Device with a housing made of at least three layers of material for releasing a volatile substance into the ambient air

Abstract

Device (1) for releasing a volatile substance into the ambient air, with a) a housing (10) which - contains a first material with at least three layers and wherein (i) a first layer of the at least three-layer first material contains or consists of a paper or a cardboard or a paperboard, (ii) a second layer of the at least three-layer first material contains or consists of polyethylene, and (iii) a third layer of the at least three-layer first material contains or consists of oriented polypropylene and this third layer has a barrier function against the permeation of the volatile substance, and b) an insert (20) made of a second material arranged within the housing (10), the second material being provided with the volatile substance, the second material being one of the following materials or comprising one or more of the materials mentioned: - a vegetable fiber or - sucrose or starch or - a mineral material.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for releasing a volatile substance, in particular a fragrance or insecticidal active ingredient, into the ambient air, comprising a housing which comprises a first material having at least three layers, wherein a first layer contains or consists of paper or cardboard, a second layer contains or consists of polyethylene (PE), and a third layer contains or consists of oriented polypropylene (e.g. (B)OPP).

[0002] Similar devices are known, for example, from US 4 258 874 A, US 4 166 565 A and US 4 279 373 A and have a housing which is made, for example, from paper or cardboard. Typically, a dispensing device is arranged within the housing which can release a volatile substance, e.g. a fragrance, during use of the device. With these devices, it has proven disadvantageous that the volatile substance can diffuse through the paper or cardboard housing before the device is actually used. As a result, only a reduced amount of the volatile substance is available during the usage interval of the device. A further disadvantage is that after use of the device, residues which are not biodegradable typically remain in the housing. This makes the disposal or recycling of such devices more difficult.

[0003] Another device for dispensing a fragrance is known from US Pat. No. 4,712,737 A. This device comprises a housing made of coated cardboard and a dispensing device arranged within the housing, which can be formed, for example, from a gel system, a fabric, or a nonwoven. Even with this device, non-biodegradable residues can remain in the housing after use.

[0004] German patent application No. 10 2020 120 951.7 discloses a device for releasing a volatile substance, in particular a fragrance or insecticidal agent, into the ambient air.

[0005] From document EP 3 082 432 B1 a treatment housing for controlling pests in connection with infested articles is known, the treatment housing comprising: a device for releasing pesticidal vapors by evaporation, the device comprising a substrate pre-dosed with a volume of pesticidal composition to provide the pesticidal vapors effective for controlling pests within a volume of the treatment housing;and a structure for fully or partially sealing the treatment enclosure to contain pesticidal vapors released from the device within the treatment enclosure, wherein the treatment enclosure comprises a volume of between 10 l and 200 l and the substrate has been pre-dosed with between 10 ml and 200 ml of pesticidal composition, or the treatment enclosure comprises a volume of between 100 l and 1200 l and the substrate has been pre-dosed with between 100 ml and 1 l of pesticidal composition, or the substrate has been pre-dosed with a volume of pesticidal composition in the range of 10 ml to 100 ml of the pesticidal composition per 100 l of the volume of the treatment enclosure; wherein the pesticidal composition comprises a combination of neem oil and acetophenone.;

[0006] Furthermore, a container for containing an insect-repelling or insecticidal volatile chemical or the like is also known from JP 2003 250 416 A. This container comprises a cylindrical main body formed from a sheet-like member and having volatilization holes. Through the volatilization holes, a volatile substance can be released from the volatile material contained in the main body. Furthermore, the container comprises a first holding hole for receiving a holding element consisting of a pair of sheet-like bottom projections extending from an opening portion of the cylindrical main body and in which the tip portion of one of the sheet-like bottom projections is arranged on the inside of the container as the root portion of the other sheet-like bottom projection.Furthermore, the container comprises a leaf-like upper projection which has a second holding hole for receiving the holding element for hanging the container and can be bent towards the main body. Disclosure of the invention

[0007] An object of the present invention is to facilitate the disposal or recycling of a device for releasing a volatile substance into the ambient air.

[0008] To achieve the object, a device for releasing a volatile substance, in particular a fragrance or an insecticidal agent, into the ambient air is proposed, with a) a housing (10) which - contains a first material with at least three layers and wherein (i) a first layer of the at least three-layer first material contains or consists of a paper or a cardboard or a paperboard, and (ii) a second layer of the at least three-layer first material contains or consists of polyethylene (PE), and (iii) a third layer of the at least three-layer first material contains or consists of oriented polypropylene (e.g. (B)OPP) and at least this third layer has a barrier function against the permeation of the volatile substance, and - if necessary, has one or more additional barrier layers with a barrier function against the permeation of the volatile substance, and b) an insert (20) arranged within the housing (10) made of a second material, wherein the second material is provided with the volatile substance, in particular impregnated, wherein the second material is one of the following materials or comprises one or more of the materials mentioned: - a vegetable fiber or - sucrose or starch or - a mineral material.

