A substrate for releasing volatile substances, a method for operating a dispenser that stably releases volatile substances, a method for manufacturing a substrate for releasing volatile substances, and a method for manufacturing a system that stably releases volatile substances.

Abstract

To provide a dispenser that passively emanates a volatile material over a prolonged period of time at a constant rate, while not requiring a user to contact the volatile material having active agents, such as insecticides.SOLUTION: A system for consistently emitting a volatile material includes a dispenser having at least one aperture, a substrate adapted to fit in the dispenser. The substrate includes a first woven layer having a first pore size, a second woven layer having a second pore size, a third, non-woven layer that extends between the first woven layer and the second woven layer, and a volatile material. The system has a steady state weight loss of the volatile material over a time greater than 30 days.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to dispenser devices for releasing volatile substances, and more particularly, to dispensers and substrates for passive emission of volatile substances, including a multilayer substrate supported by a protective housing.

Background Art

[0002] Various volatile substance dispensing devices known in the art generally include a reservoir for holding a volatile substance and a housing or support structure for holding the reservoir. These devices typically either allow for passive diffusion of the volatile material without the aid of a dispensing mechanism or use a dispensing mechanism to enhance and / or facilitate the release of the volatile material. For example, typical dispensing mechanisms used in volatile substance dispensing devices include heating devices and / or fans. Such prior dispensers often require these mechanisms or other expensive materials to ensure a constant release of the volatile material over a long period of time. However, these prior dispensers often require power and have significantly high manufacturing costs.

[0003] In some examples, dispensers that passively emit volatile materials may be provided as sheets or films and may include multiple layers, one of which is exposed to the surrounding environment and, as a result, can emit an amount of volatile material therefrom. However, such prior passive dispensers also have common drawbacks. For one, the user may have to come into contact with the material being emitted while activating or opening the dispenser or during use of the dispenser. Additionally, the release rate of the active ingredient from passive dispensers typically decreases over time, and the efficacy of the volatile emission therefrom decreases during the period of use.

[0004] What is needed is, preferably, a dispenser that overcomes one or more of these drawbacks. More particularly, what is needed is a dispenser that does not require the user to come into contact with a volatile substance having an active agent such as an insecticide, while passively emitting the volatile substance at a constant rate over a long period of time. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a substrate for dispensing a volatile material. The substrate includes opposing first and second layers having a first configuration and a first pore size. The substrate further includes an intermediate layer having a second configuration between the first layer and the second layer. The opposing first and second layers are also liquid and air permeable.

[0006] In related embodiments, the present disclosure provides a dispenser for releasing a volatile material. The dispenser includes a substrate having a front, a back having a plurality of openings, and opposing first and second layers, and an intermediate layer provided between the first and second layers. The first layer and the second layer each have a first configuration and a first pore size. Further, the intermediate layer has a second configuration, and the opposing first and second layers are liquid and air permeable.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system for stably releasing a volatile substance is provided. The system includes a dispenser having at least one opening, a substrate adapted to fit within the dispenser, and a volatile substance. The substrate also includes a first woven layer having a first pore size, a second woven layer having a second pore size, and a third non-woven, fibrous layer extending between the first woven layer and the second woven layer. Further, the system has a steady-state weight loss of the volatile material over a time period exceeding 30 days.

[0008] In further embodiments, the volatile material comprises an activator selected from the group consisting of metafluthrin, transfluthrin, tefluthrin, and vaporthrin. The pore size of the first fabric layer may be between about 1 millimeter and about 10 millimeters, and the steady weight loss of the volatile material may be between about 1 milligram and about 10 milligrams per day. Furthermore, the weight of the volatile material may be between about 1 gram and about 5 grams, and at least one opening of the dispenser exposes a portion of the first fabric layer. In further embodiments, at least one opening of the dispenser exposes between about 50% and about 99% of the surface area of ​​the first fabric layer.

[0009] In other embodiments, the system has a steady weight loss of volatile material over a period of time longer than 60 days or longer than 70 days. In some embodiments, the first pore size may differ from the second pore size, and the dispenser may include a front and a back, the front including at least one opening. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the first and second woven layers are constructed from a first material, and the third nonwoven fiber layer is constructed from a second material, and the first and second materials are different.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides another system for the stable release of volatile substances. The system comprises a frame having at least one opening, a substrate disposed within the frame, and a volatile substance. The substrate includes a first woven fabric layer having a plurality of pores, a second woven fabric layer having a plurality of pores, and a third nonwoven fiber layer extending between the first and second woven fabric layers. The system provides steady weight loss of the volatile material over a period of time longer than 30 days.

[0011] In further embodiments, the steady-state weight loss of the volatile substance is between approximately 4 mg / day and approximately 6 mg / day; the volatile substance is selected from the group consisting of metafluthrin, transfluthrin, tefluthrin, and vaporthrin; and the amount of the volatile substance is between approximately 2 g and approximately 3 g. In further embodiments, the system has a steady-state weight loss of the volatile material over a period of time exceeding 70 days. In some embodiments, the frame includes a first opening that exposes a portion of a first fabric layer and a second opening that exposes a portion of a second fabric layer.

[0012] A further aspect of this disclosure provides a method for designing a system for the continuous emission of volatile substances. The method includes the steps of: selecting a minimum time for the continuous emission of volatile substances; selecting a minimum emission rate of volatile substances; calculating a minimum concentration of volatile substances using the minimum time for the continuous emission of volatile substances and the minimum emission rate of volatile substances; selecting a first layer for a substrate based on at least the minimum emission rate of volatile substances; and selecting a second layer for a substrate based on at least the minimum concentration of volatile substances. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a front isometric view of a dispenser according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an isometric view of the back of the dispenser. [Figure 3] This is a rear isometric view of the dispenser shown in Figure 1, according to a second aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a front isometric view of a dispenser according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the front of the dispenser in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is a front isometric view of a dispenser according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a front view of the dispenser. [Figure 8] Figure 6 is a rear view of the dispenser. [Figure 9] Figures 1 and 6 are side views of the substrate used in the dispenser. [Figure 10] This is a top view showing a portion of another substrate for use with the dispensers in Figures 1 and 6. [Figure 11] This is a top view showing a portion of yet another substrate for use with the dispensers in Figures 1 and 6. [Figure 12] Figure 12A is a top view showing a portion of the substrate in Figure 9 in the first state. Figure 12B is a top view showing a portion of the substrate in Figure 9 in the second state. [Figure 13] This is a graph, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, showing the release rate or emission rate of multiple volatile activators from the substrate shown in Figure 9 over a certain period of time. [Figure 14] This graph shows the wicking speed of various substrates at regular intervals. [Figure 15] Figure 15A is a graph showing the release or evaporation rate of volatile activators from the dispenser in Figure 6 with the substrate in Figure 9 over a certain period of time. Figure 15B is another graph showing the release or evaporation rate of volatile activators from the dispenser in Figure 6 with the substrate in Figure 9 over a certain period of time. Figure 15C is another graph showing the release or evaporation rate of volatile activators from the dispenser in Figure 6 with the substrate in Figure 9 over a certain period of time. [Figure 16] This graph shows the amount of activator in various substrates of different thicknesses after 72 hours. [Figure 17] This graph shows the amount of activator in various substrates with different pore sizes after 72 hours. [Figure 18] This graph shows the amount of activator in various substrates with different pore sizes after 72 hours. [Figure 19] This graph shows the release or evaporation rates of volatile activators from various substrates with different densities and fiber surface areas. [Figure 20] This graph shows the release or evaporation rate of volatile material activators from various dispensers with different proportions of exposed substrate during use. [Figure 21] This figure shows a design method for constructing the substrate shown in Figure 9, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 22] For example, this bracelet can be used in combination with the base material shown in Figure 9. [Figure 23] For example, Figure 9 is a front isometric view showing a clip that can be used in combination with the substrate. [Figure 24] Figure 23 is an isometric view of the back of the clip. [Figure 25] For example, this is another bracelet that can be used in combination with the base material shown in Figure 9. [Figure 26] For example, this figure shows a hanger that can be used in combination with the base material shown in Figure 9. [Figure 27] For example, this figure shows another hanger that can be used in combination with the base material shown in Figure 9. [Figure 28] This figure illustrates a mechanism that can be used in combination with the substrate shown in Figure 9. [Figure 29] This figure shows a kit including a cage and pouch that can be used in combination with the substrate shown in Figure 9, for example. [Figure 30] For example, this figure shows a reservoir that can be used to administer medication to the substrate in Figure 9 or the bracelet in Figure 25. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or configurations of a dispensing apparatus and a substrate that can be used in combination with the dispensing apparatus.

[0015] As used herein, the term “about” refers to the variation in numerical values ​​that may arise, for example, from typical measurement and manufacturing procedures used in a volatile dispenser or other manufactured article, which may include embodiments of the present disclosure; from careless errors in these procedures; or from differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of components used in the manufacture of a composition or mixture or the execution of a method. Throughout this disclosure, the term “about” refers to a range of ±5% of the numerical value that precedes the term.

[0016] As used herein, “weight percent,” “wt-%,” “percent by weight,” “weight %,” and their variations refer to the concentration of a substance or component as obtained by dividing the weight of that substance or component by, for example, the total weight of the composition or a particular component of the composition, and multiplying by 100. It should be understood that, as used herein, “percent,” “%,” etc., may be synonymous with “weight %” and “wt-%.”

[0017] This disclosure is directed toward dispensers and substrates for holding volatile substances. While this disclosure can be embodied in many different forms, several specific embodiments are discussed herein with the understanding that this disclosure should be considered only as an illustration of the principles of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure to the illustrated embodiments.

[0018] Furthermore, the principles of this disclosure apply to any volatile material released by passive emission, and while specific examples illustrate the passive emission of certain volatile materials (e.g., insecticides), the dispensers and substrates discussed herein are intended to be used with a variety of volatile materials. Examples of volatile substances include, but are not limited to, insecticides, insect repellents, insect attractants, fragrances, mold or mold inhibitors, cleaners, disinfectants, air purifiers, aromatherapy fragrances, preservatives, positive fragrance volatiles, air fresheners, deodorizers, and combinations thereof. Additives may also be included in volatile materials, such as fragrances or preservatives, as will be described in more detail herein.

