Delivery engine and device for delivering volatile substances

Abstract

This document discloses a conveying engine for conveying volatile substances, and an apparatus including the conveying engine. The conveying engine includes: a main reservoir portion containing an initial volume of volatile substances, wherein the volatile substances are configured to evaporate from the main reservoir portion after an activation step; and at least one secondary reservoir portion; wherein when the conveying engine is oriented for use: at least one secondary reservoir portion is located below the main reservoir portion under gravity; and the total volume of the at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion under gravity is higher than a specific threshold as disclosed herein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a conveying engine for conveying volatile substances, and more particularly to a conveying engine for conveying volatile substances into an environment within an enclosed space (such as a room or vehicle). Background Technology

[0002] It is generally known to use a device to evaporate volatile substances into a space (especially a home) to achieve a variety of benefits, such as air freshening or air fragrance. Non-electrical systems (e.g., systems not powered by electricity) are a common way to deliver volatile substances into the atmosphere.

[0003] Examples of non-electrified systems include membrane-based systems, such as those disclosed in PCT patent publications WO2017 / 192638, WO2017 / 192639, WO2017 / 192640, and WO2017 / 192641. While such systems have achieved significant commercial success, there remains room for improvement. For example, such systems include a window on the front of the housing through which the liquid fragrance composition can be seen. This provides aesthetic benefits, especially when using colored fragrance compositions, and allows the user to easily determine how much fragrance composition remains in the device. However, such products typically reach the end of their shelf life before the fragrance composition has completely evaporated. Furthermore, the fragrance composition typically contains small amounts of non-volatile components that are retained at the end of the product's shelf life. This results in a small amount (e.g., about 10% of the initial volume) of liquid remaining in the device at the end of its shelf life. However, the visibility of this remaining fragrance composition causes confusion for the end-user, leading them to believe that the product still contains fragrance and has not yet reached its end of its shelf life. This leads consumers to retain the product after its shelf life has ended, resulting in dissatisfaction with the fragrance's performance.

[0004] There is a need for a device for conveying volatile substances that addresses at least some of the drawbacks associated with existing technologies and reduces consumer confusion. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention addresses one or more drawbacks associated with the prior art. By providing a delivery engine comprising at least two reservoir sections, wherein a first reservoir section is intended to be visible through the front of the device housing as described herein, and at least a second reservoir section is not intended to be visible through the front of the device housing, it is ensured that volatile substances retained in the device at the end of its lifespan are invisible to consumers, thereby reducing confusion.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides the following.

[0007] 1. A conveying engine for conveying volatile substances, the conveying engine comprising:

[0008] A main reservoir portion, the main reservoir portion containing an initial volume of volatile substance, wherein the volatile substance is configured to evaporate from the main reservoir portion after an activation step is performed; and

[0009] At least one secondary storage section;

[0010] Wherein the conveying engine is oriented for use:

[0011] At least one secondary storage unit is located below the main storage unit under the influence of gravity; and

[0012] The total volume of the at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion under the influence of gravity is at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile substance.

[0013] 2. The conveying engine according to Clause 1, wherein when the conveying engine is oriented for use, the total volume of the at least one secondary storage portion located below the main storage portion under gravity is 4% to 30% of the initial volume of the volatile substance.

[0014] Optionally, it is 5% to 20% of the initial volume of the volatile substance;

[0015] More optionally, it is 7% to 15% of the initial volume of the volatile substance.

[0016] 3. The conveyor engine as described in Clause 1 or 2, wherein (a) or (b) applies:

[0017] (a) The main storage section and at least one secondary storage section are in fluid communication, or

[0018] (b) The delivery engine is configured such that, after the activation step is performed, the main storage portion and at least one secondary storage portion are in fluid communication.

[0019] 4. The conveyor engine as described in Clause 3, wherein when:

[0020] The conveying engine is oriented such that at least one secondary storage unit is positioned below the main storage unit under gravity, and

[0021] The main storage unit is in fluid communication with at least one secondary storage unit.

[0022] The at least one secondary storage unit is capable of holding a certain volume of volatile material, the volume being at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile material in a state where it is located below the main storage unit under the influence of gravity.

[0023] 5. The conveying engine according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the conveying engine is a single-use conveying engine, and / or wherein the conveying engine is non-refillable.

[0024] 6. The delivery engine according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the volatile substance is configured to evaporate simultaneously from both the main reservoir section and at least one secondary reservoir section after the activation step is performed.

[0025] 7. The delivery engine according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the delivery engine includes a microporous membrane that encloses the primary reservoir portion and the secondary reservoir portion, wherein the microporous membrane is configured to allow evaporation of volatile substances in contact with the microporous membrane.

[0026] 8. The delivery engine according to Clause 7, wherein after the activation step is performed, the microporous membrane is configured to allow the evaporation of volatile substances present in both the primary reservoir portion and at least one secondary reservoir portion.

[0027] 9. The delivery engine according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the delivery engine is used in a housing, and the main storage portion is configured to be received by a window portion of the housing.

[0028] 10. The delivery engine according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the main reservoir portion is formed of a transparent or translucent material.

[0029] 11. The conveying engine according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the conveying engine is used in a housing, and one or both of (i) and (ii) are applicable:

[0030] (i) The at least one secondary storage portion is configured to be at least partially shielded by the housing;

[0031] (ii) The at least one secondary reservoir portion is formed of an opaque material.

[0032] 12. The conveying engine according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the conveying engine includes at least one secondary storage section at each of the two opposite ends of the main storage section.

[0033] 13. The delivery engine according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the delivery engine is configured to release volatile substances into the surrounding environment without artificially generated airflow.

[0034] 14. A conveying engine for conveying volatile substances, the conveying engine comprising:

[0035] A main storage portion, the main storage portion containing volatile substances, wherein the volatile substances are configured to evaporate from the main storage portion after an activation step is performed; and

[0036] At least one secondary storage section;

[0037] Wherein the conveying engine is oriented for use:

[0038] At least one secondary storage unit is located below the main storage unit under the influence of gravity; and

[0039] The total volume of the at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion under the influence of gravity is at least 0.24 mL, optionally at least 0.3 mL, and more optionally at least 0.5 mL.

[0040] 15. An apparatus for conveying a volatile composition, the apparatus comprising:

[0041] The housing has a front portion and a rear portion; and

[0042] A conveying engine located within the housing, the conveying engine comprising:

[0043] A main storage portion containing volatile substances, wherein the volatile substances are configured to evaporate from the main storage portion, or wherein the volatile substances are configured to evaporate from the main storage portion after an activation step is performed; and

[0044] At least one secondary storage section;

[0045] The housing is configured such that when the device is oriented for use:

[0046] At least one secondary storage unit of the conveying engine is located below the main storage unit of the conveying engine under the influence of gravity.

[0047] The main storage portion of the delivery engine is visible through the front of the housing, and one or both of (i) and (ii) apply:

[0048] (i) The at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion is at least partially obscured by the front portion of the housing under the influence of gravity;

[0049] (ii) The at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion under the influence of gravity is formed of an opaque material.

