Air freshener with decorative insert

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 9138502
  • Patent Number
    9,138,502
  • Date Filed
    Friday, September 27, 2013
    11 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, September 22, 2015
    9 years ago
Abstract
An air freshener device includes a rigid body or insert having a front face with a protrusion, a rear opposite the front face with a cavity corresponding to the protrusion, and an annular perimeter lip circumscribing the front face. A scent material is interspersed within the body. A flexible cover or shell extends across the rear of the body and covers the cavity, and has an inward facing annular groove surrounding and receiving the annular perimeter lip.
Description
BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention


The present invention relates generally to air fresheners.


2. Related Art


Air fresheners are common devices used to improve and/or change the olfactory characteristics of an environment. Such environments can include bathrooms or wash closets, vehicles, lockers, drawers, etc. Such air fresheners typically include a scent that is aesthetically pleasing, such as flowers, fruits, etc.


One common type of air freshener is a two-dimensional, paper-fiber card with a fragrance surrounded in a clear plastic envelope. The envelope is pierced to form an opening, and a portion of the freshener protrudes through the opening to release a scent. The air freshener includes a string or elastic forming a loop to suspend the air freshener. Such air fresheners are commonly utilized in vehicles. One disadvantage with such air fresheners is that the card is moist, and can leak or leach, leaving a stain on other surfaces, such as dashboards. The plastic envelope and the suspending loop act to resist contact between the card, and other surfaces. Another disadvantage with such air fresheners is that they are aesthetically displeasing. Another disadvantage with such air fresheners is that they have a more pronounced and immediate scent release, releasing a majority of the scent in the first few days of use.


Another common type of air freshener has a disc-shaped shell or canister with a scented disc or gel inside. The shell can include an adhesive strip to stick or adhere the shell to a surface. One disadvantage with such air fresheners is that removal of the shell often leaves a residue of the adhesive on the surface, which is aesthetically displeasing. In addition, the scented material can leak and harm the surface.


Some disadvantages of common air fresheners include 1) rapid scent loss or lack of longevity; 2) non-linear or inconsistent scent release over time; and 3) risk of staining. Some air fresheners disperse their scent too rapidly, thus losing effectiveness over time, and not lasting as long as desired. Some air fresheners quickly or rapidly disperse their scent after activation, and then slowly release scent, or release little scent, thereafter. Some air fresheners include materials that can leak and stain.


Another disadvantage with some air fresheners is that they include a non-solid and non-liquid material, or a jelly-like material, that must be contained in some type of container because the jelly is flowable. The material can become dried and cracked over time, presenting an aesthetically displeasing appearance. Again, the scented material can leak and damage surfaces.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop an air freshener.


The invention provides an air freshener comprising a rigid body having a front face with a protrusion, a rear opposite the front face with a cavity corresponding to the protrusion, and an annular perimeter lip circumscribing the front face. A scent material is interspersed within the body. A flexible cover extends across the rear of the body and covers the cavity and has an inward facing annular groove surrounding and receiving the annular perimeter lip.


In addition, the invention provides an air freshener comprising a pair of shells with a pair of cavities facing one another, including a larger shell with a larger perimeter, and a smaller shell with a smaller perimeter disposed in the cavity of the larger shell. An outward projecting perimeter lip circumscribes the smaller shell. An inward projecting perimeter flange circumscribes the cavity of the larger shell and forms an inwardly facing annular groove receiving the perimeter lip of the smaller shell. The smaller shell is relatively rigid with respect to the larger shell, and the larger shell is relatively flexible with respect to the smaller shell. The larger shell is flexible to expand over the perimeter lip of the smaller shell. A scent material is interspersed within the smaller shell.


Furthermore, the invention provides an air freshener comprising a shell with cavity formed in the shell. The shell with the cavity therein have matching perimeter shapes. An insert is disposed in the cavity and has a perimeter shape matching the perimeter shapes of the shell and the cavity. The insert and the shell are formed of different materials. The shell is larger than the insert and circumscribes the insert. A scent material is interspersed within the insert. An aperture extends through the shell and the insert. A hanger extends through the aperture with the shell and the insert suspended therefrom. A protrusion extends from the insert.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention; and, wherein:



FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an air freshener in accordance with an embodiment the present invention;



FIG. 2 is a side view of the air freshener of FIG. 1;



FIG. 3 is a front view of the air freshener of FIG. 1;



FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the air freshener of FIG. 1 taken along line 4 of FIG. 3;



FIG. 5 is a rear view of the air freshener of FIG. 1;



FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the air freshener of FIG. 1 shown in use with a pair of air fresheners;



FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another air freshener in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;



FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the air freshener of FIG. 7;



FIG. 9 is a top view of the air freshener of FIG. 7;



FIG. 10 is a side view of the air freshener of FIG. 7;



FIG. 11 is an end view of the air freshener of FIG. 7;



FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional end view of the air freshener of FIG. 7 taken along line 12 of FIG. 8; and



FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the air freshener of FIG. 7 taken along line 12 of FIG. 8





Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT(S)
Definitions

The term “scent material” and “fragrant material” are used interchangeably herein to refer broadly to a material that carries a desired fragrance or scent that can be discernable or smelled, or even a neutralizing agent. Thus, the scent or fragrance can be an ascertainable smell used to cover other scents, or a neutral agent that eliminates odors or provides a fresher atmosphere.


DESCRIPTION

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, an air freshener or scent device, indicated generally at 10, in accordance with the present invention is shown for providing a desired and/or aesthetically pleasing scent, fragrance, aroma or neutralizing agent, as well as an aesthetically pleasing visual air freshener. Air fresheners are one example of a field that can benefit from the present invention. The air freshener 10 can be configured for use in vehicles, and can also be used in bathrooms, wash closets, offices, bedrooms, etc. The desired scent can include, for example, floral, fruit, vanilla, berry, pine, etc. The air freshener can have a body and a cover, or a pair of shells, with complimentary shapes that together form a unified shape. The unified shape of the body can form a novelty item. A scent material is interspersed within one or both of the body, cover and/or shells.


The air freshener 10 can have a rigid body 14 that defines a smaller shell. The body 14 or smaller shell can have a front face 18 with a protrusion 22. In addition, the body 14 or shell can have a rear that is opposite the front face, and which has a cavity 26 (FIG. 4) corresponding to the protrusion 22. Furthermore, the body 14 or smaller shell can have an annular perimeter lip 30 (FIG. 4) circumscribing the front face 18, the protrusion 22 and/or the cavity 26. The annular perimeter lip 30 can be a radially outward projecting perimeter lip. The annular perimeter lip 30 and/or the body 14 can have a shape that forms a novelty item, such as dog tags, as shown. Thus, the body 14 and/or annular perimeter lip 30 or the shape thereof can include parallel straight sides and convex arcuate ends. In addition, the protrusion 22 can have a shape that corresponds to the novelty item, including a skull, as shown. The body 14 and/or the front face 18 can have a perimeter portion 32 that is flat and circumscribes the protrusion 22. The body 14 or smaller shell can be a smaller shell with a smaller diameter, as discussed in greater detail below. The body 14 or smaller shell can be formed of a metal or metallic material. A scent material can be interspersed within the body, the smaller shell, and/or the metal material thereof. The scent or fragrance of the scent material can escape from the body 14 or shell over time to provide an aesthetically pleasing smell. The protrusion 22 in the front face 18 of the body 14 can provide increased surface area for scent release, while the cavity 26 can reduce the weight and material costs of the air freshener.


The air freshener 10 can also have a flexible cover 40 that defines a larger shell. The flexible cover 40 or larger shell extends across the rear of the body 14, and covers the cavity 26 of the body or smaller shell. The front face of the body can be or remain exposed by the cover. The cover 40 can have a radially inward facing annular groove 44 (FIG. 4) surrounding and receiving the annular perimeter lip 30 of the body 14. In addition, the cover can have a cavity 48 (FIG. 4) facing the cavity 26 of the body. The groove 44 of the cover 40 can include a radially inward projecting perimeter flange 52 that circumscribes the cavity 48 of the cover 40 or larger shell, and forms the groove 44. The flange 52 of the cover 40 can be flat and flush with the front face 18 of the body 14 or a perimeter portion 32 thereof that is flat. The flush surfaces can resist tampering and removal of the cover. Thus, the perimeter of the body 14 can be stepped to be flush with the cover, or the annular perimeter lip 30 of the body can be stepped with respect to the perimeter portion 32 of the front face 18 of the body. The perimeter of the cover 40 can have a shape that corresponds to a shape of the body 14, and together they can form the novelty item, such as dog tags, as shown. The perimeter of the cover 40 or the shape thereof can include parallel straight sides and convex arcuate ends. The cover 40 and cavity 48 thereof can be flat and shallow. The cover 40 can be a larger shell with a larger perimeter. Thus, the body 14 and cover 40 can form a pair of shells with a pair of cavities facing one another including a larger shell with a larger perimeter and a smaller shell with a smaller perimeter disposed in the cavity of the larger shell. The cover 40 can be flexible and elastic, and can be formed of or can include plastic. Thus, the flange 52 and/or or groove 44 of the cover can be flexible to stretched over the lip 30 of the body 14 and resilient or elastic to maintain the cover on the body. The two cavities 26 and 48 can form a cavity of the air freshener 10. The cover 40 can resist the body 14 from contacting other surfaces to resist leaching or wicking of the scent material from the body. In addition, the cover can be softer than the body and can resist the body from impacting other surface, such as when hung from a rear view mirror (see FIG. 6).


An aperture 56 and 58 can extending through the body 14 and the cover 40 to receive a hanger 62 to suspend the body and the cover therefrom.


Although the scent material has been described as being in the body or smaller shell, the scent material can also be in the cover or larger shell, or both the body and the shell.


The flexible cover 40 can form a shell with a cavity therein having matching perimeter shapes, and the rigid body 14 can form an insert disposed in the cavity and having a perimeter shape matching the perimeter shapes of the shell and the cavity.


As illustrated in FIGS. 7-13, another air freshener or scent device, indicated generally at 100, in accordance with the present invention is shown for providing a desired and/or aesthetically pleasing scent, fragrance, aroma or neutralizing agent, as well as an aesthetically pleasing visual air freshener. As described above, the air freshener can be configured for use in vehicles, and can also be used in bathrooms, wash closets, offices, bedrooms, etc. The air freshener can have a body including a shell with a cavity and an insert disposed in the cavity with the insert and the shell having complimentary shapes that together form a body with a unified shape. A scent material is interspersed within the insert. The unified shape of the body forms a novelty item.


The air freshener 100 can have a body 104 including a shell 108 with a cavity 122 (FIGS. 12 and 13) formed in the shell. The cavity 122 can be formed in the body 104 to form the shell 108. Thus, the shell 108 can have a shell wall with a substantially constant wall thickness. The shell 108 can have an exterior surface 124 that can be flat and/or smooth. Alternatively, the exterior surface of the shell can be contoured, such as with protrusions and/or indentations. The shell 108 and the cavity 122 can have matching perimeter shapes. The shell 108 can have an opening into the cavity with the opening substantially matching the shape of the shell. Thus, the shell 108 and the cavity 122 and/or opening can have substantially the same shape. A perimeter flange 125 (FIGS. 12 and 13) can be formed in the shell that extends around the cavity 122 so that the cavity is bordered or circumscribed by the flange or portion of the shell. The flange 125 can have a perimeter shape that matches the shell and the cavity. The cavity 122 can be shallow and/or flat, with a height and a width, or diameter or lateral size, greater than a depth.


An insert 126 is disposed in and fills the cavity 122. The insert 126 can have a perimeter shape that matches the perimeter shapes of the shell 108 and the cavity 122. Thus, the insert 126 can substantially fill the cavity 122. In addition, the insert 126 can be broad and flat, with a height and a width, or diameter or lateral size, equal to or greater than the depth of the cavity. Thus, the insert 126 can extend out of and/or protrude from the cavity 122 and opening thereof. The insert extending out of the cavity can increase the exposed surface area to increase scent release. The shell 108 can be larger, or have a lateral size, greater than the lateral size of the insert 126 so that shell circumscribes the insert. The insert can be or can remain exposed by the shell. A scent material can be interspersed within the insert 126. The scent or fragrance of the scent material can escape from the body 104 or shell over time to provide an aesthetically pleasing smell. The insert 126 can have an exterior surface 128 that can be contoured, such as with protrusions and/or indentations. The contoured shape of the exterior surface can create a greater surface area to increase scent release. Alternatively, the exterior surface of the shell can be flat and/or smooth.


The shell 108 and the insert 126 can have complimentary shapes that together form the body 104 with a unified shape. Thus, together, the shell and the insert can form the body and/or a unified shape. Thus, the shell and the insert together can form a shape together that neither could form alone. In one aspect, the unified shape of the body 104 formed by the shell 108 and the insert 126 can be a scaled down surfboard with the shell forming a top of the surfboard, and the insert forming a bottom of the surfboard. The insert can also include a protrusion 130 extending from the insert. The protrusion can form a fin of the surfboard. The protrusion 130 can increase the surface area of the insert, and thus increase scent release. The surfboard or shell can have a long dimension less than 5 inches. The shell and the insert can be substantially flat. A decal can be disposed on the shell, or exterior surface thereof, opposite the cavity. In another aspect, the unified shape of the body can form another novelty item.


The insert 126 and the shell 108 can be formed of different materials. For example, the shell 108 can be made of or can include wood, while the insert 126 can be formed of or can include plastic.


The shell 108 can circumscribe the insert 126. The shell 108 can resist the insert 126 from contacting other surfaces to resist leaching or wicking of the scent material from the insert. In addition, the shell can resist the insert from impacting other surface, such as when hung from a rear view mirror.


An aperture 134 can extend through the shell 108 and the insert 126. A hanger 138 can extend through the aperture with the shell and the insert suspended therefrom. A method for refreshing a space in a vehicle or otherwise using an air freshener device described above includes hanging the hanger of the air freshener device from a rear view mirror of the vehicle.


As described above, the air freshener 10 or 100 in FIGS. 1-6 and FIGS. 7-13, respectively, can have a shell with an insert. The flexible cover 40 of the air freshener 10 of FIGS. 1-6 can be the shell and the rigid body 14 can be the insert.


As described above, a scent material with a desired scent or fragrance can be associated with and carried by the body or insert. The scent material can be in a polymer body or carrier material carried by the body or insert. The insert can be the carrier material or polymer body. In one aspect, the insert or carrier material can be a single insert. In another aspect, the insert or carrier material can include multiple inserts. The insert can have an exposed side or surface with indicia thereon. The insert can be adhered to the shell in the cavity. In another aspect, the shell can have a plurality of protrusions, and the insert can have a plurality of apertures corresponding to the protrusions. In another aspect, the protrusions can be formed on the insert, and the apertures can be formed in the shell. The insert can be coupled to the shell by snapping the apertures onto the protrusions.


The insert or polymer body can be flexible and resilient, such as a polymer gel. The polymer body can be elastic and coherent. Thus, the polymer body can be compressible under an applied force, and substantially returnable to an original configuration upon removal of the applied force. It has been found that the polymer gel provides desired characteristics of aesthetics, flexibility, longevity, substantially constant scent release, and containment. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the polymer gel can have a freestanding, self-supported, three-dimensional shape that does not significantly change as the scent is released. The carrier material or polymer body can have a scent material of the desired scent interspersed therein. The scent material disperses or diffuses out of the carrier material or polymer body into the air or atmosphere where it can be detected, or where it can provide a discernable scent. It is believed that the scent material migrates or diffuses through and out of the carrier material or polymer body. The scent material can be high in volatile notes, or has high volatility and can vaporize or evaporate at low temperatures. The scent material can include a scented oil. For example, suitable scent material can include pine, berry, vanilla, apple, coconut, cherry, pina colada, etc.


The carrier material or polymer body can include a polymer material, such as a polymer gel. The polymer body and/or polymer gel can be elastic and coherent. Thus, the polymer body can elastically deform under normal conditions. The polymer body can be flexible and resilient, such that the body or gel can compress under an applied force, but can substantially return to its original configuration upon removal of the applied force. The polymer gel, or the polymer body, can have a freestanding, self-supported, three-dimensional shape. Thus, the polymer gel or polymer body can be consistent or solid enough to support or maintain its shape in a freestanding manner without a container. The three-dimensional shape can be any desired shape. The polymer gel can be considered a solid material that is elastic and coherent, and thus flexible and capable of being deformed, but without being flowable. Thus, the polymer gel may have a sufficiently high molecular weight, and/or a sufficiently high viscosity, so that it is a non-flowable gel. In addition, the polymer gel can be considered as stable. Thus, the polymer gel can be bendable, but otherwise substantially maintains its form. The polymer body or polymer gel can be characterized as a polymeric material in the glass state with substantially no macroscopic flow. The polymeric material can have a glass transition temperature greater than approximately 110° F. The polymer gel can retain its gel-like characteristic over time, without drying or cracking, and without becoming hard or brittle.


In one embodiment, the polymer gel or polymer body can include a polyurethane material or can be a polyurethane gel. The gel can be formed by combining a polyurethane material with a scented oil. Surprisingly, it has been found that such a combination provides a desired scent, but without staining or substantially leaking onto a surface. In addition, the polymer body does not undergo a visually ascertainable physical change, such as drying out or cracking. Thus, the polymer body remains aesthetically pleasing.


In some embodiments, a scented oil and a polymerizable monomer can be combined, along with optional initiators or other reactants. Isocyanate reaction polymers have shown good results in connection with the present invention. For example, the polymer gel and scent material can be a urethane polymerization product of combining a scented oil with a polyether polyol, and then with a diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) prepolymer. Therefore, in some embodiments, the scent material can be a scented oil which participates in the polymerization reaction between polymerization reactants. For example, essential oils such as terpenes and the like can be mixed with polymerization reactants, or even in place of some reactants. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is thought that at least some of the reduction or elimination in residue in the devices of the present invention result from at least partial replacement of mineral oils and/or polyols with scented oils such as those listed herein. Other suitable isocyanates can include, but are not limited to, tolylene diisocyanates, methylene diphenyl isocyanates, hexamethylene diisocyanates, prepolymers thereof, and the like. Those skilled in the art will recognize various other isocyanate reaction polymers, i.e. polyurethanes, which can be suitable for use in connection with the present invention.


Alternatively, the polymer gel or polymer body can include silicone, diffused polyurethane, polyvinylchloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a polymer encapsulation fragrance delivery platform (PolyIFF®), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polypropylene, ethylene/methacrylic acid (E/MAA) copolymer, in which the MAA groups have been partially neutralized with lithium ions (Surlyn® Dupont), etc.


As a general guideline, the polymer gel or polymer body can be formed of an elastomer such as, but not limited to, urethanes (including polyester and polyether polyol/isocyanate polymerization products), polyacrylates, polybutadienes, ethylene propylene elastomers, silicones, natural and synthetic rubbers, styrene/butadiene block copolymers, and the like. In some embodiments, the polymer gel can be formed of a thermoplastic elastomer. Thermoplastic elastomers can be block copolymers such as polyurethanes, polyamides, copolyesters, and styrene-butadiene-styrene polymers. Other thermoplastic elastomers can be elastomer/thermoplastic blends such as ethylene-propylene-diene monomer in an isotactic polypropylene phase or nitrile rubber dispersed in a PVC phase. As used herein, “thermoplastic elastomer” refers to an elastomer which can be heated and processed like thermoplastic materials. Specifically, a thermoplastic elastomer can be heated to a melted or flowable state and then cooled, resulting in reformation of cross-linking and subsequent coherency without a substantial change in mechanical properties such as strength, flexural modulus, elastic modulus, etc.


As used herein, “elastomeric polymer” and “elastomer” may be used interchangeably and refer to a polymeric material which can be mechanically deformed and upon release returns to an original shape. A coherent elastomer is also non-flowable at or near room temperatures.


Although the polymer gel or polymer body is freestanding and self-supporting, it is also flexible and resilient. Thus, polymer body or carrier material can form a flexible and resilient structure or body that can be selectively deformed and can return substantially to the three-dimensional shape. In addition, the carrier material or polymer body can be opaque. Alternatively, the carrier material or polymer body can be light transmissive in at least a translucent manner.


In another aspect, the shell can also include a scent material. The scent material of the shell and the scent material of the insert can be different but complimentary.


While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

Claims
  • 1. An air freshener device, comprising: a) a rigid body having a front face with a protrusion, a rear opposite the front face with a cavity corresponding to the protrusion, and an annular perimeter lip circumscribing the front face;b) a scent material interspersed within the body;c) a flexible cover extending across the rear of the body and covering the cavity and having an inward facing annular groove surrounding and receiving the annular perimeter lip;d) an aperture extending through the body and the cover; ande) a hanger extending through the aperture with the body and the cover suspended therefrom.
  • 2. The air freshener device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the annular perimeter lip has parallel straight sides and convex arcuate ends.
  • 3. The air freshener device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the body includes a metal material and the cover includes plastic.
  • 4. The air freshener device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the cover is substantially flat.
  • 5. The air freshener device in accordance with claim 1, wherein the front face of the body has a perimeter portion that is flat and flush with a flat perimeter portion of the cover.
  • 6. An air freshener device, comprising: a) a pair of shells with a pair of cavities facing one another including a larger shell with a larger perimeter and a smaller shell with a smaller perimeter disposed in the cavity of the larger shell;b) an outward projecting perimeter lip circumscribing the smaller shell;c) an inward projecting perimeter flange circumscribing the cavity of the larger shell and forming an inwardly facing annular groove receiving the perimeter lip of the smaller shell;d) the smaller shell being relatively rigid with respect to the larger shell and the larger shell being relatively flexible with respect to the smaller shell, the larger shell being flexible to expand over the perimeter lip of the smaller shell;e) a scent material interspersed within the smaller shell;f) a front face of the smaller shell having a perimeter portion that is flat and flush with a flat perimeter portion of the larger shell.
  • 7. The air freshener device in accordance with claim 6, wherein the perimeter lip has parallel straight sides and convex arcuate ends.
  • 8. The air freshener device in accordance with claim 6, wherein the smaller shell includes a metal material and the larger shell includes plastic.
  • 9. The air freshener device in accordance with claim 6, wherein the larger shell is substantially flat.
  • 10. The air freshener device in accordance with claim 6, further comprising: a) an aperture extending through the smaller shell and the larger shell; andb) a hanger extending through the aperture with the smaller shell and the larger shell suspended therefrom.
  • 11. An air freshener device, comprising: a) a shell;b) a cavity formed in the shell;c) the shell with the cavity therein having matching perimeter shapes;d) an insert disposed in the cavity and having a perimeter shape matching the perimeter shapes of the shell and the cavity;e) the insert and the shell being formed of different materials;f) the shell being larger than the insert and circumscribing the insert;g) a scent material interspersed within the insert;h) an aperture extending through the shell and the insert;i) a hanger extending through the aperture with the shell and the insert suspended therefrom; andj) a protrusion extending from the insert.
  • 12. The air freshener device in accordance with claim 11, wherein the insert fills the cavity; andthe shell and the insert having complimentary shapes that together form a body with a unified shape.
  • 13. The air freshener device in accordance with claim 11, wherein the shell comprises wood and the insert comprises plastic.
  • 14. The air freshener device in accordance with claim 11, wherein the shell and the insert are substantially flat.
  • 15. The air freshener device in accordance with claim 11, wherein the insert protrudes from the cavity of the shell.
  • 16. The air freshener device in accordance with claim 11, wherein: a) the insert has a rigid body with a front face, a rear opposite the front face with a cavity corresponding to the protrusion, and an annular perimeter lip circumscribing the front face; andb) the shell is a flexible cover extending across the rear of the body and covering the cavity and having an inward facing annular groove surrounding and receiving the annular perimeter lip.
  • 17. The air freshener device in accordance with claim 11, wherein: a) the shell and the insert are a pair of shells with a pair of cavities facing one another including a larger shell with a larger perimeter and a smaller shell with a smaller perimeter disposed in the cavity of the larger shell;b) an outward projecting perimeter lip circumscribing the smaller shell;c) an inward projecting perimeter flange circumscribing the cavity of the larger shell and forming an inwardly facing annular groove receiving the perimeter lip of the smaller shell;d) the smaller shell being relatively rigid with respect to the larger shell and the larger shell being relatively flexible with respect to the smaller shell, the larger shell being flexible to expand over the perimeter lip of the smaller shell; ande) the scent material interspersed within the smaller shell.
PRIORITY CLAIM(S)

Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/717,527, filed Oct. 23, 2012, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Priority is claimed to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/717,520, filed Oct. 23, 2012, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. This is related to U.S. Design patent application Ser. Nos. 29/452,344 and 29/452,343, both filed Apr. 15, 2013; which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

US Referenced Citations (263)
Number Name Date Kind
D176671 Myers Apr 1876 S
369878 Palmer Sep 1887 A
1171737 Madgan Feb 1916 A
1683545 Harris Sep 1928 A
D140109 Pierce Jan 1945 S
2557432 Holstedt Jun 1951 A
2733333 Peters Jan 1956 A
D177826 Katz May 1956 S
D178237 Katz Jul 1956 S
3138432 Kleinhans Jun 1964 A
3239145 Aurelio Mar 1966 A
3456106 Gluschkin Jul 1969 A
3552632 Wilson Jan 1971 A
3655129 Seiner Apr 1972 A
3847305 Tobin Nov 1974 A
3948445 Andeweg Apr 1976 A
3971858 Collier et al. Jul 1976 A
D246986 Costello Jan 1978 S
4084079 Costello Apr 1978 A
D250041 Schimanski Oct 1978 S
4149675 Van Breen et al. Apr 1979 A
4184099 Lindauer et al. Jan 1980 A
4226944 Stone et al. Oct 1980 A
D258511 Ashton Mar 1981 S
4280649 Montealegre Jul 1981 A
4301949 Palson et al. Nov 1981 A
4382548 van de Heijden May 1983 A
4391781 van Lit Jul 1983 A
4517326 Cordts et al. May 1985 A
4549693 Barlics Oct 1985 A
4594380 Chapin et al. Jun 1986 A
D286323 Haworth Oct 1986 S
4638057 Takahashi et al. Jan 1987 A
4649046 Kross Mar 1987 A
4703070 Locko et al. Oct 1987 A
RE32834 Cordts et al. Jan 1989 E
4808347 Dawn Feb 1989 A
4840773 Wade Jun 1989 A
4849606 Martens et al. Jul 1989 A
4869407 Booth et al. Sep 1989 A
4874129 DiSapio et al. Oct 1989 A
4880690 Szycher et al. Nov 1989 A
4950542 Barker Aug 1990 A
4968456 Muderlak et al. Nov 1990 A
5008115 Lee et al. Apr 1991 A
5019434 Matsumoto May 1991 A
5034222 Kellett et al. Jul 1991 A
D319781 Halm et al. Sep 1991 S
5050798 Sullivan Sep 1991 A
D322558 Halm et al. Dec 1991 S
5071704 Fischel-Ghodsian Dec 1991 A
5114625 Gibson May 1992 A
5120583 Garcia Jun 1992 A
5178327 Palamand et al. Jan 1993 A
5180107 Lindauer Jan 1993 A
5193445 Ferguson Mar 1993 A
D334975 Bunce Apr 1993 S
5220636 Chang Jun 1993 A
D338519 Peterson Aug 1993 S
5234162 Sullivan Aug 1993 A
5240487 Kung Aug 1993 A
D349157 Rymer Jul 1994 S
D350082 Tietz et al. Aug 1994 S
D350192 Patel et al. Aug 1994 S
5368822 McNeil Nov 1994 A
5407642 Lord Apr 1995 A
5422078 Colon Jun 1995 A
D366107 Shaffer Jan 1996 S
D367526 Bignon Feb 1996 S
D367924 Patel et al. Mar 1996 S
5520921 Chalifoux May 1996 A
D373626 Dente et al. Sep 1996 S
D375350 Patel et al. Nov 1996 S
5595194 Talbot Jan 1997 A
D380258 Muller et al. Jun 1997 S
5651522 Davis et al. Jul 1997 A
D382050 Hayes Aug 1997 S
5683285 Wong Nov 1997 A
5695692 Kennedy Dec 1997 A
5704832 Borrell Jan 1998 A
D390941 Cessaroni et al. Feb 1998 S
D392032 Zaragoza et al. Mar 1998 S
5725152 Akyu Mar 1998 A
5735460 Eisenbraun Apr 1998 A
5762549 Scheuer et al. Jun 1998 A
5780527 O' Leary Jul 1998 A
5794767 Wilson Aug 1998 A
5820791 Canale Oct 1998 A
D400662 Davis Nov 1998 S
5845847 Martin et al. Dec 1998 A
5860552 Culhane et al. Jan 1999 A
5861128 Vick et al. Jan 1999 A
D404957 Cheris et al. Feb 1999 S
5871765 Johnson et al. Feb 1999 A
5899382 Hayes May 1999 A
D410540 Pinchuk Jun 1999 S
D411002 Farmer Jun 1999 S
D415267 Kauzlarich et al. Oct 1999 S
D415268 Farmer Oct 1999 S
5988520 Bitner Nov 1999 A
D417727 Christianson Dec 1999 S
6044202 Junkel Mar 2000 A
D424677 Chen May 2000 S
D425190 Morikawa May 2000 S
6102660 Lee Aug 2000 A
6111055 Berger et al. Aug 2000 A
6123906 Farmer Sep 2000 A
6123935 Wefler et al. Sep 2000 A
D432222 Rymer et al. Oct 2000 S
D435694 Lebherz Dec 2000 S
D437038 Chuan Jan 2001 S
D437041 Eisenbraun Jan 2001 S
D437924 Wu Feb 2001 S
6190607 Farmer Feb 2001 B1
6191197 Wang et al. Feb 2001 B1
6197263 Blount Mar 2001 B1
6202938 Collier Mar 2001 B1
D440294 Bilek Apr 2001 S
D441441 Upson May 2001 S
6264887 Farmer Jul 2001 B1
6291371 Shefer et al. Sep 2001 B1
6309715 Lindauer et al. Oct 2001 B1
6325475 Hayes et al. Dec 2001 B1
D454190 Trocola Mar 2002 S
6357260 Lutz Mar 2002 B1
6374044 Freidel Apr 2002 B1
6375966 Maleeny et al. Apr 2002 B1
6379689 Aguadisch Apr 2002 B1
6391398 Pesu et al. May 2002 B1
6416043 Elsenbraun Jul 2002 B1
6514467 Bulsink et al. Feb 2003 B1
D472968 Christianson Apr 2003 S
D476726 Rosenberg Jul 2003 S
D478379 Talenton et al. Aug 2003 S
D478973 Wagner Aug 2003 S
D479592 Lammel et al. Sep 2003 S
D479742 Hollingsworth Sep 2003 S
D485343 Wu Jan 2004 S
D487504 Yuen Mar 2004 S
6712286 Baxter et al. Mar 2004 B2
D488214 Quantin Apr 2004 S
D488548 Lablaine Apr 2004 S
D491257 Picken Jun 2004 S
D491798 Buthier Jun 2004 S
D496720 Dudley Sep 2004 S
6800252 Jedzinski Oct 2004 B1
6830733 Stanley, III Dec 2004 B2
6885811 He et al. Apr 2005 B2
D504943 Dudley May 2005 S
D507341 Taylor Jul 2005 S
D511568 Wheatley Nov 2005 S
D514679 Wheatley Feb 2006 S
D515192 Smith et al. Feb 2006 S
7025283 Torres Apr 2006 B2
7055764 Martinez et al. Jun 2006 B1
7061386 Seresini Jun 2006 B2
7070172 Febraga et al. Jul 2006 B2
7137570 Wheatley et al. Nov 2006 B2
D535376 Michaels et al. Jan 2007 S
D535379 Hundertmark Jan 2007 S
7159792 Wheatley et al. Jan 2007 B2
D544080 Carlson Jun 2007 S
D544084 Michaels et al. Jun 2007 S
D544594 Zobele Jun 2007 S
D544953 Kee Jun 2007 S
D546432 Hundertmark Jul 2007 S
7243859 Caserta et al. Jul 2007 B2
D548317 Newton et al. Aug 2007 S
D550345 Weggelaar Sep 2007 S
D551333 Wu Sep 2007 S
7285248 Yamamoto et al. Oct 2007 B2
D554746 Davis et al. Nov 2007 S
7293719 Wheatley Nov 2007 B2
D562441 Crumble-Avery Feb 2008 S
D565162 Carlson Mar 2008 S
7344123 Pankhurst et al. Mar 2008 B2
D565715 Wu Apr 2008 S
D568456 Hollingsworth May 2008 S
7389943 Jaworski Jun 2008 B2
D573706 Zlotnik et al. Jul 2008 S
D574941 Weggelaar Aug 2008 S
7441360 Christianson et al. Oct 2008 B2
D580039 Zlotnik et al. Nov 2008 S
D585129 Huang Jan 2009 S
D585971 Carrizales Feb 2009 S
D591415 Wu Apr 2009 S
D593670 Valentiono et al. Jun 2009 S
D594953 King et al. Jun 2009 S
D594954 Wheatley Jun 2009 S
7544332 De Silva et al. Jun 2009 B2
D597645 Thompson Aug 2009 S
D598531 Irvin Aug 2009 S
D604825 Brandenburg Nov 2009 S
D607983 Irvin Jan 2010 S
7651666 Adair et al. Jan 2010 B2
7670566 Adair et al. Mar 2010 B2
7687037 Wheatley Mar 2010 B2
7687038 Wheatley Mar 2010 B2
D614277 Hsiao Apr 2010 S
D619692 Hami et al. Jul 2010 S
D619693 Hami et al. Jul 2010 S
D619694 Hami et al. Jul 2010 S
D620573 Hami et al. Jul 2010 S
D622835 Mendheim Aug 2010 S
7780094 Caserta et al. Aug 2010 B2
D625798 Hami et al. Oct 2010 S
D629881 Valentino et al. Dec 2010 S
D631534 Kajizuka Jan 2011 S
D631954 Bertassi et al. Feb 2011 S
D633610 Wu Mar 2011 S
D637275 Baraky May 2011 S
D640358 Irvin Jun 2011 S
D640781 Brandenburg Jun 2011 S
D642668 Lablaine Aug 2011 S
D645949 Brandenburg et al. Sep 2011 S
D647186 Chan et al. Oct 2011 S
D649237 Bilko et al. Nov 2011 S
D650057 Riley Dec 2011 S
D650058 Riley Dec 2011 S
D650892 Wheatley Dec 2011 S
8147761 Wheatley et al. Apr 2012 B2
D660950 Finlay May 2012 S
D662581 Savengnago Jun 2012 S
8197761 Miller-Larry Jun 2012 B1
8251299 Wheatley Aug 2012 B1
D667100 Hakim Sep 2012 S
D684675 Irvin Jun 2013 S
8485454 Irvin Jul 2013 B1
8490846 Wheatley Jul 2013 B1
20010051234 Ryan et al. Dec 2001 A1
20030097936 Maleeny et al. May 2003 A1
20030199421 Copfer Oct 2003 A1
20040197221 Stanley, III Oct 2004 A1
20040265164 Woo et al. Dec 2004 A1
20050084413 Stanley, III Apr 2005 A1
20050127538 Fabrega et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050169793 Wheatley et al. Aug 2005 A1
20060043216 Robinson Mar 2006 A1
20060078477 Althoe et al. Apr 2006 A1
20060196964 Wheatley et al. Sep 2006 A1
20060279008 Jursich Dec 2006 A1
20070051826 Schofield Mar 2007 A1
20070057084 Vieira Mar 2007 A1
20070160492 Spector Jul 2007 A1
20070231508 Fand et al. Oct 2007 A1
20070290064 Majerowski et al. Dec 2007 A1
20080099576 Hart May 2008 A1
20080128925 Pankhurst et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080311315 Marlow Dec 2008 A1
20080311316 Marlow Dec 2008 A1
20090008411 Schumacher et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090010813 Wang et al. Jan 2009 A1
20090072045 Wheatley et al. Mar 2009 A1
20090173799 Litten-Brown et al. Jul 2009 A1
20100010409 Irvin Jan 2010 A1
20100019059 Bulsink et al. Jan 2010 A1
20100065654 Wheatley Mar 2010 A1
20100187327 Irvin Jul 2010 A1
20100288847 Gruenbacher et al. Nov 2010 A1
20110108632 Brandenburg et al. May 2011 A1
20110110823 Wheatley et al. May 2011 A1
20120076276 Wang et al. Mar 2012 A1
20130028798 Irvin Jan 2013 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (11)
Number Date Country
2077251 May 1993 CA
0 348 970 Jan 1990 EP
1 346 734 Sep 2003 EP
WO 0024434 May 2000 WO
WO 0064498 Nov 2000 WO
WO 0235975 May 2002 WO
WO 0238029 May 2002 WO
WO 2004078219 Sep 2004 WO
WO 2006010282 Feb 2006 WO
WO 2006084160 Aug 2006 WO
20004637 Sep 2000 ZA
Non-Patent Literature Citations (30)
Entry
U.S. Appl. No. 29/452,344, filed Apr. 15, 2013; Aaron Irvin; notice of allowance mailed Apr. 28, 2014.
about.com Housekeeping, http://housekeeping.about.com/od/pr...affresh, Febrezee Noticeables, accessed Oct. 2, 2008, 2 pages.
Aromate E-News, Innovation in Novelty Fragrance, Http://209.85.173.104/seasrch?qcach . . . , accessed Oct. 8, 2008, 2 pages.
Ecrater, www.ecrater.com/product.hp? . . . , Yankee Candle Selects Two Scents Electric Fragrance Unit Macintosh/Home Sweet Home, accessed Oct. 2, 2008, 1 page.
http://decomodo.com/articles/categor/lighting/, Bamboo Pillar Candle, Jan. 8, 2008, 1 page.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product—6170795-P—N3004...Advance Auto Part; Arometrics Dual-Scent Vent—Juicy Strawberry and Vanilla; 1 Page ; accessed Dec. 10, 2010.
http://www.bestliquidations.com/Medo—Vent Frehser.htm; BestLiquidations.com; Medo Vent Fresh Air Fresheners; 2 pages; accessed Dec. 10, 2010.
Medo® Air Fresheners; Auto Expressions™ 2005 Product Catalog; 25 pages.
Pictures (3) of Medo® auto Expressions Vent™ Air Freshener distributed by SOPUS Products of Moorpark , CA 2003 copyright date on package.
Scents & Sprays, www.scentsandsprays.com/ya . . . , Yankee Autumn Bounty Electric 2 Home Air Fresheners, copyright 2001-2008 scentsandsprays.com, accessed Oct. 2, 2008, 1 page.
www.4imprint.com/EXEC/DETAIL/FROMPRODUCTGROUP/˜SKU100300/˜CA100300.htm, Hot Rod Vent Stick Air Freshener (it . . . , accessed Aug. 12, 2008, 2 pages.
www.autothing.com/Products/Air%20Fresheners/air%20freshener-clip.htm, Air Fresheners, Fresh Scents for you mobile Life, Clip-on Air Vent Clips rom Eagle o., Accessed Aug. 12, 2008, 1 page.
www.chicscents.com/Products.aspx Island Adventure Sandals; 2 pages; accessed Feb. 1, 2011.
www.chicscents.com/Products.aspx; Inspiration 3-D by Chic; 2 pages; accessed Feb. 1, 2011.
U.S. Appl. No. 12/979,795, filed Dec. 28, 2010; Aaron Irvin.
U.S. Appl. No. 12/979,813, filed Dec. 28, 2010; Aaron Irvin.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/191,966, filed Jul. 27, 2011; Aaron Irvin.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/958,767, filed Aug. 5, 2013; Alan J. Wheatley.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/281,890, filed Oct. 26, 2011; Aaron Irvin.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/282,035, filed Oct. 26, 2011; Nathaniel Finlay.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/688,970, filed Nov. 29, 2012; Bryce Haymond.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/722,782, filed Dec. 20, 2012; Nathaniel Finlay.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/732,602, filed Jan. 2, 2013; Nathaniel Finlay.
U.S. Appl. No. 14/039,595, filed Sep. 27, 2013; Nathaniel Finlay.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/732,584, filed Jan. 2, 2013; Aaron Irvin.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/744,253, filed Jan. 17, 2013; Nathaniel Finlay.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/798,912, filed Mar. 13, 2013; Aaron Irvin.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/798,793, filed Mar. 13, 2013; Aaron Irvin.
U.S. Appl. No. 29/452,344, filed Apr. 15, 2013; Aaron Irvin.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/940,074, filed Jul. 11, 2013; Alan J. Wheatley.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20140110497 A1 Apr 2014 US
Provisional Applications (2)
Number Date Country
61717527 Oct 2012 US
61717520 Oct 2012 US