[0019] dispenser Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the general characteristics of a dispenser device 100 for the release of volatile substances into the surrounding environment and, in this particular embodiment, for the passive release of volatile substances into the surrounding environment. In one preferred embodiment, as will be further discussed herein, the dispenser device 100 is used in combination with a multilayer substrate to release pest control agents, such as repellents or insecticides, into the surrounding environment.

[0020] Still referring to Figures 1 and 2, the dispensing apparatus 100 is shown to have two opposing sides, including a front 102 (see Figure 1) and a rear 104 (see Figure 2). A central plate 106 extends between the front 102 and the rear 104, and a substrate (not shown) may be positioned between the front 102 and the rear 104, as will be discussed further herein. In these embodiments, the substrate is a reservoir for the volatile material, which evaporates the volatile material from the dispensing apparatus 100 over a predetermined period of time.

[0021] In this embodiment, the central plate 106 is generally rectangular and includes rounded corners 108. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the dispensing device 100 and the central plate 106 may have different configurations or shapes. For example, the dispensing device 100 may be circular, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other desired geometric configuration. The central plate 106 may have a centrally located opening 110 at its top, as shown in this embodiment. The opening 110 allows the user to suspend the dispensing device 100 before or during its use. Additional openings may be located around the central plate 106 to assist in suspending the dispensing device 100 in alternative embodiments.

[0022] Referring particularly to Figure 1, the front 102 extends from the central plate 106 and, in this embodiment, is generally rectangular with rounded corners 112. Similar to the central plate 106, the front 102 may have alternative configurations or shapes in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the front 102 may be circular, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other desired geometric configuration. Legs 114 may extend from the bottom edge 116 of the front 102, supporting the dispensing device 100 and allowing the dispensing device 100 to be placed on a surface (not shown) before or during its use. The front 102 may also include a plurality of openings 120, which allow air to enter and exit the dispensing device 100. Thus, during use of the dispensing device 100, volatile materials may evaporate from the substrate within the dispensing device 100 through the openings 120.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the front 102 and its opening 120 may be modified or adjusted to increase or decrease the rate of volatile material emission from the dispensing device 100. Referring here to Figure 5, a diagram is shown showing a front 102 having a height H and a width W. In some embodiments, the height H may be between about 10 cm and about 100 cm, or between about 10 cm and about 50 cm, or between about 10 cm and about 30 cm. In these embodiments, the width W may be between about 10 cm and about 100 cm, or between about 10 cm and about 50 cm, or between about 10 cm and about 30 cm. As discussed earlier in this specification, the front 102 may have alternative configurations, and in some embodiments, it may be circular, oval, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other desired geometric configuration. In these embodiments, the front 102 is about 100 cm 2 and approximately 10,000 cm 2 Between, or approximately 100 cm 2 and approximately 2,500 cm 2 Between, or approximately 100 cm 2 and approximately 900cm 2The dimensions may be determined so that they have a surface area between them.

[0024] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, the opening 120 may be a circular opening having various diameters. For example, continuing to refer to Figures 1 and 5, the circular opening 120 closest to the center 122 of the front 102 may have the smallest relative diameter, and the diameter of the opening 120 may increase as the opening 120 extends outward from the center 122 of the front 102. Furthermore, as best shown in Figure 5, the opening 120 may be composed of a plurality of concentric rings or annular rows extending outward from the center 122 of the front 102. Furthermore, in this particular embodiment, the diameter of the opening 120 within each concentric circle of the opening may be uniform. However, as discussed earlier herein, the diameter of the opening 120 may generally increase as the opening 120 extends outward from the center 122, in other words, the diameter of the opening 120 within the first concentric circle may be the smallest, and the diameter of the opening 120 within the concentric circle furthest from the center 122 may be the largest.

[0025] In this particular embodiment, the front 102 includes approximately 13 concentric or annular rows of openings 120, i.e., annular rows A-M (see Figure 5). However, in alternative embodiments, the front 102 may include any number of openings 120 to produce a desired divergence of volatile material from the dispensing device 100. For example, in alternative embodiments, the openings 120 may be organized into rows or columns to generate a grid configuration. In such embodiments, the front 102 may include between 1 row and 100 rows, and / or between approximately 1 column and 100 columns. Furthermore, the rows and columns may each include between 1 and 100 openings. In other embodiments, the openings 120 may be organized to depict a particular shape, letter, word, or image.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the openings 120 in the region N~Q adjacent to the corner 112 of the front surface 102 may have alternative configurations. For example, as best shown in Figure 5, the openings 120 adjacent to the corner 112 of the front surface 102 may have a triangular configuration. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the openings 120 furthest from the corner 112 may have the smallest diameter, and the openings 120 closest to the corner 112 may have the largest diameter. Thus, the diameter of the openings 120 may generally increase as the openings 120 extend from the center 122 of the front surface 102, then decrease as the openings 120 transition from a first pattern (i.e., a concentric or annular row of openings) to a second pattern (i.e., a triangular pattern of openings), and then increase further as the openings 120 extend towards the corner 112.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, the openings 120 may be inverted, with the opening furthest from the corner 112 having the largest diameter and the opening closest to the corner 112 having the smallest diameter. In yet another embodiment, the front 102 may not contain any openings 120 within a triangular configuration. Rather, in one embodiment, the front 112 may contain only concentric openings 120 extending to the corner 112, such that the diameter of the openings 120 increases as they extend outward from the center 122 of the front.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the opening 120 may be a circular opening with a uniform diameter. In another embodiment, the opening 120 may be organized in an alternative configuration such as rows or columns, or may be arbitrarily or randomly arranged on the front 102. However, in a particular embodiment, the opening 120 may be between about 35% and about 99% of the surface area of ​​the front 102 of the dispensing device 100. In an alternative embodiment, the opening 120 may be between about 50% and about 99% of the front 102, or between about 75% and about 99% of the front 102, or between about 90% and about 95% of the front 102. For example, continuing to refer to Figure 5, the front 102 may have a total surface area (SA) defined by multiplying the width W by the height H. Furthermore, a portion of the total surface area (SA) of the front 102 over which the opening 120 extends may be characterized by subtracting the surface area (SA1) lacking any of the openings 120 from the total surface area (SA). In this particular embodiment, the surface area (SA1) may be calculated using the radius (r), which is defined as the distance between the center 122 of the front surface 102 and the innermost edge defining one of the smallest concentric rings or openings 120 of the annular row A, and the following formula 1.

[0029]

number

[0030] Furthermore, the total surface area (SAs) of the substrate exposed to the surrounding environment may be approximately equal to the total surface area (SA) minus the surface area (SA1), which is approximately the same as the surface area lacking any of the openings 120. Furthermore, the ratio of the surface area of ​​the exposed substrate is the total surface area (SA1) of the exposed substrate. ES ) the total surface area of ​​the substrate (SA s It may also be determined by dividing by ), which in most embodiments is equal to the total surface area (SA). The formula for determining the percentage of the surface area of ​​the exposed substrate is shown in Equation 2 below.

[0031]

number

[0032] The concentric circles of openings A-M and the openings of quarters N-Q may be characterized by individual radii extending from the center of each opening. Thus, the actual measured surface area defined by the openings 120 may be calculated, or the surface area excluding any opening may be calculated. Turning back to Figure 5, the largest or last concentric ring of opening M may be characterized by a radius (R) defined by one of the outermost edges of the openings of the largest concentric or annular row M, as shown in Figure 5. The radius (R) may be approximately equal to half the height H of the facet 102 and / or approximately equal to half the width W of the facet 102. In these embodiments, the percentage (SA) of the surface area having the openings of the first pattern (i.e., the concentric or annular row of openings A-M) may be calculated using the following Equation 3 and may be characterized as the first footprint or diffusion region. The proportion of surface area having openings within the second pattern (i.e., region N~Q) may be calculated using the following equation 4, and can be characterized as a second footprint or diffusion region having four quadrants.

[0033]

number

[0034]

number

[0035] Furthermore, the surface area of ​​each quadrant with an alternative configuration, i.e., region N to Q, may be calculated by dividing the surface area calculated by Equation 3 by 4.

[0036] The diameter of the opening 120 may be between about 1 millimeter and about 25 millimeters, or between about 1 mm and about 15 mm, or between about 5 millimeters and about 10 millimeters. In alternative embodiments, the opening 120 may be of an alternative configuration. For example, the opening 120 may be oval, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or any other desired geometric shape. In such embodiments, the opening 120 is about 0.75 mm 2 and about 500 mm 2 therebetween, or about 0.75 mm 2 and about 175 mm 2 therebetween, or about 20 mm 2 and about 75 mm 2 and may have a surface area in the range therebetween.

[0037] Furthermore, as previously described herein, the diameter of the opening 120 may generally increase as the opening 120 extends outward from the center 122, as shown, for example, in FIG. 5. As a result, the rate of divergence or release of the volatile substance from the dispensing device 100 may vary at different positions on the front face 102. For example, in the present embodiment, the rate of divergence may increase generally outward from the central portion 122 and may have a positive relationship with the size of the opening 120. In other words, since the concentric circle M includes an opening 120 having a larger diameter than the opening 120 of the concentric circle A, the rate of divergence of the volatile material of the dispensing device 100 may be greater through the opening 120 of the concentric circle M compared to the rate of divergence of the volatile material through the opening 120 of the concentric circle A. By that effect, the dispensing device 100 may wick the volatile material from the center 122 to the corner 112 of the front face 102. In alternative embodiments, the size of the opening 120 may be changed and adjusted to provide other desired airflows and rates of divergence.