[0050] 16. The device according to Clause 15, wherein the rear portion of the housing includes a plurality of openings for exposing the evaporation portion of the delivery engine.

[0051] Optionally, the delivery engine includes a microporous membrane that encloses the primary reservoir portion and the secondary reservoir portion, wherein the microporous membrane is configured to allow evaporation of liquid volatiles, and wherein the evaporation portion of the delivery engine is the microporous membrane.

[0052] 17. The device according to clause 15 or 16, wherein the housing is openable and the conveying engine is replaceable.

[0053] Optionally, the housing includes a releasable locking mechanism for releasably closing the housing.

[0054] 18. The device according to any one of clauses 15 to 17, wherein when the device is oriented for use, the total volume of the at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the primary reservoir portion under gravity is at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile substance. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Two views of the delivery engine according to the present invention are shown.

[0056] Figure 2 Two additional views of the conveyor engine in Figure 1 are shown.

[0057] Figure 3 An alternative delivery engine according to the invention is shown.

[0058] Figure 4 A rear view of the conveyor engine according to the present invention is shown.

[0059] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Two views of a device according to the invention are shown, which includes the delivery engine disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0060] This invention provides a conveying engine for conveying volatile substances, the conveying engine comprising:

[0061] A main storage section, which contains an initial volume of volatile substance, wherein the volatile substance is configured to evaporate from the main storage section after an activation step is performed; and

[0062] At least one secondary storage section;

[0063] When the conveyor engine is oriented for use:

[0064] At least one secondary storage unit is located below the main storage unit under the influence of gravity; and

[0065] The total volume of at least one secondary storage section located below the main storage section under the influence of gravity is at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile substance.

[0066] As used herein, the word "comprising" can be interpreted as requiring the features mentioned, but not limiting the presence of other features. Alternatively, the word "comprising" can also refer to situations where only the listed components / features are intended to be present (e.g., the word "comprising" can be replaced by the phrases "consisting of" or "substantially consisting of"). It is clearly contemplated that both broader and narrower interpretations can be applied to all aspects and embodiments of the invention. In other words, the word "comprising" and its synonyms can be replaced by the phrases "consisting of" or "substantially consisting of" or their synonyms, and vice versa.

[0067] The phrase “consistently made up of…” and its pseudonym can be interpreted in this text as referring to a substance containing small amounts of other chemicals that do not substantially alter the properties of the substance in question. For example, a substance can be greater than or equal to 90% pure, such as greater than 95% pure, such as greater than 97% pure, such as greater than 99% pure, such as greater than 99.9% pure, such as greater than 99.99% pure, such as greater than 99.999% pure, such as 100% pure.

[0068] As used in this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include a plural of references. Thus, for example, “volatile substance” may include more than one volatile substance.

[0069] As used herein, the term "delivery engine" refers to a component capable of delivering volatile substances into the surrounding atmosphere (e.g., a part of an air purification device). The delivery engine can be a replaceable / consumable part of a device, or it can be provided as part of a single-use, disposable device.

[0070] Typically, the conveyor engine is a single-use engine and is not refillable. Therefore, after the volatile substances evaporate from the conveyor engine, it is intended to be discarded rather than refilled with volatile substances.

[0071] Preferably, the present invention relates to a delivery engine for a non-electric device for continuously, non-electrically delivering volatile substances to the atmosphere. "Non-electrically" means that the device is passive and does not require power from an external energy source. Specifically, the device does not require power from a heat source, gas source, or current source, and the volatile substances are not delivered via aerosol means.

[0072] When the equipment is in a stationary position (i.e., the equipment is not moving), the conveying engine of the present invention is capable of conveying volatile substances in a substantially continuous manner. The emission level of the volatile substances can exhibit a substantially uniform intensity until substantially all volatile substances are depleted. The continuous emission of volatile substances can last for any suitable length of time, including but not limited to periods of up to: 20 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, shorter or longer periods, or any period between 30 and 90 days, such as about 8 weeks (56 days).

[0073] The delivery engine of this invention is suitable for the purpose of providing fragrances, air fresheners, deodorizers, odor reducers, insecticides, insect repellents, pharmaceutical substances, disinfectants, cleaning agents, mood enhancers, and aromatherapy adjuncts, or for any other purpose of using volatile substances for regulating, modifying, or otherwise altering the atmosphere or environment. For the purpose of detailed illustration, but not for limiting the scope of the invention, the invention will be described in the context of air freshening systems for delivering liquids containing fragrance ingredients.

[0074] Main memory section and secondary memory section

[0075] The conveying engine includes a main reservoir section and at least one secondary reservoir section. As used herein, a "reservoir section" refers to a different part or component of the reservoir of the conveying engine. The main reservoir section and the secondary reservoir section may be connected such that they are in fluid (e.g., liquid) communication. Alternatively, they may be provided in a fluidly isolated state, wherein the conveying engine is activated such that, upon activation, the main reservoir section and the secondary reservoir section are in fluid (e.g., liquid) communication.

[0076] As discussed herein, volatile substances are configured to evaporate from the main reservoir portion after an activation step is performed. In this context, evaporation from the main reservoir portion should be understood to mean that volatile substances located within the main reservoir portion can evaporate from the main reservoir portion without first being transferred to a secondary reservoir portion. For example, as discussed in more detail herein, volatile substances can evaporate from the main reservoir portion via a microporous membrane that seals the main reservoir portion. In some embodiments of the invention, volatile substances can be configured to evaporate simultaneously from both the main reservoir portion and at least one secondary reservoir portion, such as via one or more microporous membranes that seal the main reservoir portion and at least one secondary reservoir portion.

[0077] Although the invention is generally described herein with respect to volatile substances being configured to evaporate from the main reservoir portion after the activation step, those skilled in the art will understand that an equivalent delivery engine may be provided, wherein the volatile substances are configured to generally evaporate from the delivery engine.

[0078] Therefore, this document also provides a conveying engine for conveying volatile substances, the conveying engine comprising:

[0079] The main storage section contains an initial volume of volatile material, wherein the volatile material is configured to evaporate from the delivery engine after the activation step is performed; and

[0080] At least one secondary storage section;

[0081] When the conveyor engine is oriented for use:

[0082] At least one secondary storage unit is located below the main storage unit under the influence of gravity; and

[0083] The total volume of at least one secondary storage section located below the main storage section under the influence of gravity is at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile substance.

[0084] Any suitable features of the invention described herein are equally applicable to the aforementioned delivery engine.

[0085] The main reservoir section has a larger volume than each of the sub-reservoir sections, such that the initial volume of the volatile substance is greater than the volume of each of the sub-reservoir sections. Typically, the volume of the main reservoir section and the initial volume of the volatile substance are each greater than the cumulative volume of the sub-reservoir sections. In any case, the volume of the main reservoir section and the initial volume of the volatile substance are each greater than the cumulative volume of the sub-reservoir sections that may simultaneously be located below the main reservoir section under gravity. For example, the volume of the main reservoir section and / or the initial volume of the volatile substance may be at least 1.5 times, at least 2 times, at least 3 times, at least 4 times, at least 5 times, at least 6 times, at least 7 times, at least 8 times, at least 9 times, or at least 10 times the cumulative volume of the sub-reservoir sections that may simultaneously be located below the main reservoir section under gravity.

