CA2481758C

CA2481758C - Electrical evaporator with adjustable evaporation intensity

Info

Publication number: CA2481758C
Application number: CA002481758A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Filippo Stenico; Fabio Marchetti; Stefano Deflorian; Alessandro Frisanco; Stefano Baldessari; Paolo Campedelli; Andrea Pedrotti; Stefano Ambrosi
Original assignee: SC Johnson and Son Inc
Current assignee: SC Johnson and Son Inc
Priority date: 2002-04-10
Filing date: 2003-04-07
Publication date: 2007-07-31
Anticipated expiration: 2023-04-07
Also published as: EP1492574A1; WO2003086488A9; CN1313163C; MXPA04009846A; AU2003221836A1; WO2003086488A1; US6931202B2; EP1492574B1; CN1655830A; AU2003221836B2; US20030138241A1; CA2481758A1

Abstract

An evaporator includes a housing, a bottle containing a substance to be evaporated, a wick having a lower portion disposed within the bottle and an upper portion protruding from the bottle, a heating device disposed within the housing at a position proximate to the upper portion of the wick, and an adjustment mechanism with in the housing for displacing at least the upper portion of the wick toward or away from the heating device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudina l axis of the wick. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes a hollow cylindrical portion that engages the upper portion of the wick, and a dial portion for rotating the hollow cylindrical portion about an axis of rotation.

Description

ELECTRICAL EVAPORATOR WITH
ADJUSTABLE EVAPORATION INTENSITY
[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to an electrical evaporator for use with liquid formulations containing a chemical active such as an insecticide, a fragrance, an odor eliminator, or the like, and, in particular, to an electrical evaporator having an adjustable intensity feature that enables variation of the evaporation rate of the liquid formulation between a minimum and maximum level.

-2- 3'-3339 2. Aescription of the Related Art [0003) Electrical evaporators in which the evaporation rate of a liquid formulation from a wick can be adjusted by varying the relative positions of a heating device and the wick are known-[0004) Por example, Spanish Utility Model No. 1 005 422 discloses an evaporator in which a heating device and a wick can be r.noved vertically relative to one another by means of a me.cbanical device, such as a screw/nut thread mechanism, in order to increase or decrease the heat intensity to which the wick is exposed. European Patent Publication No. 0 942 648, by contrast, discloses an evaporator in which a heating device reznains stationary while a wick and bottle are displaced vertically in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the wick using a screw/nut thread mechanism, thereby increasing or reducing the overlap between the wick and the heating device.
Still another type of evaporator is disclosed in European Patent Publication No. 0 943 344. bn that evaporator, a heating device is mounted on a plug which can be moved toward or away from a wick. A drawback of all of these known devices, however, is that they are relatively expensive to manufacture, due in part to the complex screw/nut thread mechan=isms of the first two evaporator types and the specially-designed plug of the third evaporator type.

SUIvIlyARY OF TI4E 1NV)rNTION

10005) The present invention provides an electrica] evaporator having an improved adjustment mechanism for varying the evaporation rate of the liquid formulation.
10006] According to one aspect of the invention, an evaporator, for use with a bottle eontaining a substance to be evaporated and a wick that has its lower portion disposed within the bottle and its upper portion p7otruding from the bottle, includes (i) a housing, (ii) a Y,eating device disposed within the housing at a position proximate to the upper portion of the wick, and (iii) an adjustment mecharzism within the housing for displacing at least the upper portion of the wick toward or away from the heating device in a direction substantially perpendiculax to the longitudinal axis of the wick.
[0007] In anoth.er aspect, the present invention relates to an evaporator including (i) a housing, (ii) a bottle containing a substance to be evaporated, (iii) aWick, having a lowei poriion disposed within the bottle and an upper portion protruding from the bottle, foi drawing the substance to be evaporated toward the upper portion of the wick, (iv) means for heating the upper portion of the wick to evaporate the substance, (v) means for positioning the upper portion of the wick relative to the heating means, and (vi) means for displacing at least the upper ponion of the wick toward or away from the heating means in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wick.

[00081 In still another aspect, the present invention relates to a plug-in evaporator for vaporizing a liquid. fonnulation. The evaporator includes (i) a bottle containing a liquid forznulation, (ii) a wick, having a lower portion disposed within the bottle and an upper portion protruding from the bottle, for drawing the liquid fonnulation from the bottle toward the upper portion of the wick, and (iii) a housing in which the bottle is retained. The housing includes (a) an electrical heating device positioned proxunate to the upper portion of the wiek, (b) an electrica] plug for supp]ying power to the beating device and for supporting the evaporator in an electrical outlet, and (e) an adjustment mechanism for displacing the upper portion of the wick toward or away frozn the heating device in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wick.

10009] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a plug-in evaporator for dispersing a chemical active into a surrounding environment. The evaporator includes (i) a bottle containing a liquid formulation, (ii) a wick, having a]ower portion disposed within the bottle and an upper portion protruding from the bottle, for drawing the liquid formulation from the bottle toward the upper portion of the wick, (iii) a housing in which the bottle is detachably retained, (iv) an electrical heating device disposed w-itbin the housing at a position proximate to the upper portion of the wick, (v) an e3ectrical plug extending from the housing for supplying power to the heating device and for supporting the evaporator in an electrical outlet, and (vi) an adjustment mechanism within the housing for displacing the upper portion of the wick toward or away from the heating device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wick. The adjustment mechanism includes (a) a hollow cylindracal portion that engages the upper portion of the wick, and (b) a dial portion for rota.ting the hollow cylindrical portion about an axis of rotation. The hollow cylindrical portion defines an opening through which the wick extends, and, preferably, the center of that opening is offset relative to the axis of rotation of the hollow cylindrical portion.

[0010] A bettrr understanding of these and other features and advantages of the invention may be had by reference to the drawings and to the accompanying description, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIH'p DRAWINGS

[00X1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an evaporatoz according to a first preferred embodiment oi'the present invention.

10012] FIG. 2 is a rotated pexspective view of the evaporator shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded assembly view of the evaporator shovvm in FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the evaporator shown in FIG. 1, with the intensity setting on low.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line A-A in FIG.
4.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line B-B in FIG.
4.
[0017J FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the evaporator shown in FIG. 1, with the intensity setting on high.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line C-C in FIG.

7.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sect.ional view taken along section line D-D in FIG.
7.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line E-E in FIG.
7.
100211 FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a preferred electrical circuit for the evaporator sho.am in FIG. 1.

[00221 FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of an evaporator according to a second pref'erred embodiment of the present invention.

10023] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the evaporator shown in FIG. 12, with part of the bottom shell of the evaporator and the actuatizag pushbutton removed, in order to show more clearly how the bottle is held within the evaporator.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the bottle used in the evaporator shown in FIG. 12.

100251 FIG. 15 is a cross-sectiona] view taken along section line F-F in FIG.
13.
[0026] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the evaporator shown in FIG. 12, with the top shell removed, in order to show the evaporator adjustment mechanism.

[0027] FIG_ 17 is a bottom plan view of the evaporator shown in FIG. 12, again showing the evaporator adjustment mechanism.

[0028] Throughout the figures, like or corresponding reference numerals have been used for like or coiresponding parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] An evaporator 100 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-11.

(0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the evaporator 100 compzises a multi-piece housing in whicb a bottle 120 is detachably retained. The bottle 120 contains an evaporable substance (not shown), such as, for example, a liquid formulation including a chemical active such as an insecticide, fragrance, odor eliminator, or the like. The term "bottle" is used herein in its broadest possible sense, including any receptacle, container, pouch, etc., capable of holding a liquid formulation. A raised pattem,130 on one side of the bottle is engaged by an opening 140 in a front sbelI 150 of the evaporator housing 110, while a similar raised pattem 160 (shown in FIG. 6) on an opposite side of the bottle 120 is engaged by a recess 170 (shown in FIG. 3) in a middle shell 180, in order to secure the bottle 120 within the evaporator 100.
The front shell 150 is sufficiently pliant so that pulling the bottle 120 in a downward direction causes the raised patterns 130, 160 to release from the opening 140 in the front shell 150 and the recess 170 in the middle shell 180, respectively, thereby enabling removal of the bottle 120 from the evaporator 100. Alternatively, the neck portion of the. bottle may be designed to snap or screw into the evaporator housing.
Suitable refill bottles are available in a wide variety of liquid formulations from S.C.
Johnson & Son, Inc., of RaciDe, Wisconsin, under the GLADEO PLL7GINS and RAIl)V brand names.