[0038] In some embodiments, the front surface 102 may include openings between approximately 1 and 7,500, or between approximately 1 and 2,000, or between approximately 500 and 1,000, or between approximately 700 and 800. Still referring to Figure 5, the openings 120 may also have symmetry across the vertical axis 124 and / or the horizontal axis 126. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the surface below the openings 120 may be a different color from the color of the front surface 102.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2, the back surface 104 of the dispensing device 100 may be similar to the front surface 102 and may include a plurality of openings 130 extending outward from the center 132. However, in an alternative embodiment, the back surface 104 of the dispensing device 100 may not include the openings 130, as shown in Figure 3. In other embodiments, the back surface 104 may be constructed independently of the front surface 102 and may include openings 130 of various sizes, numbers, and patterns. Thus, the foregoing disclosures relating to the front surface 102 and its openings 120 apply equally and independently to the back surface 104 and its openings 130. For example, in some embodiments, the back surface 104 may independently have a height and width between about 10 centimeters and about 100 centimeters, or between about 10 centimeters and about 50 centimeters, or between about 10 centimeters and about 30 centimeters. Furthermore, the opening 130 may be circular and may have a diameter between approximately 1 mm and approximately 25 mm, or between approximately 1 mm and approximately 15 mm, or between approximately 5 mm and approximately 10 mm. Alternatively, the dispensing device 100 may not include a back surface 104, and the central plate 106 may define the back surface of the dispensing device 100.

[0040] The dispensing device 100 may also be characterized by its thickness. The thickness may be the distance measured between the front 102 and the back 104 of the dispensing device 100. In some embodiments, the thickness of the dispensing device 100 may be between about 0.05 cm and about 10 cm.

[0041] Furthermore, in this particular embodiment, the back surface 104 also includes legs 134 extending from the bottom edge 136 of the back surface 104, which can support the dispensing device 100. During use, the legs 114, 136 allow the dispensing device 100 to sit or be placed on a surface (not shown).

[0042] Figures 6–8 show another dispensing apparatus or frame 200 for use in dispersing volatile materials into the surrounding environment, according to a second aspect of the present disclosure. Similar to dispensing apparatus 100, dispensing apparatus 200 is used in combination with a multilayer substrate to disperse volatile substances such as pesticides, repellents, or insecticides into the surrounding environment.

[0043] The dispenser device 200 includes two opposing sides, a front 202 and a rear 204, and the substrate 206 may be positioned between the front 202 and the rear 204. As will be further described, the substrate 206 is a reservoir for the volatile material, which passively releases the volatile material from the dispensing device 200 over a predetermined period of time.

[0044] The dispensing apparatus 200 includes two opposing sides, a front 202 and a rear 204, and the substrate 206 may be positioned between the front 202 and the rear 204. As will be further discussed, the substrate 206 is a reservoir for the volatile material, passively discharging the volatile material from the dispensing apparatus 200 over a predetermined period of time.

[0045] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the front surface 202 includes an opening 208 that allows airflow through the substrate 206 to provide passive emission of volatile material from the substrate 206. The back surface 204 of the dispensing device 200 may be similar to the front surface 202, as shown in Figure 8, and may also include an opening 210 that allows airflow through the substrate 206 to provide passive emission of volatile material from the substrate 206. Alternatively, the back surface 204 may not include the opening 210, and in this embodiment, the back surface 204 is closed and covers the substrate 206.

[0046] Continuing to refer to Figures 6-8, the openings 208 and 210 may be between approximately 50% and approximately 99% of the front 202 or the back 204, respectively. In further embodiments, the openings 208 and 210 may be between approximately 75% and approximately 99% or between approximately 90% and approximately 95% of the front 202 or the back 204, respectively. For example, continuing to refer to Figures 6-8, the front 202 may have a total surface area (SA2) defined by multiplying the width W2 by the height H2, and the back 204 may have a total surface area (SA3) defined by multiplying the width W3 by the height H3. Thus, the openings 208 and 210 may expose approximately 50% to approximately 99%, or approximately 75% to approximately 99%, or approximately 90% to approximately 95% of the substrate 206 to the surrounding environment. Thus, similar to the dispensing device 100, the front 202 and rear 204, as well as their openings 208 and 210, may be sized to increase or decrease the rate of volatile substance emission from the dispensing device 200.

[0047] Referring here to Figures 7 and 8, the heights H2, H4 and widths W2, W4 may be the same dimensions as the height H and width W of the dispensing device 100. More specifically, the heights H2, H3 and widths W2, W3 may be approximately 10 cm to 100 cm, or approximately 10 cm to 50 cm, or approximately 10 cm to 30 cm, respectively. In these embodiments, the front 202 and / or rear 204 are approximately 100 cm 2 and approximately 10,000 cm 2 Between, or approximately 100 cm 2 and approximately 2,500 cm 2 Between, or approximately 100 cm 2 and approximately 900cm 2 The dimensions may be determined so that they have a surface area between them.

[0048] The front 202 and rear 204, and their openings 208 and 210, may be modified or adjusted to increase or decrease the volatile material evaporating rate that forms the dispensing device 200. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the openings 208 and 210 may be defined by heights H3 and H5 and widths W3 and W5, respectively, and the surface area of ​​the exposed substrate (SA ES In this embodiment, the surface area of ​​the substrate exposed to the surrounding environment is calculated by multiplying the heights H3 and H5 by the widths W3 and W5. Therefore, the ratio of the substrate surface area exposed to the surrounding environment is the surface area of ​​the exposed substrate (SA ES This can be calculated by dividing the surface area by the total surface area (SAs) of the substrate, and in most embodiments, it is the same as the total surface area (SA) of the front 202 or back 204. The total surface area (SA) of the front 202 or back 204 can be calculated using the dimensions of height H2, H4 and width W2, W4. In this embodiment, the total surface area (SA) of the front 202 or back 204 can be calculated by multiplying the heights H2, H4 of the front 202 or back 204 by their widths W2, W4. The formula for determining the proportion of the substrate's surface area that is exposed to the surrounding environment is shown in Equation 5 below.

[0049]

number

[0050] Similar to the dispensing device 100, the front 202 and rear 204, and their openings 208, 210, may be modified or adjusted to increase or decrease the rate of volatile substances evaporating from the dispensing device 200. As previously stated herein, the openings 208, 210 may be between about 35% and about 99% of the surface area of ​​the front 202 or rear 204 of the dispensing device 200. In alternative embodiments, the openings 208, 210 may be between about 50% and about 99% of the front 202 or rear 204, or between about 75% and about 99% of the front 202 or rear 204, or between about 90% and about 95% of the front 202 or rear 204. As a result, the percentage of the surface area of ​​the exposed substrate (SA) ES) may be between approximately 50% and approximately 99%, or between approximately 75% and approximately 99%, or between approximately 90% and approximately 95%.

[0051] Base material Figure 9 shows a portion of a substrate 250 that may be used in combination with a dispensing device 100 or a dispensing device 200. As further described herein, the substrate 250 may consist of one or more layers and may be a three-dimensional fabric material used for the passive emission of activators of volatile materials. In one embodiment, the structure of the substrate 250 may include a plurality of woven and nonwoven layers that can be laminated to manufacture the substrate 250. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the substrate 250 may include a first layer 252, a second layer 254, and a third layer 256. However, according to alternative embodiments of this disclosure, the substrate 250 may include additional layers, or alternatively, only the first and second layers, such as only the first layer 252 and the second layer 254.

[0052] The composition of the substrate 250 and its layers generates a substrate 250 having a high surface area per unit projected volume. More specifically, the first layer 252 and / or the third layer 256 may provide an optimal layer for wicking and subsequently releasing volatile materials or activators using a plurality of pores that allow air to flow through the substrate 250 and its layers, and the second layer 254 may provide an optimal layer for long-term storage of volatile materials or activators.

[0053] According to aspects of this disclosure, the physical properties of the layers of the substrate 250 may be optimized to achieve desired wicking, saturation, and evaporation rates. More specifically, the thickness, porosity, weave pattern, material, and / or spatial density of the layers of the substrate 250 may be optimized, for example, to achieve desired wicking, saturation, and evaporation rates of the activator from the substrate 250. Furthermore, the thickness, porosity, weave pattern, material, and / or spatial density of the layers of the substrate 250 may be optimized to achieve desired product life or evaporation life time, such as the length of time from which the substrate 250 continuously evaporates the activator. As will be further discussed herein, the substrate 250 and its properties may be tuned so that the substrate 250 passively and consistently evaporates an activator such as transfluthrin over a period of time, most preferably, such as one week, ten days, two weeks, three weeks, or four weeks, six weeks, or eight weeks.

[0054] As described above, the base material 250 may include a first layer 252, a second layer 254, and a third layer 256. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the first layer 252, the second layer 254, and the third layer 256 may have individual properties, but in some embodiments, the first layer 252, the second layer 254, and the third layer 256 may be made of the same material, may be woven together, and may contain continuous fibers between them. For example, the first layer 252 and the third layer 256 may be woven layers, and the second layer 254 may be a nonwoven layer extending between them. Furthermore, the fibers of the second layer 254 may connect the fibers of the first layer 252 and the third layer 256.

[0055] First layer of the substrate The first layer 252 may be formed using one or more materials to provide sufficient wicking, saturation, and evaporation rate. For example, in certain embodiments, the first layer 252 may be the top layer of the substrate 250 and may be a woven fibrous material constructed from a cotton, polyester, or nylon-based material. In these embodiments, the first layer 252 may have pore size, weave pattern, thickness, porosity, and density.

[0056] The pore size of the first layer 252 may be any pore size between about 0.5 mm and about 20 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 2 mm and about 5 mm, or any of the aforementioned values, in order to provide a desired evaporative rate of volatile material from the substrate 250, as will be further described herein. For example, if a dispensing apparatus 100, 200 having a rapid evaporative rate is desired, the pore size of the first layer 252 may be substantially larger than the pore size of the first layer 252 of the substrate 250 for dispensing apparatus 100, 200 where a slow evaporative rate is desired.

[0057] Furthermore, the pore size of the first layer 252 may depend on the structure of the dispensing devices 100, 200 used in combination with the substrate 250. More specifically, the pore size of the first layer 252 and the total surface area of ​​the substrate 250 exposed to the surrounding environment by the configuration of the openings of the dispensing devices 100, 200 each affect the rate of emission of volatile materials or activators from the substrate 250. Therefore, when designing the substrate 250, the first layer 252 and its properties (i.e., pore size) can be adjusted in combination with the dispensing device used with it.

[0058] To provide non-limiting examples, Figure 10 depicts a substrate 300 having a pore size X1 of approximately 3 mm, and Figure 11 depicts a substrate 320 having a pore size X2 of approximately 5 mm, both of which can be used for a first layer 252 or a third layer 256 of the substrate 250. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the top layer 252 may also include multiple pore sizes. For example, referring to Figure 11, the substrate 320 may include pore sizes X2 and X3.

[0059] As described above, the weave pattern, thickness, and density of the first layer 252 may also be optimized to produce a desired divergence rate. For example, in embodiments where the first layer 252 is a woven material, the weave pattern of the first layer 252 may be adjusted to control the divergence rate. In one preferred embodiment, an optimal weave pattern creates a favorable balance between the rate at which volatile materials are released within it and the internal surface area that acts as a reservoir for those volatile materials.

[0060] As will be further discussed herein, the first layer 252 may be constructed from textiles produced by Gehring-Tricot Warp Knit Fabrics, located in St. Johnsonville, New York and Dorgeville, New York, such as D3® Spacer Fabric. Specific, non-limiting examples of materials or textiles that may be used to construct the first layer 252 include the following fabrics manufactured by Gehring-Tricot Corporation: Gehring Green, SHR 714F, SHR 796F, SHR 918, SHR 891, SHR 896, SHR Examples include SHR 701 / 6, SHR 711 / 6, SHR 878, SHR 863, SHR 884, SHR 895, SHR 844, SHR 860 / 1, SHR 724 / 5, and SHR 702 / 1. The aforementioned fabrics will be described in further detail in the embodiments herein.

[0061] Examples of materials satisfactory for forming the first layer 252 include textile-based materials such as cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, or combinations thereof. In a further embodiment, the first layer 252 may be formed from a plant-based material such as hemp fiber.

[0062] The thickness of the first layer 252 can also be optimized to suit the specific application of the substrate 250. As further described herein, the thickness of the first layer 252 is positively correlated with the emission rate, and therefore, if a higher emission rate or divergence rate is desired, a material with a greater thickness than the first layer 252 may be used. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the first layer 252 may be in the range of about 0.1 mm and about 6 mm, or about 0.3 mm and about 5 mm, or about 0.3 mm and about 3 mm, or about 1 mm and about 2.5 mm, or about 1 mm and about 2 mm.

[0063] Second layer of the substrate The second layer 254 may also be formed from one or more materials to provide sufficient wicking, saturation, and evaporation rates. For example, in certain embodiments, the second layer 254 may be an intermediate, spacer layer positioned between the first layer 252 and the third layer 256. In these embodiments, the second layer 254 may be a fibrous nonwoven material such as cotton, polyester, or nylon-based material. Furthermore, in these embodiments, the second layer 254 may have thickness, which may be modified to adjust the density, thickness, and surface area-to-volume ratio of the substrate 250.

[0064] As described above, the thickness and density of the second layer 254 may also be optimized to produce a desired evaporative rate. More specifically, in certain embodiments, the thickness of the spacer and the density of the second layer 254 may be varied to control the saturation of the substrate 250 (i.e., the amount of volatile material that can be stored in the substrate 250) and, consequently, the duration of evaporative material from the substrate 250. In these embodiments, the second layer 254 can function as a reservoir for volatile substances having an activator. Thus, the density of the second layer 254 may be increased or decreased to control the degree of saturation of the volatile substance or activator. For example, if a higher degree of saturation is desired, the fiber density of the second layer 254 can be increased to increase the surface density of the substrate 250. As further described herein, the second layer 254 allows the surface density of the substrate 250 to be about 75 grams per square meter (g / m²). 2 ) and between approximately 500 grams per square meter, or approximately 150 g / m 2 and approximately 400g / m 2 Between, or approximately 150g / m 2 and approximately 350g / m 2 Between, or approximately 200g / m 2 and approximately 320g / m 2 Between, or approximately 250g / m 2 and approximately 300g / m 2 Between, or approximately 280g / m 2 The number of fibers within it can be increased or decreased to change it so that it falls within that range.

[0065] In addition to changing the density of the second layer 254, the thickness of the second layer 254 may also be changed. The thickness of the second layer 254 may generally be defined as the distance between the first layer 252 and the second layer 254, i.e., the distance over which the fibers of the second layer 254 extend. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the second layer 254 may be between about 0.1 mm and about 6 mm, or between about 0.5 mm and about 5 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 4 mm, or between about 2 mm and about 3 mm, or between about 0.1 mm and about 0.3 mm.

[0066] Examples of materials or fibers suitable for forming the second layer 254 include woven-based materials such as cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, or combinations thereof. In a further embodiment, the first layer 252 may be formed from a plant-based material such as hemp fiber.

[0067] Third layer of the substrate The third layer 256 may be formed using one or more materials to provide sufficient wicking, saturation, and evaporation rate. In certain embodiments, the third layer 256 may be the bottom layer of the substrate 250 and may be a woven fibrous material constructed from a cotton, polyester, or nylon-based material. In these embodiments, the third layer 256 may have pore size, weave pattern, thickness, porosity, and density.

[0068] The pore size of the third layer 256 may be between about 0 mm and about 20 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 10 mm, or between about 2 mm and about 5 mm, or any pore size between these values, to provide a desired evaporative rate of volatile material from the substrate 250, as further described herein. For example, if a dispensing device 100, 200 having a rapid evaporative rate is desired, the pore size of the third layer 256 may be substantially larger than the pore size of the third layer 256 of the substrate 250 of the dispensing device 100, 200 where a slow evaporative rate is desired. Furthermore, the pore size of the third layer 256 may depend on the structure of the dispensing device 100, 200 used in combination with the substrate 250. For example, in one embodiment, the third layer 256 may be close to the back surface 104 of the dispensing device 100 when positioned therein. Thus, in these embodiments, the pore size of the third layer 256 may be between about 1 mm and about 5 mm to allow for the evaporation of the volatile material activator within the substrate 250 when the back surface 104 includes the opening 130 as shown in Figure 2. However, in an alternative embodiment, the pore size of the third layer 256 may be 0 mm when the back surface 104 does not include the opening 130, as shown in Figure 3.

[0069] As described above, the weave pattern, thickness, and density of the third layer 256 may also be optimized to produce a desired divergence rate. For example, in embodiments where the third layer 256 is a woven material, the weave pattern of the third layer 256 may be adjusted to control the divergence rate.

[0070] As will be further discussed herein, a third layer 256, similar to the first layer 252, may consist of textiles produced by Gehring-Tricot Warp Knit Fabrics, located in St. Johnsonville, New York and Dorgeville, New York, such as D3® Spacer Fabric. Specific, non-limiting examples of materials or textiles that may be used to construct the first layer 252 include the following fabrics manufactured by Gehring-Tricot Corporation: Gehring Green, SHR 714F, SHR 796F, SHR 918, SHR 891, SHR 896, SHR 701 / 6, SHR 711 / 6, SHR 878, SHR 863, SHR 884, SHR 895, SHR 844, SHR 860 / 1, SHR 724 / 5, and SHR 702 / 1. The aforementioned fabrics will be described in further detail in the embodiments herein.

[0071] Generally, examples of materials satisfactory for forming the third layer 256 include textile-based materials such as cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, or combinations thereof. In further embodiments, the third layer 256 may be formed from a plant-based material such as hemp fiber.

[0072] The thickness of the third layer 256 may also be optimized for a particular application to the substrate 250. As further described herein, the thickness of the third layer 256 is positively correlated with the emission rate, and therefore, if a higher emission rate or divergence rate is desired, a material with a greater thickness may be used for the third layer 256. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the third layer 256 may be in the range of about 0.1 mm and about 6 mm, or about 0.3 mm and about 5 mm, or about 0.3 mm and about 3 mm, or about 1 mm and about 2.5 mm, or about 1 mm and about 2 mm.

[0073] The aforementioned layers of the substrate 250 can also be individually modified to create a substrate with optimal density, thickness, wicking rate, release or emission rate, or saturation.

[0074] In certain embodiments, the layers of the substrate 250 and their properties may be modified to provide a substrate 250 having a saturation of volatile substances between about 1 milligram (mg) and about 10,000 mg, or between about 1 mg and about 5,000 mg, or between about 1 mg and about 3,000 mg, or between about 50 mg and about 100 mg, or between about 1,500 mg and about 2,300 mg, or between about 100 mg and about 700 mg, or between about 150 mg and about 400 mg, or between about 150 mg and about 300 mg. In related embodiments, the layers of the substrate 250 and their properties are about 0.005 mg / cm³ 2 and approximately 55 mg / cm³ 2 Between, or approximately 0.005 mg / cm³ 2 and approximately 30 mg / cm³ 2 Between, or approximately 0.2 mg / cm³ 2 and approximately 0.4 mg / cm³ 2 During or approximately 6.5 mg / cm³ 2 and approximately 10 mg / cm³ 2 Between, or approximately 0.4 mg / cm³ 2 and approximately 3 mg / cm³ 2 Between, or approximately 0.6 mg / cm³ 2 and approximately 1.7 mg / cm³ 2 Between, or approximately 0.6 mg / cm³ 2 and approximately 1.3 mg / cm³ 2 A base material 250 having a saturation degree between [a certain range] can be provided.

[0075] In some embodiments, the layers of the substrate 250 and their properties can be modified to provide a substrate 250 having a thickness between about 0.1 mm and about 6 mm, or between about 1 mm and about 4 mm, or between about 1.5 mm and about 3 mm, or between about 1.7 mm and about 2.5 mm, or any thickness between the aforementioned values, in order to provide a desired emission rate of volatile material from the substrate 250, as will be further discussed herein.

