Volatile composition dispenser with improved fragrance intensity control

Abstract

A volatile composition dispenser includes a cartridge including a reservoir of at least one liquid volatile composition and a gas permeable membrane for closing the reservoir and vaporizing the at least one liquid volatile composition into the atmosphere upon activation of the volatile composition dispenser. The cartridge is arranged in a housing having opposed first and second walls, while the second wall has a plurality of evaporation vents and is characterized by a total vent area (T). A fragrance intensity controller is attached to the housing for adjustably covering at least some or portion of the plurality of evaporation vents in the second wall. The volatile composition dispenser is characterized in that the non-adjustable ventilation area (U) does not exceed 15% of the total ventilation area (T), which helps to provide improved fragrance intensity control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing volatile compositions, and more particularly, to a non-electric and continuous volatile composition dispenser having an improved intensity control mechanism, and a method for using the dispenser to adjust the intensity of the flavor thereby delivered. Background Technology

[0002] Volatile composition dispensers can be used to evaporate volatile compositions into the atmosphere (such as the atmosphere of a home or a vehicle passenger cabin) for various beneficial effects, such as freshening or odorizing the air. Non-electrical dispensing systems (e.g., systems not powered by electricity) are a common method of delivering volatile compositions into the atmosphere. These dispensing systems can be categorized into those that may require human actuation (e.g., aerosols) and those that may not require human actuation (e.g., core-based systems and gels). The first type of dispensing system delivers volatile compositions on demand, while the second type delivers them in a more continuous manner.

[0003] There are volatile composition dispensers with built-in features for adjusting the intensity of the fragrance or scent delivered therefrom. For example, US10143766 discloses a volatile composition dispenser with an airflow regulating member (see Figure 15 of US10143766) or an intensity dial element (see Figure 19 of US10143766), which allows the consumer to adjust the airflow rate through the volatile composition dispenser, thereby adjusting the amount of volatile composition dispensed by such dispenser into the surrounding atmosphere. However, although the design intent is to provide a fragrance intensity difference that is easily visible to the consumer at different settings (i.e., low fragrance intensity setting and high fragrance intensity setting), at the beginning of product use (when the fragrance is most intense), a small or no difference in fragrance evaporation is observed between the lowest and highest settings, and at the end of the product's life (when the fragrance is least intense), the fragrance evaporation at the lowest setting is still about 90% of that at the highest setting. This small difference in fragrance evaporation does not provide a significant difference in fragrance intensity delivered at the lowest and highest settings.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for volatile composition dispensers with improved aroma intensity control mechanisms, especially for delivering significant and consumer-perceptible differences in aroma intensity at different aroma intensity settings. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a volatile composition dispenser, the volatile composition dispenser comprising:

[0006] (a) A container comprising a reservoir for at least one liquid volatile composition and a breathable membrane for sealing the reservoir and evaporating the at least one liquid volatile composition into the atmosphere when the air purifier is activated, wherein the breathable membrane defines an evaporation surface area (E).

[0007] (b) A housing having opposing first and second walls joined together along their peripheries to define an internal compartment in which a barrel is disposed, wherein a gap exists between the breathable membrane of the barrel and the second wall of the housing, wherein the gap has a width in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, optionally about 1 mm to about 5 mm, or about 1 mm to about 3 mm, or about 1 mm to about 2 mm, wherein the second wall has a plurality of evaporation vents that allow fluid communication between the internal compartment and the exterior of the housing, wherein the first wall has no evaporation vents, and wherein the second wall is characterized in that the total venting area (T) is in the range of 5% to 85%, optionally about 10% to about 70%, or about 15% to about 60%, or about 20% to about 50% of the evaporation surface area (E); and

[0008] (c) A fragrance intensity controller attached to the housing for adjustablely covering at least some or a portion of the plurality of evaporation vents on the second wall, wherein those evaporation vents or portions thereof that cannot be adjustablely covered by the fragrance intensity controller define an unadjustable ventilation area (U), and wherein the unadjustable ventilation area (U) does not exceed 15% of the total ventilation area (T), optionally from 0% to about 12%, or from 0% to about 10%, or from 0% to about 5%, or from 0% to about 3%.

[0009] Specifically, the fragrance intensity controller is movable between two or more different fragrance intensity positions to adjust the intensity of the fragrance released by the volatile composition dispenser, and the volatile composition dispenser also includes a locking mechanism for locking the fragrance intensity controller at different fragrance intensity positions.

