an average release rate of about 0.64 grams / day. During the second week (the 8th day to the 14th day), the device released at least about 0.31 grams of volatile substances every day, and had an average release rate of about 0.41 grams / day. During the third week (the 15th day to the 21st day), the device released at least about 0.20 grams of material every day, and had an average release rate of about 0.25 grams / day. During the fourth week (day 22 to day 28), the device released at least about 0.13 grams of volatile material per day, and had an average release rate of about 0.18 grams per day. During the fifth week (day 29 to day 35), the device released at least about 0.11 grams per day, and had an average release rate of about 0.12 grams per day. During the sixth week (day 36 to day 42), the device released at least about 0.03 grams per day, and had an average release rate of about 0.05 grams per day.

[0111] In a third example, a device that is the same or similar to the device used in the first and second examples above was tested to demonstrate the average release rate of the same oil-based fragrance over 36 days under the same conditions as Tables 1 and 2. In this example, the starting weight of the device and container was 53.77 grams. As shown in Table 3 below, the weight was measured at daily intervals to show how much material was diffused into the surrounding environment (in grams).

[0112] Table 3

[0113] sky 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Output .88 .51 .51 1.02 .83 .42 .52 .46 .31 .31 .65 .51 .34 .43 .22 sky 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Output .22 .45 .25 .23 .26 .24 .39 .12 .15 .16 .19 .23 .24 .03 .09 sky 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 Output .07 .08 .10 .11 .04 .09 .02 .02 .05 .05 .04 .03 .04 .03 0

[0114] In this third test, 5 hours after the device was inserted into the container, approximately 0.17 grams of material was released into the environment. Based on the starting weight and daily output, the average release rate in 45 days was approximately 0.27 grams / day. In 30 days, the average release rate was approximately 0.37 grams / day. In addition, in the first 34 days, the device diffused at least 0.1 grams of oil-based fragrance every day. During the first week (the 1st day to the 7th day), the device released at least about 0.42 grams of oil-based fragrance every day, and had an average release rate of about 0.67 grams / day. During the second week (the 8th day to the 14th day), the device released at least about 0.31 grams of oil-based fragrance every day, and had an average release rate of about 0.43 grams / day. During the third week (the 15th day to the 21st day), the device released at least about 0.22 grams of oil-based fragrance every day, and had an average release rate of about 0.27 grams / day. During the fourth week (day 22 to day 28), the device releases at least about 0.12 grams of oil-based fragrance per day, and has an average release rate of about 0.21 grams per day. During the fifth week (day 29 to day 35), the device releases at least about 0.03 grams per day, and has an average release rate of about 0.07 grams per day. During the sixth week (day 36 to day 42), the device releases at least about 0.02 grams per day, and has an average release rate of about 0.04 grams per day.

[0115] In a fourth example, a device that is the same or similar to the device used in the first, second, and third examples above was tested to demonstrate the average release rate of the same oil-based fragrance over 36 days under the same conditions as Tables 1 to 3. In this example, the starting weight of the device and container was 54.77 grams. As shown in Table 4 below, the weight was measured at daily intervals to show how much material was diffused into the surrounding environment (in grams).

[0116] Table 4

[0117] sky 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Output .72 .50 .50 1.03 .83 .40 .49 .43 .31 .31 .62 .46 .36 .37 .20 sky 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Output .20 .41 .20 .26 .24 .22 .36 .10 .14 .15 .16 .17 .15 .16 .15 sky 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 Output .11 .11 .13 .17 .14 .10 .06 .06 .13 .09 .08 .05 .06 .07 .04