[0009] Such devices can also be referred to as air fresheners, insect killers or insect repellent.

[0010] The device according to the invention comprises a housing made of a first material. This first material has a first layer containing or consisting of paper, cardboard or paperboard, a second layer containing or consisting of polyethylene (PE) and a third layer containing or consisting of oriented polypropylene (e.g. (B)OPP). A further component of the device is an insert made of a second material, which is preferably different from the first material. Thus, the first and second materials can be selected specifically for their respective functions. While the first material of the housing must form a barrier function for the volatile substance before the device is used, the second material should have the best possible properties relevant to the release of the volatile substance. The second material is a plant fiber or sucrose or starch or a mineral material.The second material is impregnated with the volatile substance, specifically, so that it can be released from the housing into the ambient air. The device's insert can also be easily disposed of or recycled after use. It is possible to dispose of the housing and insert together, i.e., without having to separate them, e.g., in the paper or packaging waste ("yellow bag").

[0011] According to the invention, the first layer (typically “outer layer”) of the first material contains or includes paper, cardboard or paperboard, in particular cardboard, i.e. preferably a specific vegetable fiber. An “outer layer” is preferably a layer which can be at least partially seen when viewing the finished device without having to disassemble the finished device. If several layers can be at least partially seen when viewing the finished device without having to disassemble the finished device, the device preferably has several “outer layers”. An “outer layer” can preferably be understood as a layer which is spatially facing away from the insert. Preferably, the first layer of the first material which contains or consists of paper, cardboard or paperboard is an “outer layer”.

[0012] According to the invention, the second layer of the first material, which contains or consists of polyethylene (PE), serves as an adhesion promoter between the first layer of the first material and the third layer of the first material. Preferred polyethylenes include low-density polyethylene (LDPE / PE-LD), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE / PE-LLD) and / or high-density polyethylene (HDPE / PE-HD). "LDPE" refers to low-density polyethylene, which has a density in the range of, for example, 0.86 to 0.93 g / cm 3 and is characterized by a high degree of branching of the molecules. "HDPE" refers to high-density polyethylene, which has only a low degree of branching of the molecular chain, with a density in the range of, for example, 0.94 to 0.97 g / cm 3 can lie.

[0013] According to the invention, the third layer (typically "inner layer") of the first material, which contains or includes oriented polypropylene (e.g. (B)OPP), serves as a barrier layer. The polypropylene can be stretched, for example, in a transverse or longitudinal direction (monoaxial = OPP) or in both directions (biaxial = BOPP). This layer has excellent barrier properties against, for example, odors, aromas, gases and water vapor. Preferably, the third layer of the first material is water-repellent and / or at least partially acrylic-coated. Furthermore, this barrier layer has a barrier function against the permeation of the volatile substance. Such a barrier layer is understood to be a layer that has low permeability for the volatile substance. The barrier layer can prevent the volatile substance from escaping from the housing before activation of the device.The barrier layer can maintain such a high partial pressure of the volatile substance inside the housing that further diffusion of the volatile substance from the insert is prevented. An "inner layer" is preferably a layer which is at least partially invisible when viewing the finished device without having to disassemble the finished device. If multiple layers are at least partially invisible when viewing the finished device without having to disassemble the finished device, the device preferably has multiple "inner layers". An "inner layer" can preferably be understood as a layer which spatially faces the insert. Preferably, the third layer of the first material, which contains or includes oriented polypropylene (e.g. (B)OPP), is an "inner layer".

[0014] Suitable paper, cardboard, paperboard, polyethylene (PE) and oriented polypropylene (e.g. (B)OPP) are generally known to a person skilled in the art and are commercially available.

[0015] The (i) first layer of the at least three-layer first material, the (ii) second layer of the at least three-layer first material and / or the (iii) third layer of the at least three-layer first material can, if necessary, each independently of one another, contain one or more additives selected from the group comprising antistatic agents, antioxidants, antiblocking agents, antifogging agents, antimicrobial agents, dyes, color pigments, stabilizers, preferably heat stabilizers, process stabilizers, process aids, flame retardants, nucleating agents, crystallization agents, preferably crystal nucleating agents, lubricants, optical brighteners, flexibilizers, sealants, plasticizers, silanes, spacers, fillers, peel additives, waxes, wetting agents, surface-active compounds, preferably surfactants, and dispersants.

[0016] The (i) first layer of the at least three-layered first material, the (ii) second layer of the at least three-layered first material and / or the (iii) third layer of the at least three-layered first material can, each independently of one another, contain 0.01-20 wt.%, preferably 0.1-10 wt.%, each based on the total weight of an individual layer, of at least one of the above-mentioned additives.

