AIR FRESHENER WITH DEVICE HOLDER

Abstract

The invention is a combined air freshener and portable device mount which diffuses aromatic fragrance compounds contained in the main cavity of the invention and at the same time engages a fastener mounted on a personal device. The fastener can be but is not limited to ferromagnetic, detent based, or hook and loop fasteners. An elastic member wraps around the main cavity wall at the proximal end and provides friction and cushion for the personal device when it is held by the fastener. Helical threading on the main body engages compatible helical threading on a support structure, allowing the invention to be mounted in a variety of locations in a vehicle interior.

Claims

1. A combined air freshener and portable device mount comprising a compartment with a rear face and a cavity capable of holding a fragrance medium, the cavity surrounding an internal column, and the internal column having a front cap and being open at the rear face of the compartment; a moveable cover capable of engaging the compartment and covering the cavity; a support structure having a threaded end and a support end; a threaded support means on the internal column, proximal to the rear face, the threaded support means capable of engaging the threaded end of the support structure; and a fastener attached to the front cap of the internal column, the fastener capable of engaging a second fastener, where the second fastener is attached to a portable device.

2. The combined air freshener and portable device mount of claim 1, where the moveable cover further comprises a front surface with a perimeter; and a raised friction edge along the perimeter of the front surface.

3. The combined air freshener and portable device mount of claim 1, where the cavity has a central axis and the internal column is aligned with the central axis.

4. The combined air freshener and portable device mount of claim 1, further comprising: a collar on the rear face surrounding the internal column, the collar having an interior surface in the direction of the internal column; and where the threaded support structure comprises: a threaded hub; and a plurality of elongated arms, each of the elongated arms having a proximal end attached to the threaded hub and a distal end extending away from the threaded hub where each of the plurality of arms has an external surface and an internal grasping surface; and where each of the plurality of arms is capable of moving in a direction along an axis between the external surface and the internal surface; and where the axis of at least one of the plurality of arms is oriented toward another of the plurality of arms, where the threaded hub is capable of entering the collar through rotational movement of the threaded end relative to the threaded support means, causing the threaded hub to cause the distal ends of the at least two elongated members to approach each other.

5. The combined air freshener and portable device mount of claim 4, further comprising: a space formed between the distal ends of the at least two elongated arms, and where the space is capable of receiving a vent louver of a vehicle's air conditioning vent.

6. The combined air freshener and portable device mount of claim 1, where the threaded support structure comprises: a threaded end; an elongated member with a proximal end attached to the threaded end and a distal end forming an extension at an angle to the elongated member; and a locking plate with an aperture, where the elongated member extends through the locking plate.

7. The combined air freshener and portable device mount of claim 6, where the extension at an angle to the elongated member is a hook.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] It is to be understood that the drawings shown are of one of many possible embodiments of the present fragrance diffusing apparatus. It's is to be understood that the coupling mechanism, the particular embodiment, as well as the use scenarios shown hereinafter should not be considered limiting, as other embodiment and implementations could be constructed from what's being disclosed without deviating from the spirit of the current invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 is perspective view of the invention. 1C is a perspective view of the apparatus 1 with main body 21 fixed with threaded tapered clamp 201. 1H is perspective view of the apparatus 1 with main body 21 torn-away and fixed with threaded hook 23.

[0015] FIG. 2 is perspective exploded view of the components of the invention. Axial line 203 is perpendicular to cover surface 262 of the apparatus 1 and goes through the center of the apparatus 1

[0016] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of one variation of the threaded arrangement through which the hook 23 is secured onto the main body center column 29, with the hook placed through ridged plate 24, and the inside thread 31 is shown in the center column 29.

[0017] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of threaded clamp 201, showing clamping arms 44, space 43 between clamping arms 44, tapered surface 2011 and external thread 301.

[0018] FIG. 5 shows how the threaded hook 23 is used to secure the apparatus 1 to a component part of a vehicle passenger compartment, such as a louver 41 of an air conditioning vent.

[0019] FIG. 6 shows how the threaded clamp 201 with tapered surface 2011 is used to secure the apparatus 1 to a component part of a vehicle passenger compartment, such as a louver 41 of an air conditioning vent.

[0020] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the back of a personal smart device 45 with coupling fastener 46 attached to the back of device 45. Coupling fastener 46 works in conjunction with fastener 22 on the center column 29.

[0021] FIG. 8 shows an alternate arrangement the male-female or internal-external threads, showing internal/female thread inside sleeve 82 in hook 23; and external/male thread on an elongated column 81 inside the hollow center column 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0023] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0024] The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

[0025] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference numerals.

[0026] The invention discloses an air freshener and device holder apparatus 1 with a hollow cavity 30 formed by one or more walls 21. The said cavity 30 of apparatus 1 in FIG. 2 has a proximal end and a dismal end.

[0027] The dismal end is partially closed by a wall 32 perpendicular to wall 21. Said wall has vents 28 for diffusing fragrance molecules. A baffle adjuster 27 is fixed inside wall 21 of the cavity 30. The said baffle adjuster 27 is placed against the dismal wall 32 of the cavity 30. The baffle adjuster 27 rotates around the center line 203. The opening 28 on the dismal wall 32 can be adjusted to restrict or extend the diffusion of fragrance molecules.