[0118] In this 4th test, after device is inserted into container 5 hours, roughly 0.13 gram of material is released into environment.Based on starting weight and daily output, the average release rate in 45 days is roughly 0.27 gram / day.In 30 days, the average release rate is roughly 0.35 gram / day.In addition, in the first 45 days, device releases at least 0.04 gram of oil-based fragrance every day.During the first week (the 1st day to the 7th day), device releases at least about 0.4 gram of oil-based fragrance every day, and has the average release rate of about 0.64 gram / day.During the second week (the 8th day to the 14th day), device releases at least about 0.31 gram of oil-based fragrance every day, and has the average release rate of about 0.4 gram / day.During the third week (the 15th day to the 21st day), device releases at least about 0.2 gram of oil-based fragrance every day, and has the average release rate of about 0.25 gram / day. During the fourth week (day 22 to day 28), the device releases at least about 0.1 grams of oil-based fragrance per day, and has an average release rate of about 0.18 grams per day. During the fifth week (day 29 to day 35), the device releases at least about 0.11 grams per day, and has an average release rate of about 0.14 grams per day. During the sixth week (day 36 to day 42), the device releases at least about 0.05 grams per day, and has an average release rate of about 0.08 grams per day.

[0119] In the above four tests (Tables 1 to 4), the average release rate was approximately 0.365 g / day in 30 days and approximately 0.27 g / day in 45 days. In each of Tables 1 to 4, no material remained in the container at or around day 21.

[0120] refer to FIG. 16A to FIG. 16B , showing a base 500. The container 110 described herein can be connected or fixed to the base 500, for example, to help prevent the container 110 (and the device 400, if inserted) from tipping or falling. The base 500 can include the same material as the device 400 (e.g., thermoformed molding slurry (Type 3)) or a different material.

[0121] The base 500 includes a generally circular opening 502, a plurality of protrusions 504A to 504C, a body portion 506, and a flange 508. The opening 502 is sized and shaped to receive a portion of the body 112 of the container 110 therein, such as Fig. 16CAs shown. A plurality of protrusions 504A to 504C are positioned within the opening 502 and help connect or secure the body 112 of the container 110 within the opening 502 (e.g., via a press fit or an interface fit). As shown, the plurality of protrusions 504A to 504C are equally spaced around the circumference of the opening 502. Although the plurality of protrusions 504A to 504C are shown to include three protrusions, any suitable number of protrusions (e.g., two, four, six, etc.) may be used. The body portion 506 extends between the opening 502 and the flange 508. The flange 508 extends along the circumference of the bottom of the base 500 and helps prevent the base 500 from falling or tipping over.

[0122] like Fig. 16C As shown, the body 112 of the container 110 can be inserted into the opening 502 so that the plurality of protrusions 504A to 504C engage the surface of the body 112 (e.g., forming a press fit or an interference fit). When the device 400 is inserted, the container 110 can be connected to the base 500, in which case the base 500 helps prevent the device 400 and the container 110 from tipping over or falling over (e.g., if a user accidentally touches the device 400).

[0123] Various systems or kits can be formed that include one or more of the components disclosed herein. For example, a first system or kit can include a container 110 (including a substance 116), a device 400, and a base 500. A second system or kit can include a container 110 (including a substance 116) and a device 400. A third system or kit can include a plurality of containers that are the same or similar to the container 110 and the device 400 and an optional base 500. A third system or kit can include a container 110 (including a substance 116) and a device 100. A fourth system or kit can include a container 110 (including a substance 116), a device 100, and a base 500.

[0124] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more specific embodiments or implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the concept and scope of the present disclosure. Each of these embodiments and their obvious variations are considered to fall within the concept and scope of the present disclosure. It is also contemplated that additional embodiments according to aspects of the present invention may combine any number of features from any of the embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A device for diffusing a volatile substance into an ambient environment, the device comprising: a stopper configured to be at least partially inserted into an opening of a container containing a volatile material to help at least partially inhibit the volatile material from flowing out of the container through the opening; and a wick portion comprising a thermoformed molded slurry configured such that the volatile material is drawn into the wick portion by capillary action; and an emanation portion comprising a thermoformed molded paste and connected to the wick portion such that the volatile material is drawn into the emanation portion by capillary action, the emanation portion having an exposed surface configured to assist in diffusing the volatile material into the surrounding environment at an average release rate of greater than about 0.25 grams of the volatile material per day over 30 days.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thermoforming molding slurry comprises bagasse.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the volatile material comprises an oil-based fragrance.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the oil-based fragrance comprises 100% oil.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the average release rate is greater than about 0.35 grams of oil-based fragrance per day over 30 days.