[0010] In one specific embodiment of the invention, the volatile composition dispenser further includes a mounting clip connected to the housing for detachably attaching the volatile composition dispenser to a vent (e.g., the vent of an AC unit in a car, home, or office). More specifically, the mounting clip includes four forks defining two perpendicularly intersecting gaps for detachably attaching the volatile composition dispenser to the vent along a first direction and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the four forks may be characterized by a length of 10 mm to 40 mm, or 12 mm to 30 mm, or 14 mm to 25 mm, or 16 mm to 20 mm. The two perpendicularly intersecting gaps may have substantially the same width, optionally ranging from 0.5 mm to 8 mm, or 2 mm to 6 mm, or 3 mm to 5 mm. Alternatively, the two perpendicularly intersecting gaps may have different widths, one of which may be in the range of 0.5 mm to 8 mm, or 2 mm to 6 mm, or 3 mm to 5 mm; and the other of which may be in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, or 2 mm to 8 mm, or 4 mm to 7 mm.

[0011] The volatile composition dispenser of the present invention may further include one or more evaporation control elements for reducing the non-adjustable ventilation area (U) by blocking one or more non-adjustable openings on the second wall of the housing and preventing fluid communication between the internal compartment and the outside of the housing through the non-adjustable openings.

[0012] The present invention also relates to a method for changing the intensity of a fragrance in an interior space, the method comprising the following steps:

[0013] (i) Providing a volatile composition dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims in the interior space; and

[0014] (ii) Using a fragrance intensity controller to adjust the intensity of the fragrance released by the volatile composition. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above and other features and advantages of this disclosure, as well as the ways in which they are obtained, will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the disclosure itself will be better understood, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 It is a graph showing the comparative flavor weight loss of a prior art volatile composition dispenser at a low flavor intensity setting and a high flavor intensity setting, as disclosed in Figure 19 of US10143766.

[0017] Figure 2A It is through Figure 1A perspective image modeling the airflow paths of various evaporation vents on the rear wall of a prior art volatile composition dispenser.

[0018] Figure 2B It is through Figure 1 and Figure 2A A side view of the airflow path modeled for the same prior art volatile composition dispenser.

[0019] Figures 3A to 3B This is a perspective view of a volatile composition dispenser according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figures 3A to 3B Exploded perspective view of the various components of the volatile composition dispenser.

[0021] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of various components of a barrel for a volatile composition dispenser according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figures 6A to 6C This is according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A and Figure 3B as well as Figure 4 A rear view of a volatile composition dispenser, wherein the aroma intensity controller moves between three different aroma intensity positions to adjust the intensity of the aroma released by the volatile composition dispenser.

[0023] Figures 7A to 7B This refers to the inactive and active states according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Side view of a volatile composition dispenser.

[0024] Figure 8A This is a perspective view of a mounting clip with four forks according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the four forks defining two perpendicularly intersecting gaps of equal width.

[0025] Figure 8B This is a perspective view of a mounting clip with four forks according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the four forks defining two perpendicularly intersecting gaps of different widths.

[0026] Figure 9A This is a perspective image of the outer surface of the rear wall of a volatile composition dispenser with an evaporation control element according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 9BThis is a perspective image showing another evaporation control element of a volatile composition dispenser according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 10 It shows including Figures 9A to 9B A graph showing the comparison of flavor weight loss in the volatile composition dispenser of the evaporation control element at low and high flavor intensity settings.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a perspective image of the inner surface of the rear wall of a volatile composition dispenser having another evaporation control element according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 12 It shows including Figure 11 A graph showing the comparison of flavor weight loss in the volatile composition dispenser of the evaporation control element at low and high flavor intensity settings. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Various embodiments will now be described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture, and use of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatuses and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other exemplary embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a graph showing the comparative fragrance weight loss of a prior art volatile composition dispenser (as disclosed in Figure 19 of US10143766), measured by the method disclosed in Test 1 below, at a low fragrance intensity setting and a high fragrance intensity setting. Disappointingly, despite the presence of a fragrance intensity dial designed to allow consumers to adjust the airflow rate through the air purifier and thus adjust the amount of fragrance dispensed by such an air purifier, the fragrance weight loss at the low fragrance intensity setting (which indicates the amount of fragrance dispensed by such an air purifier) ​​is approximately 95% of the fragrance weight loss at the high fragrance intensity setting. Consumers would likely not notice a 5% difference in fragrance weight loss. In other words, prior art air purifiers offer little or no difference in fragrance intensity between the low and high fragrance intensity settings that is easily perceptible to consumers.

[0033] A surprising and unexpected finding of this invention is the presence of small gaps or openings in such prior art air purifiers that cannot be adjusted to open or close via a fragrance intensity dial. This explains the lack of significant fragrance intensity differences observed at different intensity settings. Although such non-adjustable gaps or openings represent only a small fraction of the total opening surface area (e.g., less than 20%), they may allow disproportionate airflow, resulting in a lack of fragrance intensity differences between low and high settings.

