DEVICE FOR TESTING FRAGRANCES AND THE LIKE

Abstract

The device (100) comprises a container (200) for containing a fragrance (300) having at least one opening (450), an absorbing element (500) with a first portion (510) to be received within the container (200) continuously in direct contact with the fragrance (300) and with a second portion (520) at least partially outside the container (200) arranged through the opening (450), and a cover (600) that can be made at least partially of an absorbing material, which covers, in at least a substantially fluid-tight and impermeable manner, and at least partially, the second portion (520) of the absorbing element (500).

Claims

1. Device for testing fragrances and the like, comprising: a container adapted to contain a fragrance which has at least one opening; an absorbing element having a first portion intended to be received within the container continuously in direct contact with the fragrance and a second portion intended to be at least partially outside the container through the opening; and a cover intended to cover, in at least a substantially fluid-tight and impermeable manner, and at least partially, the second portion of the absorbing element, the cover being either made of an absorbing material or it includes an absorbing material contained therein, the cover being intended to contain the fragrance that has been transferred by the absorbing element from the inside of the container so that the cover acts as an olfaction point.

2. (canceled)

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover is releasable from the absorbing element to leave it exposed and to allow the fragrance to be released so as to test it.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover has an inner cavity defining a chamber suitable to at least partially receive the second portion of the absorbing element.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the inner cavity is sized such that the second portion of the absorbing element is in contact therewith when the cover is arranged covering the absorbing element.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein it further comprises a closure element intended to close the container, said opening being formed in the closure element.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the absorbing element is made of a ceramic material.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the absorbing element has at least one fluid pathway intended to compensate for a pressure increase within the container.

9. The device of claim 6, wherein the closure element has at least one fluid pathway intended to compensate for a pressure increase within the container.

10. The device of claim 8, wherein said fluid pathway is formed by one or more of a channel, a groove, a hole, or a corrugation.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the absorbing element is formed of different materials.

12. The device of claim 6, wherein the cover extends into the closure element.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover extends into a portion of the container.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover extends covering the container.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover is adapted to be inserted into a decorative element intended to be exposed to the outside of the device.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein it further comprises a receptacle configured for receiving at least the container, the receptacle having an opening through which the second portion of the absorbing element is allowed to at least partially pass to the outside of the container.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the opening of the receptacle is sized such that the cover is allowed to at least partially pass through.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Particular examples of the present device for testing fragrances and the like will be described in the following, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the figures of the appended drawings, in which:

[0043] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a first example of the device for testing fragrances and the like, with the cover configured extending to the top of the closure element, and wherein the absorbing element is formed by a single piece;

[0044] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a second example of the device for testing fragrances and the like, with the cover configured extending to the top of the closure element, and wherein the absorbing element is formed by two pieces;

[0045] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a third example of the device for testing fragrances and the like, with the cover configured extending to the top of the container, and wherein the absorbing element is formed by two pieces;

[0046] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a fourth example of the device for testing fragrances and the like, with the cover configured extending to the top of the container, and wherein the absorbing element is formed by one piece;

[0047] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a fifth example of the device for testing fragrances and the like, similar to the second example in FIG. 2, with the cover removed from the device;

[0048] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a sixth example of the device for testing fragrances and the like, similar to the second and fifth examples in FIGS. 2 and 5, respectively, and with the cover removed from the device, together with one portion of the absorbing element;

[0049] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a seventh example of the device for testing fragrances and the like, including a receptacle;

[0050] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of one example of a closure element; and

[0051] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one example of an absorbing element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0052] Several non-limiting examples of the present device for testing fragrances and the like have been illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 of the drawings. The device has been designated as a whole by reference numeral 100.

[0053] In all the examples illustrated and described herein, the device 100 is used to test a perfume 300. The device 100 can be however used to test any type of fragrance, in addition to perfume, such as, for example, detergent, softener, oil, air freshener, etc. and, in general, any odour compositions that can be tested before being acquired.