6. The device of claim 4, wherein the emitting portion is configured to diffuse at least 0.1 grams of the oil-based fragrance into the surrounding environment per day for 30 days.

7. The device of claim 4, wherein the emitting portion is configured to diffuse at least 0.4 grams of the oil-based fragrance into the surrounding environment per day during a first week, diffuse at least 0.3 grams of the oil-based fragrance into the surrounding environment per day during a first week immediately following the first week, diffuse at least 0.2 grams of the oil-based fragrance into the surrounding environment per day during a third week immediately following the second week, and diffuse at least 0.1 grams of the oil-based fragrance into the surrounding environment per day during a fourth week immediately following the third week.

8. The device of claim 4, wherein the emitting portion is configured to have an average release rate of about 0.6 grams of the oil-based fragrance per day during a first week, an average release rate of about 0.4 grams of the oil-based fragrance per day during a second week immediately following the first week, an average release rate of about 0.25 grams of the oil-based fragrance per day during a third week immediately following the second week, and an average release rate of about 0.2 grams of the oil-based fragrance per day during a fourth week immediately following the third week.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the plug and the wick portion are unitary and / or integral, and the plug comprises a first plug portion and a second plug portion that are movable relative to each other.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the wick portion is foldable or includes a hinge configured to allow the first plug portion and the second plug portion of the plug to move relative to each other between an open position and a closed position, wherein the closed position, the first plug portion and the second plug portion are configured to be at least partially inserted into the opening of the container.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the first stopper portion includes a first sealing protrusion configured to engage the container in response to the stopper being inserted into the container to help inhibit release of the volatile material through the opening of the container.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the second stopper portion includes a second sealing protrusion configured to engage the container in response to the stopper being inserted into the container and to help inhibit release of the volatile material through the opening of the container.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the first sealing protrusion and the second sealing protrusion have a teardrop shape.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the container has a bottle shape and a threaded lid over the opening and a shoulder between the opening and the body of the bottle, the first sealing protrusion and the second sealing protrusion being configured to be inserted into the opening and engage the shoulder inside the container.

15. The device of claim 10, wherein the wick portion further comprises a first tongue and a second tongue, wherein in the closed position, the first tongue is connected to the second tongue.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the first tongue portion includes a plurality of holes and the second tongue portion includes a plurality of protrusions, wherein in the closed position, the plurality of protrusions engage a corresponding one of the plurality of holes to help connect the first tongue portion and the second tongue portion and inhibit the first plug portion and the second plug portion from moving relative to each other.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of holes in the first tongue each have a diameter of approximately 4 mm.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the diffuser portion includes a hole configured to receive a hanging element therethrough, the hanging element being used to hang the device as a decoration.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein the emanating portion has a generally triangular shape.

20. The device of claim 1, wherein the emitting portion includes a plurality of slots extending along a length thereof, the slots configured to help diffuse the volatile material into the surrounding environment.

21. The device of claim 10, wherein the device has a first length along its longitudinal axis in the open position and a second length along its axis in the closed position, wherein the second length is less than the first length.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the second length is about 50% to about 75% of the first length.

23. The device of claim 1, wherein the wick portion, the plug, and the emanation portion are unitary and / or monolithic and each comprises a thermoformed molding paste.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the thermoforming molding slurry is Type 3.

25. The device of claim 1, wherein the wick portion, the plug, and the emanation portion are formed as a unified, unitary component from a thermoformed molding slurry introduced into a mold.

26. The device of claim 1 in combination with said container, said container having a bottle shape and a removable threaded cap over said opening, said volatile material comprising a fragrance oil, said device and said container in combination having a weight of no more than two ounces.

27. The device of claim 26, wherein the dispensing portion has a width at least 3 times greater than a diameter of the opening of the container.

28. The device of claim 1 in combination with a base including an aperture configured to receive a portion of the container therein.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the base comprises a plurality of protrusions configured to engage a surface of the container to connect the base to the container via an interference fit.

