Textile element with passive fragrance diffuser

Abstract

A textile element comprising a passive fragrance diffuser (1) and a pocket (T) into which the diffuser (1) is removably inserted, the diffuser (1) comprising an inner layer (2) impregnated with a fragrance and provided with a peripheral rim (B), a first outer layer (3) which is hydrophobic, oleophobic and air permeable, and a second outer layer (4) which is hydrophobic, oleophobic and air permeable, the inner layer (2) being trapped between the first outer layer (3) and the second outer layer (4), the first outer layer (3) and the second outer layer (4) being joined to each other by a double-sided adhesive tape at least along a peripheral region (P) surrounding the peripheral rim (B) of the inner layer (2).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a textile element comprising a passive fragrance diffuser, in particular a headrest cushion for vehicles such as automobiles, aircraft, trains and ships, in which such a diffuser may be inserted. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known in the art to make disposable passive fragrance diffusers made of materials impregnated with fragrance, which are used within a vehicle or enclosed space to diffuse fragrance into the surroundings in direct contact with the air.

[0003] They are also known as passive fragrance diffusers, which comprise a fabric bag containing fragrance granules that diffuse the fragrance into the surrounding environment by direct contact with the air.

[0004] Known passive fragrance diffusers are disclosed in US5782409A, WO99 / 06075A1, and WO2018 / 067621A1. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the prior art, the diffusion of fragrance occurs through direct contact with air. This causes the fragrance to be continuously released in a completely unpredictable manner. In fact, factors such as the ventilation, humidity and temperature conditions of the environment, as well as water or sunlight, have a decisive effect on how the fragrance is released and how long the diffuser will last before the fragrance runs out. Moreover, the life of the diffuser is also reduced by direct contact with air, since the fragrance will be continuously released even when it is not needed, i.e. when no one is there to benefit from it.

[0006] A further object of the present invention is to use a textile element with a passive fragrance diffuser, which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0007] A further object of the present invention is to use a textile element in the form of a headrest cushion for a vehicle equipped with a passive fragrance diffuser, which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0008] The defined technical problem and the stated object are substantially achieved by a textile element comprising the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one embodiment, it is possible to obtain a textile element that allows to extend the life of the incorporated diffuser.

[0010] According to one embodiment, it is possible to create textile elements that allow for the release of fragrance in a controlled manner.

[0011] According to one embodiment it is possible to manufacture textile elements, in particular headrest cushions for vehicles, with a passive fragrance diffuser that allows the fragrance to be released in a controlled manner only when required.

[0012] The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of possible practical embodiments, which are illustrated as non-limiting examples in a series of drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a passive fragrance diffuser according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the diffuser of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of the diffuser shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 shows a textile element in the form of a headrest cushion for a vehicle, provided with the diffuser shown in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present invention relates to a textile element provided with a passive fragrance diffuser 1 .

[0015] The diffuser 1 comprises an inner layer 2 impregnated with a fragrance. The inner layer 2 is provided with a peripheral rim B defining its periphery, the peripheral rim B being preferably a layer of substantially flat extension, more preferably a completely flat extension of uniform thickness.

[0016] The diffuser 1 comprises a hydrophobic, oleophobic, and air permeable first outer layer 3. The diffuser 1 also comprises a hydrophobic, oleophobic, and air permeable second outer layer 4. The inner layer 2 is trapped between the first outer layer 3 and the second outer layer 4. Preferably, the first outer layer 3 and the second outer layer 4 are two identical layers, e.g., made of the same material and with the same dimensions.

[0017] The first outer layer 3 and the second outer layer 4 are joined to each other by double-sided adhesive tape, at least along a peripheral region P (see Figures 1 to 3) surrounding the peripheral rim B of the inner layer 2. Alternatively, the first outer layer 3 and the second outer layer 4 are joined to each other by casting or welding, for example ultrasonic welding.

[0018] It should be noted that diffuser 1 is a passive multi-layer system for diffusing fragrance by volatilization.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inner layer 2 is made of an absorbent material with high liquid retention capacity. Preferably, the inner layer 2 is made of a porous material. More preferably, the porous material can hold up to 10 times its own weight of liquid without dripping. Even more preferably, the material of the inner layer 2 comprises polyester PE and / or polypropylene PP fibers and / or polyvinyl acetate PVA, more preferably with a thickness of 1.5±0.5 mm. Advantageously, this material exhibits high liquid retention capacity without reaching saturation. Advantageously, the inner layer 2 acts like a sponge and has a porosity that determines the rate of diffusion of the fragrance and therefore the durability of the diffuser 1 itself, i.e. the length of time the diffuser 1 can diffuse the fragrance before it runs out. It is noted that the absorbent material of the inner layer 2 can be natural, synthetic or a mixture thereof, and is preferably flexible but not necessarily porous. Furthermore, its characteristics and properties allow the fragrance impregnated in the inner layer 2 to be released slowly and in a controlled manner.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second outer layers 3, 4 are made of a polymeric material, preferably PTFE, with a thickness of 0.13 mm. Preferably, the first and second outer layers 3, 4 are made of a very thin layer / membrane of GORE-TEX®, i.e. expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), which controls the diffusion of fragrance by air passage (porosity) and therefore the durability, water resistance and breathability of the product. Advantageously, this material guarantees water resistance and fragrance release capacity without releasing essential oils or solvents. According to a preferred embodiment, an inner layer 2 of polyester and / or polypropylene is trapped between two outer layers 3, 4 of PTFE, which retain the fragrance by capillary action and surface tension. The outer layers 2, 3 of PTFE are very thin, about 0.5 microns, and have a very low porosity. The porosity controls how much fragrance is released by allowing air to pass through but not the fragrance liquid impregnated in the inner layer 2 .