(0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the bottle 120 includes a wick., 190 for drawing the liquid formulation out of the bottle 120 and toward an upper portion of the wick 190.
A
loweT portion of the wick 190 is immersed in the liquid formulation, and the upper portion of tbe wick 190 protrudes above the neck of the bottle 120.
Preferably, the wick 190 is positioned within the bottle 120 by a cap 200 which includes a sheath 210 that encases the upper portion of the wick 190, except for an open area near the tip of the wick 190. Alternatively, a cap without a sheath can be utilized.
Preferably, the wick is about 7 mm in diameter and is constructed of ultra high molecular weight high density polyethylene_ j0032] In the preferred einbodixnent illustrated in FIGS. I-10, the evaporator housing 110 comprises three shells - the front and middle shells 150, 180 noted above and a back shell 220 - which are fastened together by heat-stakizig or any other suitable fastening means, including, for exarnple, rivets, press fit, snap fit, screws, ultrasonic welding, adhesives, or the like. The electrical components (discussed in more detail below) of the evapoxator 100 are housed within the space enclosed by the middle and back sbel1s 180, 220.

100331 Referling to FIG. 2, the back shell 220 contains a circular opening in which a ~mown electrical plug assembly 230 is seated. T'h.e plug 230 serves the dual purpose of supplying pov; er to the electrical components of the evaporator 100 and also supporting the evaporator 100 in a wall outlet (not shown). preferably, the plug assembly 230 is rolatable 360 degrees in order to support the evaporator 100 in an upright position in both horizonta] and vertical wa]1 outlets. Advantageously, the plug assembly 230 can be provided with an extra outlet which, as illustrated in F1G_ 1, is located on the side of the cvaporatoi 100 when the evaporator is plugged into a vertical wall oiztlet, and on the bottozn of the evaporator 100 when the evaporator is plugged into a horizontal wail outlet (not shown).

10034J As schmnatically illustrated in FIG. 3, the plug assembly 230 is electrically connected to a circuit board 240, which, in turn, is electrically eonraected to a heating device 250 and, preferably, also to a fan unit 260. The heating device 250 is disposed adjacent to a window 270 in the middle shell 180 which faces the tip of the wick 190 when the bottle 1201s inserted in the evaporator 100. Heating the wick 190 enhances the rate at which the liquid formulatYon evaporates into the surrounding environxnent, as descn"bed rr,ore fully below_ Preferably, the heating device 250 is a 1.9 k , 7 W
metal olcide resistor potted in a ceramic block. The resistor preferably has PTC

(positive tempcrature coefficient) characteristics, meaning that its resistance value increases sli&ly as the resistor heats up. A suitable resistor is available from Great Land Eraterprise Co., Ltd., of Shenzhen, China, for example. Alternatively, the heating device: 250 can comprise one or more other types of resistor heaters, a wire-wound heater, a PTC heater, or the ]ike.

10035] The fan unit 260 is disposed within an upper portion of the housing 110. The back she1l.220 includes air in]ets 280 (shown in pIG. 2) for supplying air to the fan unit 260. As described more fully below, the fan unit 260 cxeates an airstream that entrains the evaporated liquid forrnulation and assists in the dispersion of the chemical active into the surroiutding environment. Preferably, the flow rate of the fan unit 260 within the evaporator 1 00 is approxiunately 0.5 cubic feet per minute, and the fan speed is approximately 2800-3800 RPM. A suitable fan unit 260 is a 12 V, DC, brushless fan, such as available from Power Logic Tech. Inc., of Tapei-Hsien, Taiwan_ Altematively, other DC or AC fans could be utilized, with appropriate adjustaraents to the circuit board 240, which is descrtbed more fully below.