30. The device of claim 1, wherein the device does not include an electronic power source to assist in diffusing the volatile material.

31. A device for diffusing a volatile substance into an ambient environment, comprising: an elongated wick portion having a free end configured to be inserted into a container containing a volatile material, the volatile material being drawn into the elongated wick portion by capillary action; an emitting portion having an exposed surface from which the volatile material evaporates into the surrounding environment; a plug portion having a hinge member connected to the elongated wick portion, the plug portion being configured to rotate about the hinge member to form, together with the elongated wick portion, a plug configured to be inserted into the opening of the container to inhibit release of the volatile material due to evaporation through the opening and to maximize dispersion of the volatile material from the elongated wick portion to the emanation portion by capillary action.

32. The device of claim 31 in combination with a container having a bottle shape and a threaded cap over the opening and a shoulder between the opening and the body of the bottle, the volatile material comprising a fragrance oil, the combination of the device and the container having a weight of no more than two ounces, the protruding member being configured to be inserted into the opening and past the shoulder until it rests against the shoulder inside the container.

33. A device as described in claim 31, wherein the elongated wick portion has a semicircular cross-section and the plug portion has a semicircular cross-section, so that in response to the plug portion engaging the elongated wick portion, the plug has a generally circular cross-section that substantially closes the opening of the container.

34. The device of claim 31 , further comprising a first raised member on the elongated wick portion and a second raised member opposite the first raised member, the first raised member being configured to connect the device to a container containing the volatile material without the device and the container becoming disconnected under the weight of the container, each of the first raised member and the second raised member protruding from the elongated wick portion and having a tapered portion that tapers toward the elongated wick portion toward the free end.

35. The device of claim 34, wherein each of the first protruding member and the second protruding member are flexible to be squeezed into the opening of the container until they unfold when they move beyond the opening of the container.

36. A device as described in claim 31, wherein the free end of the elongated wick portion has a plurality of flexible legs, each of the flexible legs being configured to bend and extend toward the side wall of the interior of the main body of the container in response to the insertion of the elongated wick portion through the opening until the free end contacts the bottom inner surface of the container and each of the plurality of flexible legs unfolds away from each other.

37. The device of claim 31, further comprising a hole in the dispensing portion, the hole configured to receive a hanging element therethrough, the hanging element being used to hang the device as a decoration.

38. The device of claim 31, wherein the emanating portion has a dimension across its surface along a cross-section of the emanating portion that is at least 10% greater than a width of the emanating portion along the same cross-section.

39. The device of claim 31, wherein said elongated wick portion and said emanation portion form a unified, unitary component formed from a thermoformed molding slurry.

40. The device of claim 31, wherein the elongated wick portion, the emanating portion, and the plug portion are formed as a unified, unitary component from a thermoformed molding slurry introduced into a mold.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the thermoforming molding slurry is Type 3.

42. The device of claim 31, wherein the volatile material comprises an oil-based fragrance.

43. A method of diffusing a volatile substance into an ambient environment, the method comprising the steps of: at least partially inserting a wick portion comprising a thermoformed molding paste into an opening of a container containing a volatile material, such that the volatile material is drawn into the wick portion by capillary action, The at least partially inserting comprises at least partially inserting a stopper into the opening to help at least partially inhibit the volatile material from flowing out of the container through the opening; and causing at least some of the volatile materials to diffuse into the surrounding environment via an emanation portion comprising a thermoformed molded slurry and connected to the wick portion at an average release rate of greater than about 0.25 grams of the volatile materials per day over 30 days, such that the volatile materials are drawn from the wick portion into the emanation portion by capillary action, the emanation portion having an exposed surface configured to assist in diffusing the at least some of the volatile materials into the surrounding environment.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the plug comprises a first plug portion and a second plug portion, the method further comprising the steps of: The wick portion is folded to allow the first plug portion and the second plug portion to form the plug such that in a folded position, the first plug portion and the second plug portion are configured to be at least partially inserted into an opening of the container.

45. The method of claim 43, further comprising suspending the diffuser portion by inserting a suspension element through a hole in the diffuser portion.

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