[0034] Figure 2A This is a perspective image generated through modeling, showing the airflow path through various evaporation vents on the rear wall of a prior art volatile composition dispenser, as shown in Figure 19 of US10143766. Small arrows indicate airflow across the rear wall of the prior art dispenser. Figure 2A As shown, air flows not only along the periphery of this distributor through the evaporation openings (which can be closed and opened by the intensity disc element), but also through the central opening in the middle (which cannot be closed and opened by the intensity disc element). Figure 2B These are side images generated through modeling, illustrating the process... Figure 2A The same prior art volatile composition dispenser has the same airflow path at its lowest aroma intensity setting. Regardless of the lowest aroma intensity setting, a large amount of air still flows through the prior art dispenser, especially through the non-adjustable central opening. Figure 2B Specifically, air flows through the non-adjustable central opening at a much higher rate than the rate achieved by closing the adjustable peripheral evaporation openings at the lowest aroma intensity setting. Correspondingly, a small or no difference in aroma intensity is observed between the lowest and highest intensity settings.

[0035] Therefore, the present invention provides a volatile composition dispenser with improved intensity control by reducing the area of ​​such a non-adjustable center opening and other gaps / openings that allow non-adjustable airflow through the volatile composition dispenser at the lowest aroma intensity setting. Specifically, the volatile composition dispenser of the present invention is characterized in that the non-adjustable ventilation area (U) does not exceed 15% of its total ventilation area (T), optionally 0% to about 12%, or 0% to about 10%, or 0% to about 5%, or 0% to about 3%, as detailed below. Furthermore, it is desirable that such a dispenser can dispense at least one volatile composition at a first evaporation rate (E1) at a low aroma intensity setting and at least one volatile composition at a second evaporation rate (E2) at a high aroma intensity setting, wherein E1 is less than 70% of E2, preferably less than 60% of E2, more preferably less than 55% of E2, which can result in a consumer-perceptible difference in aroma intensity between the low and high settings.

[0036] These parameters help ensure consumers have improved control over the amount of fragrance delivered in their cars, homes, offices, or other enclosed interior spaces. Furthermore, they extend product shelf life, give consumers the freedom to use seasonal fragrances with specific intensity settings appropriate for the season, and support the development of regional / seasonal usage instructions to achieve consistent fragrance intensity throughout the product's lifespan (e.g., starting with a low fragrance intensity setting for 5 days, then a medium fragrance intensity setting for 15 days, and ending with a high fragrance intensity setting for 20 days, to deliver consistent fragrance intensity during the Japanese summer).

[0037] Figures 3A to 3B A perspective view of an exemplary volatile composition dispenser 1 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is shown, while Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the various components of this volatile composition dispenser 1 is shown.

[0038] Specifically, the exemplary volatile composition dispenser 1 includes a housing 100 having opposing first walls 110 and second walls 120, which are joined together along their peripheries to define an internal compartment (not shown). Optionally, the first walls 110 and second walls 120 are pivotally or rotatably attached together and can be easily separated by pivoting or rotating movements.

[0039] The first wall 110 has no evaporation vents, while the opposing second wall 120 has multiple evaporation vents 122 (see [link]). Figure 4 The plurality of evaporation vents allow fluid communication between the internal compartment and the outside of the housing 100.

[0040] The barrel 200 can be disposed in the internal compartment between the first wall 110 and the opposing second wall 120 (see Figure 4 The cartridge 200 includes a volatile composition container 210 defining a reservoir (not shown) for at least one liquid volatile composition and a breathable membrane 240 for sealing the reservoir and evaporating the at least one liquid volatile composition into the atmosphere when the volatile composition dispenser 1 is activated. Specifically, a gap exists between the breathable membrane 240 of the cartridge and the second wall 120 of the housing 100, and the gap has a width in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, optionally 1 mm to 5 mm, or 1 mm to 3 mm, or 1 mm to 2 mm. The closer the gap, the better the control of the defined airflow path, which leads to better control of the evaporation rate.

[0041] Specifically and optionally, the barrel is 200 (e.g.) Figure 4The container 210 may further include: (1) a ruptureable seal 220 configured to cover part of the container 210 and retain the at least one liquid volatile composition within the container 210 until activation occurs; and (2) a rupture element 230 movable upon activation of the volatile composition dispenser 1 or having at least a movable portion to puncture the ruptureable seal 220 and release at least a portion of the liquid volatile composition from the volatile composition container 210 onto the breathable membrane 240 for evaporation.

[0042] On one hand, the permeable membrane 240 defines the evaporation surface area (E). On the other hand, the second wall 120 is characterized by a total ventilation area (T), which is calculated as the sum of the areas of all evaporation vents 122 and any central / peripheral openings or gaps on the second wall 120 through which airflow is permitted. Ideally, the total ventilation area (T) is 5% to 85% of the evaporation surface area (E). Specifically, but optionally, the total ventilation area (T) is in the range of about 10% to about 70%, or about 15% to about 60%, or about 20% to about 50% of the evaporation surface area (E). Alternatively, the total ventilation area (T) can be in the range of 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, or even 65% of the evaporation surface area (E) to about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or even 90%. The higher the percentage of T / E, the higher the utilization of the evaporation surface area, which in turn allows for higher evaporation that may be required under certain conditions.

