Fragrance diffuser

Abstract

Fragrance diffuser (1), comprising: a container (2) provided with at least one opening (2a); an insert (3) impregnable with scented liquid and insertable into the container (2) through the at least one opening (2a); wherein the container (2) has at least one porous portion; the insert (3) is at least partly counter-shaped to the container (2) such that at least a portion of the insert (3) is in direct contact with the at least one porous portion of the container (2) when the insert (3) is inserted into the container (2).

Description

[0001] TITLE: "Fragrance Diffuser"

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] SCOPE

[0004] The present invention relates to a fragrance diffuser and a kit comprising such diffuser.

[0005] Description of the prior art

[0006] It is known in the art to make a fragrance diffuser of the wand or stick type, in which a series of sticks made of impregnable material, such as for example wood, are partly inserted into a container containing a scented liquid. The user must regularly flip the sticks in order to expose to the air the portion of them that has previously been immersed in the scented liquid and that is therefore impregnated with it. The container, in the form of a jar or bottle, can also be refilled.

[0007] It is also known to make a fragrance diffuser provided with an impregnable element, for example an absorbent wick, immersed in the scented liquid inside a container and extractable therefrom to diffuse the fragrance in the air.

[0008] From document US 2022 / 249726 Al it is known a dispensing device comprising a container, having a cavity for accommodating a liquid, impregnated in a porous element, introduced into the cavity of the container. The device also comprises a wick, in contact with the porous element, configured to allow the delivery of the perfume.

[0009] Problem of the prior art

[0010] In the prior art, the operation of having to extract and flip the wands of the diffuser is impractical as the user could accidentally drip the scented liquid. In addition, the user must frequently check the wands to make sure that they are still soaked with liquid and are therefore spreading the fragrance into the environment. Still, as the level of scented liquid drops in the container, the fragrance diffusion performance is gradually reduced. This last drawback is also found in wick diffusers. Both known diffusers have the additional disadvantage of spilling the scented liquid in the event that they are accidentally dropped or the container is overturned.

[0011] Furthermore, in the diffuser of document US 2022 / 249726 Al, the dispensing of the perfume through the wick is allowed due to the capillary connection between the porous element and the wick itself, significantly limiting the exchange surface that promotes the evaporation of the scented liquid and, consequently, reducing the dispensing power of the device.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Aim of the present invention is to make a fragrance diffuser capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0014] The technical task mentioned and the objects stated are substantially achieved by a fragrance diffuse comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims.

[0015] Advantages of the invention

[0016] Thanks to one embodiment, it is possible to make a fragrance diffuser with a high air exchange surface for the evaporation of the scented liquid, with the same dimensions of the container with respect to the prior art.

[0017] Thanks to one embodiment, it is possible to make a fragrance diffuser that has a fragrance diffusion capacity that remains constant until the scented liquid is completely exhausted.

[0018] Thanks to one embodiment, it is possible to obtain a fragrance diffuser that does not require any intervention by the user, at least until the scented liquid is exhausted.

[0019] Thanks to one embodiment, it is possible to make a fragrance diffuser that is simple and practical to use.

[0020] Thanks to one embodiment, it is possible to make a fragrance diffuser that does not spill liquid in the event it is accidentally dropped or overturned.

[0021] Thanks to one embodiment, it is possible to make a rechargeable fragrance diffuser.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA WINGS

[0023] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a possible practical embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the attached drawings, in which:

[0024] - figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a fragrance diffuser in accordance with the present invention,

[0025] - figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the diffuser of figure 1,

[0026] - figure 3 shows the view of the diffuser of figure 2, in a different operating configuration,

[0027] - figure 4 shows a first embodiment of the fragrance diffuser according to the invention,

[0028] - figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the fragrance diffuser according to the invention,

[0029] - figure 6 shows a photograph of a third embodiment of a fragrance diffuser according to the invention,

[0030] - figure 7 shows a photograph of the embodiment of figure 5 in a first position,

[0031] - figure 8 shows a photograph of the fragrance diffuser of figure 7 in a second position,

[0032] - figure 9 shows a photograph of the fragrance diffuser of figure 7 and 8 in a third position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present invention relates to a fragrance diffuser 1, illustrated by way of example in the attached figures from 1 to 9.

[0034] The fragrance diffuser 1 comprises a container 2 provided with at least one opening 2a. Preferably, the container features a pot or glass shape.