[0017] In addition to the third layer of the first material, which contains or consists of oriented polypropylene (e.g. (B)OPP), the housing may additionally have a further barrier layer with a barrier function against the permeation of the volatile substance.

[0018] The additional barrier layer preferably consists of polyamide, polyester, aluminum, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, silicon dioxide, and / or polyvinyl alcohol. These materials exhibit good barrier properties, particularly low permeability to volatile substances, especially fragrances or insecticidal agents. A design with polyvinyl alcohol offers the advantage that the additional barrier layer is water-soluble and can therefore be disposed of more easily. Overall, this enables simplified recycling of the device.

[0019] The first material can also have several, preferably two, three, four, or five, additional barrier layers. Each of the additional barrier layers can be made of polyamide, polyester, aluminum, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, silicon dioxide, and / or polyvinyl alcohol. For example, the additional barrier layers can have different permeabilities for different volatile substances. In this way, a housing can be obtained that has a barrier function for several volatile substances, for example, for several substances in a substance mixture, e.g., a fragrance mixture.

[0020] Preferably, the additional barrier layer is arranged between two layers of the first material, preferably between the first layer of the first material and the second layer of the first material, or between the second layer of the first material and the third layer of the first material. This allows a compact design of the housing to be achieved. Furthermore, the additional barrier layer can be protected from environmental influences by the two layers of the first material. When using an additional barrier layer made of polyvinyl alcohol, it can be protected, for example, from the effects of water by the two layers of the first material, thus preventing undesired damage to the additional barrier layer.Optionally, a further additional layer can be arranged between the additional barrier layer and the two layers of the first material, for example a protective layer and / or a sealing layer.

[0021] Alternatively, it is preferred if the additional barrier layer is formed as a coating of a layer of the first material, in particular as a coating on an inner side of the housing, ie the third layer of the first material.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the first material contains exactly three layers, namely (i) a first layer containing or consisting of paper, cardboard, or paperboard, in particular cardboard, (ii) a second layer containing or consisting of polyethylene (PE), and (iii) a third layer containing or consisting of oriented polypropylene (e.g., (B)OPP). Such a structure corresponds to the arrangement "paper, cardboard, or paperboard as the outer layer - polyethylene as the adhesion promoter - oriented polypropylene as the inner layer."

[0023] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the housing has a base on which the housing can stand on a substrate, wherein the base is designed to be water-repellent. For example, the housing can have a water-repellent coating in the area of the base. The coating can comprise a nanomaterial.

[0024] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the vegetable fiber is a paper or a cardboard or a paperboard, for example groundwood board or cellulose board.

[0025] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the vegetable fiber is wood pulp, in particular groundwood, or cellulose or cotton fiber or grass fiber.

[0026] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the mineral material is rock flour or bentonite or silica gel.

[0027] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the insert has several layers of the second material, in particular several layers of groundwood cardboard, which are connected to one another, in particular by an adhesive. Because the insert is formed from several layers of the plant fiber, the weight of the insert and thus also the weight of the entire device can be adjusted. It has been found that users consider such devices to be more valuable if the devices have a certain weight - i.e. are not too light. Therefore, by selecting the number of layers, for example four or five or six or seven or eight, a predetermined weight of the device can be set. In addition, the increased weight of the insert has the advantage that the volatile substance, in particular the fragrance or the insecticidal active ingredient, is distributed over a greater mass of the insert.This dilutes the volatile substance to such an extent that no unpleasant, strong odor is perceptible in the immediate vicinity of the device's casing. This can also contribute to the device's perceived quality by the user. As an alternative to bonding with an adhesive, the layers can be connected using one or more nails, staples, eyelets, bolts, or strips, for example, a strip of metal, wood, a polymer, glass, or stone.

[0028] If the insert comprises multiple layers of groundwood board, it is advantageous if the groundwood board comprises a layer of groundwood arranged between two cover layers. The cover layers preferably each comprise cellulose or paper, particularly preferably cellulose and paper. The groundwood board preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm, for example 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, or 2.4 mm.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the layers each have a basis weight in the range of 350 g / m 2 up to 950 g / m 2 , preferably 450 g / m 2 up to 600 g / m 2 or 600 g / m 2 up to 800 g / m 2 , have. Layers with such a basis weight have proven particularly good for adjusting the weight of the interlining.

