DESC:FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure relates to the field of air fresheners for automotive and domestic applications.
BACKGROUND
Fragrance diffusers refer to a technology for indoor or automotive environmental comfort. With increasing need for freshening of the environment, there has been considerable demand for air freshener units. Air freshener units have evolved over the years since their inception around 1948 and several efforts have been made to improve the efficiency of air fresheners.
Conventional air diffusers have the capacity of circulating fragrances for hours if not days. They have found use both in indoor and outdoor applications. Conventional air freshener units are capable of emitting a single fragrance and operate on the concept of natural sublimation.
Continuous efforts have been made to emit dual/multiple fragrances using a single air freshener unit. However, the challenges faced by conventional air freshener units used for emitting dual/multiple fragrances by forced sublimation is that these air freshener units become bulky. Hence, increased space is required for accommodating these air freshener units for diffusing dual/multiple fragrances.
Hence, there is felt a need for a fragrance diffuser which enables overcoming the drawbacks of the conventional air freshener units.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the system of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the disclosure is to provide a fragrance diffuser, which is compact in construction.
Another object of the present disclosure is to enable ease of operating the fragrance diffuser.
Still another object of the disclosure is to provide a fragrance diffuser, which can be accommodated in existing available space.
Yet another object of the disclosure is to require less human intervention.
Another object of the disclosure is to provide added flexibility with selection options.
Finally, another object of the disclosure is to provide an energy saving option due to pulse modulation.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a fragrance diffuser is disclosed that comprises:
? a housing having
o an open operative top end and a closed operative bottom end defining a receptacle;
o a cover removably disposed on the open operative top end of the housing;
o an inlet configured between the cover and the open operative top end of the housing to facilitate the inflow of air from the surrounding into the receptacle;
o a separator extending horizontally within the housing configuring an upper compartment and a lower compartment:
• an upper sub-compartment:
? disposed within the upper compartment such that a peripheral compartment is configured between walls of the upper sub-compartment and the housing; and
? enclosing a blower unit;
• a lower compartment having at least a first lower sub-compartment and a second lower sub-compartment adapted to removably receive at least a first and a second fragrance emitting substance containing cartridge respectively;
? the first lower sub-compartment, the peripheral compartment and the upper sub-compartment configuring a first flow path;
? a first flap adapted to move to block and unblock the first flow path when actuated by a first actuator extending from the first flap, the first actuator accessible from the exterior of the housing;
? the second lower sub-compartment, the peripheral compartment and the upper sub-compartment configuring a second flow path; and
? a second flap adapted to move to block and unblock the second flow path when actuated by a second actuator extending from the second flap, the second actuator accessible from the exterior of the housing;
In accordance with the present disclosure, in an open fragrance emitting configuration of the first flow path the air entering the peripheral compartment through the inlet is sequentially directed to the first lower sub-compartment, wherein the air get laden with a vapor of the first fragrance substance, and then to the upper sub-compartment, wherein the fragrance laden air is ejected out into the surrounding through an ejection port configured on one of the housing and the cover when the blower unit is operated and wherein in a closed configuration of the first flow path the first fragrance is not emitted.
In accordance with the present disclosure, in an unblocked configuration of the second flow path the air entering the peripheral compartment through the inlet is sequentially directed to the second lower sub-compartment, wherein the air get laden with a vapor of the second fragrance substance, and then to the upper sub-compartment, wherein the fragrance laden air is ejected into the surrounding through an ejection port configured on one of the housing and the cover when the blower unit is operated and wherein in a closed configuration of the second flow path the second fragrance is not emitted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The fragrance diffuser of the present disclosure will now be described with relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a fragrance diffuser unit in accordance with the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of the fragrance diffuser unit shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 illustrates a vertical cross-sectional view of the fragrance diffuser unit of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 illustrates a vertical cross-sectional operative view of the fragrance diffuser unit of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 5 illustrates the top view of the fragrance diffuser unit of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A system of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the embodiments, which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure.