[0035] The fragrance diffuser 1 further comprises an insert 3 impregnable with scented liquid, i.e. absorbent, capable of absorbing scented liquid getting impregnated thereof. In other words, the insert 3 is adapted to get soaked in a scented liquid after having absorbed it. The insert 3 is insertable into the container 2 through the at least one opening 2a (figures 1-3).

[0036] The container 2 has at least one porous portion, i.e. of porous material. Although the concept of porous material is well known to the person skilled in the art, it should be noted that porous material refers to any material that is not perfectly compact, which has small empty spaces, such as wood, terracotta (figures 7-9), fabric, porous and absorbent paper (figure 6).

[0037] The insert 3 is at least partly counter-shaped to the container 2 such that at least a portion of the insert 3 is in direct contact with the at least a porous portion of the container 2 when the insert 3 is inserted into the container 2. Counter-shaped means that the insert 3 is complementary in shape to the container 2 into which it can be inserted, so that it can be inserted perfectly inside it. In other words, the container 2 has an inner cavity 2d in which the insert 3 can be inserted. Advantageously, the portion of the insert 3 in direct contact with the porous portion of the container 2 when housed therein allows a direct diffusion of the scented liquid with which the insert 3 is impregnated, which by diffusing by capillarity in the porous portion of the container 2 is in turn gradually diffused into the air by evaporation. The portion of the insert 3 in direct contact with the porous portion of the container 2 facing the inner cavity 2d diffuses the scented liquid into the porous portion of the container 2 by capillarity. The scented liquid is then diffused by evaporation into the air through the outer surface of the porous portion of the container 2. Preferably, the insert 3 is perfectly countershaped to the container 2 such that at least a portion of the insert 3 is in direct contact with the at least a porous portion of the container 2 when the insert 3 is inserted into the container 2.

[0038] In accordance with a preferred solution, the container 2 comprises a liquid-proof base wall 2b, and at least one side wall 2c in which the at least one porous portion is located. In the preferred solutions of the fragrance diffuser 1 shown in the attached figures 1-5, the at least one porous portion coincides with the entire side wall 2c. That is to say, preferably, the entire side wall 2c is made of porous material. However, it is possible to make only a porous portion of the side wall 2c, which must come into direct contact, at least on its inner face, with the insert 3 housed in the container 2. Preferably, the base wall 2b is coated or made of epoxy resin so as to be impermeable.

[0039] Preferably, the container 2 features a substantially cylindrical, preferably cylindrical, or polyhedral shape (not shown in the attached figures), with a circular base wall 2b and a cylindrical side wall 2c defining the inner cavity 2d in which the insert 3 () can be inserted.

[0040] According to a preferred solution shown in figure 6, the container 2 comprises a base element 4 defining the impermeable base wall 2b, and a liner element 5 defining the at least one side wall 2c.

[0041] In accordance with the preferred solutions referred to in figures 1-3 and 5, the insert 3 comprises a recessed portion 3a facing the at least one opening 2a when the insert is inserted into the container 2. Preferably, the recessed portion 3a is shaped as a channel or blind hole, for example of cylindrical shape in the attached figures. The recessed portion 3a is optional, as shown in figure 4. However, its presence advantageously allows a more practical and easy recharging of the insert 3. That is to say that when the insert 3 is now exhausted and therefore dry, it is possible to recharge it by pouring scented liquid on it that is reabsorbed by it. The presence of the recessed portion 3a is able to temporarily contain the poured scented liquid as long as it is slowly reabsorbed by the insert 3 which is soaked in it. It should be noted here that the insert 3 can also be replaced with a new insert 3, for example if it is intended to change the fragrance of the scented liquid.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, at least the porous portion of the container 2, and preferably the at least one side wall 2c of the container 2, is made of terracotta (figures 7-9) or wood, or of a polymer, preferably rigid or flexible, selected from paper, cellulose fiber, polystyrene or combinations of the foregoing. Still preferably, further materials comprise volcanic rock or porcelain.