[0030] Alternatively, it is advantageous if the layers each have a thickness in the range of 0.2 mm to 2.5 mm and a basis weight in the range of 350 g / m 2 up to 950 g / m 2 have, preferably - a thickness in the range of 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm and a basis weight in the range of 350 g / m 2 up to 400 g / m 2 or - a thickness in the range of 1.1 mm to 1.3 mm and a basis weight in the range of 450 g / m 2 up to 550 g / m 2 or - a thickness in the range of 1.3 mm to 1.5 mm and a basis weight in the range of 490 g / m 2 up to 570 g / m 2 or - a thickness in the range of 1.5 mm to 1.7 mm and a basis weight in the range of 580 g / m 2 up to 660 g / m 2 or - a thickness in the range of 1.7 mm to 1.9 mm and a basis weight in the range of 630 g / m 2 up to 750 g / m 2 or - a thickness in the range of 1.9 mm to 2.1 mm and a basis weight in the range of 700 g / m 2 up to 850 g / m 2 or - a thickness in the range of 2.3 mm to 2.5 mm and a basis weight in the range of 800 g / m 2 up to 1000 g / m 2 .

[0031] Layers with such a combination of thickness and basis weight have proven particularly good for adjusting the weight of the interlining.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the adhesive is biodegradable. The use of a biodegradable adhesive makes it possible to provide an insert that is even easier to dispose of, particularly recycled or industrially composted. Particularly preferably, the adhesive complies with the European standard EN 13432 and is "fully biodegradable" within the meaning of this standard. Alternatively, a non-biodegradable adhesive can be used.

[0033] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the insert has at least a first layer, which is in particular formed over the entire surface, and at least one second layer, which has at least one recess, in particular a punched-out portion. The punched-out portion can form a receptacle for the volatile material. In this respect, it is possible to add volatile material, for example in liquid form, to the receptacle formed by the recess. The volatile material can be drawn into the insert from the recess. The at least one recess can be elongated, for example, as a groove.

[0034] In this context, a design has proven advantageous in which the second layer forms an outer surface of the insert.

[0035] An advantageous embodiment provides that the insert has a plurality of second layers, wherein the recesses of the plurality of second layers are arranged congruently one above the other.

[0036] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that a time-temperature indicator is arranged on an outer side of the housing. The time-temperature indicator can indicate the end of the device's usability. This can show a user of the device whether the device can still be used or has already been disposed of or can be recycled. The time-temperature indicator preferably comprises heat- and UV-sensitive pigments. These pigments can be activated by a manufacturer of the device at the end of the manufacturing process by irradiation with UV light, whereby the UV dose used depends on the shelf life. Particularly preferably, the heat- and UV-sensitive pigments are covered by a UV-impermeable film so that subsequent tampering with UV light is not possible.

[0037] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the housing has a first housing part and a second housing part, wherein the first housing part and / or the second housing part comprises a receptacle for the insert, wherein the first housing part has one or more openings, in particular through-openings, through which the volatile substance can be released into the ambient air, and the second housing part can be moved from a closed position, in which it covers the openings, in particular through-openings, of the first housing part, into an open position, in which the openings, in particular through-openings, of the first housing part are released for the release of the volatile substance. With such an embodiment, the release of the volatile substance can be activated by moving the two housing parts relative to one another.In the closed position, the second, particularly outer, housing part covers the through-openings in the first, particularly inner, housing part. Since the first material of the inner and outer housing parts limits, and in particular prevents, the volatile substance from escaping, the partial pressure of the volatile substance within the housing remains constant at a level that prevents the volatile substance from escaping from the insert. When the device is activated by moving the housing parts, the one or more through-openings are exposed. Consequently, the ambient air can circulate through the through-openings, and the volatile substance can be released into the ambient air.

[0038] The first and the second housing part preferably have a floor plan of identical shape, for example round, triangular, quadrangular, in particular square, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal.

[0039] Preferably, a locking element is arranged on the first housing part and / or the second housing part, preventing the two housing parts from being completely separated from each other. This can prevent unwanted exposure of the insert, especially by children. In this respect, such a design can increase child safety.

[0040] An alternative, advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the housing has a first housing part, a second housing part and a third housing part, wherein the first housing part and / or the second housing part comprises a receptacle for the insert, wherein the third housing part has one or more through-openings through which the volatile substance can be released into the ambient air, wherein the first housing part and / or the second housing part can be moved from a closed position, in which the first housing part and / or the second housing part covers the through-openings of the third housing part, into an open position in which the through-openings of the third housing part are released for the release of the volatile substance. In such an embodiment, the release of the volatile substance can be initiated by moving the first and / or the second housing part relative to the third housing part.In the closed position, the first and / or second housing part covers the through-openings in the third housing part, which in the closed position is preferably arranged within the first and / or second housing part. Since the first material of the housing can limit, in particular prevent, the volatile substance from escaping, the partial pressure of the volatile substance within the housing remains constant at a level that prevents the volatile substance from escaping from the insert. When the device is activated by moving the first and / or second housing part relative to the third housing part, the one or more through-openings are opened. Consequently, the ambient air can circulate through the through-openings and the volatile substance can be released into the ambient air.

[0041] In such a configuration, the first housing part and the second housing part can be identically formed. The third housing part can have the shape of a tube, wherein a floor plan of the tube is identical to a floor plan of the first and / or second housing part, in particular round, triangular, quadrangular, in particular square, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal.

[0042] Preferably, a first locking element is arranged on the third housing part, which interacts with another first locking element on the first housing part, and a second locking element is arranged on the third housing part, which interacts with another second locking element on the second housing part. These locking elements can prevent the first and second housing parts from completely separating from the third housing part. This can prevent unwanted exposure of the insert, especially by children. In this respect, child safety can be increased by such a design.

[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment, a gap between the first housing part and the second housing part is covered in the closed position by a removable barrier element, which comprises or is formed from a barrier material with a barrier function against the permeation of the volatile substance. The barrier material can be, for example, polyamide, polyester, aluminum, or polyvinyl alcohol. The removable barrier element is preferably designed as a banderol. Alternatively, the removable barrier element can be designed as a release film.

[0044] In a device according to one of the embodiments described above, having a first, a second, and optionally a third housing part, it is preferably provided that the second housing part, starting from the closed position, is movable towards the open position in such a way that ambient air is sucked into the housing and / or that the second housing part, starting from the open position, is movable towards the closed position in such a way that air enriched with the volatile substance is forced out of the housing. By successively opening and closing the housing, i.e. successively moving it from the closed position to the open position and then back towards the closed position, a short-term, stronger release of the volatile substance from the device can be achieved, for example a short-term, stronger release of fragrance into the ambient air.

[0045] An alternative advantageous embodiment provides that the housing has a receptacle for the insert and one or more through-openings through which the volatile substance can be released into the ambient air, wherein the through-openings are provided with a removable barrier element, for example a film. The barrier element can be designed, for example, as a release film. Alternatively, it can be provided that the removable barrier element is a removable housing element made of the first material of the housing. For example, the removable housing element can be connected to the rest of the housing via a perforation. This perforation can be severed upon removal of the housing element.

[0046] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not limit the scope of the invention. Short description of the characters The Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a device for releasing a volatile substance into the ambient air according to a first embodiment in a closed position. The Fig. 2 shows the device according to Fig. 1 when removing the vapor barrier element. The Fig. 3 shows the device according to Fig. 1 in an open position. The Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a device for releasing a volatile substance into the ambient air according to a second embodiment in a closed position. The Fig. 5 shows the device according to Fig. 4 in an open position. The Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a device for releasing a volatile substance into the ambient air according to a third embodiment in an open position. The Fig. 7 shows an inner housing part of a housing of the device according to Fig. 6. The Fig. 8 shows the device according to Fig. 6 in a closed position. The Fig. 9a shows an insert of the device according to Fig. 1 in a top view. The Fig. 9b shows an insert of the device according to Fig. 1 in a side view. The Fig. 10a shows an insert of the device according to Fig. 4 in a top view. The Fig. 10b shows an insert of the device according to Fig. 4 in a side view. The Fig. 11 shows an alternative insert of the devices according to Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 in a perspective view. Embodiments of the invention

[0047] In the various figures, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols and are therefore usually named or mentioned only once.

[0048] The representation in Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device 1 for releasing a volatile substance, for example in the form of a fragrance or insecticidal agent, into the ambient air according to a first embodiment of the invention. The device 1 comprises a housing 10 made of a three-layer first material and further comprises a barrier layer with a barrier function against the permeation of the volatile substance and a Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b, which is arranged within the housing 10. The insert 20 consists of a second material, which is a plant fiber material, in particular a paper, a cardboard, or a paperboard, wherein the second material is provided with the volatile substance, in particular impregnated.

[0049] The housing 10 comprises a receptacle for the insert and one or more through-openings 12 through which the volatile substance can be released into the ambient air, wherein the through-openings 12 are provided with a removable barrier element 11, for example a film, in a closed position of the housing 10, cf. Fig. 1. Alternatively, the removable barrier element 11 can be a removable housing element made of the first material of the housing 10. For example, the removable housing element can be connected to the rest of the housing 10 via a perforation. This perforation can be severed upon removal of the housing element 11.

[0050] The representation in Fig. 2 shows an example of the removal of this barrier element 11 from the through openings 12.

[0051] In Fig. 3, the housing 10 is shown in an open position in which the through-openings are exposed so that ambient air can circulate through them and the volatile substance, for example fragrance, of the insert 20 can escape from the interior of the housing 10. The barrier element 11 is according to Fig. 3 completely removed from the housing 10.

[0052] The three-layer first material of the housing 10 of the device 1 comprises a first layer of paper, cardboard, or paperboard, a second layer of polyethylene, and a third layer of oriented polypropylene or biaxially oriented polypropylene. It further comprises a barrier layer or barrier element 11, for example consisting of polyamide, polyester, aluminum, or polyvinyl alcohol. This barrier layer can be arranged in contact with a layer of the three-layer first material, in particular the paper, cardboard, or paperboard. Furthermore, it can be provided that the barrier layer is formed from the three-layer material of paper, cardboard or paperboard, polyethylene, and oriented polypropylene or biaxially oriented polypropylene.