[0043] The exemplary volatile composition dispenser 1 also includes a fragrance intensity controller 130 attached to the housing 100 (and specifically, the second wall 120) for adjustable coverage of at least some or portions of the plurality of evaporation vents 122 on the second wall 120. Specifically, but optionally, the fragrance intensity controller 130 includes a rotatable body 132 fitted into a track 124 on the second wall 120. Figure 4 Invisible in the middle, but in Figure 9A As can be seen in the image, the rotatable body 132 includes a plurality of slots or openings that match the evaporation vents 122 on the second wall 120. The fragrance intensity controller 130 also includes a protruding fragrance intensity dial 134 that can be moved by the consumer to rotate the body 132 to open or close (or partially open / close) the evaporation vents 122 on the second wall 120.

[0044] Specifically, the evaporation vent 122, which can be adjusted to open or close (or partially open / closed) by the fragrance intensity controller 130, defines an adjustable ventilation area (A), while any other central / peripheral opening or gap on the second wall 120 that allows airflow but cannot be adjusted to open or close by the fragrance intensity controller 130 defines a non-adjustable ventilation area (U). Importantly and critically for this invention, the non-adjustable ventilation area (U) does not exceed 15% of the total ventilation area (T). Preferably, the non-adjustable ventilation area (U) is 0% to 12%, or 0% to 10%, or 0% to 5%, or 0% to 3% of the total ventilation area (T).

[0045] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of various components of a cylinder 2 for a volatile composition dispenser according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention. A volatile composition container 6 defines a reservoir (not shown) for at least one liquid volatile composition, wherein a ruptureable substrate 80 is sealably attached to and covers the reservoir to prevent the release of the at least one liquid volatile composition until the volatile composition dispenser is activated. The ruptureable substrate 80 can be ruptured by actuating a rupture element 81 positioned adjacent to the ruptureable substrate 80 to release the at least one liquid volatile composition. The rupture element 81 includes a movable member 82 movably attached to an outer frame 83 by a spring member 84. The spring member 84 may be formed by one or more springs 85. One or more rupture members 86 are arranged within the rupture element 81 to pierce a hole in the ruptureable substrate 80. The rupture member 86 may be a pin, needle, tooth, protrusion, etc. A breathable membrane 9 may be sealably attached to a flange 87 located at the periphery of the container 6. A breathable membrane 9 encloses a container 6, the container including a reservoir (not shown) for the at least one liquid volatile composition, a ruptureable substrate 80, and a rupture element 81. The breathable membrane 9 may be configured to flex when pressure or actuation is applied to the breathable membrane 9, for example by an actuator (not shown), the actuator being configured to move the rupture element 86 toward the ruptureable substrate 80 to puncture a hole in the substrate 80 and release at least a portion of the liquid volatile composition from the volatile composition container 6 into the breathable membrane 9 to evaporate into the surrounding environment.

[0046] Figures 6A to 6C This is according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A and Figure 3B as well as Figure 4 A rear view of the volatile composition dispenser 1, wherein the aroma intensity controller 130 moves between three different aroma intensity positions to adjust the intensity of the aroma released by the volatile composition dispenser 1. Specifically, Figure 6AA fragrance intensity controller 130 is shown positioned at the highest fragrance intensity setting, with a protruding fragrance intensity dial 134 moved to the left and a slot or opening on the rotatable body 132 fully aligned with an evaporation vent 122 on the second wall 120. In this setting, air can flow freely through the evaporation vent 122 to release the liquid volatile composition from the volatile composition dispenser 1 into the surrounding environment. Figure 6B A fragrance intensity controller 130 is shown positioned at a medium fragrance intensity setting, with a protruding fragrance intensity dial 134 moving towards the center. A slot or opening 132 on the rotatable body aligns only partially with an evaporation vent 122 on the second wall 120, and is partially blocked by a non-opening portion of the second wall 120 (marked by crosshairs). In this setting, airflow through the evaporation vent 122 is partially restricted, and only a limited amount of the liquid volatile composition can be released from the volatile composition dispenser 1 into the surrounding environment. Figure 6C A fragrance intensity controller 130 is shown positioned at the lowest fragrance intensity setting, with the protruding fragrance intensity dial 134 moved to the right. The slots or openings on the rotatable body 132 are now completely offset from the evaporation vents on the second wall 120 (no longer visible), i.e., they are completely blocked by the non-opening portion of the second wall 120 (marked by crosshairs). In this setting, airflow through the evaporation vents 122 is completely blocked, and little or no liquid volatile composition can be released from the volatile composition dispenser 1 into the surrounding environment through such evaporation vents 122.