10036J FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a preferred circuit board 240 for the evaporator 100. Preferably, the circuit board 240 is constructed of a flame-rated material. Thc; circuit board 240 includes pins 600, 610 that connect to bus bars (not shown) of the: plug assembly 230. The voltage applied across the pins 600, 610 is 120 V, at a frequUztcy of 60 Hz. The heating device 250 is connected to the cireuit board 240 by a pair of rivets 620, 630. Connected in parallel are (i) a 15 V, 1.3 W
Zener diode 640, (ii) a 22 F, 50 V alunzinum electrolytic capacitor 650, rated for a temperature of 105 C, and (iii) the fan unit 260. The circuit board 240 also includes a 1N 4007 dic-de 660. The power consumption across the entire circuit is about 3.5 W
to about 4.0'SV_ Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous alternative circuit configurations are also possible.

[0037] hxunediately dow-nstream of the fan unit 260 is a louver structure 290, shown in FIG. 3, compnsing at least one louver and, niore preferably, a phuality of louvers 300. Preferably, the louver structure 290 is an itztegal part of the middle shell 150, but it can also be provided separately from the middle shell 150. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 10. the Iouvers 300 are angled upwardly and away from the heating device 250 and the upper portion of the wick 190, preferably at an angle between about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees relative to horizontal when the evaporator 100 is in an upri;ht position.

[0038] The optimum louver angle varies depending on such factors as the fan speed and the air exchange rate within the room in which the evaporator 100 is located. In rooms with relatively low air exchange rates (e.g., between about 0.6 to about 1.2 exchanges per hour), -a louver angle of about 40 degrees to about 45 degrees relative to horizontal is preferred. In rooms with higher air exchange rates, a louver angle of about 25 dege,:* to about 30 degrees relative to horizontal is preferred.

(0039] The middle shel1180 is shaped so as to direct the airstream created by the fan unat 260 through the louvers 300. Notably, the nlidd]e shell 180 does not permit stray currents of air to recirculate within the housing 110, where those currents could have an undesirable cooling effect on the kteating device 250. A pair of openings (shown in FIG. 2) in the side of the evaporator 100 helps to achieve proper air circulation thrcNugh the evaporator.

[0040] The front shell 150 includes a plurality of vents 310 through which the airstream exiis the evaporator 100 aftex passing t}uough the louvers 300. As the airsiream exits the evaporator 100 through the vents 310, it entrains the evaporated liquid formulation, which rises from the wick 190 through an opening 320 in the front shell 150 below the vents 310.

-13- Jr-3339 (0041] Tests have demonstrated that an evaporator constructed in accordance with the present invention disperses higher concentrations of the chemical active within the central "living area" of a room, as opposed to the walls, floor, or ceiling.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the benefits of the fan unit 260 and louver structure 290 described above can be achieved even in the absence of a heating device 250.

[0043] Optionally, the evaporator 100 also includes an adjustrnent mechanism that positions the upper portion of the wick 190 with respect to the heating device 250. Preferably, the adjustment mechanisrn 330 includes a hollow cylindrical portion 340 that surrounds and engages part of the upper portion of the wick 190, preferably at a location wbere the Mck 190 is erxcased by tl,e sheath 210. The adjustment meclianism 330 also includes a dial portion 350, accessible froxn outside the evaporator hoa sing 110, for rotating the cylindrical portion 340 about an axis of rotation. The dial portion 350 preferably is formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 340, atthough it need not be.

[0044j 1'referably, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of tapered lugs 360 is provided on the inner smface of the cylindrical portion 340. The Iugs 360 are widest at their uppemzost point, where they come in contact with the -,Mck 190, and narrowest near the bottom of the cylindrical portion 340. At their uppermost point, the lugs defmc a circular opezaing 370 that is just large erlough for Ihe wick 190 to fit through_ The center of this open'ng 370 is offset relative to the axis of rotation of the cylindrical portion 340.

[0045J Rotating the dial portion 350 of the adjustment mechanism 330 causes the wick 190 to move toward or away from the heating device 250 in a Iateral direction, i.e., in a directacn substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wick 190.
lz- the minirnum intensity setting illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the axis of the wick 190 is positioned about 6.3 mm from the heating device 250. In this position, the wick is beated to a temperature of about 71-78 C. Rotating the dial portion 350 approximately 75 degrees to the right brings the wick axis to a position that is about 4.4 mm from the heating device 250. At this n--axirnum setting, which is illustrated in FIGrS.1-9, the vrick is heated to a temperature of about 85-90 C, tbereby resulting in a higher evaporation rate. The evaporator 100 also can be set to an intensity level anywhere in between the minimum and maximum settings. The lateral distance traveled by the wick 190 in moving from the minimum intensity settixag to the maximum intensity setting is preferably between about lmm and about 3.5 mm. In the patticular preferred embodiment described above, the lateral distance traveled by the wick 190 is about 2 mm.

10046] Weight loss tcsts have demonstrated that the evaporation rate is almost percent higher at the maximem setting than at the minimum setting.

[0047] A second preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS.
12-17.

[0048) In this embodiment, the evaporator 1100 comprises an extennal housing I

including a tcp shell 1380 and a bottom shell 1390, which are snap-fit together. A
rotatable plug. assembly 1230 is located between the two shells 1380, 1390.
The plug assembly 1230, which is of a type widely known in the industry, snpplies electticaI
power to a heating device 1250 that is steadily housed within the top she111380.
[0049] Tbe bortom shell 1390 is devoid of a bottom wall so as to allow insertion of a bottle 1120 therein. The bottle 1120, once it has been inserted into the shell 1390 and has been fastened thereto, forms an integral part of the evaporator I 100 and also serves as a support base when the evaporator 1100 is rennoved frc,m a wall outlet and placed on a surface. In order to obtain stable fastening and firm locking of the bottle 1120 inside the shell 1390, a pair of opposing hook elements 1400 is employed.
The hook elements 1400 engage the underside of a thin annular rxb 1410 formed on the neck of the bottle 1120 when the bottle 1120 is inserted into the shell 1390.

[0050) The hook elements 1400 terminate, on the opposite side to the hook-shaped end, in a pushbutton 1420, which protrudes fxom the housing 1 I 10 along the line of separation be-nyeen the two shells 1380, 1390. The hook elements 1400, which preferably are formcd integrally with the shell 1390, are attached to the shell .1390 by thin bridge pieces 1430 near the centcr of the hook elements 1400. Making use of -16- r-3339 their flexibility, the hook elements 1400 tbus are able to pivot about the bridge pieces 1430, between an engaged position, shown in FIG. 13. and a splayed position in .
which the hook elements 1400 release the rib 1410, tltereby allowing the bottle 1120 to be extracted from the shell 1390. The bottle 1120 fits precisely witbin the bottom shell 1390, making it impossible to laterally displace the bottle 1120.
Therefore, extraction of the bottle can only be accomplished by simultaneously pressing the two pushbuttons 1420 in the direction of the arrows P in FIG. 13. This safety feature prevents accidental extractioD of the bottle 1120 by young claildren.

100511 As shovrn in FIG. 15, the top sbell 1380 has in its top wall a central fiue hole 1440 from which the vapors of the active substance emitted from the wick 1190 emerge. The hole 1440 preferably has a diameter that is larger than that of the wick 1] 90, so as to be able to embrace the various possible positions which the wick 1190 may assume, a:: will become clear from the description below.