[0086] This invention is described herein with respect to a conveying engine in which a main reservoir portion contains an initial volume of volatile material. However, those skilled in the art will understand that a portion of the initial volume of the volatile material may be present in at least one secondary reservoir portion. Therefore, in some embodiments of the invention, the conveying engine contains an initial volume of volatile material contained within both the main reservoir portion and optionally the secondary reservoir portions. In such cases, the volume of at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion under gravity is at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile material held integrally within the conveying engine.

[0087] The initial volume of volatile matter refers to the amount of volatile matter present in the delivery engine prior to the activation step. Therefore, in some embodiments of the invention, the delivery engine is an activatable delivery engine, and the initial volume of volatile matter is the amount of volatile matter present prior to activation. As explained herein, the delivery engine is configured such that the volatile matter can evaporate from the delivery engine after the activation step is performed. Therefore, the initial volume of volatile matter can refer to the amount of volatile matter present in the delivery engine at the time of consumer purchase before the delivery engine is activated to allow evaporation of the volatile matter.

[0088] The main reservoir section and the secondary reservoir section can be directly connected (or can be directly connected via an activation step). Alternatively, the main reservoir section and the secondary reservoir section can be connected (or can be connected via an activation step) via one or more conduits extending from the main reservoir section to the secondary reservoir section. In such cases, the conduit can extend from the main reservoir section to a single secondary reservoir section, or to multiple secondary reservoir sections. Thus, the invention includes cases where multiple secondary reservoir sections are connected to the main reservoir section via separate conduits, and cases where multiple secondary reservoir sections are connected to the main reservoir section via a single conduit. As discussed herein, a beneficial effect of the invention is that when residual volatile matter is retained in the conveying engine, it can be contained within at least one secondary reservoir section, which is located below the main reservoir section under gravity during use. Therefore, residual volatile matter is (substantially) invisible within the main reservoir section. To provide this beneficial effect, the volume of the at least one secondary reservoir section located below the main reservoir section under gravity is at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile matter. For the purpose of calculating this percentage, the volume of such a sub-reservoir section is considered to include the volume of any conduit located below the main reservoir section under gravity and connecting the main reservoir section to the sub-reservoir section. Therefore, the term "sub-reservoir section" as used herein can be understood to include any conduit connecting the main reservoir section to the sub-reservoir section.

[0089] To avoid any doubt, the present invention enables residual volatile substances to be partially or completely retained within the secondary reservoir section, thereby reducing or eliminating the presence of residual volatile substances in the primary reservoir section at the end of its lifespan. This more clearly signals to the user that the product has reached the end of its lifespan, and this beneficial effect is achieved even if the residual volatile substances are not completely retained in the secondary reservoir section, because the amount of residual volatile substances visible in the primary reservoir section will be significantly reduced. For example, if the volume of the secondary reservoir section is 4% of the initial volume of the volatile substances, and the amount of residual volatile substances is greater than 4% of the initial volume (e.g., 10%), the present invention will still significantly and advantageously reduce the amount of residual volatile substances remaining in the primary reservoir section and visible to the user at the end of its lifespan.

[0090] The main reservoir section contains volatile substances. At least one secondary reservoir section may also contain volatile substances, or a secondary reservoir section may be configured to be free of volatile substances until activation of the delivery engine, after which the volatile substances may flow or otherwise transfer to one or more secondary reservoir sections. Thus, in some embodiments, at least one secondary reservoir section may contain volatile substances, which may be the same as or different from the volatile substances contained in the main reservoir section. In other embodiments, at least one secondary reservoir section may not contain volatile substances, but the delivery engine may be configured such that, upon activation, volatile substances may flow to at least one secondary reservoir section.

[0091] As described in this article, when the conveyor engine is oriented for use:

[0092] At least one secondary storage unit is located below the main storage unit under the influence of gravity; and

[0093] The total volume of at least one secondary storage section located below the main storage section under the influence of gravity is at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile substance.

[0094] As used herein, “orientation for use” means the orientation in which a conveyor engine, device, or housing can be reasonably positioned during consumer use. For example, if the device includes a base, orientation for use would mean the orientation when the base is placed on a substantially flat surface. If the device includes a hook, orientation for use would mean the orientation resulting from the device being suspended on the hook. In the context of a conveyor engine, “orientation for use” means the orientation in which the conveyor engine will have when placed inside a housing or device suitable for receiving the conveyor engine, and the housing or device is oriented for use as described above. If the conveyor engine, device, or housing is provided as part of a package or kit with instructions for use, then “orientation for use” may mean the orientation resulting from following the instructions for use.

[0095] As used herein, and assuming a first and second reservoir section are fluidly connected, when a secondary reservoir section is "located below the main reservoir section under gravity," the secondary reservoir section is positioned such that liquid present in the main reservoir section can flow to the secondary reservoir section under gravity. Liquid can flow directly from the main reservoir section to the secondary reservoir section via a connector (e.g., an orifice) or via a conduit connecting the main and secondary reservoir sections. When at least one secondary reservoir section is located below the main reservoir section under gravity, the total volume of the at least one secondary reservoir section located below the main reservoir section under gravity is at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile substance. In cases where the secondary reservoir section includes portions located below the main reservoir section and portions not located below the main reservoir section, the volume of the portion located below the main reservoir section is at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile substance. Therefore, when the delivery engine according to the invention contains less than 4% of the initial volume of volatile matter and is oriented in this manner, substantially all of the remaining volatile matter is retained in the secondary reservoir section, and the main reservoir section is substantially empty. Those skilled in the art will understand that small amounts (e.g., droplets) of volatile matter may remain in the main reservoir section.

[0096] In some embodiments of the invention, when the delivery engine is oriented for use, the total volume of at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion under gravity may be 4% to 30% (e.g., 5% to 20%, such as 7% to 15%) of the initial volume of the volatile substance.

[0097] To avoid ambiguity, any endpoint of any range defined herein may be combined with any endpoint of any other range relative to the same variable. Therefore, for the percentage ranges above, the following is explicitly disclosed:

[0098] 4% to 5%, 4% to 7%, 4% to 15%, 4% to 20%, 4% to 30%;

[0099] 5% to 7%, 5% to 15%, 5% to 20%, 5% to 30%;

[0100] 7% to 15%, 7% to 20%, 7% to 30%;

[0101] 15% to 20%, 15% to 30%; and

[0102] 20% to 30%.

[0103] By way of example only, when the delivery engine is oriented for use, the total volume of at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion under gravity may be at least 0.24 mL, such as at least 0.3 mL or at least 0.5 mL. These minimum volumes are applicable to delivery engines containing about 6 mL to about 10 mL of volatile substances.

[0104] There is no particular limitation on the amount of volatile matter remaining in the conveyor engine at the end of its lifespan, and the present invention will provide a beneficially reduced amount of residual volatile matter in the main reservoir, regardless of the absolute amount of volatile matter remaining in the conveyor engine. However, it may be desirable for the conveyor engine to release or evaporate substantially all of the volatile matter during its lifespan, as stated above, which can be any suitable duration, such as, but not limited to, at most: 20 days, 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, shorter or longer periods, or any period between 30 and 90 days, such as about 8 weeks (56 days). In this context, "substantially all of the volatile matter" can mean at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of the volatile matter during the expected lifespan of the conveyor engine. By way of example only, the conveyor engine may have a volume of 49m³. 3 And the average intake / exhaust distance is 2.9m. 3 / min to 4.2m 3 In a room at 23°C and 45% relative humidity, at a rate of 1 / min, at least 85% (preferably at least 90%) of the volatile substances are released over an 8-week period.

[0105] This configuration of the conveyor engine of the present invention advantageously means that, while the user can see the main reservoir section but not the secondary reservoir section, the conveyor engine appears empty, even though a small amount of unevaporated volatile matter exists within the conveyor engine. This helps to avoid user confusion at the end of the conveyor engine's effective lifespan.

[0106] The conveying engine of the present invention may include at least one secondary reservoir portion at each of the two opposite ends of the main reservoir portion. For example, the conveying engine may include at least one secondary reservoir portion at each of the two ends of the conveying engine (e.g., in the longitudinal direction), wherein the main reservoir portion is located between the secondary reservoir portions. This configuration advantageously means that at least one secondary reservoir portion can always be present below the main reservoir portion under the influence of gravity. Furthermore, the conveying engine including at least one secondary reservoir portion at each of the two opposite ends of the main reservoir portion can be placed in the housing in more than one manner (e.g., in two opposite directions), thereby ensuring that at least one secondary reservoir portion is located below the main reservoir portion under the influence of gravity, regardless of the orientation of the conveying engine within the housing. Therefore, the conveying engine may have multiple independent usage orientations that differ from each other by at least 30°, at least 45°, at least 90° or at least 180° (such as about 30°, about 45°, about 90° or about 180°), wherein each orientation provides different secondary storage sections located below the main storage section under gravity, or different combinations of secondary storage sections located below the main storage section under gravity.

[0107] Compared to delivery engines that can only be inserted in one way, this configuration advantageously improves ease of use for consumers while maintaining aesthetically pleasing effects (e.g., symmetry).

[0108] The main reservoir section and the secondary reservoir section can be made of any suitable material. Typically, the main reservoir section is made of a transparent or translucent thermoplastic polymer so that the user can easily observe the fill level of the main reservoir section. For the avoidance of doubt, when used in this context, "transparent or translucent" includes any material having both transparent / translucent and opaque portions, provided that the transparent / translucent portions allow the user to observe the fill level of the main reservoir section.

[0109] From a manufacturing perspective, it might be desirable for one or more sub-reservoir sections to be made of a transparent or translucent thermoplastic polymer. However, one or more sub-reservoir sections can also be formed of opaque materials, such as opaque thermoplastic polymers.

[0110] To avoid any doubt, although the invention is described herein with respect to a conveying engine comprising a single main reservoir section and associated secondary reservoir sections, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be applied to conveying engines comprising two or more different main reservoir sections, each main reservoir section having one or more associated secondary reservoir sections as described herein. For example, a conveying engine may include a first main reservoir section containing a first volatile substance and a second main reservoir section containing a second volatile substance. Each of the first and second main reservoir sections may have one or more associated secondary reservoir sections as described herein. Using two or more main reservoir sections (each containing a different volatile substance) allows for more controlled evaporation of the different volatile substances compared to the case where all volatile substances are contained in a single main reservoir section.

[0111] For the sake of brevity, the term "reservoir" will be used in the following text to refer to both the main reservoir section and the secondary reservoir section.

[0112] microporous membrane

[0113] The delivery engine may include a microporous membrane, which, for simplicity, may be referred to herein as a "membrane". The microporous membrane can seal the reservoir (i.e., the main reservoir portion and at least one secondary reservoir portion) so that volatile substances cannot escape from the delivery engine without passing through the microporous membrane. The microporous membrane can prevent liquid passage, allowing volatile substances to escape from the delivery engine only by passing through or evaporating from the microporous membrane.

[0114] Microporous membranes are vapor-permeable and capable of wicking liquids while preventing free flow of liquids out of the membrane. Microporous membranes can have a volume-average pore size ranging from 0.065 µm to 0.15 µm. Using microporous membranes with such pore sizes offers several advantages as discussed herein.

[0115] Unbound by theory, microporous membranes with a volume average pore size of less than 0.065 µm are believed to provide poor fragrance release. It is also believed that microporous membranes with a higher volume average pore size may suffer from leakage and / or moisture exudation. In some embodiments, the microporous membrane may have a volume average pore size of 0.07 µm to 0.12 µm, such as 0.07 µm to 0.11 µm, or 0.08 µm to 0.1 µm.

[0116] Typically, microporous membranes have a pore size distribution such that at least 50% (such as at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%) of the pores have a pore size of 0.065µm to 0.15µm.

[0117] Microporous membranes may contain polyethylene (e.g., formed from polyethylene), such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), but polyethylene chains of other lengths may also be used. As used herein, UHMWPE refers to polyethylene with a molecular weight of approximately 3.5 million amu to 7.5 million amu.

[0118] The microporous membrane may have a thickness of about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm in the z-direction, alternatively between about 0.2 mm and about 0.4 mm, about 0.22 mm to about 0.37 mm, for example about 0.25 mm to about 0.35 mm.

[0119] Microporous membranes can be formed from a single piece or a single sheet of material. In other words, microporous membranes can be unlaminated. Therefore, microporous membranes can be formed from a single sheet of polyethylene having the thickness described above.

[0120] Those skilled in the art will know that the surface area of ​​the microporous membrane can be varied depending on the size of the preferred delivery engine. In some embodiments, the (evaporation) surface area of ​​the microporous membrane can be approximately 2 cm². 2 Approximately 100cm 2 Another location approximately 10cm away 2 approximately 50cm 2 Another location approximately 10cm away 2 Approximately 45cm 2 Another location approximately 10cm away 2 Approximately 35cm 2 Another location approximately 15cm away 2 Approximately 40cm 2 Another location approximately 15cm away 2 Approximately 35cm 2 Another location approximately 20cm 2 Approximately 35cm 2 Another location approximately 30cm 2 Approximately 35cm 2 Another location approximately 35cm 2 .

[0121] Microporous membranes can have any suitable porosity. For example, based on volume, microporous membranes can have a porosity of 45% to 70%, such as 45% to 65%. In some embodiments of the invention, the porosity can be 50% to 70%, such as 55% to 65%.

[0122] Microporous membranes can have any suitable total pore volume, such as 0.6 cm³. 3 / g to 2cm 3 / g. Typically, the total pore volume can be 0.65 cm³. 3 / g to 1.6cm 3 / g, such as 0.7cm 3 / g to 1.5cm 3 / g. In some embodiments of the present invention, the total pore volume may be 0.8 cm³. 3 / g to 1.4cm 3 / g.

[0123] Microporous membranes can have any suitable bulk density, such as 0.3 g / cm³. 3 Up to 0.8 g / cm 3 Typically, the bulk density can range from 0.35 g / cm³. 3 Up to 0.75 g / cm 3 For example, 0.4 g / cm 3 Up to 0.7 g / cm 3 In some embodiments of the present invention, the bulk density may be 0.4 g / cm³. 3 Up to 0.6 g / cm 3 .

[0124] Microporous membranes suitable for use in this invention include microporous polyethylene membranes having the properties described herein, which are available from Microporous, LLC.

[0125] The microporous membrane may contain any suitable filler and plasticizer known in the art. Fillers may include silica powder, clay, zeolite, carbonates, charcoal, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the microporous membrane may be filled with about 30% to about 80% silica by weight.

[0126] In one aspect of the invention, the microporous membrane may include a dye sensitive to the amount of volatile substance in contact therewith to indicate end of lifetime. Alternatively, the microporous membrane may become transparent upon contact with a fragrance or volatile substance to indicate that diffusion is occurring. Other means known in the art for indicating end of lifetime are contemplated in this invention.

[0127] The membranes described herein advantageously provide clear visual changes when wetted with volatile substances and when dried (whether before use or at the end of their life). These visual changes may be more readily apparent when the membrane does not contain white pigments (e.g., TiO2). Therefore, microporous membranes may contain less than 5% by weight of white pigment, such as less than 1% by weight, less than 0.1% by weight, or less than 0.01% by weight. Microporous membranes may also be free of white pigments.

[0128] When a microporous membrane contains colored or black dyes / pigments, the visual changes when the membrane is wet may be more pronounced compared to when it is dry. Therefore, microporous membranes can contain colored or black dyes / pigments, such as activated carbon. Such colored or black pigments / pigments (e.g., activated carbon) can be present in any suitable amount, such as 0.1% to 5% by weight, for example, 0.3% to 1% by weight.

[0129] The microporous membrane can seal both the primary reservoir section and at least one secondary reservoir section. Therefore, upon activation, the membrane can be configured to allow the evaporation of volatile substances present in both the primary reservoir section and at least one secondary reservoir section.

[0130] Volatile substances

[0131] The delivery engine contains volatile substances.

[0132] As used herein, the term "volatile substance" refers to a substance that evaporates without an energy source at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. A volatile substance can be a composition consisting entirely of a single volatile substance. A volatile substance can also be a mixture of volatile substances (i.e., a mixture having more than one volatile component). For the avoidance of doubt, the term "volatile substance" as used herein includes compositions comprising both volatile and non-volatile components. In other words, not all components of a volatile substance are necessarily volatile. Examples of suitable non-volatile components that may be present in a volatile substance include dyes, UV stabilizers, and antioxidants. Generally, the non-volatile component may be present in an amount less than about 10%, such as less than about 5%. Any suitable volatile substance, including liquids or emulsions, can be used in any amount or form. In some embodiments of the invention, the volatile substance may be a liquid.

[0133] When the volatile substance is a liquid or emulsion, it can preferably be provided in a free-flowing form in the main reservoir section, preferably without being absorbed into the substrate or porous material. In particular, the volatile substance can be provided in a free liquid form without being absorbed into the substrate or porous material (if the volatile substance is provided in contact with the membrane, then in addition to a certain amount of volatile substance that can be absorbed into the membrane). For example, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, greater than 90%, or greater than 95% of the volatile substance can be provided in a free liquid form or in a form that is not absorbed into the substrate or porous material.

[0134] Since volatile substances may include a portion of non-volatile substances, liquids applicable to volatile substances may also include non-volatile components, such as carrier materials (e.g., water, solvents, etc.). It should also be understood that when a volatile substance (e.g., a liquid) is described herein as “evaporating,” “evaporating,” “transporting,” “dispersing,” or “releasing,” this refers to the evaporation of the volatile components of the volatile substance and does not require the dispersion of any or all of the non-volatile components.

[0135] Volatile substances can be in the form of fragrance oils. Many common fragrances are volatile essential oils. Volatile substances can be volatile organic compounds that are generally available from fragrance suppliers. Furthermore, volatile substances can be synthetic or naturally occurring materials. Examples include, but are not limited to: bergamot oil, bitter orange oil, lemon oil, citrus oil, caraway oil, cedarwood oil, clove oil, cedarwood oil, geranium oil, lavender oil, orange oil, oregano oil, small-particle oil, white cedarwood oil, patchouli oil, neroli oil, pure rose oil, etc. In the case of air fresheners or fragrances, different volatile substances can be similar, related, complementary, or significantly different.

[0136] Volatile substances may have a combined vapor pressure of at least 8 Pa (e.g., at least 30 Pa at 25 °C) at 25 °C.

[0137] Volatile substances may also include antiodor compositions capable of neutralizing or reducing odors. Suitable antiodor compositions include cyclodextrins, active aldehydes, active ketones, and ionones, especially active aldehydes and active ketones.

[0138] While not wishing to be bound by theory, the continuous delivery of volatile substances can vary with a variety of factors, including membrane pore size; membrane surface area; the physical properties of the volatile substance, such as molecular weight and saturated vapor pressure (“VP”); and the viscosity and / or surface tension of the composition containing the volatile substance.

[0139] The composition may be formulated such that it comprises a mixture of volatile substances comprising about 10% to about 100% of the volatile substances by weight, each of which has a VP of less than about 0.01 Torr at 25°C; alternatively, about 40% to about 100% of the volatile substances by weight, each of which has a VP of less than about 0.1 Torr at 25°C; alternatively, about 50% to about 100% of the volatile substances by weight, each of which has a VP of less than about 0.1 Torr at 25°C; alternatively, about 90% to about 100% of the volatile substances by weight, each of which has a VP of less than about 0.3 Torr at 25°C. In one embodiment, the volatile mixture may include 0% to 15% by weight of volatile substances, each having a VP of about 0.004 Torr to about 0.035 Torr at 25°C; 0% to 25% by weight of volatile substances, each having a VP of about 0.1 Torr to about 0.325 Torr at 25°C; and about 65% to 100% by weight of volatile substances, each having a VP of about 0.035 Torr to about 0.1 Torr at 25°C. One source for obtaining the saturated vapor pressure of the volatile substances is the EPI Suite available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ™ Version 4.0.

[0140] Two exemplary compositions comprising mixtures of volatile substances with different VPs are shown in Tables 1 and 2 below. These compositions are shown by way of illustration and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0141] Table 1

[0142]

[0143] Table 2

[0144]

[0145] The viscosity of a volatile substance can control how and when it is transported to the microporous membrane. For example, a lower viscosity composition can flow faster than a higher viscosity volatile substance. Therefore, the membrane can be wetted first with a material of lower viscosity. To help prevent liquid from permeating through the microporous membrane, the volatile substance can have a viscosity of less than about 23 cP and a surface tension of less than about 33 mN / m.