[0047] Optionally, the volatile composition dispenser 1 of the present invention includes a locking mechanism for locking the fragrance intensity controller 130 at different fragrance intensity positions. This locking mechanism is used to stabilize the fragrance intensity controller 130 at a desired or specifically selected fragrance intensity position and to prevent its accidental movement or switching to different fragrance intensity positions, especially due to gravity (e.g., when the volatile composition dispenser 1 rotates in such a manner that the fragrance intensity dial 134 is no longer at the top but on the left or right, or when the volatile composition dispenser 1 is used to deliver fragrance into an interior space such as a vehicle subjected to significant movement or vibration).

[0048] For example, the fragrance intensity controller 130 may include one or more prominent nodes 136 (see Figure 4 and Figures 6A to 6C (It shows three such protruding nodes), each of which can be slidably fitted into a track 124 located on the second wall 120 (see...). Figure 9A In multiple adjacent recesses 126a / b / c (see) Figures 6A to 6C and Figure 9AIt shows three sets of recesses, each set comprising three adjacent recesses, and each set corresponding to a protruding node. Each of the plurality of adjacent recesses 126a / b / c defines a specific fragrance intensity position associated with a specific fragrance intensity setting (e.g., low, medium, or high) of a particular protruding node 136. Specifically, when the plurality of protruding nodes 136 are fitted into the left recess 126a (as shown in the diagram), Figure 6A As shown), the fragrance intensity controller 130 is locked in the high fragrance intensity position associated with the high fragrance intensity setting. When the plurality of protruding nodes 136 move to the right and fit into the central recess 126b (as shown...), Figure 6B As shown), the fragrance intensity controller 130 is locked in the medium fragrance intensity position associated with the medium fragrance intensity setting. When the plurality of protruding nodes 136 move further to the right to fit into the right recess 126c (as shown...), Figure 6C As shown), the fragrance intensity controller 130 is locked in the low fragrance intensity position associated with the low fragrance intensity setting.

[0049] Choose any location Figure 3A and Figure 3B as well as Figure 4 The volatile composition dispenser 1 also includes a mounting clip 140, which serves both as a fixing mechanism for loosely attaching the volatile composition dispenser 1 to a vent (e.g., an vent for an AC unit in a car, home, or office) and as an actuator for applying pressure or actuation through a flexible and breathable membrane 240 to move a rupture element 230 or a portion thereof to puncture a ruptureable seal 220 and release at least a portion of the liquid volatile composition from the volatile composition container 210 onto the breathable membrane 240 to evaporate into the surrounding space, thereby activating the volatile composition dispenser 1.

[0050] Figures 7A to 7B According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the components are respectively in an inactive state and an active state. Figure 3A and Figure 3B A side view of the volatile composition dispenser 1. Specifically, the volatile composition dispenser 1 is activated by a pivoting movement of a mounting clip 140, which includes a cam 142 having a cam surface 144 configured to move a breaking element (or a portion thereof) of a cartridge (not shown here) housed within a housing 100. Figure 7A In the inactive state, the volatile composition dispenser 1 has the mounting clip 140 extending vertically downwards and its cam surface 144 extending away from the housing 100. Figure 7B In the process, the volatile composition dispenser 1 is in an active state, wherein the mounting clip 140 extends horizontally and its cam surface is pushed into the rear side of the housing 100.

[0051] The mounting clip 140 may be a double-forked clip similar to that disclosed in US10143766. Preferably, the mounting clip 140 is a four-forked clip, which includes four forked arms defining two perpendicularly intersecting gaps for releasably attaching the volatile composition dispenser 1 to the vent along a first direction and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. This four-forked clip adds orientation versatility to the volatile composition dispenser of the present invention, for example, allowing the consumer to use it with horizontal or vertical vents, or to position the fragrance intensity dial 134 on the top or left / right side when the vent orientation is fixed. When using such a four-forked mounting clip to support orientation versatility, it is more preferable that the housing 100 of the volatile composition dispenser 1 has rotational symmetry, for example, a square shape with 90° rotational symmetry (e.g., Figures 3A to 3B (as shown) or a circular shape with 360° rotational symmetry.

[0052] Figure 8A This is a perspective view of a mounting clip 1140 having four forks 1142, 1144, 1146, and 1148 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention. These four forks define two vertically intersecting gaps having substantially the same width. Specifically, the four forks 1142, 1144, 1146, and 1148 are characterized by lengths of 10 mm to 40 mm, or 12 mm to 30 mm, or 14 mm to 25 mm, or 16 mm to 20 mm. The two vertically intersecting gaps formed by these four forks have corresponding widths W1 and W2 (measured at the widest portion of such gaps), both widths ranging from 0.5 mm to 8 mm, or 2 mm to 6 mm, or 3 mm to 5 mm. It is also expected that each of the two perpendicularly intersecting gaps is characterized by different widths at different sections along the lengths of the four forks 1142, 1144, 1146 and 1148, to accommodate vents of different sizes (e.g., the narrowest section of such gaps is characterized by a minimum width of 0.5mm to 3mm, or 0.8mm to 2.5mm, or 1mm to 2mm).