[0076] In further embodiments, the layer of the substrate 250 and its properties are such that, as further described herein, it provides a desired emission rate of volatile substances from the substrate 250, with a concentration of approximately 75 grams per square meter (g / m²). 2 ) and between approximately 500 grams per square meter, or approximately 150 g / m 2 and approximately 400g / m 2 Between, or approximately 150g / m 2 and approximately 350g / m 2 Between, or approximately 200g / m 2 and approximately 320g / m 2 Between, or approximately 250g / m 2 and approximately 300g / m 2 Between, or approximately 250g / m 2 , or approximately 280g / m 2 Alternatively, it may be modified to provide a substrate 250 having a surface density in any range of densities between the aforementioned values. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate 250 has a surface density of about 40 g / m². 2 and 70g / m 2 It has a density within that range.

[0077] In some embodiments, the substrate 250 may include a disposable cue to indicate to the user that the dispensing device 100, 200 has volatilized all or almost all of the volatile material from it. For example, as shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the first layer 252 of the substrate 250 may include light-colored textile fibers and dark-colored textile fibers, which provide contrast that can be used as a visual cue or dose cue to indicate the presence of the volatile material on the substrate 250. For example, if the substrate 250 does not contain the volatile material, the light-colored textile fibers 350 provide a visual cue or appearance, as shown in Figure 12A, and when the substrate 250 is sprayed with the volatile material, the light-colored textile fibers are less noticeable, thereby indicating the presence of the volatile material, as shown in Figure 12B.

[0078] The dispensing devices 100, 200 and the substrate 250 therein may contain any suitable volatile material. In some embodiments, the volatile material may include activators such as fragrances, insecticides, deodorizers, fungicides, pet barriers, or other active volatiles or other compounds, disposed within a carrier liquid, e.g., an oil-based, organic-based, and / or water-based carrier or solvent, a deodorizing liquid, and / or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the dispensing devices 100, 200 contain insect control agents, insect repellents, or insecticides. Examples of insecticides that may be suitable for volatile substances include pyrethroids such as metafluthrin, transfluthrin, tefluthrin, and vaporthrin, or natural activators (such as geraniol), or blends of these insecticides.

[0079] Additional examples of activators that can be used in volatile materials include RAID®, Pyrel®, POLIL®, AUTAN®, OUST™, or GLADE®, sold by S.C. Johnson & Son, Incorporated, Racine, Wisconsin. Volatile substances may also consist of other activators, such as disinfectants, air and / or fabric fresheners, cleaners, deodorizers, mold or mold inhibitors, insecticides, or others with aromatherapy properties. Alternatively, volatile substances may consist of any fluid known to those skilled in the art, dispensed from a container, such as those suitable for dispersion in the form of suspended particles or droplets in a gas and / or propelled by a propellant.

[0080] In some embodiments, the activator, such as transfluthrin, may be present in the volatile material in amounts between about 5 wt% and about 95 wt%, between about 60 wt% and about 90 wt%, or between about 70 wt% and about 85 wt%, or more specifically between about 75 wt% and about 85 wt%. In certain embodiments, the insect control agent may be about 80 wt% of the volatile material, and in preferred embodiments, transfluthrin may be about 80 wt% of the volatile material.

[0081] Furthermore, the volatile substance may consist of a liquid, a solid, or a vapor. In one embodiment, the volatile substance may include one or more solvents, such as an organic solution or aqueous solution in which the insecticide can dissolve. For example, in one embodiment, the activator may be in a solid state at room temperature (23°C), and a solvent may be added to the activator to provide and maintain the volatile substance in a liquid state, so that the volatile substance can spread, coat the substrate 250, and be positioned therein. In a further embodiment, the volatile material may include a fragrance. However, in other embodiments, the volatile material may consist only of the activator and not be mixed with other components.

[0082] Dispensing devices 100, 200 can provide a release of volatile material from the dispensing devices 100, 200 at an initial release rate measured within one hour after the dispensing devices 100, 200 and the volatile material are exposed to the atmosphere. Dispensing devices 100, 200 can provide a release of volatile material across or from the first layer 252 at a subsequent release rate measured during a set time after the volatile material and substrate 250 of the dispensing devices 100, 200 are exposed to the atmosphere. The set time can be any length of time for which it is desired that the vapor dispensing device provides a release of the volatile composition. For example, the fixed time can be 6 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 1 week, 10 days, 2 weeks, 15 days, 20 days, 3 weeks, 25 days, 4 weeks, 30 days, 5 weeks, 40 days, 6 weeks, 45 days, 7 weeks, 50 days, 55 days, 8 weeks, 10 weeks, 12 weeks, 15 weeks, 20 weeks, 25 weeks, 30 weeks, 1 year, etc. More specifically, the dispensing devices 100, 200 and the substrate 250, and even more specifically, their properties, may be selected to provide dispensing devices 100, 200 that generally emit a volatile material at a constant rate over a specified desired time.

[0083] As described herein, the substrate 250, or the dispensing apparatus 100, 200, determines the correlation of the emission or release of volatile materials or activators, namely R 2 If a linear regression line can be graphed or fitted with a value of 0.8 or higher, or 0.85 or higher, or 0.90 or higher, or 0.95 or higher, or 0.98 or higher, it can be characterized as having a constant rate of divergence or a steady rate of divergence.

[0084] In certain embodiments, the specific surface area and dispensing concentrations of the dispensing devices 100, 200 are, at any given time, between approximately 0.1 mg / day and approximately 10 mg / day of activators or volatile materials, between approximately 1 mg / day and approximately 10 mg / day, between approximately 1 mg / day and approximately 7 mg / day, between approximately 1 mg / day and approximately 5 mg / day of activators or volatile materials, between approximately 1.5 mg / day and approximately 4 mg / day of activators or volatile materials, or between approximately 1.5 mg / day and approximately 2 mg / day of activators or volatile materials. In further embodiments, the dispensing devices 100, 200 and the substrate 250 within them may emit activators or volatile materials at a rate exceeding 10 mg / day. For example, in some embodiments, the substrate 250 may emit activators or volatile materials at a rate exceeding 10 mg / day when the airflow through the substrate 250 is increased.

[0085] Similarly, as previously discussed herein, the dosage of the base material 250 and / or dispensing devices 100, 200 can be selected based on the desired dispersal period, for example, from weeks, months, or seasons. For example, if the dispensing devices 100, 200 are designed to have a dispersal rate of about 2 mg of activator / day, a dispensing device 100, 200 designed for use for one month will be dispensed with at least 60 mg of activator (e.g., transfluthrin). As another example, if the dispensing devices 100, 200 are designed to have a dispersal rate of about 2 mg of activator / day, a dispensing device 100, 200 designed for use for three months (i.e., one season) will be dispensed with at least about 1,500 to about 2,300 mg of activator (e.g., transfluthrin). Therefore, the initial dosage level of the volatile material and / or the activator within it may vary from 1 mg to 5 g, depending on the properties of the substrate 250, the desired evaporative rate, and / or the desired evaporative lifetime.

[0086] As described above, in some embodiments, the dispensing devices 100, 200 may be initially administered with a predetermined initial dose of volatile material and / or activator. In certain embodiments, the initial dose of the volatile material and / or activator may be between about 1 mg and about 5 g, between about 20 mg and about 3 g, between about 20 mg and about 1 g, between about 20 mg and about 200 mg, between about 40 mg and about 100 mg, or between about 55 mg and about 70 mg. In other embodiments, the initial dose of the volatile material and / or activator may be in the range of about 1 mg and about 5 g, between about 1 g and about 3 g, or between about 1.5 g and about 2.3 g. In one example, the dispensing device 100, 200 or base material 250 may be initially administered with about 75 mg of activator. In another example, the dispensing device 100, 200, or substrate 250 may be initially doped with about 3 g to about 4.6 g of volatile substance, which may consist of about 1.5 g to about 2.3 g of activator (e.g., transfluthrin or metofluthrin) and about 1.5 g to about 2.3 g of diluent (e.g., Exxsol TM It may also include D60). In this particular embodiment, the initial dose is 230 cm 2 Emissions per unit of material (for example, 230 cm of substrate 250) 2 (Approximately 3g to 4.6g of volatile material per unit). Furthermore, in these embodiments, the inclusion of a diluent can promote faster wicking, better distribution, and suppress crystallization.

[0087] After dispensing the required amount of volatile material onto the base material 250, the base material 250 is placed inside the dispensing devices 100 and 200, preventing contact between future users of the dispensing devices 100 and 200 and the activator. Furthermore, the dispensing devices 100 and 200 and their openings 120 and 130 promote appropriate airflow to enable the protective dissipation of the volatile material from the dispensing devices 100 and 200.

[0088] While the initial dosage is outlined above with respect to a particular embodiment, the initial dosage may vary and may depend on, but is not limited to, the elements, the surface area of ​​the substrate 250 to which the volatile material is applied, the properties of one or more layers of the substrate 250 to which the volatile material may be applied (e.g., the thickness of the first layer 252, the second layer 254, or the third layer 256), the desired release rate of the volatile material from the dispensing devices 100, 200, the types of materials used in one or more layers of the dispensing device 200 (e.g., the type of material used in the first layer 252, the type of material used in the second layer 254, the type of material used in the third layer 256), or the combination of volatile materials (multiple types) used in the dispensing devices 100, 200. [Examples]

[0089] The examples herein are intended to illustrate specific embodiments of the dispensing apparatus 100, 200, or substrate 250 to those skilled in the art and should not be construed as limiting the scope of disclosure set forth in the claims. The dispensing apparatus 100, 200, or substrate 250 may consist of the following non-limiting examples.

[0090] In relation to the examples herein, the evaporative rate and the amount of activator, such as transfluthrin, remaining in the substrate were measured by analyzing the weight loss of a particular substrate over time. More specifically, the amount of activator remaining in a particular substrate can be calculated by first measuring the substrate 250 before administering the activator (or volatile substance) to it, and then subtracting that value from the weight of the substrate 250 at any time after administration. For example, referring to Example 1, the initial weight of the substrate 250 was measured, an activator (i.e., transfluthrin or metofluthrin) was administered to the substrate 250, and the weight of the substrate 250 was measured multiple times after the initial administration and after the activator had evaporated into the surrounding environment. The initial weight was then subtracted from the weight of the substrate 250 after the initial administration, and this value indicated the amount of activator remaining in the substrate 250. Furthermore, after determining the amount of residual activator in the substrate 250, the amount of activator (or volatile substance) released into the surrounding environment can also be calculated by subtracting the amount of residual activator in the substrate 250 from the initial dose of activator. All gravimetric measurements can be performed using an analytical balance. In addition, the embodiments described herein were carried out in a closed environment, such as a sealed chamber with a controlled airflow velocity.

[0091] Example 1 As discussed herein, the properties relating to the dispensing devices 100, 200 and the substrate 250 may be modified to provide optimal emission of volatile materials from the dispensing devices 100, 200. Furthermore, according to one aspect of this disclosure, the properties of the dispensing devices 100, 200 and the substrate 250 may be modified to provide optimal and constant emission of volatile materials or activators.

[0092] To demonstrate the consistent emission rate of volatile materials from the substrate of this disclosure, approximately 30 cm 2 Approximately 75 mg each of two different volatile materials were administered to a substrate 250 having a surface area, and the evaporation rate was measured over 40 days. The collected data is shown in Figure 13.

[0093] In this example, the base material 250 includes three layers, such as a first layer 252, a second layer 254, and a third layer 256. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first layer 252 is a woven material having a honeycomb weave pattern, with a pore size of 3 mm and a thickness of 0.3 mm, and the second layer 254 is a fibrous material composed of polyester yarn, and the base material 250 has a weight of approximately 340 g / m². 2 The third layer 256 is a woven material having a honeycomb weave pattern, with a pore size of 3 mm and a thickness of 0.3 mm.

[0094] As shown in Figure 13, a linear release rate was observed when the substrate 250 was administered approximately 75 mg of transfluthrin or 75 mg of metofluthrin. When the substrate 250 was administered transfluthrin, it consistently released volatile substances at a constant linear rate of approximately 1.5 mg / day for one month, particularly for about 36 days. When the substrate 250 was administered metofluthrin, it released volatile substances at a constant linear rate of approximately 1.9 mg / day for about 20 days. As a result, embodiments of the substrate 250 can be effectively employed to provide a constant linear release rate of volatile substances that persists for a long period. Furthermore, the degree of volatile material and the properties of the substrate 250 (e.g., surface area, porosity, thickness, density, etc.) can be varied depending on the dosage. For example, higher doses (e.g., doses between approximately 150 mg and 800 mg) may be applied to the substrate 250 to alter its properties so as to provide a linear release rate of the volatile material over longer periods, such as 3 to 6 months or 12 months.

[0095] As already described herein, the materials used for the substrate 250 and its layers can be selected to optimize the properties of the substrate 250, including the saturation level or evaporative rate of the substrate 250. Optimal materials for the substrate 250, and for the first and third layers 252, 256, are shown in Table 1 below, excluding the “SCJ 1.0” sample, a substrate similar to the substrate described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 164,580, provided by Gering-Tricot Warp Knit Fabrics, located in St. Johnsonville, New York and Dorgeville, New York, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. More specifically, the optimal material for the substrate 250 can be selected based on the desired evaporative rate, the initial dose of the volatile material, and the desired evaporative period. For example, if an evaporative rate of 0.15 mg / hr is desired over 40 days, SHR714 F may be selected for the first layer 252 and / or the third layer 256 of the substrate 250, and approximately 147 mg of the volatile material may be administered to the substrate 250.

[0096] Furthermore, Figure 14 shows the wicking rate of each material listed in Table 1 as a function of time, after approximately 1.2 grams of volatile material has been applied to the material, and again after approximately 1.2 grams of volatile material has been applied to the material.

[0097] [Table 1]

[0098] Example 2 To demonstrate a consistent emission rate of volatile substances from the substrate of this disclosure when used in combination with a dispensing device 200, the substrate 250 was inserted into the dispensing device 200 for a period of more than one month, and the emission rate of the substrate 250 was measured. In this example, the substrate 250 includes three layers, such as a first layer 252, a second layer 254, and a third layer 256. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first layer 252 is a woven material having a honeycomb weave pattern, with a pore size of 3 mm and a thickness of 0.3 mm, and the second layer 254 is a fibrous material made of polyester, and the substrate 250 has a weight of approximately 340 g / m². 2 The substrate 250 has a surface density of 3 mm; and the third layer 256 is a woven material having a honeycomb weave pattern, a pore size of 3 mm, and a thickness of 0.3 mm. Approximately 2400 mg of transfluthrin was administered to the substrate 250, and the concentration of transfluthrin in the substrate 250 at different locations in a sealed chamber was measured over 75 days. During this test, the substrate 250 was exposed to an airflow of approximately 4.8 m / min. The collected data are shown in Figures 15A, 15B, and 15C.

[0099] As shown in Figures 15A-15C, a dispensing device 200 having a substrate 250 continuously emitted volatile substances for 75 days, emitting an activator (i.e., transfluthrin) at a constant rate between approximately 4 mg / day and 6 mg / day. Figure 15A illustrates the concentration of the activator in the substrate 250 of the dispensing device 200, where the dispensing device 200 was located in a first location within a sealed chamber. In this location, the dispensing device 200 (or substrate 250) consistently emitted approximately 4 mg / day for a period exceeding 70 days. Figure 15B illustrates the concentration of the activator in the substrate 250 of the dispensing device 200, where the dispensing device 200 was located in a second location within a sealed chamber. In this location, the dispensing device 200 (or substrate 250) consistently emitted approximately 6 mg / day for a period exceeding 70 days. Finally, Figure 15C illustrates the concentration of the activator in the substrate 250 of the dispensing device 200, where the dispensing device 200 was located in a third position within a sealed chamber. In this position, the dispensing device 200 (or substrate 250) consistently emitted approximately 4 mg / day for a period exceeding 70 days.

[0100] As shown in Figures 15A-C, the substrate 250 of this disclosure has the ability to release volatile substances or activators such as transfluthrin over a long period of time. In this particular example, the substrate 250 was designed to release volatile substances having transfluthrin as an activator for repelling insects (e.g., mosquitoes) over a long period of time without the need to replace or re-administer the substrate 250. As seen in Figures 15A-15C, the substrate 250 used in this particular example could be saturated with approximately 2400 mg of transfluthrin and was able to release transfluthrin at release rates ranging from approximately 4 mg / day to approximately 6 mg / day. Furthermore, it exhibited high correlation values ​​of 0.978, 0.988, and 0.989 (i.e., R 2As shown by the fitted linear regression line with a value of , the release rate remained constant over 75 days. Using these linear regression lines, it can be determined that the substrate 250 disclosed herein provides a constant divergence of an active agent such as transfluthrin over a long period of time exceeding approximately one month, two months, three months, etc. More specifically, using the linear regression lines, it can be seen that the substrate 250 of this embodiment has the function of diverging the active agent transfluthrin at a constant linear rate over a period exceeding one year.

[0101] Example 3 We modified several properties and dimensions of the substrate 250 and demonstrated the effect of these properties on the release or evaporation rate of volatile substances from the substrate 250.

[0102] First, the thickness of the substrate 250 was varied by changing the thickness of its layer (for example, the second layer 252), and the percentage of volatile substances (i.e., transfluthrin) remaining in the substrate 250 after 72 hours was measured. The collected data is shown in Figure 16.

[0103] Next, the pore size of the first layer 252 of the substrate 250 was changed, and the percentage of volatile substances remaining in the substrate 250 after 72 hours was measured. The collected data is shown in Figure 17.

[0104] Thirdly, the pore size of the third layer 256 of the substrate 250 was varied, and the percentage of volatile substances remaining in the substrate 250 after 72 hours was measured. The collected data is shown in Figure 18.

[0105] As shown in Figures 16 to 18, the release rate of volatile substances from the substrate 250 showed a positive linear correlation with the thickness of the substrate 250, the pore size of the first layer 252, and the pore size of the third layer 256.

[0106] Statistical analysis was also performed, and the results are shown in Tables 2 and 3. As shown in Tables 2 and 3, a high correlation value of approximately 0.9 was determined between the thickness and pore size of the first layer 252 and the second layer 254 and the emission rate of volatile substances from the substrate 250. Furthermore, the F ratio was minimized.

[0107] [Table 2]

[0108] [Table 3]

[0109] Example 4 As already described herein, the properties related to the dispensing devices 100, 200 and the substrate 250 may be modified to provide optimal emission of volatile materials from the dispensing devices 100, 200. According to another aspect of this disclosure, the effect of the surface area / density of the substrate 250 on the emission or release rate of volatile materials from the substrate 250 was demonstrated by changing the surface area / density. More specifically, by changing the layer of the substrate 250, the surface density of the substrate 250 was changed to approximately 10 m 2 / bulk m 2 and about 100m 2 / bulk m 2 The release or evaporation rate from the substrate was measured by varying the density between the two values. The collected data is shown in Figure 19. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, a positive linear relationship was observed between the surface density of the substrate 250 and the release rate of volatile substances from it. Release rate and density (g / m³) 2 Or GSM) × surface area BET (i.e., actual m 2 / bulk m 2 The correlation with ) provides directional guidance on how to select a commercially available mesh for the substrate 250 to provide a desired emission or divergence rate for a particular application using the substrate 250.

[0110] Referring to Figure 19, g / m 2*BET represents the amount of surface area available per given unit volume; that is, a low value corresponds to a small surface area corresponding to a given volume of base material 250, and a high value corresponds to a large surface area corresponding to a given volume of base material 250. Furthermore, BET refers to the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller theory, which is the specific surface area of ​​a material like base material 250, or more specifically, the surface area of ​​fibers per unit mass of the sample (m²). 2 This is an analytical method for measuring g / m². The results shown in Figure 19 illustrate a linear relationship between the amount of available surface area and the release rate (or evaporation rate) of the activator or volatile substance within the substrate 250. In short, g / m² 2 *As the BET increases, the rate of divergence also increases.