The embodiments herein, the various features, and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein. The invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a fragrance diffuser unit 100, FIG. 2 illustrates another perspective view of the fragrance diffuser unit shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 illustrates a vertical cross-sectional view of the fragrance diffuser unit of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 illustrates a vertical cross-sectional operative view of the fragrance diffuser unit of FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 illustrates the top view of the fragrance diffuser unit of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 2 the fragrance diffuser unit 100 of the present disclosure comprises
? a housing 101 having
o an open operative top end 101a and a closed operative bottom end 101b defining a receptacle ‘R’ with the housing 101;
o a cover 102 removably disposed on the open operative top end 101a of the housing 101 thereby forming an enclosed space in the housing 101;
o an inlet 103 configured between the cover 102 and the open operative top end 101a to facilitate inflow of air from the surrounding ‘S’ into the receptacle ‘R’ in the housing;
o a separator 104 extending horizontally within the housing 101 configuring an upper compartment 105a and a lower compartment 105b:
• an upper sub-compartment 105a(1):
? disposed within the upper compartment 105a such that a peripheral compartment 105a(2) is configured between walls W1 of the upper sub-compartment 105a(1) and the walls W2 of the housing 101; and
? enclosing a blower unit (not shown in the figure);
• a lower compartment 105b having at least a first lower sub-compartment 105b(1) and a second lower sub-compartment 105b(2) adapted to removably receive at least a first and a second fragrance emitting substance containing cartridge (F1, F2) respectively.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the first lower sub-compartment 105b(1), the peripheral compartment 105a(2) and the upper sub-compartment 105a(1) configuring a first flow path P1.
Further, a first flap 106a is displaceably disposed such that it is adapted to move to block and unblock the first flow path P1 when actuated by a first actuator 107a extending from the first flap 106a. The first actuator 107a extends from the first flap 106a such that it is accessible from the exterior of the housing 101 and particularly from over the cover 102, the cover 102 is configured with a first aperture a1 through which the first actuator 107a extends out.
In accordance with the present disclosure, when the first actuator 107a is moved, the flap 106a moves from the blocking configuration to unblocking configuration of the path P1, wherein in the unblocked configuration, that is, open fragrance emitting configuration of the first flow path P1 the air entering the peripheral compartment 105a(2) through the inlet 103 is sequentially directed to the first lower sub-compartment 105b(1), wherein the air get laden with a vapor of the first fragrance substance F1, and then to the upper sub-compartment 105a(1), wherein the fragrance laden air is ejected out into the surrounding ‘S’ through an ejection port 108 configured on one of the housing 101 and the cover 102 when the blower unit is operated.
In accordance with the present disclosure, when the first actuator 107a is again moved such that the first flap 106a moves back into the blocking configuration to block the first flow path P1, the air entering the peripheral compartment 105a(2) is restrained or held in the peripheral compartment 105a(2) and does not flow through the first flow path P1 and the first fragrance is not emitted by the fragrance diffuser.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the second lower sub-compartment 105b(2), the peripheral compartment 105a(2) and the upper sub-compartment 105a(1) configures a second flow path P2.
Further, a second flap 106b is displaceably disposed such that it is adapted to move to block and unblock the second flow path P2 when actuated by a second actuator 107b extending from the second flap 106b. The second actuator 107b extends from the second flap 106b such that it is accessible from the exterior of the housing and particularly from over the cover 102, the cover 102 is configured with a first aperture a2 through which the second actuator 107b extends out.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the second actuator 10ba is moved, the second flap 106b moves from the blocking configuration to unblocking configuration of the path P2, wherein in the unblocked configuration, that is, the open fragrance emitting configuration of the second flow path P2 the air entering the peripheral compartment 105a(2) through the inlet 103 is sequentially directed to the second lower sub-compartment 105b(2), wherein the air get laden with a vapor of the second fragrance substance F2, and then to the upper sub-compartment 105a(1)/105a, wherein the fragrance laden air is ejected into the surrounding ‘S’ through the ejection port 108 configured on one of the housing 101 and the cover 102 when the blower unit is operated.
In accordance with the present disclosure, when the second actuator 107b is again moved such that the second flap 106b moves back into the blocking configuration to block the second flow path P2, the air entering the peripheral compartment 105a(2) is restrained or held in the peripheral compartment 105a(2) and does not flow through the second flow path P2 and the second fragrance is not emitted by the fragrance diffuser.
It is to be noted that though the description hereinabove is restricted to the fragrance diffuser unit 100 with two fragrance cartridges, more than two fragrance cartridges can be included in the housing with little or no change in the structure of the fragrance diffuser unit.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the speed of the blower unit can be controlled manually or automatically. The operational configuration of the blower unit can be controlled by using pulse modulation for turning the blower unit ON or OFF for certain predetermined period of time. Thus, the blower unit can be selectively operated at different speeds depending upon requirement.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the apertures (a1, a2) that receives the first and second actuators (107a and 107b) respectively have an elongated shape (as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.2) to facilitate the displacement of the actuators that in turn displace or move the first and second flaps (106a and 106b) between the blocking and unblocking configurations of the first and second flow paths (P1 and P2) respectively.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the actuators (107a and 107b) are knobs and can be manually operated/actuated to make the selection of desired fragrance from one of F1 and F2.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the ejection port 108 is disposed on the cover 102 and has a cover with plurality of holes configured thereon to facilitate the fragrance-laden air to emanate out therefrom. The ejection port 108 is connected to and in fluid communication with the upper compartment 105a and the upper sub compartment 105a(1).
In accordance with the present disclosure, a switch 109 is disposed on the cover 102 that is electrically connected to the blower unit to switch it ON or OFF.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the receptacle ‘R’ is accessible from a closable access port 110 configured on the housing 101 as shown in FIG. 2.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the blower unit is one of a blower and a fan that is configured to such air from the surrounding ‘S’ into the peripheral compartment 105a(2) through the inlet 103. The blower unit is adapted to suck air through the inlet 103 from the surroundings (outside the housing) into the peripheral compartment 105a(2) and then through one of the first and second lower sub-compartments (105b(1) and 105b(2)) into the upper compartment 105a and the upper sub-compartment 105a(1). More specifically, the air that enters one of the first and second lower sub-compartments (105b(1) and 105b(2)) is laden with one of the fragrances (as can be chosen by the user by actuating one of the actuators) that sublimates or vaporizes therein. The fragrance laden air is then sucked into the upper compartment 105a and the upper sub-compartment 105a(1) and then forced out of the housing 101 through the ejection port 108.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the blower unit can be electrically powered blower unit or a manual operated blower unit.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the at least first and second fragrance emitting substance containing cartridges (F1, F2) are configured with one or more openings (o1, o2) to facilitate sublimation of the first and second fragrance substance into the first and second lower sub-compartments (105b(1) and 105b(2)).
Thus, in accordance with the present disclosure, the fragrance diffuser unit 100, as envisaged herein enables easy diffusion of dual fragrance using the single fragrance diffuser unit 100 with a single blower unit.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The technical advancements offered by the present disclosure include the realization of:
? reduced maintenance cost;
? compact construction; and
? ease of operation.
? flexibility of selection.
? energy saving.
? low human intervention.
Throughout this specification 'the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations: elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements: components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "engaged to", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," “adjacent versus “directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so hlly reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein. ,CLAIMS:1. A fragrance diffuser comprising:
? a housing having
o an open operative top end and a closed operative bottom end defining a receptacle;
o a cover removably disposed on said open operative top end;
o an inlet configured between said cover and said open operative top end to facilitate inflow of air from the surrounding into said receptacle;
o a separator extending horizontally within said housing configuring an upper compartment and a lower compartment:
• an upper sub-compartment:
? disposed within said upper compartment such that a peripheral compartment is configured between walls of said upper sub-compartment and said housing; and
? enclosing a blower unit;
• a lower compartment having at least a first lower sub-compartment and a second lower sub-compartment adapted to removably receive at least a first and a second fragrance emitting substance containing cartridge respectively;
? said first lower sub-compartment, said peripheral compartment and said upper sub-compartment configuring a first flow path;
? a first flap adapted to move to block and unblock said first flow path when actuated by a first actuator extending from said first flap, said first actuator accessible from the exterior of said housing;
wherein in an open fragrance emitting configuration of said first flow path the air entering said peripheral compartment through said inlet is sequentially directed to said first lower sub-compartment, wherein said air get laden with a vapor of said first fragrance substance, and then to said upper sub-compartment, wherein said fragrance laden air is ejected out into the surrounding through an ejection port configured on one of said housing and said cover when said blower unit is operated; and
wherein in a closed configuration of said first flow path said first fragrance substance is not emitted;
? said second lower sub-compartment, said peripheral compartment and said upper sub-compartment configuring a second flow path;
? a second flap adapted to move to block and unblock said second flow path when actuated by a second actuator extending from said second flap, said second actuator accessible from the exterior of said housing;
wherein in an open fragrance emitting configuration of said second flow path the air entering said peripheral compartment through said inlet is sequentially directed to said second lower sub-compartment, wherein said air get laden with a vapor of said second fragrance substance, and then to said upper sub-compartment, wherein said fragrance laden air is ejected into the surrounding through an ejection port configured on one of said housing and said cover when said blower unit is operated; and
wherein in a closed configuration of said second flow path said second fragrance is not emitted.

2. The fragrance diffuser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said receptacle is accessible from a closable access port configured on said housing.

3. The fragrance diffuser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said blower unit is one of a blower and a fan.
4. The fragrance diffuser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said blower unit is electrically powered blower unit.

5. The fragrance diffuser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least first and second fragrance emitting substance containing cartridge are configured with an opening to facilitate sublimation of said first and second fragrances into said first and second lower sub-compartments.

6. The fragrance diffuser as claimed in claim 3, wherein said blower unit operates at different speeds.