TITLE OF THE INVENTION
FLUID EMANATING AESTHETIC ARTICLE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to aesthetic articles, and in particular to fluid emanating aesthetic articles having a self contained fluid emanator. 2. Background Art
Aesthetic articles, such as artificial flowers, have long been known in the art. Generally, such articles incorporate a realistic appearing flower with a fragrant fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system releases a fragrance into the surrounding area. Thus, not only does the flower appear real, but the artificial flower likewise releases a fragrance having the odor of a real flower.
Generally, the fluid delivery system of such articles comprises a wick that is associated with a reservoir. For example, in an artificial flower environment, the flower may be positioned in an artificial pot, where the pot includes a reservoir that can be filled with a fragrant fluid. A wick is positioned within the stem and extends from the reservoir to the bud or petals of the artificial flower. Thus, through capillary action, the wick draws the fragrant fluid from the reservoir toward the bud or petals, and, in turn, to eventual release into the surrounding air.
In other fluid delivery systems, an aesthetic article may likewise be associated with a fluid reservoir, which includes a pump that is capable of pumping fluid from within the reservoir into an emanator pad or membrane. Thus, in such an embodiment, the pump delivers fluid to a portion of the aesthetic article, such as, in the case of an artificial flower, the petal region of the flower for emanation into the surrounding air.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention comprises an aesthetic article. The aesthetic article comprises a plurality of aesthetic components. At least one of the aesthetic components comprises a self contained fluid emanator.
In a preferred embodiment, the self contained fluid emanator is releasably associated with at least one of the plurality of the aesthetic components to in turn facilitate removal and replacement thereof.
In another preferred embodiment, the aesthetic article comprises an artificial flower. In such an embodiment, the self contained fluid emanator comprises at least one of a bud, petal or stem of the artificial flower. In another preferred embodiment, the aesthetic article comprises an artificial tree and the self contained fluid emanator comprises a leaf or stem of the artificial tree.
In another preferred embodiment, the aesthetic article may comprise an artificial candle wherein the self contained fluid emanator comprises an artificial wick.
In another preferred embodiment, the self contained fluid emanator comprises a portion of a greeting card.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the aesthetic article comprises a plurality of artificial fruit or ornament and the self contained fluid emanator comprises a portion of the artificial fruits or one of the ornaments.
In another preferred embodiment, the self contained fluid emanator is selected from the group consisting of foam, paper, textiles and other fluid absorbing materials.
In another preferred embodiment, the self contained fluid emanator further includes means for enhancing the emanation of fluid. In such an embodiment, the enhancing means comprises a reactive agent capable of reacting with at least one of the constituent within the fluid or the humidity in the ambient atmosphere to generate a gas. For example, the reactive agent may comprise sodium carbonate.
In a preferred embodiment, the enhancing means may further comprise means for accelerating the enhancing means. The accelerating means may comprise a reagent capable of accelerating the rate of reaction of the reactive agent such as, for example, silica.
In another preferred embodiment, the enhancing means may comprise an electrochemical gas generating cell. In another preferred embodiment, the self contained fluid emanator further includes means for precluding inadvertent emanation of fluid. In such an embodiment, the inadvertent emanation precluding means comprises a removable or a non-removable sealing bag. The sealing bag effectively seals the self contained fluid emanator from releasing fluid.