[0111] Example 5 As will be further discussed herein, the percentage of the substrate 250 that is exposed can change the emission of volatile materials from the dispensing devices 100, 200. Therefore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the effect of the exposure percentage on the emission or release rate of volatile materials from the substrate 250 was demonstrated by varying the exposed percentage of the substrate 250's surface area. More specifically, the emission rate from the substrate was measured while varying the exposed percentage of the substrate 250 between approximately 10% and approximately 100%. The collected data are shown in Figure 20. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, a positive linear relationship was observed between the exposed percentage of the substrate 250's surface area and the release rate of volatile substances therefrom.

[0112] Method for manufacturing the base material All findings herein can be used to optimize the substrate 250 and to produce a substrate 250 that passively emits volatile substances at a constant rate over a specified period of time. Furthermore, the substrate 250 and its layers may be modified or adjusted to provide a substrate 250 for a specific application.

[0113] A design method has been developed for determining the materials and properties necessary to achieve the desired divergence rate and product life of the substrate 250. Figure 21 schematically shows the design method for constructing the substrate 250.

[0114] First, as supported by the non-limiting examples herein, it is understood that the divergence of volatile materials or activators from the substrate 250 can be modeled using a linear regression line, and the concentration of volatile materials in the substrate 250 at any given time can be determined using Equation 6.

[0115]

number

[0116] Here, if C(t) is the concentration of the volatile substance or activator in the substrate 250, X is the initial concentration or dose of the volatile substance or activator, and ER is the desired evaporative rate or release rate of the volatile substance or activator, then the concentration of the volatile substance or activator will be one of C(t), X, or ER.

[0117] Step 1 of the design method includes selecting the minimum desired product life of the substrate 250, or the minimum desired product life of the dispensing devices 100, 200 which will contain the substrate 250. For example, as already described herein, a dispenser having a product life of one week may be desired, or alternatively, a dispenser having a product life of three months may be desired.

[0118] Step 2 of the design method includes selecting the minimum desired divergence rate (ER) for the substrate 250 or the dispensing devices 100, 200. For example, in some embodiments of this specification, a divergence rate between about 1.4 mg / day and 1.6 mg / day is desired, and in other embodiments, a divergence rate between about 4 mg / day and 6 mg / day is desired.

[0119] Step 3 in designing the substrate 250 or the dispensing apparatus 100, 200 includes calculating the minimum initial concentration of the volatile material or activator. The minimum initial concentration of the volatile material or activator may be calculated using Equation 6, plugging in the minimum desired product life from Step 1 for t and the minimum desired evaporative rate from Step 2 for ER. For example, if a minimum desired product life of 3 months (i.e., 90 days) and a minimum desired evaporative rate of 3.6 mg / day are selected in Steps 1 and 2, respectively, the minimum initial concentration of the volatile substance or activator would be 324 mg of the activator (e.g., transfluthrin).

[0120] Step 4 in designing the substrate 250 or the dispensing apparatus 100, 200 includes selecting a first layer 252 and / or a third layer 256 for the substrate 250 that will provide the minimum desired divergence rate (ER) determined in step 2. Figures 17 and 18 provide a linear correlation between pore size and the divergence or release rate of the activator (i.e., transfluthrin). Furthermore, Table 1 of this specification provides the average divergence or release rates of several fabrics manufactured by Gering-Tricot Warp Knit Fabrics, located in St. Johnsonville, New York and Dorgeville, New York, that can be used for the first layer 252 or the third layer 256. Using this knowledge, fabrics from Table 1 can be selected for the first layer 252 and / or the third layer 256 to provide the desired divergence rate. For example, if an average divergence rate of 0.15 mg / hr (or 3.6 mg / day) is desired, fabric SHR 714 F from Goering-Tricot Corporation may be selected for the first layer 252 or the third layer 256, or fabric SHR 884 may be selected for both the first layer 252 and the third layer 256. Alternatively, if a fabric other than those disclosed in Table 1 is desired, Table 1 may serve as the basis for comparison, and Figures 17 and 18 may provide the necessary correlation information between fabric properties (e.g., pore size) and their effect on divergence rate. Thus, the divergence rate of other fabrics intended for the first layer 252 and / or the third layer 256 can be roughly estimated using these values ​​and calculations.

[0121] Step 5 in designing the substrate 250 or the dispensing apparatus 100, 200 includes selecting a second layer 254 for the substrate 250 that provides a desired saturation capacity for the initial concentration of the volatile material or activator determined in step 3. For example, if the minimum initial concentration of the volatile material or activator is determined to be 324 mg of activator, e.g., 324 mg of transfluthrin, the material, thickness, and density of the second layer 254 may be modified so that the second layer 254 can hold 324 mg of activator therein.

[0122] After steps 1-5, the base material 250 may be constructed by combining the first layer 252 and / or the third layer 256 selected in step 4 with the second layer 254 selected in step 5. The first layer 252, the second layer 254, and the third layer 256 may be combined using methods known in the art, including adhesives and smudges. In other embodiments, the fibers of the second layer 254 may be interwoven with the fibers of the first layer 252 and / or the second layer 256. In these particular embodiments, the fibers of the first layer 252, the fibers of the second layer 254, and the fibers of the third layer 256 are tied together during the weaving process. More specifically, in these embodiments, the layers 252, 254, and 256 may be tied together during the weaving process so that the base material 250 (and its layers) is fully constructed using a loom. In certain embodiments, the base material 250 may be constructed using a Raschel knitting machine, or it may be a warp knit such as a two-needle bed Raschel type spacer knit.

[0123] This design method may include additional steps not specifically illustrated in Figure 21. In some embodiments, the design method may also include a step of determining the optimal wicking speed of the base material 250. For example, a base material 250 having a high wicking speed may be desired, and in these embodiments, step 4 of the design method, which includes the selection of first and / or third layers 252, 254, may include the selection of first and / or third layers 252, 254 having the desired wicking speed. To assist in this step, Table 1 described herein provides the average wicking speeds of several fabrics manufactured by Gering-Tricot Warp Knit Fabrics, located in St. Johnsonville, New York and Dorgeville, New York, and Figure 14 illustrates these wicking speeds over a period of time.

[0124] In other embodiments, the design method may also include the step of constructing a dispenser or dispensing device for use with the substrate 250, such as a dispensing device 100 or a dispensing device 200. As discussed earlier in this specification, the rate of emission of volatile materials or activators from the substrate 250 is positively linearly correlated with the proportion of the surface area of ​​the substrate 250 exposed to the ambient environment. More specifically, Figure 20 shows the positive linear correlation between the rate of emission of volatile substances from a substrate having an activator and the proportion of the surface area of ​​the substrate exposed to the ambient environment. Furthermore, the dispensing devices 100, 200 disclosed herein include one or more openings 120, 208, 210 that expose a portion of the surface area of ​​the substrate 250 enclosed therein, and the number and / or size of the openings 120, 208, 210 may be modified to increase or decrease the proportion of the surface area of ​​the substrate 250 exposed to the ambient environment. Therefore, in these embodiments, an additional step of the design method may include determining the percentage of the surface area of ​​the substrate 250 required to provide the desired emission rate from step 2, using the minimum emission rate of the substrate 250 determined in step 2 and the selection of the first substrate 252 and the third substrate 256 in step 4. After determining the percentage of the surface area of ​​the substrate 250 that needs to be exposed to provide the desired emission rate, the openings 120, 208, and 210 of the dispensing devices 100 and 200 may be adjusted to provide the desired emission rate. It should be understood that this step may also affect step 4, as the designer may select a particular first layer 252 and / or third layer 256 after determining the percentage of the surface area of ​​the substrate 250 that will be exposed to the ambient environment during use of the substrate 250.

[0125] Additional dispenser Figures 22-30 show additional dispensing devices that may be used in combination with the substrate 250 disclosed herein.

[0126] Figure 22 shows a bracelet 400 that can be used in combination with the base material 250 of Figure 9. In this embodiment, the bracelet 400 includes an outer frame 402 having an internal groove 404 and a concave surface 406. The user may place the base material 250 on the concave surface 406 and in the groove 404. Furthermore, the bracelet 400 may include a strap 408 such as a Velcro® strap.

[0127] Figures 23 and 24 show a dispenser 500 that can be used in combination with the substrate of Figure 9. In this embodiment, the dispenser 500 includes an outer frame 502 and a recess 504 in which the substrate 250 can be placed. Furthermore, the dispenser 500 may include a clip 506, which can be used to secure the dispenser to the user.

[0128] Figure 25 shows another bracelet 600 that may be used in combination with the base material 250. In this embodiment, the bracelet 600 includes a housing 602 having a plurality of openings 604 on its front surface 606, and a bracelet band 608. Here, the housing 602 may be opened and closed, and the base material 250 may be inserted into or removed from the housing 602. When placed inside the housing, the base material 250 may emit volatile substances or activators from the base material 250 through the openings 604.

[0129] Figures 26 and 27 illustrate two hangers 700, 800. In these embodiments, the hangers 700, 800 may include first components 702, 802 having fronts 704, 804 that can be releasably coupled to second components 706, 806 having a reservoir or a concave interior 708, 808. Furthermore, the fronts 704, 804 and backs 710, 810 may include a plurality of openings 712, 812. During use, the user may insert the substrate 250 into the concave interiors 708, 808 of the second components 706, 806 and couple the first components 702, 802 to the second components 706, 806, thereby sealing the substrate 250 within the hangers 700, 800. After the base material 250 is placed inside the hangers 700 and 800, the volatile material or activator may be emitted from the base material 250 through the openings 712 and 812 of the hangers 700 and 800.

[0130] Figure 28 illustrates another dispenser 900 that can be used in combination with the substrate 250 discussed herein. In this embodiment, the dispenser 900 includes a front 902 coupled to a back 904 along a hinge 906, thereby allowing the dispenser 900 to transition between an open state and a closed state (not shown), as shown in Figure 28. The front 902 includes a receptacle 908, and the back 904 includes a receptacle 910. Each receptacle 908, 910 can accommodate the substrate 250 therein, and when in the open state, the dispenser 900 allows the emission of volatile materials or activators from the substrate 250.