[0146] In one embodiment, the viscosity of the composition containing the volatile substance may be from about 1.0 cP to less than about 25 cP, alternatively from about 1.0 cP to less than about 23 cP, or alternatively from about 1.0 cP to less than about 15 cP.

[0147] Compositions containing volatile substances can be designed such that the surface tension of the composition can be from about 19 mN / m to less than about 33 mN / m, alternatively from about 19 mN / m to less than about 30 mN / m, or alternatively from about 19 mN / m to less than about 27 mN / m.

[0148] The volatile material and the surface area of ​​the microporous membrane can be selected so that the delivery engine is configured to release the volatile material into the surrounding environment under ambient conditions and without artificially generated airflow. For example, the delivery engine can be configured to release the volatile material over a desired time period (e.g., 8 weeks) when placed in a static environment such as a small room or cabinet. As those skilled in the art will understand, delivery engines designed for static environments can have a larger membrane surface area and a higher volatile material content compared to products designed to withstand artificial airflow.

[0149] Activation of the delivery engine

[0150] As described herein, the volatile substances contained within the delivery engine are configured to evaporate after the activation step is performed.

[0151] Therefore, the delivery engine can be one from which volatile substances cannot initially evaporate, but can be activated to allow volatile substances to evaporate. In other words, volatile substances can be configured to evaporate from the delivery engine only after the activation step is performed. Thus, volatile substances can be configured to evaporate from the main storage section only after the activation step is performed.

[0152] As used herein, and unless the context forbids it, when a delivery engine is described as allowing the evaporation of volatile substances, this should be understood to cover a delivery engine in a state where the volatile substances are evaporable (e.g., activated), and also to cover an activatable delivery engine from which the volatile substances cannot currently evaporate but which can be activated to a state where the volatile substances are evaporable.

[0153] Similarly, when a delivery engine is described as including conduits for fluid connection of a primary reservoir section and at least one secondary reservoir section, this should be understood to encompass a delivery engine in which the primary reservoir section and at least one secondary reservoir section are fluidly connected via conduits, and in which the primary reservoir section and the secondary reservoir section are not fluidly connected, but will become fluidly connected once an activation step is performed.

[0154] Typically, a delivery engine may include an impermeable barrier that seals off volatile substances, which may be removed or broken to allow the volatile substances to evaporate. In such cases, the activation step referred to herein includes removing or breaking the impermeable barrier.

[0155] Examples of removable impermeable barriers are impermeable membranes, foils, or laminates, such as flexible (e.g., polymer) membranes, flexible (e.g., metal) foils, or composite materials (e.g., foil / polymer membrane laminates). Impermeable membranes, foils, or laminates may be configured to adhere to the conveyor engine to prevent the evaporation of volatile substances and may be peeled off from the conveyor engine or otherwise removed to activate the conveyor engine and allow the evaporation of volatile substances.

[0156] Examples of fractured impermeable barriers are fractured substrates, such as flexible (e.g., polymer) films, flexible (e.g., metal) foils, or composite materials (e.g., foil / polymer film laminates). The fractured substrate can be disposed inside or outside the primary reservoir portion (and optionally the secondary reservoir portion), provided that the fractured substrate prevents the evaporation of volatile substances when in its unruptured form. The fractured substrate can be fractured to allow the evaporation of volatile substances, for example by actuating a fracture element configured to fracture the fractured substrate.

[0157] For example, in some embodiments of the invention where the conveying engine includes a membrane enclosing a reservoir, the conveying engine may also include a removable impermeable laminate (e.g., a plastic film or metal foil) covering the membrane. The removable impermeable laminate serves to prevent volatile substances from evaporating from the membrane before it is removed. The removable impermeable laminate is typically removed by peeling it off to expose the membrane to the surrounding environment, thereby allowing the evaporation of volatile substances.

[0158] In another embodiment of the invention, the conveying engine includes a membrane that seals the reservoir, and the conveying engine may further include:

[0159] A fractable substrate, which is fixed to the reservoir; and

[0160] A fracture element is positioned adjacent to the fractured substrate.

[0161] The microporous membrane thereunder encloses the fractured substrate and the fractured element.

[0162] In such embodiments, a fractured substrate is used to prevent contact between volatile substances and the microporous membrane prior to the desired use of the delivery engine. The fractured substrate can be fractured by actuating a fracture element, and such fracture of the fractured substrate will allow volatile substances to flow through the fractured substrate and contact the microporous membrane. The configuration of the fractured substrate and the fracture element is described in more detail below.

[0163] The fractured substrate can be positioned such that a primary reservoir portion and one or more secondary reservoir portions are fluidly isolated by the fractured substrate prior to rupture (e.g., the fractured substrate can seal the primary reservoir portion but not the secondary reservoir portions, wherein the volatile substance is initially provided in the primary reservoir portion). Alternatively, the fractured substrate can be positioned such that the primary reservoir portion and the secondary reservoir portions are in fluid communication prior to rupture of the fractured substrate (e.g., the fractured substrate can seal both the primary reservoir portion and the secondary reservoir portions). In either case, the fractured substrate prevents the volatile substance from contacting the microporous membrane prior to rupture of the fractured substrate.

[0164] The fractured substrate can be fractured by actuating a fracture element. The fracture element can take any suitable form, such as an element configured to pierce the fractured substrate upon actuation, or an element configured to apply force to another element that will pierce the fractured substrate. The fracture element can be actuated by any suitable means, such as a push button, lever, or hinge that can be incorporated into the housing of the device, or by a protrusion present in the housing of the device that actuates the fracture element when the housing is closed.

[0165] The delivery engine, which includes a fractured substrate and fractured elements, is described in more detail in U.S. Patents 10,561,754, 10,561,755 and 10,561,756.

[0166] size of the conveyor engine

[0167] As described herein, the conveying engine of the present invention can have any suitable size. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the conveying engine can have the dimensions discussed below.

[0168] A conveying engine for conveying volatile substances, the conveying engine comprising:

[0169] A main storage section containing volatile substances, wherein the volatile substances are configured to evaporate from the main storage section after an activation step is performed; and

[0170] At least one secondary storage section;

[0171] When the conveyor engine is oriented for use:

[0172] At least one secondary storage unit is located below the main storage unit under the influence of gravity; and

[0173] The total volume of at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion under the influence of gravity is at least 0.24 mL, optionally at least 0.3 mL, and more optionally at least 0.5 mL.

[0174] Such delivery engines may contain an initial amount of volatile material of about 4 mL to about 10 mL, such as about 5 mL to about 9 mL, such as about 6 mL to about 7.5 mL (i.e., before activation).

[0175] Such a conveying engine may comprise a microporous membrane as described above, wherein the microporous membrane has a (evaporation) surface area as described herein, such as 20 cm². 2 Up to 35cm 2 .