In anther preferred embodiment, the self contained fluid emanator may comprise a housing, an emanator, a frangible member and an actuator. The housing includes a first cavity and a second cavity having a fluid. The emanator is associated with the first cavity. The frangible member separates the first and second cavities. The actuator is associated with the first cavity and with the emanator. The actuator is capable of fracturing the frangible member so as to introduce the emanator with the fluid in the second cavity. The invention further includes a method for introducing an aesthetic component to an aesthetic article. The method comprises the steps of providing an aesthetic article, removing an aesthetic component of the aesthetic article and replacing the aesthetic component with an aesthetic component having a self contained fluid emanator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 of the drawings is a partial cross-sectional view of an aesthetic article of the present invention;
Fig. 2 of the drawings is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the aesthetic article of the present invention; Fig. 3 of the drawings is a side elevational view of a third embodiment of the aesthetic article of the present invention;
Fig. 4 of the drawings is a side elevational view of a fourth embodiment of the aesthetic article of the present invention;
Fig. 5 of the drawings as a side elevational view of the self contained fluid emanator; Fig. 6 of the drawings is a side elevational view of the self contained fluid emanator;
Fig. 7 of the drawings is a side elevational view of an fifth embodiment of the aesthetic article of the present invention;
Fig. 8 of the drawings is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the self contained fluid emanator; Fig.9 of the drawings is a side elevational view of an fifth embodiment of the aesthetic article of the present invention;
Fig. 10 of the drawings is a side elevational view of an fifth embodiment of the aesthetic article of the present invention;
Fig. 11 of the drawings is a cross sectional view of yet another embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig. 12 of the drawings is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the aesthetic article of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown herein in the drawings and will be described in detail several specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
A first embodiment of aesthetic article 10 is shown in Fig. 1 as comprising aesthetic components 20. In such an embodiment the aesthetic article comprises an artificial flower. As will be explained in further detail below with respect to other embodiments, the aesthetic article is not limited to artificial flowers. Aesthetic components 20, as shown, comprise petals, such as petal 22, buds, such as bud 24, stem 26, and leaves, such as leaf 30. The aesthetic components may comprise a variety of materials which render a realistic artificial flower, and which provide the user with an article having the look and feel of a real flower. For example, the stems may comprise a substantially rigid plastic, and the leaves may comprise a silk material. However, other materials offering a realistic appearance are likewise contemplated.
One of the aesthetic components includes self contained fluid emanator 40. For example, one of the buds 24 may include self contained fluid emanator 40. Of course, other aesthetic components such as the petal shown in Fig. 7, may include a self contained fluid emanator. As shown in Fig. 1, self contained fluid emanator 40 that is positioned within bud 24, includes pad 46, attachment member 48, means 42 for enhancing the emanation of fluid, means 44 for accelerating the enhancing means, and means 49 (Fig. 6) for precluding inadvertent emanation of fluid. Pad 46, as shown in Fig. 5, may comprise any number of materials which are capable of accepting and retaining a fluid. For example, pad 46 may comprise textile materials, foam products (such as an open cell foam), paper products, as well as other natural and synthetic fibrous materials, indeed, virtually any fluid retaining or fluid absorbing material.
Attachment member 48 may comprise a variety of structures for attachment to any of the other aesthetic components. For example, the attachment member may comprise a component of a hook and loop fastening system. In such an embodiment, the corresponding hook and loop fastener may then be positioned on one of the remaining aesthetic components to facilitate attachment of the self contained fluid emanator. Likewise, the attachment member may comprise an adhesive, a tack, a snap-fit structure, an interference fit, as well as a multitude of other structures.
Enhancing means 42, as shown in Fig. 5, comprises a reactive agent 58. Reactive agent 58, as shown, is dispersed throughout the pad. The enhancing means serves to enhance the emanation of fluid from emanator 40. In one embodiment, for example, wherein the fluid comprises an oil, the enhancing means may comprise sodium carbonate (or a combination of dehydrated sodium carbonate and citric acid), a material which reacts with water to release carbon dioxide. Inasmuch as the oil fluid is hydroscopic and absorbs water over time, the absorbed water reacts with the sodium carbonate to release carbon dioxide. The generation of carbon dioxide and its passage through the pad enhances the emanation of the fluid into the surrounding air. Of course, other enhancement means are contemplated, such as different reactive agents which generate different gasses or reactive agents which increase emanation of the fluid.
In addition to chemical enhancing means, it is also contemplated that electrochemical enhancement means be utilized — such as for example an electrochemical cell of the type which generates a gas upon activation. In such an embodiment, the generated gas would likewise enhance the emanation of fluid into the surrounding air.