[0043] Preferably, the at least one porous portion of the container 2, and more preferably the at least one side wall 2c of the container 2, features a pleated profile, as shown in figure 6. In the example illustrated in figure 6, the at least one side wall 2c of the container 2 is pleated and made of porous paper. It should be noted that the pleating, which reproduces the particular effect of a pleated fabric, with thick vertical pleating, greatly increases the air exchange surface and therefore the diffusion capacity of the fragrance. In the example of figure 6, it can be noted that in the case of a container with a substantially cylindrical side wall 2c, pleating greatly increases the diffusion surface extension in contact with air. Preferably, the insert 3 also has a pleating, being counter-shaped to the at least one side wall 2c (detail not shown in the attached figures). Alternatively, the insert 3 is substantially cylindrical in shape, or perfectly cylindrical, or has a truncated cone shape tapered downwards (example not shown in the attached figures).

[0044] Still preferably, the insert 3 is made of spongy material or foam (figures 7-9). Still preferably, the insert 3 is made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge or foam or coir fiber. Advantageously, coir fiber is a natural, biodegradable and environmentally friendly material. Preferably, further materials comprise one or more from among polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, carbon fibers and flax fibers.

[0045] Preferably, the insert 3 can develop in height for only a portion, half or the entire height of the container 2.

[0046] In accordance with the preferred solution referred to in figure 5, the fragrance diffuser 1 comprises a removable lid 6 adapted to close the at least one opening 2a. Advantageously, the insert 3 can be protected from dust. Preferably, the lid 6 is in turn provided with a through hole 6a optionally provided with a door (not illustrated), adapted to facilitate the pouring of the scented liquid in the event of refilling the insert 3 housed in the container 2. Preferably, the lid 6 is made of wood (figures 7-9).

[0047] The present invention also relates to a kit comprising a fragrance diffuser 1 and at least one bottle containing scented liquid. Preferably, the scented liquid is a lipophilic and hydrophobic solution. Still preferably, the scented liquid comprises a percentage of a solvent between 20% and 90%, and at least one fragrance between 10% and 80%. The fragrance comprises one or more essential oils and / or one or more synthetic fragrances. Still preferably, the solvent comprises one or more of ethanol, water, dowanol, augeo multi and dipropylene glycol.

[0048] Advantageously, the fragrance diffuser 1 constantly diffuses the fragrance while the known wand diffusers, in addition to having to frequently flip the wands, decrease in efficiency as the liquid level drops as a shorter and shorter wand portion is soaked. In this way, the exchange surface for evaporation of the scented liquid is reduced, which is already much lower both in the case of wands and wick with the same size of the container and volume of scented liquid. Instead, in the fragrance diffuser 1 of the present invention, most of the exchange takes place by capillarity thanks to the direct contact between the sponge or foam soaked in perfume of the insert 3 and the container

[0049] 2 in which it is housed, made for example of terracotta or pleated paper.

[0050] Advantageously, if the fragrance diffuser 1 falls or is spilled, no spillage of scented liquid will occur as in wand or wick diffusers.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fragrance diffuser (1), comprising:- a container (2) provided with at least one opening (2a);- an insert (3) impregnable with scented liquid and insertable into the container (2) through the at least one opening (2a), the insert (3) being at least partially countershaped to the container (2); characterised in that:- the container (2) has at least one porous portion;- at least a portion of the insert (3) is in direct contact with the at least a porous portion of the container (2) when the insert (3) is inserted into the container (2).

2. The fragrance diffuser (1) according to claim 1, wherein the container (2) comprises a liquid-proof base wall (2b), and at least one side wall (2c) in which the at least one porous portion is located.

3. The fragrance diffuser (1) according to claim 2, wherein the container (2) comprises a base element (4) defining the base wall (2b) and a liner element (5) defining the at least one side wall (2c).

4. The fragrance diffuser (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the container (2) features a substantially cylindrical or polyhedral shape defining an inner cavity (2d) in which the insert (3) is insertable.

5. The fragrance diffuser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3) comprises a recessed portion (3a) facing the at least one opening (2a) when the insert is inserted into the container (2).

6. The fragrance diffuser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the porous portion of the container (2) is made of terracotta or wood or a polymer selected from paper, cellulose fiber, polystyrene or combinations thereof.

7. The fragrance diffuser (1) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one porous portion of the container (2) features a pleated profile.

8. The fragrance diffuser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (3) is made of spongy material or foam.

9. The fragrance diffuser (1) according to claim 8, wherein the insert (3) is made of polyvinyl alcohol or coir fiber.

10. A kit comprising:- a fragrance diffuser (1) according to any one of the preceding claims;- at least one bottle containing a scented liquid for impregnating the insert (3).

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