INDEPENDENT FRAGRANCE SAMPLING SYSTEM
Embodiments of the invention relate, for example, to a self-contained unit that contains a fragranced, scented or aroma emitting substance for on-demand and controlled-release sampling. The unit can be attached to or incorporated with any packaged, item, product, fixture device or other medium. Embodiments allow consumers or users to sample fragrances, scents and aromas of a product or item without opening the packaging, item or product therein preserving the integrity of the packaged items and products and keeping seals intact. Fragrances of products and the fragrance sample can be the same fragrance, or of different fragrances or scents to expose customers to available choices.
1 . A device for containing and releasing fragrance, comprising:
a. a housing, said housing defining a cavity containing a fragrance;
b. at least one vent said vent placing said cavity in communication with an atmosphere;
c. an actuator.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said vent has an open state and a closed state, and wherein said actuator places said vent in an open state.
3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said actuator creates pressure and displaces fragranced air from within said housing.
4 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said actuator is integral with said housing.
5 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said actuator is actuated by compression, and wherein said compression forces fragrance through said vent when said vent is in the open state.
6 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said actuator exposes the fragranced area in the housing.
7 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said vent is selected from the group consisting of a cylinder, slot, hole, channel, and tube.
8 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said actuator is selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensitive dome, arch, bubble, blister, a tab, a button, a slide, cover, lid, snap, hatch, port, door, lifting cap, and rotating cap.
9 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said fragrance is present in a carrier, and wherein said carrier is contained within said cavity.
10 . The device of claim 2 , wherein said actuator alternates said vent between said open state and said closed state.
11 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the transition from said closed state to said open state can be reversible or not reversible by said actuator.
12 . An array for containing and releasing multiple fragrances, said array comprising a plurality of devices of claim 1 .
13 . The device of claim 2 , wherein the transition of said vent from said closed state to said open state is reversible.
14 . The device of claim 2 , wherein the transition of said vent from said closed state to said open state is not reversible by said actuator.
15 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said housing comprises a mounting area, said mounting area comprising an adhesive or epoxy.
16 . A method for providing a fragrance sample, comprising attaching the device of claim 1 to an object selected from the group consisting of a product, package, fixture, or display.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein said device is attached to said object by at least one of molding, contouring, wrapping, taping, clipping, tying, stapling, snapping, welding, adhesion or boxing.
18 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the interior and exterior wall of the pressure sensitive actuator area has support ridges or stabilizing channels which are oriented from the top of the pressure responsive manipulator and extend along the structure to or throughout the base of the actuator.
19 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the interior and exterior structure of the pressure sensitive actuator area have at least one compression ring oriented throughout the top to the base of the actuator.
20 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the interior and exterior structure of the pressure sensitive actuator area have at least one baffle oriented along the structure from the top to the base of the actuator.
21 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of vents operably connected to a single actuator.
22 . The device of claim 1 , wherein said fragrance is contained on a carrier and said carrier is disposed within said cavity.
23 . The device of claim 22 , wherein said carrier is selected from the group consisting of ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) pellets, EVA beads, blotter paper, pulp board, ceramic, wax, processed boards, fibrous boards, membranes, and a gel.