Accelerating means 44, as shown in Fig. 5, comprises reagent 50. Reagent 50 may comprise a variety of materials which accelerate the enhancing means. In the above example, wherein reactive agent 48 comprises sodium carbonate, reagent 50 may comprise a hydroscopic material, such as silica, which absorbs water at a rate greater than that of the fluid. In such an embodiment, the accelerating means enhances the rate with which water enters the fluid, and consequently enhances the rate at which the water reacts with the reactive agent to increase emanation of the fluid.
Inadvertent emanation precluding means 49 may comprise sealed bag 60, as shown in Fig. 6. The sealed bag seals self contained fluid emanator 40 from outside exposure, and, in turn, from emanating fluid therefrom until ready for use. In another embodiment, inadvertent emanation precluding means 49 may comprise a frangible or removable member which similarly provides a barrier, to, in turn, prevent the emanation of fluid from self contained fluid emanator 40. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11 , inadvertent emanation precluding means 49 may mimic the appearance of the aesthetic article, such as a leaf. In such an embodiment, inadvertent emanation preclusion means comprises housing 57 which includes top member 61, bottom member 63 and opening 65. The top and bottom members are attached at outer rim 67 to, in turn, define cavity 69. Various attachment structures for attaching top member 61 to bottom member 63 are contemplated, including thermal sealing about outer rim 67. In addition, attachment through the use of various adhesives and seals is likewise contemplated. In addition, it is contemplated that housing 57 may comprise a single integral member, or that the housing may include several component members that are attached together.
Housing 57 comprises a plastic coated metal foil which is substantially flexible. However, other materials, including various synthetic and natural materials, are likewise contemplated, provided that they form a substantially impermeable protective housing for the fluid housed therein. With respect to the shape of housing 57, while a generally circular and thin housing is shown, the housing is not limited to any particular geometric configuration, i.e. shape, perimeter, thickness, etc. In fact, the housing may be shaped in virtually any desired geometric configuration. In addition, attachment member 48 may be attached to housing 57.
Opening 65 is shown in Fig. 11 as providing a passage way through top member 20 into cavity 69. While a single opening is shown in Fig. 11, it is contemplated that a plurality of openings may be positioned on one or both of top member 61 and bottom member 63. Moreover, it is likewise contemplated that instead of opening 65, other means for facilitating the passage of a volatile fluid from within the cavity may be used, including, various permeable membranes and the like. In such an embodiment, pull tab 73 can be used to cover opening 65 until ready for use.
In operation, an aesthetic article having various aesthetic components is provided. Subsequently, the user is provided with an aesthetic component having self contained fluid emanator 40. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the self contained fluid emanator 40 is positioned with bud 24, while it is understood that it may likewise be in the form of a leaf or petal. The fluid in the self contained fluid emanator may comprise any number of volatile fragrances, essential oils, perfumes. For example, the fluid may embody a fragrance corresponding to the natural fragrance of the corresponding real flower. In addition, the fluid may be pre filled into the emanator before purchase by the end user. In such an embodiment, self contained fluid emanator 40 may be encased in inadvertent emanation precluding means 49, prior to use. This prevents undesired emanation of fluid from the self contained fluid emanator prior to actual use thereof. Alternatively, the user may obtain the self contained fluid emanator in a dry condition, wherein the user, in turn, may saturate the emanator with fluid, as desired from a separate canister. As desired, the user may attach the aesthetic component having the self contained fluid emanator 40 to the aesthetic article. In certain embodiments, the user may have to remove an aesthetic component which does not include a self contained fluid emanator so as to attach the aesthetic component that includes a self contained fluid emanator. As explained above, the self contained fluid emanator in the embodiment of Fig. 1 resembles the bud region of a flower. Indeed, the self contained fluid emanator is integrated with one of the aesthetic components of the aesthetic article; therefore, the attachment of the self contained fluid emanator maintains the overall aesthetic appearance of the article. In addition, inasmuch as the emanator comprises an aesthetic component of the aesthetic article and inasmuch as it is self contained, there is no additional structures or systems associated with the article that detract from the realistic appearance thereof. To the contrary, with such a self contained fluid emanator, ultimate realism can be achieved.
Once attached, the fluid emanates from self contained fluid emanator 40 into the atmosphere. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 1, after attachment, the user must remove tab 73 to permit emanation from opening 65. The rate of emanation depends on several variables, including, but not limited to the type of fluid, the type of emanator, the relative temperature, the relative humidity, and the air circulation in the area. After some amount of time, most, if not all of the fluid has emanated from self contained fluid emanator 40 into the atmosphere. At such time, the user can detach from the aesthetic the "spent" emanator along with the associated aesthetic component — in the embodiment shown, the bud ~ from the aesthetic article, and install a new bud having a new/unused self contained fluid emanator.
Alternatively, the user may reapply fluid to the emanator from a separate fluid canister.
In an alternate embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, aesthetic article 10 may comprise a plant having a trunk and leaves. Self contained fluid emanator may comprise, for example, one of the leaves of the plant. As shown in Fig. 3, aesthetic article 10 may likewise comprise a group of fruits, such as a vine of grapes. In such an embodiment, one or more of the grapes may comprise the self contained fluid emanator. In yet another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, aesthetic article 10 may comprise an artificial candle, wherein the upper portion of the wick comprises the self contained fluid emanator. In another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9, the aesthetic article may comprise a picture frame, wherein the self contained fluid emanator comprises a portion of the aesthetic frame. In yet another embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, aesthetic article 10 may comprise a greeting card. Of course, these additional embodiments are provided as examples, and the aesthetic article is not solely limited to these embodiments.
In each of these embodiments, as explained above, each of the self contained fluid emanators are actually part of the aesthetic article. In the prior art, the aesthetic articles further include structures, such as wicks associated with reservoirs, or pump mechanisms associated with reservoirs. These additional structures detract from the realism of the aesthetic article. In the present invention, eliminating such non-aesthetic structures, the aesthetic article approaches the look and function of a "real" article.
A detailed view of another embodiment of the self contained fluid emanator 40 is shown in Fig. 8, as comprising housing 84, activator member 82, emanator pad 46, and inadvertent emanation precluding means 49. In such an embodiment, the inadvertent emanation precluding means comprises frangible member 88 which separates the housing into two cavities, first cavity 83 and second cavity 85. First cavity 83 includes openings 86 which associate the cavity with the outside surroundings, and emanator pad 46 is positioned within first cavity 83. Second cavity 85 includes a predetermined amount of fluid. Of course, the second cavity may be integrated with the housing, or may be a separate container attachable to the housing. Activator member 82 may be threadedly engaged with housing 84 so that rotation of the activator member transversely moves the activator member into the first cavity toward the second cavity.
To activate such an embodiment, the user rotates activator member 82 relative to the housing which then moves activator member 82 to pierce through frangible member 88.
Once pierced, emanator pad 46 is introduced into the fluid of the second cavity. Once introduced, the fluid will be absorbed by the emanator pad, and, in turn, emanated into the first cavity and through openings 85 in the first cavity to the surroundings. Such an embodiment may be positioned within the bud of an artificial flower, or may be configured to mimic a bud of an artificial flower. Additionally, such an embodiment may comprise an aesthetic article, such as the Santa Clause Christmas tree ornament shown in Fig. 10. In particular, housing 84 may comprise the body of the Santa Clause, and actuator member 82 may comprise the head of the Santa Clause. In such an embodiment, rotation of the head of the Santa Clause causes the piercing of the frangible member and, in turn, the introduction of the emanator into the fluid. Of course, such a self contained fluid emanator may likewise be utilized with other aesthetic articles.
The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.