[0131] Figure 29 depicts another dispenser 1000 that can be used in combination with the substrate 250. In this embodiment, similar to dispenser 900, dispenser 1000 includes a front 1002 and a back (not shown) joined using a hinge 1004. Furthermore, the front 1002 may include a plurality of openings 1006 into which air flows into the dispenser and passively evaporates volatile material or activator from the substrate 250. In some embodiments, dispenser 1000 may be provided as a kit, which may include a pouch 1008 containing an amount of volatile material or activator 1010. In this embodiment, the front 1002 includes an element (not shown) on its inner surface that can puncture the pouch 1008 when dispenser 1000 is closed. Therefore, during use, the user can insert the pouch 1008 into the dispenser 1000 and close the dispenser 1000, thereby puncturing the pouch 1008 and releasing the volatile material or activator 1010 contained therein. After the pouch 1008 is punctured, the substrate 250 in the dispenser 1000 can absorb the volatile material or activator 1010 and then release it for a certain period of time.

[0132] Figure 30 illustrates a reservoir 1100 that may be used to dispense the base material 250, or alternatively, one or more dispensers disclosed herein. For example, the bracelet 600 may be dispensed using the reservoir 1100 by positioning an opening 1102 on the back surface 1104 of the housing 602 of the bracelet 600 above a nozzle 1106. The user may then position the nozzle 1106 within the opening 1102 and apply a downward force. The downward force causes the nozzle 1106 to release a certain amount of volatile substance from the reservoir 1100, through the nozzle 1106, into the housing 602 containing the base material 250. As a result, the base material 250 can be re-dispensed using the reservoir 1100.

[0133] The aforementioned modifications and alterations are within the scope of this disclosure. It is understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein encompass all alternative combinations of two or more individual features referenced or evident from the text and / or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of this disclosure. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

[0134] As stated above, the present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments and examples, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not necessarily limited in this way, and that a number of other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications, and departures from embodiments, examples, and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims herein. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference as if each such patent or publication were incorporated by reference individually.

[0135] Any of the embodiments described herein can be modified to include any of the structures or methodologies disclosed in relation to different embodiments. [Industrial applicability]

[0136] The dispensers, dispensing devices, or substrates described herein advantageously combine the features of a dispensing device or protective housing with those of a multilayer substrate or mesh material, enabling the effective dissipation of volatile materials or activators for a desired duration and time. Furthermore, the dispensers or dispensing devices provide an easy-to-use and inexpensive mechanism, as well as a structurally stable and safe device. Accordingly, the disclosed dispensers or dispensing devices can be used in a wide range of applications.

[0137] Numerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Therefore, this description should be interpreted as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to manufacture and use the invention. We reserve the exclusive right to all modifications contained within the scope of the appended claims.

[0138] This application claims priority under 35 U.S. SC § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 944,748 filed on 6 December 2019, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0139] There are no applicable references to research or development sponsored by the Federal Government.

[0140] There is no relevant information regarding the sequence listing.

Claims

1. A substrate for releasing volatile substances, The aforementioned substrate is A first fabric layer having a first weaving pattern, A second fabric layer having a second weaving pattern different from the first weaving pattern, A third layer disposed between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer, The substrate is configured to provide a steady weight loss of the volatile substance between approximately 1 mg / day and approximately 10 mg / day over a period of at least 30 days. Base material.

2. The volatile substance includes an activator stored in at least one of the first fabric layer, the second fabric layer, and the third layer. The base material according to claim 1.

3. The first weaving pattern is a first honeycomb weaving pattern, The aforementioned second weaving pattern is a second honeycomb weaving pattern. The base material according to claim 1.

4. The first weaving pattern has a first weaving density, The first weave density is characterized by a first plurality of fibers in the first fabric layer, The second weaving pattern has a second weaving density, The second weave density is characterized by a second plurality of fibers in the second fabric layer. The base material according to claim 1.

5. The second weaving density is greater than the first weaving density. The base material according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned third layer includes a third plurality of fibers, The third plurality of fibers are connected to at least one of the first plurality of fibers and the second plurality of fibers to form the base material. The base material according to claim 4.

7. The third layer has a surface density between approximately 75 grams per square meter and approximately 500 grams per square meter. The base material according to claim 6.

8. The materials of the first and second fabric layers each include polyester. The base material according to claim 1.

9. A substrate for releasing volatile substances, The aforementioned substrate is A first fabric layer comprising a first weave pattern having a first weave density, A second fabric layer comprising a second weave pattern having a second weave density, A third layer disposed between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer, The substrate is configured to provide a steady-state weight loss of the volatile substance between approximately 1 mg / day and approximately 10 mg / day for at least 30 days. Base material.

10. The volatile substance includes an activator stored in at least one of the first fabric layer, the second fabric layer, and the third layer. The base material according to claim 9.

11. The first weave density is characterized by a first plurality of fibers in the first fabric layer, The second weave density is characterized by a second plurality of fibers in the second fabric layer. The base material according to claim 9.

12. The second weaving density is greater than the first weaving density. The base material according to claim 11.

13. The aforementioned third layer includes a third plurality of fibers, The third plurality of fibers are connected to at least one of the first plurality of fibers and the second plurality of fibers to form the base material. The base material according to claim 11.

14. A substrate for releasing volatile substances, The aforementioned substrate is A first fabric layer having a first weaving pattern, A second fabric layer having a second weaving pattern different from the first weaving pattern, A third layer disposed between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer, The volatile substance includes an activator stored in at least one of the first fabric layer, the second fabric layer, and the third layer. The substrate is configured to provide a steady-state weight loss of the volatile substance between approximately 1 mg / day and approximately 10 mg / day for at least 30 days. Base material.

15. The first fabric layer includes a first thickness, The second fabric layer includes a second thickness different from the first thickness. The base material according to claim 14.

16. The first weaving pattern is a first honeycomb weaving pattern, The aforementioned second weaving pattern is a second honeycomb weaving pattern. The base material according to claim 14.

17. The first weaving pattern has a first weaving density, The first weave density is characterized by a first plurality of fibers in the first fabric layer, The second weaving pattern has a second weaving density, The second weave density is characterized by a second plurality of fibers in the second fabric layer. The base material according to claim 14.

18. The first weaving density is different from the second weaving density. The base material according to claim 17.

19. A substrate for releasing volatile substances, The aforementioned substrate is A first fabric layer having a first weave pattern having a first weave density, A second fabric layer having a second weave pattern having a second weave density, A third layer is disposed between the first fabric layer and the second fabric layer, The volatile substance includes an activator stored in at least one of the first fabric layer, the second fabric layer, and the third layer. The substrate is configured to provide a steady-state weight loss of the volatile substance between approximately 1 mg / day and approximately 10 mg / day for at least 30 days. Base material.

20. The first weave density is characterized by a first plurality of fibers in the first fabric layer, The second weave density is characterized by a second plurality of fibers in the second fabric layer, The first weaving density is different from the second weaving density. The base material according to claim 19.

21. The period for which steady-state weight loss of the volatile substance is provided is at least 7 months. The base material according to claim 19.

22. A method for operating a dispenser that stably releases volatile substances, To provide a dispenser having a front and a back for use in releasing the aforementioned volatile substances into the surrounding environment, The volatile substance is administered to the substrate, This includes arranging the substrate between the front and back surfaces, The substrate is configured to provide a steady-state weight loss of the volatile substance between approximately 1 mg / day and approximately 10 mg / day for at least 30 days. method.

23. The central plate extends between the front and the back. The method according to claim 22.

24. The aforementioned substrate is initially administered with an activator ranging from approximately 20 mg to approximately 200 mg. The method according to claim 22.

25. The central plate has an opening located at the top of the central plate, The method according to claim 23.

26. In its usage configuration, the opening is configured to allow the dispenser to be suspended. The method according to claim 25.

27. The aforementioned front includes multiple rows of openings, The method according to claim 25.

28. The aforementioned multiple rows of openings include 10 or more rows of openings. The method according to claim 27.

29. The plurality of openings in the row include at least a first row of openings and a second row of openings located directly adjacent to the first row of openings. The openings in the first row and the openings in the second row are aligned to define the openings in the plurality of rows. The method according to claim 27.

30. The legs extend from the lower front end of the dispenser. The method according to claim 22.

31. A method for producing a substrate for releasing volatile substances, Connecting a first layer having a first weaving pattern to a second layer having a second weaving pattern different from the first weaving pattern, Connecting the third layer to the aforementioned second layer, This includes administering the volatile substance to the substrate, The substrate is configured to provide a steady-state weight loss of the volatile substance between approximately 1 mg / day and approximately 10 mg / day for at least 30 days. method.

32. The volatile substance comprises an activator and a solvent. The method according to claim 31.

33. The aforementioned activator is transfluthrin. The method according to claim 32.

34. The activator is initially administered to the substrate in an amount ranging from approximately 20 mg to approximately 200 mg. The method according to claim 32.

35. The aforementioned third layer is a nonwoven fabric layer. The method according to claim 31.

36. The fibers of the first layer, the fibers of the second layer, and the fibers of the third layer are connected by an adhesive. The method according to claim 31.

37. The fibers of the first layer, the fibers of the second layer, and the fibers of the third layer are woven together. It is The method according to claim 31.

38. The fibers of the first layer, the fibers of the second layer, and the fibers of the third layer are tied together during a weaving process using a loom so that the substrate is completely formed. The method according to claim 37.

39. The loom consists of a Raschel loom. The method according to claim 38.

40. A method for manufacturing a system that stably releases volatile substances, Assembling a dispenser that has a front and a back, Forming a multilayer substrate, The volatile substance is administered to the multilayer substrate in a predetermined initial dose, This includes placing the multilayer substrate in the dispenser, The multilayer substrate is configured to provide a steady-state weight loss of the volatile substance between approximately 1 mg / day and approximately 10 mg / day for at least 30 days. method.

41. The multilayer substrate is a woven fabric layer and includes at least two layers having different weaving patterns. The method according to claim 40.

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