[0053] Figure 8BThis is a perspective view of a mounting clip 2140 having four forks 2142, 2144, 2146, and 2148 according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, which defines two perpendicularly intersecting gaps of different widths. The four forks 2142, 2144, 2146, and 2148 may be characterized by lengths similar to those mentioned above for 1142, 1144, 1146, and 1148. The two perpendicularly intersecting gaps formed by these four forks have corresponding widths W3 and W4 (measured at the widest section of such gaps). While W3 is substantially the same as W1 and W2 described above, W4 is significantly wider and can range from 1 mm to 10 mm, or 2 mm to 8 mm, or 4 mm to 7 mm.

[0054] To improve the intensity control function of the volatile composition dispenser of the present invention, it is important to reduce the area of ​​any non-adjustable center opening and other gaps / openings that allow non-adjustable airflow through the volatile composition dispenser at the lowest aroma intensity setting. Therefore, the present invention may employ one or more evaporation control elements to block one or more non-adjustable openings on the second wall of the housing and prevent fluid communication between the internal compartment and the outside of the housing through said non-adjustable openings. Thus, the non-adjustable ventilation area (U) can be effectively reduced to, for example, no more than 15% of the total ventilation area (T) of the dispenser, optionally 0% to about 12%, or 0% to about 10%, or 0% to about 5%, or 0% to about 3%.

[0055] Figure 9A This is a perspective image of the outer surface of the second wall of a volatile composition dispenser with an evaporation control element according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the second wall 120 (with...) Figure 3B and Figure 4 (The same as in) has an inner surface 120A (which is closer to, such as) Figure 4 The barrel 200 shown and the outer surface 120B (which is closer to the outer surface) are shown. Figure 4 The aroma intensity controller 130 is shown. The outer surface 120B of the second wall 120 includes an evaporation control element 310 (see crosshairs) near the central semi-enclosed member 125 to block the non-adjustable central opening there.

[0056] Figure 9B This is a perspective image illustrating another evaporation control element of a volatile composition dispenser according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention. Specifically, mounting clip 140 (with...) Figure 4The mounting clip (same as in the previous one) includes an additional evaporation control element 312 (see crosshairs) behind its cam surface 144, which is configured to fit tightly into the central semi-enclosed part 125 on the outer surface of the second wall 120 to block any additional non-adjustable central opening there.

[0057] Figure 10 It shows including Figures 9A to 9B The volatile composition dispensers of evaporation control elements 310 and 312 are plotted to compare the flavor weight loss at low and high flavor intensity settings. Specifically, this volatile composition dispenser is characterized by a non-adjustable ventilation area (U) of approximately 2.3% of the total ventilation area (T) of the dispenser. The flavor weight loss at the low flavor intensity setting (measured by Test 1 below) is approximately 58% of the flavor weight loss at the high flavor intensity setting. The reduction in flavor weight loss at the low intensity setting (compared to the flavor weight loss at the high intensity setting) is very significant and provides a flavor intensity difference that is easily visible to the consumer between the low and high flavor intensity settings, thus enabling the consumer to exercise true flavor intensity control.

[0058] Figure 11 This is a perspective image of the inner surface of the rear wall of a volatile composition dispenser having another evaporation control element according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the inner surface 120A of the second wall 120 (i.e., as shown in the image) Figure 4 As shown, the surface closer to the container 200 and further away from the aroma intensity controller 130 includes an evaporation control element 320 (see crosshairs), which is a central plate used to block any non-adjustable central opening at the second wall 120. Specifically, a volatile composition dispenser employing such an evaporation control element 320 is characterized in that the non-adjustable ventilation area (U) is approximately 0% of the total ventilation area (T) of the dispenser.

[0059] Figure 12 To show including Figure 11 A graph comparing flavor weight loss at a low flavor intensity setting and a high flavor intensity setting is shown for the volatile composition dispenser of the evaporation control element 320. The flavor weight loss at the low flavor intensity setting (measured by Test 1 below) is approximately 51% of the flavor weight loss at the high flavor intensity setting. Figure 10 This is a further reduction. This reduction in flavor weight loss at low intensity settings (compared to flavor weight loss at low intensity settings) leads to further improvements in flavor intensity control between different settings.