[0053] Furthermore, a time-temperature indicator 17 is arranged on the outside of the housing 10, via which the shelf life of the volatile substance can be displayed.

[0054] In Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention for releasing a volatile substance into the ambient air. The device 1 according to the second embodiment also comprises a housing 10 made of a first three-layer material, which is formed from a first layer of paper, cardboard or paperboard, a second layer of polyethylene, and a third layer of oriented polypropylene or biaxially oriented polypropylene. Furthermore, it has an additional barrier layer with a barrier function against the permeation of the volatile substance, as well as a Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b, which is arranged within the housing 10. The insert 20 consists of a second material, which is a plant fiber material, in particular a paper, a cardboard, or a paperboard, wherein the second material is provided with the volatile substance, in particular impregnated.

[0055] What has been said about the first material according to the first embodiment also applies to the second embodiment. Therefore, reference is made to the description. Fig. 1-3.

[0056] In contrast to the first embodiment, the housing 10 according to the second embodiment comprises a first housing part 13 with a receptacle for the insert, wherein the first housing part 13 has one or more through-openings 12 through which the volatile substance can be released into the ambient air, and a second housing part 14, which consists of a Fig. 4 shown closed position, in which it covers the through openings 12 of the first housing part, into a Fig. 5 shown open position, in which the through openings of the first housing part are released for the release of the volatile substance.

[0057] The housing 10 according to the second embodiment also has a time-temperature indicator 17, via which the shelf life of the fragrance or the insecticidal active ingredient can be displayed.

[0058] In Fig. Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention for releasing a volatile substance into the ambient air. The device 1 according to the third embodiment also comprises a housing 10 made of a first three-layer material, which is formed from a first layer of paper, cardboard or paperboard, a second layer of polyethylene and a third layer of oriented polypropylene or biaxially oriented polypropylene, as well as an additional barrier layer with a barrier function against the permeation of the volatile substance and a Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b, which is arranged within the housing 10. The insert 20 consists of a second material, which is a plant fiber material, in particular a paper, a cardboard, or a paperboard, wherein the second material is provided with the volatile substance, in particular impregnated.

[0059] What has been said about the first material according to the first embodiment also applies to the second embodiment. Therefore, reference is made to the description. Fig. 1-3.

[0060] The housing 10 of the device 1 according to the third exemplary embodiment comprises a first housing part 13, a second housing part 14, and a third housing part 15. The first and second housing parts 13, 14 are identical in this exemplary embodiment. Both the first and second housing parts 13, 14 have a receptacle for the insert 20, but only one of the two housing parts 13, 14 is equipped with the insert 20.

[0061] The third housing part 15 is designed in the manner of a tube or sleeve and comprises several through-openings 12 through which the volatile substance can be released into the ambient air, provided that these are released by the first and / or second housing part 13, 14. Because in the Fig. 8, the first housing part 13 and the second housing part 14 cover the through openings 12 of the third housing part 15. The first and second housing parts 13, 14 can be moved from this closed position into an open position, which in Fig. 6 and in which the through openings 12 of the third housing part 15 are opened for the release of the volatile substance.

[0062] The housing 10 can additionally comprise a removable barrier element, for example, a barrier element designed as a banderol, which covers a gap between the first housing part 13 and the second housing part 14 in the closed position. This barrier element comprises or is formed from a barrier material with a barrier function against the permeation of the volatile substance.

[0063] The third housing part 15 of the housing 10 is in Fig. 7. This illustration shows that a plurality of first locking elements 16 are arranged on the third housing part, which can interact with further first locking elements on the first housing part 13. Furthermore, the third housing part 15 comprises a plurality of second locking elements 16', which can interact with further second locking elements on the second housing part 14. The first locking elements 16 are arranged on a first side of the third housing part 15, which is opposite a second side of the third housing part, on which the second locking elements 16' are arranged. In this respect, when the housing is assembled, the first locking elements 16 face the first housing part 13 and the second locking elements 16' face the second housing part 14. The first and second locking elements 16, 16' are designed as folded sections of the third housing part 15.

[0064] A housing 10 in the closed position with a first housing part 13 and a second housing part 14 is in Fig. 8 shown.

[0065] Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b shows the insert 20 of the first embodiment. This insert 20 has a rectangular cross-section with rounded corners. The insert 20 consists of several, here five, layers 21 of the plant fiber material, for example, groundwood board or cellulose board, bonded together by an adhesive. The adhesive is preferably biodegradable. The layers each have a basis weight in the range of 350 g / m 2 up to 950 g / m 2 , preferably 450 g / m 2 up to 600 g / m 2 or 600 g / m 2 up to 800 g / m 2 Alternatively, it can be provided that the layers each have a thickness in the range of 0.8 mm to 2.5 mm and a basis weight in the range of 350 g / m 2 up to 950 g / m 2 have.