[0054] In all the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 of the drawings, the device 100 comprises a container 200 made of plastic, glass, or any other suitable material. The container 200 has, in the illustrated examples, a generally cylindrical overall configuration, although other configurations, such as prismatic, spherical, oval, combinations thereof, or even irregular, are not ruled out. The container 200 may be either transparent in order to see the amount of perfume 300 contained therein, opaque, or translucent, having decorations, colours, etc.

[0055] The device 100 illustrated in all the examples shown includes, in addition, an absorbing element 500. The absorbing element 500 shown in the non-limiting example of FIG. 9 is rod-shaped although many other configurations are not ruled out. The absorbing element 500 is made of a high capillarity absorbing material, for example, a porous type material, capable of transporting the perfume 300 from the inside of the container 200 to the outside.

[0056] In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4 and 7, the absorbing element 500 is formed by a single piece while, in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, 6, the absorbing element 500 is formed by two pieces. In any case, in all the examples, two portions 510, 520 are defined in the absorbing element 500 which may be independent pieces (FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6) or simply areas of the same physical piece (FIGS. 1, 4, 7).

[0057] More specifically, in all the examples illustrated in the drawings, a first portion 510 is identified in the absorber element 500, which is intended to be received within the container 200, continuously in direct contact with the perfume 300 that is contained therein. The arrangement of the first portion 510 of the absorbing element 500 in permanent contact with the perfume 300 in the liquid state within the container 200 results in that the absorbing element 500 is continuously impregnated always by itself as the perfume 300 evaporates. Consequently, it is not necessary for the absorbing element 500 to be periodically impregnated with perfume 300, replenishing perfume 300 in the container 200 being only necessary when it is exhausted, which may happen after weeks or months depending on the volume contained in the container 200. Thanks to this configuration, oxidation of perfume 300 does not occur and evaporation is minimized, avoiding contact with external environment.

[0058] A second portion 520 is also identified in the absorbing element 500, which is partially arranged outside the container 200, through an opening 450 that is formed in a top portion of the container 200, in particular, formed in a closure element 400, which will be described later. It is clear that, in a normal use of the device, the second portion 520 of the absorbing element 500 is not in direct contact with the perfume 300 within the container 200.

[0059] The first portion 510 of the absorbing element 500 may be longer than the second portion 520 of the absorbing element 500, as shown in the figures. It is not however excluded the case where the first portion 510 of the absorbing element 500 is shorter than the second portion 520 of the absorbing element 500, or that where both parts 510, 520 have the same length. The length of the first portion 510 of the absorbing element 500 may be set, for example, as a function of the maximum level of perfume 300 within the container 200. The first portion 510 of the absorbing element 500 may extend up to the maximum level of perfume 300 within the container 200 or even further, until reaching the neck of the container 200, in some cases.

[0060] The device 100 also includes, in all the examples, a cover 600. The cover 600 is configured to cover, in a fluid-tight and impermeable manner, the second portion 520 of the absorbing element 500, that is, the portion of the absorbing element 500 arranged outside. The cover 600 is made of an absorbing material, or it contains an absorbing material therein, such as, for example, a porous material, impregnable by the perfume 300 that is transmitted by capillarity from the inside of the container 200. If the cover 600 is made of an absorbing material, it may include a liquid-tight coating to provide insulation from the inside of the container 200. This prevents the user from being impregnated with perfume 300 when taking the cover 600, for example, for releasing it from the device, or for coupling it thereto. The cover 600 might however not be made of an absorbing material, but contain a part with an absorbing material therein. In any case, the cover 600, whether it is entirely made of an absorbing material or it contains an absorbing material therein, is adapted to collect the perfume 300 that is transported by the absorbing element 500 from the inside of the container 200. In this way, removing the absorbing element 500 from the container 200 to smell the perfume 300 is not necessary but it is sufficient to take the cover 600 to the nose, once it has been released from the container 200, and smell it.

[0061] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7, the cover 600 has an inner cavity 650 defining a chamber or space suitable for receiving the second portion 520 of the absorbing element 500, which is outside the container 200. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, however, the inner cavity 650 is suitable for receiving the second portion 520 of the absorbing element 500 so that both are in contact. In any case, the perfume 300 is transmitted from the absorbing element 500 to the inside of the cover 600, impregnating it continuously, as indicated above. The cover 600 thus acts as an olfaction point, so that the user simply has to remove it, for example, by separating, lifting, moving away, turning, etc. the cover 600 from the container 200 so that the absorbing element 500 is exposed, and to smell it near the nose. The user can thus directly smell the perfume 300 in a comfortable and simple way, without excess perfume 300 being produced and thus avoiding unpleasant and irritating sensations.

