This present disclosure relates generally to a fragrance diffuser, and more particularly, relates to an essential oil diffuser that emits customizable fragrances.
Fragrances can promote feelings such as relaxation or stimulation. The inhaled aroma from natural oils or other plant materials is widely believed to stimulate brain function. Aromatherapy is an example of the use of fragrance to enhance psychological and physical well-being. Essential oils are volatile aroma compounds from plants. Essential oils can be atomized using a diffuser such as, for example, an ultrasonic diffuser. A user can insert or select a different essential oil into the diffuser to match the essential oil to the desired effect. For example, a user can select an essential oil that has a soothing effect if the user wishes to relax, or the user can select an essential oil that has a stimulative effect if the user wishes to become energized.
As shown in
The diffuser system 100 can include a main tank or atomization chamber 3 that receives a mixture of the concentrate liquid 20. The atomization chamber 3 can receive a mixture of the concentrate liquid 20 and the foundation liquid 10. The atomization chamber 3 can receive a mixture of a blend of different types of concentrate liquid 20′, 20″ and the foundation liquid 10. The atomization chamber 3 can receive a mixture of a blend of different types of concentrate liquid 20′, 20″ without receiving the foundation liquid 10.
The diffuser system 100 can include a vaporizer 30. The vaporizer 30 can be adapted to vaporize a liquid into a gas, an aerosol, or a vapor. The vaporizer 30 can receive and vaporize a liquid mixture of the concentrate liquid 20 and the foundation liquid 10. The vaporizer 30 can include a nebulizing component, an ultrasonic atomizer, a piezo diffusion vaporizer technology, or other mechanisms to convert a liquid into an aerosol, a vapor, or a gas. The diffuser system 100 can include a duct 40 that provides a flow path between the vaporizer 30 and the outside airspace surrounding the diffuser system 100. The duct 40 can provide a flow path that allows a vapor 42 produced by the vaporizer 30 to exit the diffuser system 100.
The diffuser system 100 can include a discharge tray 4. The discharge tray 4 can be adapted to receive a portion of a liquid mixture that has not been vaporized by the vaporizer 30. An unused portion of a mixture of the concentrate liquid 20 and the foundation liquid 10 that has not been vaporized by the vaporizer 30 can be drained into the discharge tray 40, thereby preventing or reducing cross-contamination between mixtures. After selecting another mixture, the left-over foundation liquid 10 and concentrate 20 mixture can be drained into the discharge tray 4. The discharge tray 4 can include a seal that prevents or reduces the aroma of a liquid within the discharge tray 4 from reaching the airspace that surrounds the diffuser system 100.
The diffuser system 100 can be controlled or monitored by a mobile device 5. The diffuser system 100 can be controlled or monitored by an application software (also referred to herein as “mobile app”) that is run on the mobile device 5. The mobile app can provide the following functionalities: power on or off the diffuser system 100; choose a mixture for the diffuser system 100 to vaporize; monitor levels of the foundation liquid 10 and the concentrate liquid 20; purchase refills of the concentrate liquid 20; provide educational information (e.g., information on essential oils); create, customize, and formulate different mixtures. The delivery system 100 can include a computer (not shown) configured to receive data from the mobile device 5. The delivery system 100 can have a computer with Wifi or Bluetooth capability, allowing the delivery system 100 to communicate with a mobile device 5. The diffuser system 100 can include a processor that controls the addition of the concentrate 20 to the foundation liquid 10. The processor can receive a signal from a mobile device 5. The processor can send a signal to a component of the diffuser system 100 to modify or initiate an operation of the diffuser system 100 (e.g., activate a flow of concentrate 20). The processor can send the signal to the component based on the signal the processor receives from the mobile device 5. The mobile device 5 can be used to turn on the diffuser system 100. The mobile device 5 can be used to customize or select fragrance recipes to run on the diffuser system 100. For example, a user can select a fragrance recipe on the mobile device 5. The mobile device 5 can then send a signal to the processor to inform the processor of the recipe selection. The processor can send a signal to a droplet delivery system (discussed below in more detail) of the diffuser system 100E. The droplet delivery system can respond to the signal received from the processor by operating to dispense an amount of concentrate 20 that corresponds to the received signal.
The container 12 that contains the concentrate liquid 20 can be an oil jar that is placed or screwed into the docking station 2. The container 12 can include a small magnetic strip or other identifier that allows the diffuser system 100 to identify the type of concentrate liquid 20 that is contained within the container 12. The diffuser system 100 can be arranged to send data to the mobile device 5 to inform the mobile app the type of concentrate liquids 20 that are attached to the docking station 2. The mobile app can communicate data to the diffuser system 100 to instruct the diffuser system 100 which concentrate liquids 20 to mix. A user can select a pre-programmed mixture of concentrate liquids 20. In some embodiments, the diffuser system 100 allows a user to customize a mixture of concentrate liquids 20. For example, a user can customize a mixture of concentrate liquids 20 by specifying volumes and identities of different concentrate liquids 20 that are attached to the docking station 2 of the diffuser system 100. The diffuser system 100 can allow different combinations of concentrate liquids (e.g., essential oils) to be mixed or blended. The diffuser system 100 can allow a single concentrate liquid 20 to be used separately, i.e., without mixing with different types of concentrate liquids 20. In some embodiments, the concentrate liquid 20 is a pre-mixed concentrate. The diffuser system 100 can be arranged to mix a pre-mixed concentrate liquid 20 from a single container 12 with the foundation liquid 10.
A non-limiting, illustrative method of use of the diffuser system 100A will now be described. The diffuser system 100A can be arranged as a smart essential oil and water atomization diffuser. The system 100A can hold a plurality of essential oil containers. In some embodiments, the diffuser system 100A can hold up to six essential oils in 10 mL bottles. The diffuser system 100A can identify the scent and brand of the essential oil bottle using a Quick Response (QR) scanner built into each essential oils compartment when placed into the diffuser. The diffuser will also keep track of the water levels.
Using a mobile app, the user can choose a mixture option provided by the mobile application based on the oils that are present in the diffuser. The system 100A can allow users to also create their own mixture. In some embodiments, the mobile app can allow a user to mix a pre-mixed concentrate liquid 20 from a first container 12 with the foundation liquid 10.
The water reservoir 1A shown in
A water atomizer will atomize the mixture and a quiet mini fan will force the atomized water out of the diffuser system 100A. Bright LEDs 6A will shine through the water reservoir 1A, setting the mood.
The user will be alerted when the water reservoir 1A is low on water. If the user decides to cancel the current mixture that is being diffused, the mixture will be drained into a mixture disposal holder such as the discharge tray 4A. The water reservoir 1A can be removable. The discharge tray 4A can also be removable to pour out the unused portion of the mixture. In some arrangements, the diffuser system 100A can allow a user to pass a volume of water from the water reservoir 1A through the atomizing chamber 3A in order to rinse or clean the diffuser system 100A before a new mixture is created within the atomizing chamber 3A.
The diffuser system 100A can communicate with a content management system web application to input education information, new mixtures, or other content onto an application programming interface (API). The mobile app can be supported on IOS or Android and can pull in this data using the API and present the user with a selection of mixtures that are available. The app will categorize the mixtures into different moods. A mood will represent a mixture and a LED light color to accompany the mood.
The essential oil bottles can have special labels that the QR reader on the diffuser system 100A will be able to scan automatically after placing the bottle into its compartment. Refills can be purchased using the mobile app.
The diffuser system 100A can use water and ultrasound to atomize the essential oil and water mixture. The diffuser system 100A can be adapted to receive multiple standard or generic sized essential oil bottles. The diffuser system 100A can include adapters that allow various sizes or configurations of essential oil bottles to be attached to the diffuser system 100A. The essential oil bottles can be placed on the outside of the diffuser system 100A.
With continued reference to
The lid 13B can include a central opening 15B that provides a flow path across the lid 13B when the lid 13B is closed over the top of the reservoir 1B. The central opening 15B can align with the duct 40B when the lid 13B is closed over the top of the reservoir 1B. The lid 13B can include one or more seals that form a seal between the lid 13B and the reservoir 1B. For example, the lid 13B can have a duct seal positioned around the central opening 15B on the reservoir-facing surface of the lid 13B. The duct seal can form a seal between the lid 13B and the duct 40B when the lid 13B is in the closed position. The lid 13B can have a peripheral seal at the outer periphery of the reservoir-facing surface of the lid 13B. The peripheral seal can form a seal between the lid 13B and the top opening of the reservoir 1B when the lid 13B is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the lid 13B can have a single seal that extends across the entire reservoir-facing surface of the lid 13B and forms seals with both the duct 40B and the top opening of the reservoir 1B when the lid 13B is in the closed position. The lid 13B can be arranged to form a substantially water tight seal with the top of the reservoir 1B, thereby preventing or reducing water within the reservoir 1B from spilling out of the reservoir 1B if the diffuser system 100B is inverted or oriented on its side.
The diffuser system 100B can have a duct 40B similar to the duct 40A except as described differently below. The duct 40B can extend longitudinally within the reservoir 1B to provide a flow path between the atomization chamber 3B and the outside environment. The duct 40B can be a bypass molded into the reservoir 1B. The reservoir 1B can include one or more buttresses or support structures that extend from the inner surface of the reservoir 1B to the outer surface of the duct 40A. The duct 40B can be molded into a component of the diffuser system 100B other than the reservoir 1B. For example, the duct 40B can be molded into the atomization chamber 3B and extend within the reservoir 1B from a top surface of the atomization chamber 3B toward the top of the reservoir 1B. The duct 40B can allow the atomized vapor to flow out of the diffuser system 100B from the atomization chamber 3B.
The diffuser system 100B can include a reservoir valve 16B adapted to pump or control flow of liquid from the reservoir 1B into the atomization chamber 3B. The reservoir valve 16B can be a mini-solenoid valve that opens to allow water to flow through the reservoir valve 16B and into the atomization chamber 3B. In some configurations, flow through the reservoir valve 16B is gravity driven. In some arrangements, the reservoir valve 16B can include a pump (e.g., diaphragm pump) that actively pumps water into the atomization chamber 3B from the reservoir 1B.
The diffuser system 100B can include a light source 6B similar to light source 6A except as described differently below. In the illustrated embodiment, the light source 6B is an annular disc positioned at the bottom the reservoir 1B. The reservoir 1B can be translucent, thereby allowing light emitted from the light source 6B to be visible on the outer surface of the reservoir 1B. The light source 6B can be positioned on another portion of the reservoir 1B or diffuser system 100B. The diffuser system 100B can include more than one light source 100B. For example, the diffuser system 100B can have a first light source 6B positioned at the bottom of the reservoir 100B and a second light source 100B positioned at the bottom of the lid 13B or longitudinally aligned along an inner surface of the reservoir 1B. The light source 6B can complement the mood of the diffused mixture. The light emitted from the light source 6B can be coordinated to match the aroma of the diffused mixture. In some configurations, based on the mixture chosen for nebulizing in the atomization chamber 3B, the light source 6B will emit a combination of colors that illuminate through the water reservoir 1B. The light source 6B can be controlled by the mobile application. The diffuser system 100B can be arranged to allow a user to use the mobile application to select or override the LEDs illuminated by the diffuser system 100B.
The diffuser system 100B can include a docking station 2B similar to the docking station 2 except as described differently below. The docking station 2B can include one or more ports 17B adapted to receive a container 12B. The container 12B can include a concentrate liquid 20 (e.g., essential oil) for nebulizing in the atomization chamber 3B. In some configurations, the diffuser system 100B has a docking station 2B that has six ports 17B, with each port 17B being adapted to receive a container 12B holding 10 mL of essential oil. The diffuser system 100B can allow six containers 12B to be attached to the diffuser system 100B at one time. The diffuser system 100B can be adapted to run with one or more ports 17B being empty. For example, the diffuser system 100B can be adapted to receive up to six containers 17B and can operate with fewer than six containers 17B being attached to the diffuser system 100B. In certain configurations, the diffuser system 100B can be a larger or smaller size than the illustrated embodiment. The diffuser system 100B can be any dimension in size as well as hold any size essential oil bottles. For example, the diffuser system 100B can be a mini-sized diffuser system that holds six small containers 12 of essential oil, with the capacity of each of the small containers 12 being less than 10 mL (e.g., 2 mL). The diffuser system 100B can be an extra-large diffuser system 100B that holds six large containers 12 of essential oil, with the capacity of each of the large containers 12 being more than 10 mL (e.g., 25 mL).
In the illustrated embodiment, the container 12B is jar shaped and attached to the docking station 2B by inserting a mouth of the container 12B into a port 17B of the diffuser system 100B. The port 17B can include a port valve 18B adapted to pump or control flow of liquid from the container 12B into the atomization chamber 3B. The port valve 18B can be a mini-solenoid valve that opens to allow the concentrate liquid 20 within the container 12B to flow through the port valve 18B and into the atomization chamber 3B. In some configurations, flow through the port valve 18B is gravity driven. In some arrangements, the port valve 18B can include a pump (e.g., diaphragm pump) that actively pumps concentrate liquid 20 into the atomization chamber 3B from the container 12B.
As discussed above, the diffuser system 100B can identify the contents of a container 12B attached to a port 17B. For example, the container 12B can include an identification module (e.g., RFID tag, magnetic strip, QR code) on or near the mouth of the container 12B. The port 17B can include a reading means (e.g., RFID scanner, magnetic scanner) adapted to read the identification module on the container 12B. The reading means can be configured to communicate the information of the contents of the container 12B to a central processing unit (CPU) or memory device of the diffuser system 100B. In some embodiments, the identification module on the container 12B can be scanned using a mobile device 5. For example, a user can scan a QR code on a container 12B with a mobile device 5 using the mobile application to identify the contents of the scanned container 12B. The mobile application can be configured to allow a user to order additional quantities of a scanned container 12B.
The diffuser system 100B can include a discharge tray 4B similar to the discharge tray 4A except as described differently below. The discharge tray 4B can receive and hold liquid mixtures that were not completely nebulized in the atomization chamber 3B. When the diffuser system 100B is interrupted before the liquid mixture in the atomization chamber 3B has been fully atomized, there will be some remaining mixture liquid in the atomization chamber 3B. The diffuser system 100B can be adapted to allow this remaining mixture liquid to be removed from the atomization chamber 3B before another customized mixture is introduced into the atomization chamber 3B, thereby preventing a remaining portion of a previous mixture from contaminating a subsequent mixture introduced into the atomization chamber 3B. The discharge tray 4B can be removable, allowing a user to dispose of the discharged liquid and clean the discharge tray 4B.
The diffuser system 100B can include a discharge tube 19B that communicates between the atomizing chamber 3B and the discharge tray 4B. The discharge tube 19B can provide a flow path for liquid to flow from the atomizing chamber 3B to the discharge tray 4B. The diffuser system 100B can include a discharge valve 21B adapted to pump or control flow of liquid from the atomizing chamber 3B into the discharge tray 4B. The discharge valve 18B can be a mini-solenoid valve that opens to allow liquid to flow through the discharge valve 18B and into the discharge tray 4B. In some configurations, flow through the discharge valve 18B is gravity driven. In some arrangements, the discharge valve 18B can include a pump (e.g., diaphragm pump) that actively pumps liquid into the discharge tray 4B from the atomizing chamber 3B.
The atomizing chamber 3B can include an atomizing liquid sensor 22B. The atomizing liquid sensor 22B can detect the presence of a liquid in the atomizing chamber 3B, such as, for example, through a change in the resistivity of the atomizing liquid sensor 22B. If liquid is detected in the atomizing chamber 3B, the discharge valve 18B can be activated to drain or pump the liquid from the atomizing chamber 3B before a new mixture is created in the atomizing chamber 3B. In some configurations, the diffuser system 100B can be arranged to rinse the atomizing chamber 3B before a new mixture is created. For example, the diffuser system 100B can flow a portion of water from the reservoir 1B into the atomizing chamber 3B and then drain the water through the discharge tube 19B to the discharge tray 4B before creating a new mixture in the atomizing chamber 3B.
The diffuser system can include a reservoir liquid sensor 23B. In the illustrated embodiment, the reservoir liquid sensor 23B is positioned on an inside surface of the reservoir 1B and longitudinally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical reservoir 1B. The reservoir liquid sensor 23B can detect the presence of a liquid in the reservoir 1B, such as, for example, through a change in the resistivity of the reservoir liquid sensor 23B. The reservoir liquid sensor 23B can communicate the reading of the reservoir liquid sensor 23B to a central processing unit (CPU) or memory device of the diffuser system 100B. In some arrangements, if the reservoir liquid sensor 24B detects that the reservoir 1B is empty the diffuser system 100B will enter a timeout state until the reservoir 1B is replenished. The diffuser system 100B can be adapted to notify the user to re-fill the reservoir 1B when the diffuser system 100B detects that the water level in the reservoir 1B is low.
The diffuser system can include a discharge liquid sensor 24B. In the illustrated embodiment, the discharge liquid sensor 24B is positioned on an inside surface of the discharge tray 4B and longitudinally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical discharge tray 4B. The discharge liquid sensor 24B can detect the presence of a liquid in the discharge tray 4B, such as, for example, through a change in the resistivity of the discharge liquid sensor 24B. The discharge liquid sensor 24B can communicate the reading of the discharge liquid sensor 24B to a central processing unit (CPU) or memory device of the diffuser system 100B. In some arrangements, if the discharge liquid sensor 24B detects that the discharge tray 4B is full the diffuser system 100B will enter a timeout state until the discharge tray 4B is emptied.
The diffuser system 100B can include a computer chip 25B. The computer chip 25B can send and receive signals from the sensors connected to the computer chip 25B. For example, the computer chip 25B can receive a signal from the port valve 18B informing the computer chip 25B of the status of the port valve 18B, such as, for example, whether a container 12B is attached to the port valve 18B and the contents of the container 12B attached to the port valve 18B. The computer chip 25B can receive a signal from the discharge valve 21B informing the computer chip 25B whether the discharge valve 21B is opened or closed. The computer chip 25B can send a signal to the discharge valve 21B or the reservoir valve 16B to control operation of the valve. The computer chip 25B can receive a signal from the reservoir liquid sensor 23B or the discharge liquid sensor 24B. The computer chip 25B can be programmed to have fail-safe mechanisms, such as, for example, preventing the discharge valve 21B from opening or operating when the discharge liquid sensor 24B indicates the discharge tray 4B is full. The computer chip 25B can have WiFi capability, allowing the computer chip 25B to communicate with the sensors and valves wirelessly. In some configurations, the computer chip 25B communicates with the components of the diffuser system 100B through wired connections.
The computer chip 25B can include a wireless receiver or other similar component adapted for receiving commands sent from the API or from the network on which the diffuser system 100B is connected. The computer chip 25B can be listening for API commands sent from the network on which the diffuser system 100B is connected. The computer chip 25B can include a transmitter for transmitting information to the API or to the network on which the diffuser system is connected. As discussed in more detail below, the computer chip 25B can post status and data about its current functioning state to the API or to the network on which the diffuser system 100B is connected.
The diffuser system 100B can include a fan 26B. The fan 26B can be adapted to help force the atomized vapor through the duct 40B. The fan 26B can be a mini quiet fan. The fan 26B can be arranged to cool the computer chip 25B. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan 26B is positioned below the computer chip 25B to force air over the computer chip 25B and thereby cool the computer chip 25B. The fan 26B and the computer chip 25B can be positioned in a controller housing 31B that is below the atomizing chamber 3B. The diffuser system 100B can include venting ducts that communicate between the controller housing 31B and the atomizing chamber 3B. The venting ducts can enter the atomizing chamber 3B above the level of liquid within the atomizing chamber 3B, thereby allowing the airflow from the fan 26B to reach the duct 40B while preventing the liquid within the atomizing chamber 3B from draining into the controller housing 31B.
The diffuser system 100 can include a vaporizer 30B similar to the vaporizer 30 except as described differently below. The vaporizer 30B can be an ultrasound liquid atomizer that can atomize a water solution. In the illustrated embodiment, the vaporizer 30B is positioned at the bottom of the atomizing chamber 3B. The atomizing chamber 3B can be adapted to receive water from the reservoir 1B and concentrate liquid 20 from the container 12. The atomizing chamber 3B can be adapted to convey the water and concentrate liquid 20 mixture to the vaporizer 30B. In some configurations, the bottom surface of the atomizing chamber 3B is sloped to convey the mixture of water and concentrate liquid 20 to the vaporizer 30B.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying exhibits, claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The disclosure is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The disclosure extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list Likewise the term “and/or” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any one of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. Further, the term “each,” as used herein, in addition to having its ordinary meaning, can mean any subset of a set of elements to which the term “each” is applied. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.
Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.
Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.
Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Certain embodiments of the disclosure are encompassed in the claim set listed below or presented in the future.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62583834 | Nov 2017 | US | |
62572184 | Oct 2017 | US | |
62560600 | Sep 2017 | US |