[0066] Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b shows the insert 20 of the second and third embodiments. This insert 20 has a square cross-section with rounded corners. The insert 20 consists of several, here five, layers 21 of the plant fiber material, for example, groundwood board or cellulose board, bonded together by an adhesive. The adhesive is preferably biodegradable. The layers each have a basis weight in the range of 350 g / m 2 up to 950 g / m 2 , preferably 450 g / m 2 up to 600 g / m 2 or 600 g / m 2 up to 800 g / m 2 Alternatively, it can be provided that the layers each have a thickness in the range of 0.8 mm to 2.5 mm and a basis weight in the range of 350 g / m 2 up to 950 g / m 2 have.

[0067] The Fig. 9a, Fig. 9b, Fig. 10a and Fig. The embodiments of the inserts 20 shown in Fig. 10b are merely examples and may have a different shape, e.g., be pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal, and / or have pointed, non-rounded corners.

[0068] Fig. 11 shows an insert 20 that can be used alternatively in the embodiments described above. The insert 20 consists of several, here six, layers 21 of the plant fiber material, for example, groundwood board or cellulose board, bonded together by an adhesive. The insert 20 has several, here three, first layers 21, which are formed over the entire surface. Furthermore, the insert 20 has several, here three, second layers 21', which comprise several, here three, recesses, in particular punched-out portions. One of the second layers 21' forms an outer surface of the insert 20.

[0069] The recesses 22 of the second layers 21' are arranged congruently one above the other and form a receptacle for volatile material.

[0070] The above-described inserts 20 may alternatively consist of one of the following materials or comprise one or more of the materials mentioned: another vegetable fiber, sucrose, starch, or a mineral material. The vegetable fiber may be wood pulp, in particular groundwood, or cellulose, or cotton fiber, or grass fiber. The mineral material may be rock flour, bentonite, or silica gel. List of reference symbols 1 Device for releasing a fragrance or insecticidal agent into the ambient air 10 housings 11 Barrier element 12 passage opening 13 first housing part 14 second housing part 15 third housing part 16, 16' locking element 17 Time-temperature indicator 20 insert 21, 21' position 22 Recess

