Personal Reusable Microdiffuser

Abstract

A small, reusable scent emitting device (FIG. 1 and FIG. 6), attachable to a variety of mask types (FIG. 5), with interchangeable reservoirs for use with multiple different scented liquids (2), connected to a flexible directional extremity trim able to needed length dictated by wearer use and mask type (FIG. 1, FIG. 4 and FIG. 6), and whose manufacture is distinct from any particular mask type.

Claims

1. A small scent emitting instrument comprising: (a) An interchangeable reservoir to hold a plurality of scented liquids (b) A flexible, directional extremity protruding from either or both sides of said reservoir, containing a fiber wick the flexible, directional extremity of claim b allows for emission control (c) A method of allowing said instrument to attach to a variety of masks Whereby said instrument provides various pleasant aromas for extended periods of said mask wearing, thus decreasing aversion to the wearing of beneficial facial coverings.

Description

DRAWINGS

[0021] Drawing Figures

[0022] In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number, but different alphabetic suffixes.

[0023] FIG. 1 (1a-1b) shows the primary configurations of the micro-diffuser (a) without an attachment device, (b) with a pin back, secured with heat shrink.

[0024] Reservoirs, Various Types show the reservoirs in the primary configuration along with others in alternative configurations of the diffuser.

[0025] Attachments, Various Types shows the attachment devices used in both the primary and alternative configurations, used in combination with the pin or clip (11a and 11B) and the heat shrink (10).

[0026] Various Parts shows directional extremities (9a and 9b) PTFE tubing and small gauge wire used to guide the wick to the optimal placement for the wearer, different wick types (12a-12c) fiber, sticks and thread. Shown in this drawing are also hook and loop self-adhesive circles and a threader, while not part of the diffuser they are extremely helpful with holding the emitter in place on seamless/molded masks, inserting the wick into the tubing and controlling the curvature of the tubing in tight spaces decreasing misdirection, kinking, and cracking of the tubing.

[0027] FIG. 2 (2a-2f) shows variation possibilities of mask types, (a) paper, (b) cloth, (c) molded (d) mask filter, (e-f) CPAP and the in-line (Variations)

[0028] FIG. 3 (3a-3c) shows possible Alternate Configurations

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

[0029] 7—Reservoir [0030] 8—Cap [0031] 9—Directing Extremity (tubing/wire; flexible/rigid) [0032] 10—Heat shrink and other binding materials [0033] 11—Attachment devices (pin and clip) [0034] 12—Adjustable essence emitter/wick

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The Personal Reusable Micro-diffuser incorporates an impermeable reservoir of glass or PTFE, (FIG. 1 and Reservoirs, Various Types) fitted, if required, with a tight fitting cap. Out of the center of the cap extending on one or either side is a directional guiding device (FIG. 1 and Various Parts). An adhesive or sealant is placed around the tubing to secure it to the cap and impede leakage of liquid, (not shown). This guiding device is made of PTFE tubing, fiber sticks, or small gauge wire (FIG. 1 and Various Parts). The length of this guiding device can be altered to fit the needs of the mask and wearers face. In the primary configuration which comprises the PTFE tubing, a fibrous wicking material transmits and emits the scent. Knots tied at both ends of this wick after insertion prevent the wick from coming out of the tubing and help control emission of scent. The attachment device for the primary configuration is a pin back secured with heat shrink. A circle of hook and loop fastener (self-adhesive) (Various Parts), can be placed on either side of the tubing near the wick ending to attach it to the mask near the bridge of the nose (FIG. 2c) or other desired location. The reservoir can be attached to either the right or left side of the mask by way of the pin or clip banded to the reservoir. Alternatively it can be slid into a pocket if part of the mask construction, or a fabric loop/tag on either side of the mask if available (not shown in drawings). Other configurations are also possible (FIGS. 3a-3c).

[0036] Operation (FIGS. 1a-1b, 2a-2f, 3a-3c)

[0037] On the initial use of the personal, reusable, micro-diffuser, the tube containing the wick is placed so that the distal end of the tube from the reservoir is near the wearer's nose. This is accomplished by threading the tube through a channel formed naturally in the seams of the mask during the manufacture. The wicking material can be inserted into the tube before or after the tube is in place. It should be knotted at both ends after insertion. The size and number of knots, as well as the distance the wick protrudes from the end of the tubing will affect the amount of scent emitted from the diffuser (Various Parts). Fill the reservoir with the desired liquid and press the cap on tightly (FIG. 1a-1b). Attach the reservoir to the mask with the pin, (FIG. 2a-2f) or deposit it into a pocket or loop if present on the side of the mask near the tube insertion point. Wear the mask as recommended. Alternate configurations (FIG. 3a-3c) can be clipped to either side of the mask and the emitter can be guide to the most convenient place inside the mask for the wearer or on to a respiration device or in-line supply tubing.

CONCLUSION

[0038] Thus the reader will see that the Personal Reusable Micro-diffuser provides a versatile, light weight, attachable/interchangeable device that can be used with a variety of mask or breathing apparatus types and scent options, without compromising the integrity or function of the breathing apparatus.

[0039] While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as the limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible, as suggested in the ramifications.

[0040] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiment(s) illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents