US20070095941A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20070095941A1
Application number: US11/265,858
Authority: US
Inventors: Geoffrey Gorres
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-11-03
Filing date: 2005-11-03
Publication date: 2007-05-03

Abstract

The invention provides for an apparatus for dispensing scent.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus for scent delivery.

BACKGROUND

A variety of scents are used frequently by, for example, hunters and gardeners to attract and/or repel animals. Scents generally include attractant scents, repellant scents, and covering scents. Attractant scents are used to attract specific animals (e.g., male deer); repellant scents are used to keep animals away (e.g., from a garden); and covering scents typically are used to mask human odor (e.g., while hunting or photographing animals). For example, animals use pheromones and other hormones to communicate with one another. Thus, one or more hormones can be used as either an attractant scent or a repellant scent depending on the hormone(s).

SUMMARY

Scents are used frequently in the outdoors. The invention provides for an apparatus for dispensing scent. Such an apparatus generally includes a variable timer, which allows for optimum flexibility in when and under what conditions a scent is dispensed. A scent dispensing apparatus also includes a scent dispenser for moving the scent from a scent-holding container to the desired location. In addition, a scent dispensing apparatus includes a fitting that is adapted to connect the scent-holding container to the scent dispenser without having to open the scent container. This feature of a scent dispenser allows a user to avoid contaminating oneself with the scent.

In one aspect, the invention provides for an apparatus for dispensing scent. Such an apparatus includes a variable timer; a scent dispenser; and a fitting adapted to connect a container holding a scent to the scent dispenser without having to open the container. The invention also provides for an apparatus for dispending scent includes a variable timer; a flowable-scent dispenser; a fitting adapted to connect a container holding a flowable-scent to the flowable-scent dispenser without having to open the container; and a weather-resistant housing. In some embodiments, an apparatus for dispending scent also includes a container holding a scent.

An apparatus for dispending scent also can include a heating element or a reservoir for holding a heating element. Typically, the heating element or the reservoir for holding the heating element is proximal to the container holding the scent or to the scent dispenser. A heating element can be removable, and a heating element can be an electrical heating element or a chemical heating element.

In some embodiments, the variable timer is programmable. A variable timer can be programmable for the interval between deliveries, the duration of delivery, the interval between deliveries and the duration of delivery, and the condition under which delivery occurs. Representative conditions include, but are not limited to, motion, temperature, weather, moon phase, ambient lighting, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the scent dispenser can use gravity to dispense the scent, a propellant, or a motorized pump (e.g., a rotary pump, a roller pump, a worm-drive pump, or a gravity-fed pump) to dispense the scent. In some embodiments, the flowable-scent dispenser comprises a valve. A scent dispenser also has an orifice through which scent exits the scent dispenser. For example, a flowable-scent can exit a flowable-scent dispenser through an orifice such as a wick, a nozzle, a drip tube, and a scent chamber. In some embodiments, the orifice comprises a retractable wick.

One or more of the components of an apparatus for dispensing scent (e.g., a variable timer, a motorized pump) can also include a power supply. A power supply can be battery operated or solar-powered.

A fitting adapted to connect a container holding a scent to the scent dispenser without having to open the container can include one or more fittings such as a luer lock fitting, a press-fit fitting, a snap-fit fitting, a screw-on fitting, or a piercing fitting.

If desired, the weather-resistant housing can contain a window, and/or can be lockable. An apparatus for dispensing scent also can include a strap to hang or suspend the apparatus from an object, and further can include an on-off switch.

In some embodiments, the container holding a flowable-scent is refillable. In other embodiments, the container holding a flowable-scent is removable. Representative containers for holding a flowable-scent include a bag, a vial, a bottle, a bladder, a chamber, or a cartridge. The flowable-scent can be a solid, a powder, a liquid, and a gel.

A scent for using in such an apparatus can be an attractant (e.g., urine, estrus, glandular secretions, hormones, pheromones, apple, acorn, berry, honey, and bacon), a repellant scent (e.g., insect repellant, animal repellant, urine, and pepper spray), or a covering scent (e.g., soap, earth, pine, cedar, corn, acorn, apple, berry, persimmon, vanilla, anise, animal urine, and animal musk).

In one representative embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing scent includes a variable timer; a flowable-scent dispenser, wherein the flowable-scent dispenser uses a motorized pump to dispense a flowable scent, wherein a flowable-scent exits the flowable-scent dispenser through an orifice, wherein the orifice is a nozzle; a fitting adapted to connect a container holding a scent to the scent dispenser without having to open the container; a container for holding the scent, wherein the container is a bag; and a weather-resistant housing.

In yet another representative embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing scent includes means for variably timing delivery of a scent; means for dispensing a flowable scent, wherein the means for dispensing a flowable scent comprises an orifice through which a flowable scent exits; means to connect a container holding a scent to the scent dispenser without having to open the container; means for containing a scent; and housing means, wherein the housing means are weather-resistant.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings and detailed description, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a scent dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a scent dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of a scent dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a scent dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of a scent dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 6 shows a sixth embodiment of a scent dispensing apparatus.

FIG. 7 shows a seventh embodiment of a scent dispensing apparatus.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The apparatus disclosed herein for dispensing scent can be used, for example, by hunters or wildlife photographers to “pattern” an animal and/or to cover their own scent, or by a gardener to keep animals or birds away from plants or flowers. A number of devices for delivering a scent are available, but none that have the features and flexibility of the apparatus disclosed herein.FIG. 1 is a schematic showing one embodiment of ascent dispenser1. With reference toFIG. 1, thescent dispenser1 has a variable timer ascent dispenser20, and acontainer30 for holding the scent. Thescent dispenser1 shown inFIG. 1 is powered by abattery pack40 and has an on-off switch50.

Avariable timer10 includes, for example, a programmable timer. Avariable timer10 can be programmable for the particular time (e.g., of day or night) of delivery, for the interval between deliveries, for the duration of delivery, or for any combination thereof. Thevariable timer10 shown inFIG. 1 has a setting for both the interval between scent delivery and the duration of scent dispensing. Avariable timer10 also can be programmable for the condition(s) under which delivery occurs. Such conditions can include, without limitation, motion, temperature, weather, moon phase, ambient lighting, or any combination thereof. A variable timer as described herein provides the user with the utmost flexibility in when and under what conditions a scent is delivered.

Thecontainer30 shown inFIG. 1 is a bag-type container. An apparatus for dispensingscent1 can be configured to use any type ofcontainer30 that holds a scent (e.g., a flowable scent). A scent-holdingcontainer30 can be, without limitation, a bag, a vial, a bottle, a bladder, a chamber, or a cartridge. A scent-holdingcontainer30 can be a permanent part of the apparatus or can be removable. A permanently attached container can be refillable via a port (e.g., a fill intake) having, for example, a screw-top or a snap-top. A removable container can be removed and refilled via a port, or replaced with another container. A container can be provided to a user already containing scent, or a user can obtain one or more empty containers and fill them with the desired scent(s).

An apparatus for dispensingscent1 as described herein also includes a fitting60 to connect the scent-holdingcontainer30 to ascent dispenser20 such that the connection can be made without having to open thecontainer30. For obvious reasons, users do not want to contaminate themselves with scent. Ascent container30 and ascent dispenser20 can be connected directly to one another via such a fitting60, or can be connected, for example, viatubing62 or other means of maintaining fluid communication that has such a fitting60 at one end.FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which thescent dispenser20 possesses one component of a fitting60 (a piercing member22) and the scent-holdingcontainer30 possess another component of a fitting60 (a pierceable member32). Fittings suitable for use in an apparatus as disclosed herein include, for example, luer lock fittings, press-fit fittings, snap-fit fittings, screw-on fittings, or piercing-type fittings. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,639,019; 5,899,888; 6,070,623; 6,277,103; and 6,893,056.

An apparatus for dispensingscent1 also includes ascent dispenser20. Ascent dispenser20 can include any number of components provided that those components are able to move a scent (e.g., a flowable scent) S out of acontainer30. Thescent dispenser20 shown inFIG. 1 includes amotorized pump24, which moves the scent S from thecontainer30 out through anozzle28. Amotorized pump24 used in ascent dispenser20 can be a rotary pump, a roller pump, a worm-drive pump, or a gravity-fed pump. Alternatively, ascent dispenser20 can use gravity or a propellant to dispense the scent S. See, for example, without limitation, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,652,492; and 5,423,759.

In addition to moving a scent S out of thecontainer30, ascent dispenser20 includes anorifice28 through which a scent exits the apparatus for dispensingscent1. An orifice of ascent dispenser20 is not limited to a simple opening and can be, for example, a wick, a nozzle, a drip tube, or a scent chamber. The embodiment shown inFIG. 1 shows a nozzle. Ascent dispenser20 can havemultiple orifices28 from which one or more scents S can be dispensed. Theorifice28 may be an integral component of thescent dispenser20, or may be distal to thescent dispenser20 and in fluid communication therewith (e.g., via tubing26). In addition, anorifice28 can be interchangeable via, for example, an orifice fitting. For example, a nozzle can be used to dispense a scent, and then removed and replaced with a drip tube for dispensing the same or a different scent. Furthermore, wicks, drip-tubes, and the like can be retractable for easy storage.

An apparatus for dispensing scent as disclosed herein also can include one ormore power supplies40 to provide power to one of more components such as thevariable timer10 or thescent dispenser20 or a component thereof (e.g., a motorized pump24). Thepower supply40 shown inFIG. 1 is a battery pack for powering themotorized pump24. Apower supply40 can be, without limitation, battery operated, solar-powered, or solar rechargeable.

An apparatus for dispensing scent further can include any number of different components that function to keep the scent moving freely within the apparatus or that function to avoid clogging or vapor lock within the apparatus or to prevent a siphoning effect. For example, an apparatus can include, without limitation, an anti-siphon check valve, and one or more air-tight vents to avoid vapor lock (e.g., within one or more of the tubing and/or in the housing itself).

The components of an apparatus for deliveringscent1 generally are contained within a weather-resistant housing70. Ahousing70 can be made of plastic or metal, and can be brightly colored (e.g., yellow or orange), neutral colored (e.g., brown, black, or grey), or camouflaged. Ahousing70 can contain an opening or a window to view, for example, the settings of thevariable timer10 and/or the amount of scent S remaining in thecontainer30. In addition, ahousing70 can have a door for accessing the internal components (e.g., the variable timer10). In some embodiments, one or more of the components can be attached or mounted to the inside of the door. The door of ahousing70 can have water-resistant seals, and can be lockable to avoid tampering or damage.

FIGS. 2-7 are schematics showing various other embodiments of an apparatus for dispensingscent1.FIGS. 1-7 are representative embodiments, and are not meant to be limiting in any way.

FIG. 2 shows ascent dispensing apparatus1 in which the scent-holdingcontainer30 is a bottle and thescent dispenser20 includes a motorizedworm gear pump24 placed inside thecontainer30. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, the fitting60 includes, for example, acap32 on the container that has a gasket-type opening and a smooth-surface covering22 on the worm gear pump. The worm gear pump portion of thescent dispenser20 can be inserted and removed through the opening in thecap32. In certain embodiments, the portion of thecap32 immediately around the gasket-type opening can be configured to remove any excess scent from the smooth-surface covering22 on the worm gear pump when the worm gear pump is removed from the container (e.g., for changing or refilling a scent). The scent S in the embodiment shown inFIG. 2 is a flowable gel or flowable gel-like material, and themotorized pump24, powered bybatteries40, moves the scent S out of thecontainer30. The scent S in the embodiment shown inFIG. 2 is dispensed via adrip tube28.

FIG. 3 shows anapparatus1 in which thecontainer30 is a syringe and thescent dispenser20 includes a gear- or belt-drivenmotorized plunger24 for moving the scent S through thetubing26 and out through anozzle28.FIG. 3 shows themotorized plunger24 powered bybatteries40. Thevariable timer10 shown inFIG. 3 has settings for timing both the delivery interval and the duration of delivery. The fitting60 shown inFIG. 3 is located at the top of thecontainer30 where the plunger enters the syringe, but could also be located at the bottom of thecontainer30 similar to the embodiment shown and described below inFIG. 6.

FIG. 4 shows anapparatus1 in which the scent-holdingcontainer30 is a bladder reservoir and thescent dispenser20 uses amotorized pump24. Although thecontainer30 shown inFIG. 4 has a fill intake, a fitting60 is shown in which thecontainer30 has a threadedmale portion32 and the pump portion of thescent dispenser20 has a threadedfemale portion22. InFIG. 4, themotorized pump24 is connected to a battery-operatedpower supply40 via avariable timer solenoid10. The apparatus shown inFIG. 4 also has an on-off toggle switch50.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of ascent dispensing apparatus1 having a bottle for ascent container30. Thescent dispenser20 in the embodiment shown inFIG. 5 includes a roller pump powered by a battery-operated40 motor. Similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 2, the fitting60 shown inFIG. 5 includes, for example, acap32 on the container that has a gasket-type opening and a rigid orsemi-rigid tube22 extending down into the scent S. Thetube22 portion of thescent dispenser20 can be inserted and removed through the opening in thecap32. As described above, the portion of thecap32 immediately around the gasket-type opening can be configured to remove any excess scent from thetube22 when the tube is removed from the container. Thescent dispenser20 in the embodiment shown inFIG. 5 also includes both a mistingnozzle28 and adrip hose28 for dispensing the scent.

FIG. 6 shows anapparatus1 in which the scent S is contained within abladder30 and thescent dispenser20 includes a CO₂propellant. The CO₂propellant is shown connected to a battery-operatedpower supply40 via avariable timer solenoid10. Thebladder30 shown inFIG. 6 has a fill intake for refilling purposes, and has anozzle28 to dispense the scent. Although the fill intake can be used, for example, to refill acontainer30 with scent S, a fitting60 is shown that can be used, for example, when introducing a new container. The fitting shown inFIG. 6 includes a male snap-fit portion32 that attaches to a female snap-fit portion22. In order that thecontainer30 need not be open by a user prior to installation, the female snap-fit portion22 of such a fitting60 can include a piercing member (not shown) and the male snap-fit portion32 on anew container30 can be sealed with, for example, a foil seal (not shown). Piercing components in a variety of fittings (e.g., screw-top, snap-fit tops) are known in the medical arts and are used routinely on medication and/or pharmaceutical dispensers.

FIG. 7 is a schematic showing an apparatus having a bag as thescent container30. Thecontainer30 shown inFIG. 7 is a bag such as those used for delivering fluids intravenously in the medical field. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,257,985; 5,853,388, and D347,890. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 7, the scent S is delivered through tubing viagravity20 to a scent chamber, which in turn, delivers the scent to awick28. Delivery of the scent according to the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 is regulated via a roller clamp and avalve10. The tubing can be connected to the bag via a luer lock fitting60 and to the scent chamber via a luer lock or a press-fit fitting60. As shown inFIG. 7, the connection can be at any position along the length of the tubing.

When ascent dispensing apparatus1 is used in a region that experiences cold weather, it is desirable that the scent S not freeze. Therefore, anapparatus1 can include a heating element or a reservoir for holding a heating element. A heating element or a reservoir for holding a heating element can be proximal to thescent dispenser20 and/or thecontainer30 containing the scent S. A heating element can be an electrical heating element or a chemical heating element, and can be removable. Electrical heating elements can be powered, for example, by apower supply40 as described above, while chemical heating elements are known in the art. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,998,749; 4,265,216; 4,725,225; and 4,862,519.

Scents S suitable for use in ascent dispensing apparatus1 can be, for example, an attractant scent, a repellant scent, or a covering scent. It would be understood by those of skill in the art that the three types of scents described here are not comprehensive and also that members are not exclusive to each type of scent. Representative examples of attractant scents include urine, estrus, glandular secretions, hormones, pheromones, apple, acorn, berry, honey, or bacon; representative examples of repellant scents include insect repellant, animal repellant, urine, pepper spray, or any type of noxious and/or irritating chemical or compound; and representative examples of a covering scent include soap, earth, pine, cedar, corn, acorn, apply, berry, persimmon, vanilla, anise, animal urine, or animal musk.

A scent S such as any of those described above can be formulated, without limitation, as a flowable solid, a flowable powder, a flowable gel, or a flowable liquid. The particular formulation will be dependent upon thecontainer30 and thescent dispenser20 utilized in ascent dispensing apparatus1, as well as the characteristics of the particular scent S and the area or region to which the scent is being dispensed or applied.

An apparatus for dispensingscent1 can be configured to dispense multiple scents. For example, anapparatus1 can include two containers30a,30band two scent dispensers20a,20b, or two containers30a,30band asingle scent dispenser20 having two

orifices

28a,28b. In such dual-scent embodiments, the apparatus1 (e.g., the variable timer10) can be programmed to deliver one scent at a particular time via, for example, anozzle28aand the other scent at a different time via, for example, awick28b.

An apparatus for dispensingscent1 can be used in methods of attracting one or more animals (e.g., a game animal), methods of repelling one or more animals (e.g., a nuisance animal), or methods of covering a scent (e.g., one's own scent). To do so, anapparatus1 can be placed in any number of positions by a user. To allow for flexibility in positioning theapparatus1, anapparatus1 can include one or more straps, buckles, D-rings, or any other types of mechanisms or means that allow anapparatus1 to be attached or secured to another object. In some instances, a user may hang or suspend theapparatus1 from a tree or tree branch such that the scent drips down into the ground or runs down the tree. In other instances, a user may securely attach theapparatus1 to a tree or a post such that a mist or spray is emitted in a particular direction and covers a particular area.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing scent comprising:

a variable timer;

a scent dispenser; and

a fitting adapted to connect a container holding a scent to said scent dispenser without having to open said container.

2. An apparatus for dispensing scent comprising:

a variable timer;

a flowable-scent dispenser;

a fitting adapted to connect a container holding a flowable-scent to said flowable-scent dispenser without having to open said container; and

a weather-resistant housing.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 or2, further comprising a container holding a scent.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 3, further comprising a heating element or a reservoir for holding a heating element.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein said heating element or said reservoir for holding said heating element is proximal to said container holding said scent or to said scent dispenser.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the heating element is removable.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 6, wherein the heating element is an electrical heating element or a chemical heating element.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 1 or2, wherein the variable timer is programmable.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the variable timer is programmable for the interval between deliveries.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the variable timer is programmable for the duration of delivery.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 8, wherein the variable timer is programmable for the interval between deliveries and for the duration of delivery.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a power supply connected to said variable timer.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the power supply is battery operated.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the power supply is solar-powered.

15. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the variable timer is programmable for the condition under which delivery occurs.

16. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein the condition is motion, temperature, weather, moon phase, ambient lighting, or a combination thereof.

17. The apparatus ofclaim 1 or2, wherein said scent dispenser uses gravity to dispense said scent.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 1 or2, wherein said scent dispenser uses a propellant to dispense said scent.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 1 or2, wherein said scent dispenser uses a motorized pump to dispense said scent.

20. The apparatus ofclaim 19, further comprising a power supply connected to said motorized pump.

21. The apparatus ofclaim 20, wherein said power supply is battery-operated.

22. The apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein said motorized pump is a rotary pump, a roller pump, a worm-drive pump, or a gravity-fed pump.

23. The apparatus ofclaim 1 or2, wherein said flowable-scent dispenser comprises a valve.

24. The apparatus ofclaim 1 or2, wherein a flowable-scent exits said flowable-scent dispenser through an orifice selected from the group consisting of a wick, a nozzle, a drip tube, and a scent chamber.

25. The apparatus ofclaim 24, wherein said orifice comprises a retractable wick.

26. The apparatus ofclaim 1 or2, wherein the fitting adapted to connect a container holding a scent to said scent dispenser without having to open said container comprises a luer lock fitting, a press-fit fitting, a snap-fit fitting, a screw-on fitting, or a piercing fitting.

27. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the weather-resistant housing contains a window.

28. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the weather-resistant housing is a lockable.

29. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the container holding a flowable-scent is refillable.

30. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the container holding a flowable-scent is removable.

31. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the container holding a flowable-scent is a bag, a vial, a bottle, a bladder, a chamber, or a cartridge.

32. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the flowable-scent is selected from the group consisting of a solid, a powder, a liquid, and a gel.

33. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the flowable-scent is an attractant.

34. The apparatus ofclaim 33, wherein the scent is selected from the group consisting of urine, estrus, glandular secretions, hormones, pheromones, apple, acorn, berry, honey, and bacon.

35. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the flowable-scent is a repellant scent.

36. The apparatus ofclaim 35, wherein the scent is selected from the group consisting of insect repellant, animal repellant, urine, and pepper spray.

37. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the flowable-scent is a covering scent.

38. The apparatus ofclaim 37, wherein the scent is selected from the group consisting of soap, earth, pine, cedar, corn, acorn, apple, berry, persimmon, vanilla, anise, animal urine, and animal musk.

39. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a strap to hang or suspend the apparatus from an object.

40. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising an on-off switch.

41. An apparatus for dispensing scent comprising:

a variable timer;

a flowable-scent dispenser, wherein said flowable-scent dispenser uses a motorized pump to dispense a flowable scent, wherein a flowable-scent exits said flowable-scent dispenser through an orifice, wherein the orifice is a nozzle;

a fitting adapted to connect a container holding a scent to said scent dispenser without having to open said container;

a container for holding said scent, wherein said container is a bag; and

a weather-resistant housing.

42. An apparatus for dispensing scent comprising:

means for variably timing delivery of a scent;

means for dispensing a flowable scent, wherein said means for dispensing a flowable scent comprises an orifice through which a flowable scent exits;

means to connect a container holding a scent to said scent dispenser without having to open said container;

means for containing a scent; and

housing means, wherein said housing means are weather-resistant.