[0176] equipment

[0177] This invention provides an apparatus including the conveying engine described herein. More specifically, this invention provides an apparatus for conveying volatile compositions, the apparatus comprising:

[0178] The housing has a front and a rear; and

[0179] The conveying engine, located within the housing, includes:

[0180] A main storage portion containing volatile substances, wherein the volatile substances are configured to evaporate from the main storage portion, or wherein the volatile substances are configured to evaporate from the main storage portion after an activation step is performed; and

[0181] At least one secondary storage section;

[0182] The housing is configured such that when the device is oriented for use:

[0183] At least one secondary storage unit of the conveyor engine is located below the main storage unit of the conveyor engine under the influence of gravity;

[0184] The main storage section of the delivery engine is visible through the front of the housing, and one or both of (i) and (ii) apply:

[0185] (i) At least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion is at least partially obscured by the front of the housing under the influence of gravity.

[0186] (ii) At least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion under the influence of gravity is formed of an opaque material.

[0187] To avoid any doubt, any features of the conveying engine of the present invention described above can also be applied to the conveying engine of the device of the present invention. Where the features of the conveying engine are described herein with respect to the conveying engine before activation, the corresponding features can be applied to the device of the present invention, whether before or after such activation.

[0188] Therefore, the present invention also provides the above-described device, which includes a conveying engine according to the invention, the conveying engine being in an active or inactive state.

[0189] The housing of the device of the present invention may be openable, so that it can be replaced with a new conveyor engine once the conveyor engine reaches the end of its service life. The housing may include a locking mechanism for releasably closing the housing.

[0190] In the device of the present invention, the main reservoir portion of the delivery engine is generally visible through the front of the housing, allowing the user to easily see the remaining level of volatile substances. The main reservoir portion may be visible through a window portion of the housing and / or may be received by a window portion of the housing. As used herein, a window portion may refer to a cutout portion of the housing or a transparent portion of the housing. However, the device may reach the end of its life before all volatile substances evaporate. The device of the present invention advantageously ensures that when a small amount of volatile substances remain, they are retained in a secondary reservoir portion and are therefore generally not visible in the main reservoir. This secondary reservoir portion may be at least partially obscured by the housing (e.g., not visible through the housing), thereby concealing the residual amount of volatile substances. This reduces the chance that the user may mistakenly believe the device is not at the end of its life.

[0191] Although the secondary reservoir portion containing the remaining volatile substances at the end of its lifespan is preferably not visible to the user, a portion of the secondary reservoir portion may be visible without significantly diminishing the beneficial effects provided by the invention. Thus, at least 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, or 10% of the secondary reservoir portion may be visible through the front of the housing.

[0192] Alternatively, or in addition to at least partially obscuring at least one secondary reservoir portion through the front of the casing, at least one secondary reservoir portion may be formed of an opaque material. This ensures that volatile substances present in any secondary reservoir portion are invisible.

[0193] The housing is configured such that, when the device is in use, the conveying engine is oriented such that at least one secondary reservoir section is positioned below the main reservoir section under gravity. This should be understood to mean that when the device is oriented for normal use, such as standing on a flat surface or adhering to a wall, at least one secondary reservoir section is positioned below the main reservoir section under gravity. This has the effect that when the device is in use and reaches the end of its lifespan, volatile substances are present in at least one secondary reservoir section, and the main reservoir section appears to be (substantially) empty.

[0194] For example, the housing may include a base portion configured to rest on a flat surface. In this case, when the base portion rests on the flat surface, the delivery engine will be oriented such that at least one secondary reservoir portion is positioned below the main reservoir portion under gravity. In such cases, the base portion may be formed from a front portion, a rear portion, different portions of the housing, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the housing may include attachment means for adhering or otherwise attaching / suspending the device to or from a wall or other object / surface, wherein when the housing is as intended attached or suspended, at least one secondary reservoir portion is positioned below the main reservoir portion under gravity. Examples of suitable attachment means are adhesive tape or holes configured to receive hooks for attachment to a wall or ceiling. Those skilled in the art will understand that other attachment means may be used, and the invention is not limited to the attachment means explicitly described herein.

[0195] To facilitate the evaporation of volatile substances, the housing may include multiple orifices to allow the volatile substances to be transferred from the delivery engine to the surrounding environment. It may be desirable for such orifices to be located on the rear of the housing, as this can provide an improved aesthetic effect to the front of the housing. Therefore, the rear of the housing may include multiple orifices for exposing the evaporation portion of the delivery engine. For example, when the delivery engine includes a membrane that encloses a primary reservoir portion and a secondary reservoir portion, and this membrane is configured to allow the evaporation of liquid volatile substances, this membrane can serve as the evaporation portion of the delivery engine. In some embodiments of the invention, the multiple orifices may expose approximately 40% to approximately 90% of the surface area of ​​the evaporation portion of the delivery engine (e.g., the membrane). In some embodiments of the invention, at least approximately 60% of the total surface area of ​​the multiple orifices may be generated by individual orifices of the multiple orifices, each having a diameter of at least 30 mm. 2 The area and aspect ratio of at least about 1:2. Suitable orifice size, shape and percentage of evaporation exposure are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 11,207,440.

[0196] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of illustration only.

[0197] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Two views of a delivery engine 100 are shown, which includes a primary reservoir section 101 and a secondary reservoir section 102. The primary reservoir section 101 contains volatile substances configured to evaporate after an activation step. A conduit region 103 surrounding the primary reservoir section 101 acts as a conduit connecting the primary reservoir section 101 to the secondary reservoir section 102. The primary reservoir section 101 and the secondary reservoir section 102 are enclosed by a microporous membrane (not shown) located on the reverse side of the delivery engine 100. The microporous membrane is configured to allow volatile substances in contact with the membrane to evaporate.

[0198] Figure 2 A front and side view of the delivery engine 100 are shown. Dashed line A indicates the lowest point of the main reservoir section 101, such that when the delivery engine 100 is oriented for use, the components of the delivery engine 100 below dashed line A are positioned below the main reservoir section 101 under gravity. Therefore, when oriented for use, the total volume of the secondary reservoir sections 102 plus the volume of the conduit region 103 located below dashed line A is at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile substance. As described herein, the volume of at least one secondary reservoir section located below the main reservoir section under gravity is at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile substance, and for the purpose of calculating this percentage, the volume of the secondary reservoir section is considered to include the volume of any conduit located below the main reservoir section under gravity and connecting the main reservoir section to the secondary reservoir section. Therefore, for Figure 2 The volume of the conveying engine 100, the secondary storage section 102, and the conduit region 103 located below the dashed line A shown is at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile substance.

[0199] Figure 3 An alternative delivery engine 200 is shown, comprising a primary reservoir portion 201 and a secondary reservoir portion 202 at each of two opposing ends of the primary reservoir portion 201. As shown in FIG1, the delivery engine 200 includes a conduit region 203 surrounding the primary reservoir portion 201, which acts as a conduit for fluidly connecting the primary reservoir portion 201 to the secondary reservoir portion 202. The primary reservoir portion 201 and the secondary reservoir portion 202 are enclosed by a microporous membrane (not shown) located on the reverse side of the delivery engine 200. The microporous membrane is configured to allow evaporation of volatile substances in contact with the microporous membrane. Figure 3 The delivery engine 200 can be inserted into the housing in more than one orientation while still ensuring that the secondary storage section 202 is positioned below the main storage section 201 under gravity. This improves ease of use for the user.

[0200] Figure 4 A rear view of a delivery engine 200 according to the present invention is shown. The delivery engine 200 includes a microporous membrane 204 that encloses a primary reservoir portion and a secondary reservoir portion (not shown), the microporous membrane 204 being configured to allow evaporation of volatile substances in contact with the microporous membrane 204. Figure 4 In the conveyor engine 200 shown, the entire rear surface of the conveyor engine 200 is composed of a microporous membrane 204. Although the conveyor engine 200 is described... Figure 4 But regarding Figure 4 The features shown and described can be equally applied. Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2The conveyor engine 100 shown.

[0201] Figure 5A An apparatus 300 for conveying a volatile composition is shown. The apparatus 300 includes a housing 310 having a front portion 320 and a rear portion 330. The apparatus also includes a conveying engine, as disclosed herein, located within the housing 310. The main reservoir portion 301 of the conveying engine is visible through the front portion 320 of the housing 310, and this main reservoir portion is depicted as being received by a window portion of the housing. However, other portions of the conveying engine are not visible through the front portion 320 of the housing 310. Therefore, the secondary reservoir portions are obscured by the front portion 320 of the housing 310. Figure 5B A more complete view of the rear portion 330 of the housing 310 is shown, which includes a plurality of holes 340 for exposing the evaporation portion (e.g., a microporous membrane) of the delivery engine. The housing 310 is openable so that the delivery engine can be replaced once its lifespan is over, and the rear portion 330 also includes a locking mechanism 350 for releasably closing the housing. However, the device of the present invention is not limited to those devices that include an openable housing.

[0202] when Figure 5A and Figure 5B When the housing is oriented for use (e.g., when the base portion 360 is placed on a flat surface), at least one secondary reservoir portion of the conveyor engine is positioned below the main reservoir portion of the conveyor engine under the influence of gravity.

[0203] 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”.

[0204] 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.

[0205] While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described by way of example, 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 conveying engine for conveying volatile substances, the conveying engine comprising: The main storage section contains an initial volume of volatile material, wherein the volatile material is configured to evaporate from the main storage section after an activation step is performed. and At least one secondary storage section; Wherein the conveying engine is oriented for use: At least one secondary storage unit is located below the main storage unit under the influence of gravity; and The total volume of the at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion under the influence of gravity is at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile substance.

2. The conveying engine of claim 1, wherein when the conveying engine is oriented for use, the total volume of the at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion under gravity is 4% to 30% of the initial volume of the volatile substance. Optionally, it is 5% to 20% of the initial volume of the volatile substance; More optionally, it is 7% to 15% of the initial volume of the volatile substance.

3. The conveying engine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein (a) or (b) applies: (a) The main storage section and at least one secondary storage section are in fluid communication, or (b) The delivery engine is configured such that, after the activation step is performed, the main storage portion and at least one secondary storage portion are in fluid communication.

4. The conveying engine according to claim 3, wherein when: The conveying engine is oriented such that at least one secondary storage unit is positioned below the main storage unit under gravity, and The main storage unit is in fluid communication with at least one secondary storage unit. The at least one secondary storage unit is capable of holding a certain volume of volatile material, the volume being at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile material in a state where it is located below the main storage unit under the influence of gravity.

5. The conveying engine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying engine is a single-use conveying engine, and / or wherein the conveying engine is non-refillable.

6. The delivery engine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the volatile substance is configured to evaporate simultaneously from both the main reservoir portion and at least one secondary reservoir portion after the activation step is performed.

7. The delivery engine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the delivery engine includes a microporous membrane that encloses the primary reservoir portion and the secondary reservoir portion, wherein the microporous membrane is configured to allow evaporation of volatile substances in contact with the microporous membrane.

8. The delivery engine of claim 7, wherein after the activation step is performed, the microporous membrane is configured to allow the evaporation of volatile substances present in both the main reservoir portion and at least one secondary reservoir portion.

9. The delivery engine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the delivery engine is used in a housing, and the main storage portion is configured to be received by a window portion of the housing.

10. The delivery engine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main reservoir portion is formed of a transparent or translucent material.

11. The conveying engine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying engine is used in a housing, and one or both of (i) and (ii) are applicable: (i) The at least one secondary storage portion is configured to be at least partially shielded by the housing; (ii) The at least one secondary reservoir portion is formed of an opaque material.

12. The conveying engine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying engine includes at least one secondary storage portion at each of the two opposite ends of the main storage portion.

13. The delivery engine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the delivery engine is configured to release volatile substances into the surrounding environment without artificially generated airflow.

14. A conveying engine for conveying volatile substances, the conveying engine comprising: A main storage section that contains volatile substances, wherein the volatile substances are configured to evaporate from the main storage section after an activation step is performed; and At least one secondary storage section; Wherein the conveying engine is oriented for use: At least one secondary storage unit is located below the main storage unit under the influence of gravity; and The total volume of the at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion under the influence of gravity is at least 0.24 mL, optionally at least 0.3 mL, and more optionally at least 0.5 mL.

15. An apparatus for conveying a volatile composition, the apparatus comprising: An outer casing having a front portion and a rear portion; and A conveying engine located within the housing, the conveying engine comprising: A main storage portion containing volatile substances, wherein the volatile substances are configured to evaporate from the main storage portion, or wherein the volatile substances are configured to evaporate from the main storage portion after an activation step is performed; and At least one secondary storage section; The housing is configured such that when the device is oriented for use: At least one secondary storage unit of the conveying engine is located below the main storage unit of the conveying engine under the influence of gravity. The main storage portion of the delivery engine is visible through the front of the housing, and one or both of (i) and (ii) apply: (i) The at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion is at least partially obscured by the front portion of the housing under the influence of gravity; (ii) The at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion under the influence of gravity is formed of an opaque material.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the rear portion of the housing includes a plurality of holes for exposing the evaporation portion of the delivery engine. Optionally, the delivery engine includes a microporous membrane that encloses the primary reservoir portion and the secondary reservoir portion, wherein the microporous membrane is configured to allow evaporation of liquid volatiles, and wherein the evaporation portion of the delivery engine is the microporous membrane.

17. The device of claim 15 or 16, wherein the housing is openable and the conveying engine is replaceable. Optionally, the housing includes a releasable locking mechanism for releasably closing the housing.

18. The device according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein when the device is oriented for use, the total volume of the at least one secondary reservoir portion located below the main reservoir portion under gravity is at least 4% of the initial volume of the volatile substance.

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