[0060] Test methods

[0061] Test 1: Measurement of Spice Weight Loss

[0062] The loss of fragrance weight measured after the volatile composition dispenser sample is activated indicates the amount of fragrance released by the dispenser over time. It can be used to compare the fragrance intensity delivered by the dispenser at different fragrance intensity settings and to measure the effectiveness of the dispenser in providing fragrance intensity control.

[0063] In order to calculate such Figure 1 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 The detailed flavor weight loss values, in addition to the volatile composition dispenser samples, also use the following items:

[0064] 1. A balance (named: Ohaus AA210 S / N 11131122540) or its equivalent;

[0065] 2.2.6 ml of fragrance (if adding a fragrance composition by weight, multiply the measured density by 2.6 ml to obtain the accurate fill weight);

[0066] 3.3M Scotch Weld Applicator TC and adhesive, #3797-TC or equivalent;

[0067] 4. Cars or enclosed spaces with temperature and airflow control;

[0068] 5. A room that houses a car and has the following measurements, temperature / relative humidity, or equivalent:

[0069] a) Laboratory dimensions: 6m long × 2.4m wide × 2.6m high or 37m 3

[0070] b) Temperature and relative humidity %

[0071] Average temperature: 5℃ + 0.5℃

[0072] • Average relative humidity %: 40% + 0.5%

[0073] The procedure for determining the weight loss of spices is as follows:

[0074] 1. Load the dispenser sample containing 2.6 ml of fragrance in a pre-filled, sealed cartridge. For example, the cartridge can be punctured by cutting a hole in it to allow insertion of an 18-gauge needle, and then the insertion hole can be sealed with hot melt adhesive after the fragrance is filled into the cartridge. 2.6 ml of fragrance is equivalent to 2470 mg of standard fragrance. The fragrance volume may need to be adjusted based on the density of the fragrance composition of interest.

[0075] 2. Measure and record the weight of the dispenser sample to three significant figures.

[0076] 3. Set the fragrance intensity controller to the appropriate setting.

[0077] 4. Activate the filter cartridge to wet the breathable membrane. For embodiments A and B of the present invention, this activation is achieved by rotating the mounting clip upwards to a horizontal position. Other activation methods may be used in various comparative embodiments.

[0078] 5. Place the dispenser sample on the climate control vent in the car for 30 minutes.

[0079] 6. Turn on the climate control system, set the temperature to 21°C and the fan speed to maximum, for 20 minutes. This will deliver air to the dispenser sample at 4 m / s and 32°C.

[0080] 7. Turn off the climate control system.

[0081] 8. Measure and record the weight of the dispenser sample to three significant figures.

[0082] 9. Determine the spice weight loss by subtracting the final dispenser weight from the initial dispenser weight.

[0083] Test 2: Ventilation area

[0084] Typically, the non-adjustable ventilation area is determined by summing all ventilation areas when the aroma intensity controller is set to the minimum opening configuration, while the adjustable ventilation area is determined by summing all ventilation areas when the aroma intensity controller is set to the maximum opening configuration.

[0085] For the distributor (A), distributor (B), and comparison distributor (1) of the present invention, the non-adjustable ventilation area and the adjustable ventilation area are determined by 3D CAD digital drawing.

[0086] For the comparator distributor (2) and the comparator distributor (3), the non-adjustable ventilation area and the adjustable ventilation area are determined by manual measurement on the actual equipment.

[0087] For the comparator distributor (4) and the comparator distributor (5), the non-adjustable ventilation area and the adjustable ventilation area are determined by manual measurement on the device picture shown in the patent.

[0088] Example

[0089] The following are several embodiments and comparative examples of the present invention of a volatile composition dispenser that provides the beneficial effect of flavor intensity control.

[0090] • The dispenser (A) of the present invention includes, as Figure 11 The evaporation control element 320 shown is shown.

[0091] • The dispenser (B) of the present invention includes, as Figure 9A and Figure 9B Evaporation control elements 310 and 312 are shown;

[0092] • Comparison distributor (1) - a prior art distributor as shown in Figure 19 of US10143766;

[0093] • Comparison distributor (2) - a prior art distributor as shown in Figure 14 of EP3682910;

[0094] • Comparison distributor (3) - such prior art distributor as disclosed in US9439993;

[0095] • Comparison distributor (4) - such prior art distributor as disclosed in US9192690; and

[0096] • Comparison allocator (5) - such as the prior art allocator disclosed in CN216424031.

[0097] Test 2 measures the corresponding non-adjustable ventilation area (U), adjustable ventilation area (A), and total ventilation area (T) of the embodiments and comparative embodiments of the present invention described above. The corresponding percentage ratio (%) of U / T for each exemplary device is then calculated as follows:

[0098]

[0099] According to Test 1, the corresponding flavor weight loss of embodiments (A) and (B) of the present invention and comparative embodiment (1) having the lowest U / T% among all comparative embodiments was measured, and the results are shown in Figure 1 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 middle.

