Activation methods for volatile dispenser
View Patent ↗Methods and devices are provided for volatile fluid dispensers with novel activation mechanisms. The device includes a container assembly that includes a reservoir that is sealed to contain a volatile fluid, and an internal barrier. The device also includes a wicking assembly that includes a wick and a puncture element. The application of a force along a longitudinal axis of the wick to the puncture element breaks an internal barrier and allows the fluid in the reservoir to contact the wick.
1. A consumer product for dispensing a volatile fluid, comprising:
a container assembly comprising:
a reservoir that is sealed to prevent an escape of a volatile fluid;
an internal barrier; and
a fitment;
a wicking assembly comprising:
a wick; and
a puncture element; and
an outer housing assembly comprising:
a rib; and
a slot into which the container assembly and wicking assembly may be inserted;
in which:
the container assembly and the wicking assembly are provided as a single unit;
the insertion of the container assembly and the wicking assembly into the outer housing assembly causes the rib to apply a force to the puncture element along a longitudinal axis of the wick; and
the force applied to the puncture element along a longitudinal axis of the wick breaks the internal barrier, allowing contact of the volatile fluid with the wick.
2. The consumer product of claim 1 , further comprising a removable collar to prevent premature activation of the consumer product.
3. The consumer product of claim 1 , in which the fitment guides the motion of the puncture element through a spiral path.
4. The consumer product of claim 1 , in which the fluid in the reservoir comprises a volatile fragrance, an aromatherapeutic agent, an insecticide, a repellant, or insecticide.
5. The consumer product of claim 1 , in which the internal barrier is flexible.
6. The consumer product of claim 1 , in which the internal barrier is rigid.
7. The consumer product of claim 1 , in which the wick is a porous solid.
8. The consumer product of claim 1 , in which the fitment guides the motion of the puncture element through a spiral path.
9. The consumer product of claim 1 , in which the fitment guides the motion of the puncture element to break the internal barrier such that the puncture element does not rotate.
10. The consumer product of claim 1 , in which the puncture element comprises an activation lever.
11. The consumer product of claim 1 , in which the wicking assembly further comprises an emanator pad disposed on the wick.
12. The consumer product of claim 1 , further comprising a removable collar to prevent premature activation of the reservoir.