Claims

[1] Device (1) for releasing a volatile substance into the ambient air, with a) a housing (10) which - contains a first material with at least three layers and wherein (i) a first layer of the at least three-layer first material contains or consists of a paper or a cardboard or a paperboard, (ii) a second layer of the at least three-layer first material contains or consists of polyethylene, and (iii) a third layer of the at least three-layer first material contains or consists of oriented polypropylene and this third layer has a barrier function against the permeation of the volatile substance, and b) an insert (20) made of a second material arranged within the housing (10), the second material being provided with the volatile substance, the second material being one of the following materials or comprising one or more of the materials mentioned: - a vegetable fiber or - sucrose or starch or - a mineral material. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the polyethylene comprises or is low-density polyethylene (LDPE / PE-LD), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE / PE-LLD) and / or high-density polyethylene (HDPE / PE-HD). [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the oriented polypropylene comprises or is OPP (“oriented polypropylene”) or BOPP (“biaxially oriented polypropylene”). [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an additional barrier layer is provided which consists of polyamide, polyester, aluminium and / or polyvinyl alcohol. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that (i) the first layer and / or (ii) the second layer and / or (iii) the third layer comprises / comprising at least partially an acrylic coating. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that (iii) the third layer of the first material, which contains or consists of oriented polypropylene, is water-repellent and / or transparent. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first material (i) has a first layer of paper, cardboard or paperboard; (ii) has a second layer of polyethylene, (iii) a third layer of oriented polypropylene, said layer having a barrier function against the permeation of the volatile substance, and optionally at least one additional barrier layer having a barrier function against the permeation of the volatile substance. [8] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (10) has a base on which the housing (10) can stand on a surface, wherein the base is designed to be water-repellent. [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the vegetable fibre is a paper or a cardboard or a paperboard, for example groundwood board or cellulose board. [10] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the vegetable fibre of the second material is a wood pulp, in particular groundwood, or cellulose or cotton fibre or grass fibre. [11] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the mineral material is rock flour or bentonite or silica gel. [12] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the insert (20) has several layers (21) of the second material connected to one another, in particular by an adhesive. [13] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the insert (20) has several layers (21) of groundwood cardboard connected to one another, in particular by an adhesive. [14] Device according to claim 13, characterized by that the groundwood board comprises a layer of groundwood arranged between two cover layers. [15] Device according to claim 14, characterized bythat the cover layers each comprise pulp and / or paper. [16] Device according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized by that the layers (21) each have a basis weight in the range of 350 g / m 2 up to 950 g / m 2 , preferably 450 g / m 2 up to 600 g / m 2 or 600 g / m 2 up to 800 g / m 2 , have. [17] Device according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized by that the layers (21) each have a thickness in the range of 0.2 mm to 2.5 mm and a basis weight in the range of 350 g / m 2 up to 950 g / m 2 have, preferably - a thickness in the range of 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm and a basis weight in the range of 350 g / m 2 up to 400 g / m 2 or - a thickness in the range of 1.1 mm to 1.3 mm and a basis weight in the range of 450 g / m 2 up to 550 g / m 2 or - a thickness in the range of 1.3 mm to 1.5 mm and a basis weight in the range of 490 g / m 2 up to 570 g / m 2 or - a thickness in the range of 1.5 mm to 1.7 mm and a basis weight in the range of 580 g / m 2 up to 660 g / m 2 or - a thickness in the range of 1.7 mm to 1.9 mm and a basis weight in the range of 630 g / m 2 up to 750 g / m 2 or - a thickness in the range of 1.9 mm to 2.1 mm and a basis weight in the range of 700 g / m 2 up to 850 g / m 2 or - a thickness in the range of 2.3 mm to 2.5 mm and a basis weight in the range of 800 g / m 2 up to 950 g / m2. [18] Device according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized by that the adhesive is biodegradable. [19] Device according to claim 18, characterized bythat the adhesive complies with the European standard EN 13432 and is “fully biodegradable” in its sense. [20] Device according to one of claims 12 to 19, characterized by that the insert (20) has at least one first layer (21), which is in particular formed over the entire surface, and at least one second layer (21') which has at least one recess (22), in particular a punched-out portion. [21] Device according to claim 20, characterized by that the second layer (21') forms an outer surface of the insert (20). [22] Device according to one of claims 20 or 21, characterized by that the insert (20) has a plurality of second layers (21'), wherein the recesses (22) of the plurality of second layers (21') are arranged congruently one above the other. [23] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a time-temperature indicator (17) is arranged on an outer side of the housing (10). [24] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the housing (10) has a first housing part (13) and a second housing part (14), wherein the first housing part (13) and / or the second housing part (14) comprises a receptacle for the insert (20), wherein the first housing part (13) has one or more through-openings (12) through which the volatile substance can be released into the ambient air, and the second housing part (14) can be moved from a closed position, in which it covers the through-openings (12) of the first housing part (13), into an open position, in which the through-openings (12) of the first housing part (13) are released for the release of the volatile substance. [25] Device according to claim 24, characterized by that the first housing part (13) and the second housing part (14) have a floor plan of identical shape. [26] Device according to one of claims 24 or 25, characterized by that a locking element is arranged on the first housing part (13) and / or the second housing part (14) which prevents a complete separation of the two housing parts (13, 14) from one another. [27] Device according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized byin that the housing (10) has a first housing part (13), a second housing part (14) and a third housing part (15), wherein the first housing part (13) and / or the second housing part (14) comprises a receptacle for the insert (20), wherein the third housing part (15) has one or more through-openings (12) through which the volatile substance can be released into the ambient air, wherein the first housing part (13) and / or the second housing part (14) can be moved from a closed position, in which the first housing part (13) and / or the second housing part (14) covers the through-openings (12) of the third housing part (15), into an open position, in which the through-openings (12) of the third housing part (15) are released for the release of the volatile substance. [28] Device according to claim 27, characterized by that the first housing part (13) and the second housing part (14) are identical. [29] Device according to one of claims 27 or 28, characterized by that the third housing part (15) has the shape of a tube. [30] Device according to one of claims 27 or 28, characterized by that a first locking element (16) is arranged on the third housing part (15), which interacts with a further first locking element on the first housing part (13), and a second locking element (16') is arranged on the third housing part (15), which interacts with a further second locking element on the second housing part (14). [31] Device according to one of claims 24 to 30, characterized by that a gap between the first housing part (13) and the second housing part (14) is covered in the closed position by a removable barrier element which comprises or is formed from a barrier material having a barrier function against the permeation of the volatile substance. [32] Device according to one of claims 24 to 30, characterized by that the second housing part (14) is movable from the closed position in the direction of the open position in such a way that ambient air is sucked into the housing (10) and / or that the second housing part (14) is movable from the open position in the direction of the closed position in such a way that air enriched with the volatile substance is forced out of the housing (10). [33] Device according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized by that the housing (10) has a receptacle for the insert (20) and one or more through-openings (12) through which the volatile substance can be released into the ambient air, wherein the through-openings (12) are provided with a removable barrier element (11), for example a film.

Images