[0100] The data on flavor ingredient weight loss clearly show that even a small percentage of the area of ​​a non-adjustable gap or opening (e.g., no more than 20%) can allow disproportionate airflow and result in a lack of flavor intensity variation (the difference in flavor ingredient weight loss is only 5% between low and high settings). Therefore, it is important to ensure that the U / T% does not exceed 15%, optionally 0% to 12%, or 0% to 10%, or 0% to 5%, or 0% to 3%.

[0101] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be construed as strictly limited to the precise numerical values ​​cited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and the range surrounding its functional equivalent. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to represent “approximately 40 mm”.

[0102] Unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited, every reference cited herein, including any cross-references or related patents or patent applications, and any patent application or patent claiming priority to or benefiting from it, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Reference to any reference is not an endorsement of it as prior art to any disclosed or protected art herein, nor is it an endorsement of any such invention, either on its own or in combination with any one or more references. Furthermore, where any meaning or definition of a term in this invention conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in referenced documents, the meaning or definition given to that term in this invention shall prevail.

[0103] While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that all such changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A volatile composition dispenser, the volatile composition dispenser comprising: (a) A container comprising a reservoir of at least one liquid volatile composition and a breathable membrane for sealing the reservoir and evaporating the at least one liquid volatile composition into the atmosphere when the volatile composition dispenser is activated, wherein the breathable membrane defines an evaporation surface area (E). (b) A housing having opposing first and second walls joined together along their peripheries to define an internal compartment, wherein a barrel is disposed in the internal compartment, wherein a gap exists between the breathable membrane of the barrel and the second wall of the housing, wherein the gap has a width in the range of 1 mm to 25 mm, wherein the second wall has a plurality of evaporation vents that allow fluid communication between the internal compartment and the exterior of the housing, wherein the first wall has no evaporation vents, and wherein the second wall is characterized in that the total venting area (T) is in the range of 5% to 85% of the evaporation surface area (E); and (c) A fragrance intensity controller attached to the housing for adjustablely covering at least some or a portion of the plurality of evaporation vents on the second wall, wherein those evaporation vents or portions thereof that cannot be adjustablely covered by the fragrance intensity controller define an unadjustable ventilation area (U), and wherein the unadjustable ventilation area (U) does not exceed 15% of the total ventilation area (T).

2. The volatile composition dispenser according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fragrance intensity controller is movable between two or more different fragrance intensity positions to adjust the intensity of the fragrance released by the volatile composition dispenser, and wherein the volatile composition dispenser further includes a locking mechanism for locking the fragrance intensity controller at the different fragrance intensity positions.

3. The volatile composition dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the non-adjustable ventilation area (U) is 0% to 12%, or 0% to 10%, or 0% to 5%, or 0% to 3% of the total ventilation area (T); wherein optionally, the total ventilation area (T) is 10% to 70%, or 12% to 60%, or 15% to 50% of the evaporation surface area (E); and wherein optionally, the width of the gap between the permeable membrane of the barrel and the second wall of the housing is in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, or 1 mm to 5 mm, or 2 mm to 4 mm.

4. The volatile composition dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, the volatile composition dispenser further comprising a mounting clip connected to the housing for detachably attaching the volatile composition dispenser to a vent.

5. The volatile composition dispenser of claim 4, wherein the mounting clip comprises four forks defining two perpendicularly intersecting gaps for releasably attaching the volatile composition dispenser to the vent along a first direction and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; wherein optionally, each of the four forks is characterized in that it has a length of 10 mm to 40 mm, or 12 mm to 30 mm, or 14 mm to 25 mm, or 16 mm to 20 mm.

6. The volatile composition dispenser of claim 5, wherein the two perpendicularly intersecting gaps have substantially the same width, the width optionally ranging from 0.5 mm to 8 mm, or 2 mm to 6 mm, or 3 mm to 5 mm.

7. The volatile composition dispenser of claim 5, wherein the two perpendicularly intersecting gaps have different widths; wherein optionally, one of the gaps has a width in the range of 0.5 mm to 8 mm, or 2 mm to 6 mm, or 3 mm to 5 mm; and wherein optionally, the other gap has a width in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, or 2 mm to 8 mm, or 4 mm to 7 mm.

8. The volatile composition dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, the volatile composition dispenser further comprising one or more evaporation control elements, the one or more evaporation control elements being configured to reduce the non-adjustable ventilation area (U) by blocking one or more non-adjustable openings on the second wall of the housing and preventing fluid communication between the internal compartment and the exterior of the housing through the non-adjustable openings.

9. A method for changing the intensity of a fragrance in an interior space, the method comprising: (i) Providing a volatile composition dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims in the interior space; as well as (ii) Using the fragrance intensity controller to adjust the intensity of the fragrance released by the volatile composition.

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