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the double-sided adhesive tape has a central polymer layer trapped between two layers of acrylic adhesive and has a total thickness of 0.20 mm. Advantageously, the double-sided adhesive tape allows for a firm bonding of the outer layers 3, 4.

[0022] When the diffuser 1 is manufactured, the fragrance (or perfume) is prepared in solution in a solvent suitable for room diffusers and applied to the inner layer 2, which is then trapped between the two outer layers 3, 4 and sealed with double-sided adhesive tape.

[0023] The textile element is provided with a pocket T into which the diffuser 1 is removably inserted. Preferably, the textile element is a cushion such as a pillow or a garment, provided with the pocket T into which the diffuser 1 is inserted. Preferably, the pocket T should have an opening that can be closed, for example by a zip, a magnet, a fabric flap, Velcro, a button or other known systems. Other application examples are textile elements for indoor environments such as homes / hotels / offices / restaurants, for example mattress fillings, sofas, cushions, chairs, headboards, wardrobes and drawers. Other examples of textile elements are bags, suitcases and backpacks. Preferably, the textile element comprises a textile part that includes the pocket T, the textile part being made of a breathable textile material to allow the diffusion of the fragrance from the diffuser 1 to the outside.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the passive fragrance diffuser 1 is provided with at least one coupling member, preferably releasable, such as Velcro or a magnet or a coupling / uncoupling member, for coupling to the inside of the pocket T, preferably in which a corresponding coupling member is present.

[0025] Always preferably, the textile element comprises fastening means, such as Velcro or magnets or coupling / uncoupling members, for fastening to corresponding external fastening means, more preferably releasable.

[0026] Advantageously, the textile element may be placed near an air vent in a vehicle such as a car, for example under a seat in a car, aircraft or boat. Advantageously, the diffuser 1 housed in the textile element may diffuse the fragrance with the help of air emerging from a nozzle, or may also diffuse the fragrance by air circulation in other parts of the car.

[0027] With reference to Figure 4, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the textile element is a headrest cushion 10 for a vehicle of the type found in a seat S of a car, aircraft, train or ship, provided with an internal pocket T and comprising a passive fragrance diffuser 1 removably inserted into the pocket T. It should be noted that the trapezoidal shape and proportions of the diffuser 1 as shown in the accompanying figures are suited to this particular application. Advantageously, the diffuser 1 releases a fragrance when a person rests their head on the headrest cushion, the diffusion of the fragrance being aided by the air movement created within the cushion.

[0028] The inner pocket T should preferably have a closable opening, for example by a zip, magnet, fabric flap, Velcro, button, or other known system. Advantageously, once the fragrance is exhausted, the diffuser 1 can be replaced by removing it and inserting a new diffuser 1 into the pocket T. Because the diffuser 1 is a disposable product, by controlling the properties of the layers 2, 3, 4 of the diffuser 1, the diffuser 1 can be manufactured to last from six months to a year. Advantageously, the vehicle headrest cushion 10 can be used in automobiles, airplanes, ships, and trains.

[0029] It should be noted that the durability of a diffuser depends on where it is applied, i.e., the installation space, and the size and shape of the diffuser.

[0030] Advantageously, diffuser 1 can be replaced by removing it and inserting a new diffuser 1 into pocket T once the fragrance in the previous diffuser has run out.

Claims

1. It is a textile element, The aforementioned textile element is a passive fragrance diffuser (1), The diffuser (1) is inserted into a pocket (T), The diffuser (1) is equipped with, The inner layer (2) is impregnated with fragrance and has a peripheral rim (B), A first outer layer (3) which is hydrophobic, oleophobic, and air permeable, A second outer layer (4) which is hydrophobic, oleophobic, and air permeable, Equipped with, The inner layer (2) is confined between the first outer layer (3) and the second outer layer (4). The first outer layer (3) and the second outer layer (4) are joined to each other by double-sided adhesive tape, at least along the peripheral region (P) surrounding the peripheral rim (B) of the inner layer (2). Textile elements.

2. The textile element according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer (2) is made of an absorbent material having high liquid retention capacity.

3. The textile element according to claim 2, wherein the inner layer (2) is made of a porous material.

4. The textile element according to claim 2, wherein the material of the inner layer (2) comprises polyethylene and / or polypropylene.

5. The textile element according to claim 1, wherein the first outer layer (3) and the second outer layer (4) are made of a polymer material.

6. The textile element according to claim 1, wherein the double-sided tape comprises a central polymer layer provided between two layers of acrylic adhesive.

7. The textile element according to claim 1, wherein the diffuser (1) comprises at least one connecting member for bonding to the inside of the pocket (T).

8. The textile element according to claim 7, wherein the connecting member includes Velcro or a magnet.

9. The textile element according to claim 1, wherein the pocket (T) is provided with a closable opening.

10. The textile element according to claim 1, wherein the textile element is a headrest cushion (10) for a vehicle.

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