[0062] In the examples shown in FIGS. 1-7, a closure element 400 is provided, as indicated above. A sectional view of the closure element 400 is shown in FIG. 8. The closure element is configured as a screw cap 400 with an opening 450 for the passage of the absorbing element 500 therethrough. The cap 400 is intended to be screwed to the neck of the container 200 so as to close it properly.

[0063] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, and 5-6 the cover 600 extends to the top of the closure element 400. By contrast, in the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the cover 600 extends into a portion of the container 200. However, cases are envisaged where the cover 600 extends entirely or partially covering the container 200 and even cases, such as the example illustrated in FIG. 7, where the cover 600 extends into a receptacle 800 that externally covers the entire container 200. Said receptacle 800 will be described further below. Also, the cover 600 may be adapted to be inserted into a decorative element, not shown.

[0064] FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings show examples of a fluid pathway 700 formed in the closure element 400 and in the absorbing element 500, respectively. The fluid pathway 700 is intended to compensate for a pressure increase within the container 200. In particular, in the case of FIG. 8, the fluid pathway 700 is formed in the closure element 400 and, more specifically, in an inner ring 410 coupled or inserted into the closure element 400 while, in the case of FIG. 9, the fluid pathway 700 is formed in the absorbing element 500. Other options are possible, such as, for example, arranging a fluid pathway 700 formed internally in the same material of the closure element 400, or formed both in the closure element 400 and in the absorbing element 500. In the particular example illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the fluid pathway 700 is configured as a small sized U-shaped channel to avoid evaporation and contamination. The channel 700 is formed radially in the closure element 400, or longitudinally in the absorbing element 500. However, other configurations for the fluid pathway 700, such as in the form of a groove, hole, or corrugation, are not ruled out, having a continuous or irregular shape, with various sizes and shapes, as appropriate.

[0065] In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 7, the device 100 further comprises a receptacle 800, as indicated above. The receptacle 800 is configured to externally cover the entire container 200, and also partially the absorbing element 500. The receptacle 800 may be formed of metal, plastic, or other suitable material, and may be opaque, translucent, or transparent, and may even include decorative elements. In the non-limiting example illustrated in said FIG. 7, the receptacle 800 has a cylindrical configuration with no lower base and with an opening 850 at the top through which the second portion 520 of the absorbing element 500 is allowed to partially pass. The cover 600 may be received in the opening 850 of the receptacle 800, as shown in said FIG. 7.

[0066] Although only a number of particular examples of the present device for testing fragrances and the like have been described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other alternative examples and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof are possible.

[0067] Thus, there exist many compositions that can be used with the present device, in addition to fragrances, and in various states, in addition to the liquid state. On the other hand, the container of the device may have different shapes apart from the generally cylindrical shape described above, with one or several openings formed in different areas thereof. Also, the absorbing element may be formed of an absorbing material or a combination of suitable absorbing materials capable of being impregnated with an odour composition. Likewise, the absorbing element may be formed by a single piece with one or several areas defined therein, equal or different in length, or it may be formed by several pieces, equal or different in length. A number of configurations and shapes for the cover are also envisaged, for example, disc-shaped, oval-shaped, etc., and also different means for coupling to the device in general, or to the container, such as press fitted, pivotally coupled, etc. Finally, the fluid pathway to compensate for pressure increases within the container may have multiple configurations, in addition to the above described shape of groove, hole, or corrugation, with straight, curved, and/or with continuous or discontinuous configurations, etc. being possible.

[0068] The present disclosure therefore covers all possible combinations of the particular examples described herein. Thus, the scope of the present description should not be limited by particular examples described herein, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow. Reference signs related to drawings and placed in parentheses in a claim, are solely for attempting to increase the intelligibility of the claim, and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim.