FRAGRANCE PACKAGING, CARTRIDGE INSERT, AND METHOD FOR FORMING A FRAGRANCE PACKAGING FOR A SCENT DISPENSING SYSTEM

Abstract

Embodiments generally relate to a fragrance packaging for a scent dispensing system. In particular, embodiments relate to a toroidal shaped fragrance packaging for a scent dispensing system. A fragrance packaging comprises a body with an anterior portion and a posterior portion. The body forms a shell having an inlet at the anterior portion, an outlet at the posterior portion. The shell substantially encloses an at least one fragrance chamber in fluid connection with the inlet and the outlet. The inlet and the outlet comprise a plurality of apertures. The at least one fragrance chamber comprises at least one scent medium, which is unable to pass from the fragrance chamber through the inlet or outlet.

Claims

1. A fragrance packaging for a scent dispensing system, the packaging comprising: a body with an anterior portion and a posterior portion, the body forming a shell having an inlet at the anterior portion, an outlet at the posterior portion, and the shell substantially enclosing an at least one fragrance chamber, wherein the fragrance chamber is in fluid connection with the inlet and the outlet, wherein the inlet and the outlet comprise a plurality of apertures, wherein the at least one fragrance chamber comprises at least one scent medium, and wherein the at least one scent medium is unable to pass from the at least one fragrance chamber through the inlet or the outlet.

2. The fragrance packaging of claim 1 wherein the shell is toroidal forming an at least one channel that extends from the anterior portion of the body to the posterior portion of the body.

3. The fragrance packaging of claim 1 wherein the at least one channel is formed to allow for a valve arrangement to pass through the at least one channel.

4. The fragrance packaging of claim 3 wherein the valve arrangement comprises a sealing member arranged to seal a portion of at least one of the inlet or outlet of the shell, wherein the sealing member restricts an airflow through the at least one fragrance chamber.

5. The fragrance packaging of claim 1 wherein the scent medium is a natural ingredient or a synthetic ingredient.

6. The fragrance packaging of claim 5 wherein the natural ingredient or the synthetic ingredient is disposed on a substrate.

7. The fragrance packaging of claim 6 wherein the substrate comprises a perforated or grill structure.

8. The fragrance packaging of claim 6 wherein the substrate is an organic material.

9. The fragrance packaging of claim 8 wherein organic material is at least one of the group of: paper, fabric, leaf, petal, seed, seed pod, flower, or bark.

10. The fragrance packaging of claim 1 wherein the shell is comprised of a polymer or a glass.

11. The fragrance packaging of claim 10 wherein the shell is substantially transparent.

12. The fragrance packaging of claim 11 wherein the polymer or the glass form a plurality of windows in the shell.

13. The fragrance packaging of claim 1 wherein the shell is comprised of a porous material.

14. The fragrance packaging of claim 13 wherein the porous material is paper or a polymer.

15. A fragrance packaging for a scent dispensing system, the packaging comprising: a body with an anterior portion and a posterior portion, the body adapted to fit a cartridge chamber in the scent dispensing system, the body comprising a porous material, the body forming a toroidal shell wherein an at least one channel is formed through the body parallel to an axis extending from the anterior portion to the posterior portion, the toroid shell substantially enclosing an at least one fragrance chamber, wherein the at least one fragrance chamber comprises the at least one scent medium, and wherein the at least one scent medium is unable to pass from the at least one fragrance chamber to the cartridge chamber.

16. A method for packaging an at least one scent medium for a scent dispensing system, the method comprising: forming a shell having an anterior portion and a posterior portion, wherein an interior of the shell substantially comprises an at least one fragrance chamber comprising the at least one scent medium forming an inlet at the anterior portion and an outlet at the posterior portion, wherein the inlet and the outlet comprise a plurality of apertures, and, wherein the fragrance chamber is in fluid connection with the inlet and the outlet, wherein the at least one scent medium is unable to pass from the fragrance chamber through the inlet or the outlet.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Some embodiments of apparatuses and systems will be described in the following only by way of example and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0035] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D show a view of an embodiment of a fragrance packaging.

[0036] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show a view of an embodiment of the fragrance packaging with a plurality of channels formed by the toroidal shell.

[0037] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a view of an alternative embodiment of the fragrance packaging with a valve apparatus.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows simplified views of substrate embodiments of the scent media.

[0039] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a decision tree embodiment for different types of scent media.

[0040] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a method for packaging a fragrance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Various embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some embodiments are illustrated. The thicknesses of lines, layers, and/or regions in the figures may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0042] Accordingly, while further embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, some particular embodiments thereof are shown in the figures and will subsequently be described in detail. However, this detailed description does not limit further embodiments to the particular forms described. Further embodiments may cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure. Same or like numbers refer to like or similar elements throughout the description of the figures, which may be implemented identically or in modified form when compared to one another while providing for the same or similar functionality.

[0043] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, the elements may be directly connected or coupled via one or more intervening elements. If two elements A and B are combined using an “or”, this is to be understood to disclose all possible combinations (i.e. only A, only B, as well as A and B) if not explicitly or implicitly defined otherwise. An alternative wording for the same combinations is “at least one of A and B” or “A and/or B”. The same applies, mutatis mutandis, for combinations of more than two elements.

[0044] The terminology used herein for the purpose of describing particular embodiments is not intended to be limiting for further embodiments. Whenever a singular form such as “a,” “an” and “the” is used—and using only a single element is neither explicitly or implicitly defined as being mandatory—further embodiments may also use plural elements to implement the same functionality. Likewise, when a functionality is subsequently described as being implemented using multiple elements, further embodiments may implement the same functionality using a single element or processing entity. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, processes, acts, elements, and/or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, acts, elements, components and/or any group thereof.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) are used herein in their ordinary meaning of the art to which the embodiments belong.

[0046] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D show a view of an embodiment of a fragrance package or packaging. FIG. 1A shows the elements of a fragrance packaging 100 for a scent dispensing system. The fragrance packaging comprises a body 101 with an anterior portion 102 and a posterior portion 103. The body 101 forming a shell 110 having an inlet 112 at the anterior portion 102, an outlet 113 at the posterior portion 103, and the shell 110 substantially enclosing an at least one fragrance chamber 120. The fragrance chamber 120 is in fluid connection with the inlet 112 and the outlet 113. The inlet and outlet comprise a plurality of apertures 115. The at least one fragrance chamber 120 comprises at least one scent medium 130. The at least one scent medium 130 is unable to pass from the at least one fragrance chamber 120 through the inlet 112 or the outlet 113.

[0047] The fragrance packaging 100 may be produced using any conventional manufacturing technique, including casting and molding, machining, joining, shearing, and forming. It may also be formed using additive manufacturing systems and techniques, often referred to as three-dimensional (3D) fabrication or 3D printing. The shell 110 may be made from metals, wood or paper, polymers, or any other material that can sufficiently store scent media without leakage. It may also be made from a combination of materials or a composite material. The use of biodegradable materials, such as wood or paper, may aid with the disposal of the packaging 100 in an environmentally friendly way.

[0048] FIG. 1A further shows the fragrance packaging 100 wherein the scent medium 130 is a natural ingredient or a synthetic ingredient. Natural fragrances as defined by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) are complex compounds derived from natural aromatics that are extracted from plants without altering the chemical structure. Natural ingredients may be essential oils, oleoresins, distillates, fractions, concretes, absolutes, or isolates and may come from any natural source. Synthetic fragrances may be designed to mimic natural smells as well as last longer and be more potent. Synthetic ingredients may cost less than natural ingredients. Synthetic ingredients may also be able to produce fragrances or scents that do not exist naturally or only exist naturally as a blend of multiple ingredients.

[0049] Scent media 130 may include other media for aerosolization, diffusion, or dispersion from the packaging 100, such as media to remove an odor or scent from the environment or otherwise cleanse, filter, or disinfect the atmosphere or environment outside the packaging 100 or scent dispensing system. The shell 110 may comprise an at least one chamber 120 containing at least one element of the group of an anti-bacterial, a disinfectant, an odor treatment, or an odor neutralization media.

[0050] FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment where air 105 flows from the inlet 112 of the shell 110 through the fragrance chamber 120 to the outlet 113 of the shell. The inlet and outlet 112, 113 may have a perforated or grill structure that allows airflow 105 to pass through inlet and outlet 112, 113 but does not allow the scent media 130 to escape or leak from the inlet or outlet 112, 113 of the shell 110. In some embodiments, inlet and outlet 112, 113 may comprise substantially the entire anterior and posterior portions 102, 103. In these embodiments, the shell 110 may consist essentially of a perforated or grill structure with a plurality of apertures 115. Airflow 105 may be produced by one or more fans, pumps, compressors, or any devices configured to move air.

[0051] The shell 110 may be configured to isolate scent 130 or other media from any moving components (e.g. a valve arrangement 250, as shown in FIG. 2B, passing through the channel 140). For example, the apertures 115 of the inlet and the outlet may be formed so that they prohibit the scent media 130 from leaving the fragrance chamber 120. Containing and isolating the scent media 130 prevents leakage of residue and the possibility that residue can interfere, gum up, or contaminate moving or running surfaces causing any mechanical movement to become slow, sticky, or otherwise prevent smooth mechanical movement.

[0052] FIG. 1D shows an embodiment wherein the fragrance packaging 100 comprises a plurality of fragrance chambers 121, 122. The figure shows the shell 110 divided by an internal structure 225 or wall to separate the fragrance chambers 121, 122 and their scent media 131, 132. The fragrance chambers 121, 122 may each comprise separate scent media 131,132.

[0053] In some embodiments, the shell 110 may comprise at least one empty fragrance chamber 130 for generating a scent-neutral airflow component. Passing air through at least one empty chamber 130 may purge or clean the system of any residual scent, increase the aeration of the scent stream, or increase the airflow (e.g. before, during, or after a scent release) to carry the scent away from the fragrance packaging or scent dispensing system and increase scent diffusion and dissipation. The ventilation of air through an empty chamber 120 may be activated alone or in combination with airflow through one or more additional chambers 120.

[0054] FIGS. 1A and 1B further show the fragrance packaging wherein the shell is toroidal forming an at least one channel 140 that extends from the anterior portion 102 of the body to the posterior portion 103 of the body. FIG. 1C shows an overhead view of the fragrance packaging 100. Particularly, FIG. 1C shows the toroid structure. In geometry, a torus is a surface of revolution generated by revolving a circle in three-dimensional space about an axis that is coplanar with the circle. If the revolved shape is not a torus, as shown in the figures, the shape is called a toroid. Also, the revolution might not be perfectly circular. For example, a toroidal polyhedron can be constructed to approximate a torus. An ordinary torus has a genus of one meaning that it has one hole or channel that extends through it. Higher genus toroids or tori, sometimes called n-holed or n-fold tori, have channels equal to the number of the genus. A 2-genus toroid is sometimes called a double toroid or torus and a 3-genus toroid is sometimes called a triple toroid or torus.

[0055] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show a view of an embodiment of the fragrance packaging with a plurality of channels formed by the toroidal shell. Specifically, FIG. 2A shows a view of an embodiment of the fragrance packaging 200 with three channels formed by the 3-holed toroidal shell 210. FIG. 2C shows an overhead view of the 3-holed toroidal shell 210 of the fragrance packaging 200. And FIG. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of the 3-holed toroidal shell 210 along the dividing line 207.

[0056] FIG. 2A further shows a shell 210 having an inlet 212 and an outlet 213. And the shell 210 substantially enclosing an at least one fragrance chamber 220. The fragrance chamber 220 is in fluid connection with the inlet 212 and the outlet 213. The inlet and outlet comprise a plurality of apertures 215. The at least one fragrance chamber 220 comprises at least one scent medium 230.

[0057] The FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, and 2C also show at least one channel that is formed to allow for a valve arrangement 350 to pass through the at least one channel 140. As shown in FIG. 3B, the valve arrangement 350 may comprise a sealing member arranged to seal a portion of at least one of the inlet or outlet of the shell, wherein the sealing member restricts an airflow through the at least one fragrance chamber.

[0058] FIG. 3A shows the fragrance packaging 300 wherein a shell 310 is comprised of a polymer or a glass. The polymer or the glass may also form a plurality of windows 310-1 in the shell 310. Additionally, the shell 310 or a window of the shell 310-1 may be comprised of a porous material, such as paper or a polymer. Other porous materials include filter paper, perforated paper, perforated polymers, and woven or non-woven fabrics. Perforated may mean any material that comprises a series of small or very small (micro) holes. In some embodiments, the holes may be arranged at 2, 5, 10, 20, or more holes per centimeter. The porous material may also be at least a ceramic, a metal, a polymer, and a natural fiber or synthetic fiber. Natural materials (such as cotton, silk, and wool) are made of animal or plant-based fibers. Synthetic fibers are man-made and produced entirely from chemicals to create materials like polyester, rayon, acrylic, and many others. The shell 310 may also be a micro-perforated polymer fabricated sheet material or a thin-wall injection molded material with in-molded perforations. The shell 310 may comprise multiple structures such as an outer frame 310-2 that provides structure and a window, mesh, screen, or other element 310-1 that is placed between the frame 310-2. This window or screen 310-1 may sit inside the frame 310-2, be connected to the frame, or otherwise integrated or attached with the frame so that it forms a toroidal shape.

[0059] The shell 310 may be substantially transparent. Transparent means having the property of transmitting rays of light through its substance so that bodies situated beyond or behind can be distinctly seen. A transparent shell 310 may transmit light without appreciable scattering—similar to window glass—so that scent media 330 in the fragrance chamber 320 are distinguishable.

[0060] FIG. 3B shows a view of an alternative embodiment of the fragrance packaging 300 (shown by the dotted line) in a cartridge 307 with a valve arrangement 350. A cartridge 307 of a scent dispensing system may have a cartridge chamber 305 in which the body 301 of the fragrance packaging may be removably inserted. The cartridge chamber 305 may have an inlet 302 and an outlet 303. A removable fragrance packaging 300 allows for the package to be replaced enabling new scent experiences without the replacement of the entire scent dispensing system. When the body 301 of the fragrance packaging 300 is inserted into the cartridge chamber 305, it might not require any physical coupling to the cartridge 307 or valve arrangement 305 to operate. In some embodiments, the valve arrangement 350 may be part of or included with the fragrance packaging 300 and also removably insertable into cartridge chamber 305 of the scent dispensing system.

[0061] A valve arrangement 350 may be any element that regulates, directs, or controls the flow of a fluid, namely air, by opening, closing, or partially obstructing the flow of a fluid through the inlet 312 or outlet 313 of the fragrance chamber 305 or the inlet 302 and outlet 303 of the cartridge chamber 305. Valves of the valve arrangement 350 may be a linear motion valve, a rotary motion valve, a quarter-turn valve, a sliding valve, or any combination or mechanism that sufficiently seals the fragrance package 300. In an open configuration, a valve arrangement 350 allows fluid, such as air, to flow in a direction from higher pressure to lower pressure. In a closed configuration, a valve arrangement works to prevent the entry of fluid into the fragrance chamber 320 or the cartridge chamber 305 and to prevent the escape of scent molecules from the shell 310. Valves may be implemented using one or more poppet valves 353, 355, which use disks or sealing members that seal an opening in a seating. The disc may be attached to a rod 357 and two discs can be attached to a single rod or shaft, forming a connected arrangement or apparatus that allows for simultaneously sealing/opening the inlet 312 and the outlet 313 of the shell 310 or the inlet 302 and outlet 303 of the cartridge chamber 305. The valve arrangement 350 may be actuated or moved by an actuator. The connection 357 between inlet and outlet valves may also be a screw, a belt, an electrical connection, or any connection that links the valves. It is not required to have a set of valves for the inlet and outlet. Inlet and outlet adjacent valves—such as those adjacent to a chamber into which the fragrance packaging is inserted or to the inlet and outlet of a scent dispensing system—may be used. These adjacent valves may still pass through the channel 340 of the packaging 300. Other mechanisms may also be used to prevent the leakage of scent media, such as positive air pressure at the inlet 312 of the shell 310 and a filter, grate, mesh, or another containment device that allows air to pass through the fragrance chamber 320 but not the scent media 330.

[0062] The corresponding positions of the sealing members or valves 353, 355 might not be identical. Operating conditions and manufacturing tolerances may allow for some inconsistency in the valve positions. The sealing members 353, 355 may be composed of a rubber or elastomeric material with enough compliance to take up the likely manufacturing tolerance and provide a sufficient seal. These materials may also reduce noise from the engagement of the valves.

[0063] The valve arrangement 350 may be oriented at the inlet 312 and outlet 313 of the shell 310. In the embodiment FIG. 3B, the shell 310 comprises inlet 312 and outlet 313 with apertures 315. The inlet 312 and outlet 313 may be constructed in any manner that allows air to pass through the fragrance chamber 320. For example, inlet 312 and outlet 313 may be constructed as injection ports, slits, funnels, sieves, other openings, or a combination of opening types. At least one of a pair of inlet and outlet valves 353, 355 in a valve arrangement 350 may float enough to accommodate potential manufacturing tolerances, and use a spring (e.g. a metal spring or plastic molded feature, etc.) or similar mechanical force to engage the floating valve. This allows for one of the valves to be actuated and for the actuated valve to dictate the position (i.e. open or closed) of the floating valve.

[0064] FIG. 3A also shows a fragrance packaging 300 for a scent dispensing system. The packaging comprises a body 301 with an anterior portion and a posterior portion, wherein the body 301 is adapted to fit a cartridge chamber 307 in the scent dispensing system. The body 301 comprises a porous material and forms a toroid shell 310 wherein an at least one channel 340 is formed through the body 301 parallel to an axis extending from the anterior portion to the posterior portion. The toroid shell 310 substantially encloses an at least one fragrance chamber 320, which comprises the at least one scent medium 330. The at least one scent medium 330 is unable to pass from the at least one fragrance chamber 320 to the cartridge chamber 307.

[0065] FIG. 4 shows simplified views of substrate embodiments of the scent media. In another embodiment, the natural ingredient or the synthetic ingredient is disposed on a substrate 435. The substrate of the fragrance packaging 100, 200, 300 may be gel-based, polymer-based, a solid material, a bead-like material, and a liquid absorbing or holding material. Additionally, a scent can be mixed in with a 3D printing substance to form a printing filament. The filament can then be printed to form a 3D printed scent media 430. Another alternative would be to print a 3D matrix or from a filament that comprises a scent absorbing material, then introducing the scent to the printed structure to form a scent media 430. In one embodiment, the substrate 435 comprises a perforated 435-1 or grill structure 435-1.

[0066] The substrate 435 may also be an organic material 435-3. Organic material is any material that relates or is derived from living matter. The organic material 435-A may be at least one of the group of paper, fabric, leaf, petal, seed, seed pod, flower, or bark.

[0067] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a decision tree embodiment for different types of scent media. A scent media 530 may be a natural ingredient 531 or a synthetic ingredient 532. A natural ingredient 531 may be packaged in its natural form 531-1 or an extract of a natural ingredient 531-2. That extract 531-2 may be applied to a substrate 535, likely a natural substrate 535-2. A synthetic ingredient 532 may be packaged in a solid form or, if in a chemical form 532-2 applied to a substrate 535. That substrate may be natural 535-1 or synthetic 535-2.

[0068] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a method 600 for packaging an at least one scent medium for a scent dispensing system. The method comprises forming 601 a shell having an anterior portion and a posterior portion, wherein an interior of the shell substantially comprises an at least one fragrance chamber comprising the at least one scent medium. The method further comprises forming 602 an inlet at the anterior portion and an outlet at the posterior portion. The inlet and the outlet comprise a plurality of apertures and the fragrance chamber is in fluid connection with the inlet and the outlet. The at least one scent medium is unable to pass from the fragrance chamber through the inlet or the outlet.

[0069] In another embodiment, the a method of packaging an at least one scent medium may comprise forming a shell having an anterior portion and a posterior portion along a first axis and a left lateral portion and a lateral right portion along a second, transverse axis. The shell comprising a porous material and wherein an interior of the shell substantially comprises an at least one fragrance chamber. The fragrance chamber comprising the at least one scent medium. The method further comprising joining the left and right lateral portions to form a toroid or a sleeve.

[0070] The fragrance packaging 100 may be replaceable. The term replaceable means that the packaging may be conveniently added to or removed from the scent dispensing system according to a user's or customer's needs. A replaceable fragrance packaging may be interchanged with different packaging (e.g. comprising different scent media or different embodiments as described in this application). A different fragrance packaging added to the system may serve a different function depending on its scent media or configuration. Further, a producer of fragrance packaging may be able to tailor several different versions of the fragrance packaging to provide a curated scent experience to the user. Each fragrance packaging may also comprise a method of identification so that when it is removably inserted into the system it may be identified. The identification may also comprise the packaging's configuration and contents. Additionally, replaceable nature of the packaging, it is possible for a user to purchase a scent dispensing system without a package if it does not meet their present needs and then add the package to the system when it better suits the user. When the fragrance packaging 100 is inserted into the scent dispensing system it might not require any physical coupling to the system to operate.

[0071] A fragrance packaging 100 may be disposable or recyclable. A recyclable packaging may be composed of recyclable materials that can be deposed into a user's recycling system or they may be returned to the manufacturer so that they can be refilled and reused.

[0072] A scent dispensing system may stand alone or may be supplied or sold as an “optional accessory”, a “factory installed” accessory or option, a dealer-installed accessory or an accessory installed by the customer or third party. The system may connect to a vehicle or other apparatus for power (e.g. electrical connection, wireless charging, etc.) for data that may be provided wired or wireless (e.g. Bluetooth, WIFI, etc.). The system may be located in a specifically designed location, receptacle, or port, or be in a pre-existing receptacle such as a cup holder, ashtray, armrest or glove box.

[0073] The aspects and features mentioned and described together with one or more of the previously detailed embodiments and figures, may as well be combined with one or more of the other embodiments to replace a like feature of the other embodiment or to additionally introduce the feature to the other embodiment.