[0028] The proximal end of the said cavity 30 is open. The distal end of the said cavity 30 is closed with another wall 32 with partial opening 28. The cross-section of wall 21 can be of circular or other shapes. On the proximal end the cavity 30 is open, and can accept fragrance medium that can be solid, gas, gel or liquid or a mixture of any physical states. The said proximal end is covered by a cover 26 during normal use. The said cover 26 has actuating arms 261 extending perpendicular to surface 262 of the cover 26. The said actuating arms 261 go thru notches 271 on baffle adjuster 27. An elastic ring 25 is fixed to the outside edge of the cover face surface 262 and interfere with the outside edge of cover face surface 262. When one turns the elastic friction ring 25, friction around the outside face edge of surface 262 turns the cover 26. The turning of the cover 26 together with the actuating arm 261 causes baffle adjuster 27 to turn accordingly, and hence opens and closes the vent 28 to varying degree, allowing the said baffle adjuster 27 to constrict or extend diffusion of molecule from the fragrance media placed inside the cavity 30.

[0029] Concentric to the cavity 30 is a hollow center column member 29 with proximal and dismal ends. The proximal end has a coupling fastener 22 affixed to the proximal end of column 29. Coupling fastener 22 can be any type of removable fastener, including magnetic or hook and loop fasteners. The corresponding coupling fastener 46 is affixed to a personal device 45 by means such as high strength adhesive. The friction ring 25 is concentric to the cavity 20 and the column 29, together with the coupling fastener 22, the friction ring 25 assists in holding a personal device 45 in place. When one places a personal device 45 against the friction ring 25 with coupling fasteners 22 and 46 aligned, the force created by coupling fasteners 22 and 46 holds the device 45 and prevents it from moving along the axial line 203. The friction ring 25 is held against the back of the device 45 by the said force along the axial line 203 created by the coupling fasteners 22 and 46, thus creates friction that prevents the device 45 from pivoting around the axial line 203.

[0030] The center column 29 is preferably a cylindrical form and has a hollow body. Center column 29 may be fixed relative to wall 21 or can turn independent from wall 21. The inside surface of the column may be threaded with internal thread 31, for embodiments that include adapters provided with an external thread 301. The internal thread 31 and external thread 301 mesh and engage each other. In an alternate embodiment, an elongated threaded column 81 is provided inside the main body 21 center column 29, with an external thread that can mesh and engage internally threaded hollow sleeve 82 inside the supporting structures 201 and 23, regardless of whether the threaded column 81 can turn independently from the body 21 or center column 29.

[0031] Before explaining the detail of movement of the threaded hook 23 and threaded clamp 201 relative to the rotational movement of the column 29, it is to be understood that the threaded hook 23 and threaded clamp 201 are two examples of arrangement that can be made to work with car components of various form, size and surface material, and should not be considered limiting.

[0032] First, I will explain how the threaded hook 23 is used to secure the apparatus to a car part. When threaded hook 23 is used with the apparatus 1, it can be used on a narrow elongated flat part, such as a louver of an air conditioning vent. One would first insert the threaded hook 23 together with ridged plate 24 into the center column 29 from the dismal end and start rotating threaded hook 23. The inside thread of the center column 29 mesh and engage with outside thread 301 on the threaded hook 23 and turns the rotational movement into longitudinal movement along axial 203. Preferably, a user would rotate the thread hook 23 until enough space is left for the back of the threaded hook 29 to go over the one edge of the louver 41. With the edge of the louver 41 engaged with the hook 23, one would keep turning the center column 29 so that head of hook 42 and ridge 241 on the ridged plate 24 become closer. The ridge plate 24 rest against the back wall 32 of main body 21. The collaborative force created by the head of hook 42 and ridge 241 towards the direction that minimizes the distance between them thereby preventing movement of the louver 41 against threaded hook 23 and the plate 24, therefore holds the relative position of the apparatus 1 and the louver 41. Friction ridges 241 on plate 24 help prevent movement of the invention relative to the louver.

[0033] Another arrangement is disclosed as a thread clamp 201. The thread clamp 201 is preferably made of flexible material that can deform and fit the various forms of car parts. The working principle is similar to that of threaded hook 23, in that a rotational movement causes a linear movement perpendicular to the said rotational movement and therefore causes movement of parts to create enough force to keep the apparatus in place. First, thread clamp 201 would be inserted into the hollow column 29. Spaces 43 are between clamp arms 44, and is preferably aligned with center axial line 203. At least one of spaces 43 is placed over the car component where it is desired to engage. As one turns enter column 29, thread 31 engages thread 301 and in turn causes linear movement along axial line 203, as is known in the art. The edge of center column 29 acts as a collar, and the diameter of center column 29 is smaller than the maximum diameter of tapered surfaces 2011. When the edge of center column 29 moves over the tapered surface 2011 on the outside of clamp arms 44, the edge of center column 29 causes clamp arms 44 to move inward toward center axial line 203 and cause spaces 43 to contract as clamp arms 44 are moved closer to each other. This makes the clamp arms 44 to be forced onto a car part shown as louver 41. The compression of clamp arms 44 creates friction sufficient to hold the apparatus onto the louver 41, or any other compatible car part.

[0034] With the aforementioned principle that converts gradual rotation movement of the center column 29 into gradual linear movement along the axial line 203 of another threaded part, other applications can be implemented with the same spirit. For example, a suction cup can have a threaded pull arm and thus be used to grab onto smooth surfaces such as polycarbonate surface. Parts can also be made to expand to fit and hold onto existing slots inside a vehicle cabin, such as CD eject slot, that can be found on many places inside a vehicle.

[0035] While certain novel features of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.