100521 Yn this embodiment of the present invention, the wick 1190 is boused and centered withizi the evaporator 1100 by an adjustmrmt mechanism 1330 comprising an annular support 1450, which has projecting therefrom several fingers 1460 which come into contact with the lateral surface of the wick 1190, thereby positioning the wick 1190 with respect to the heating device 1250. The axuiular support 1450 preferably is farmed integrally with the bottom shell 1380 and is joizied thereto by means of plastic bridge pieces 1470a, 1470b. The bridge pieces 1470a, 1470b are sufficiently elastic to allow sinall dispiacenients of the annular support 1450 and, together therewith, the wick 1190, toward or away from the heating device 1250 in a dii-ection perpendicular to the axis of the wick 1190.

10053J More particularly, the bridge pieces 1470a, 1470b have different shapes in order to ensure that the possibility of displacement of the annular support 1450 in the desired direction may be accompanied by excellent stability thereof as regards unwanted displa::ements in the other two possible directions. Specifically, the bridge piece 1470a has the shape of a loop in a horizontal plane, as shown in FIGS.
16 and 17, which preveiits displacements of the support 1450 in a vertical direction.
Meanwhile, the bridge piece 1470b has the shape of a loop in a vertical plane, as shown in FIG. 15, which prevents displacements of the support 1450 in the other direction perpendicular to t.he axis of the wick 1190, i.e., =the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the beating device 1250. The desired displacements of the annular support 1450 may be effected by the user with the aid of a cam device.
This device consists of a cam profile 1480, in the form of at=t arc with a varying radius, fonned integrally with the axuiular support 1450, and a cam-following cursor 1490, whaclz is forxned as a single piece separate from the shells 1380, 1390 and has an outer operating pushbutton and an inner end 1490a intended to cooperate with the cam profile 1480_ The inner end 1490a has a pair of opposing grooves, one of which is guided by a profiled arc 1500 having a constant radius, .formed irttegrally with the top sbell 1380, while the opposite gzoove detetxnines the position of the cam profile 1480, causing the mo'- emcnt of the support 1450 and =,Nrith it the wick 1190 away from or toward the heating devicc 12S0.

(0054] The evaporator having the above described structure can be produced by means of a simple molding process involving three elements: namely, the two shells 1380, 1390, coinplete with all of the necessary detailed parts for obtaining the desired adjustment of the flow, as well as the cursor 1490 for actuating the cam device. The manufacturing costs associated with this evaporator, therefore, are much lower than the manufactvr;ng costs oflaaown adjustable-flow evaporators and basically substantiaIly the same as that of an evaporator without a flow adjustment feature.
[0055] By moving the sliding pushbut-to,n of the cursor 1490 it is therefore possible to adjust the position of the annular support 1450, and thus of the wick 1190, in any desired position between the position closest to the heating device 1250, which is the maximum outflow position, and a rninimum outflow position, which may obviously be varied during design, depending on the type of evaporator, by simply modifying the curvature of the variable-radius cam profile 1480.

[0056] It should also be noted that operation of the cursor 1490 is of the non-reversible type, and, therefore, the associated pushbutton maybe steadily arranged ia any intermedi<<te position - from which it does not move unless actuated again by the operator - thus allowing the user to perfonru continuous, stable, and repeatable adjustment of the flow of active substance emitted, between the minimum and maximum levels.

[0057] Finally, the special system for fastening and locking the bottle 1120 within the evaporator 1100 is not only extreznely simple and inexpensive, but also very safe vis-a-vis young children. Activation of the locking system is in fact performed by simpl.y pressing the bottle 1120 into the evaporator housing 1110, since the annular rib 1410 splays the hook elements 1400, acting on their inclined external surface. Once fastening has been performed, release of the bottle is possible only by simultaneously pressing the two pushbuttons 1420 in opposite directions, which is a difficult operation for a child to perform.

[0058) The embodiments discussed above are represent,ative of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are provided for illustrative purposes only.
They are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Although specific structures, dim.:.nsions, components, etc_, have been shown and described, such are not limiting. Modifications and variations are cantetnplated within the scope of the present invention, whicll is intended to be limited only by the scope of the accompanying claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABXX ITY

[0059] The present invention provides an electrical evaporator for use with liquid formulations containing a chemical active such as an insecticide, fragrarace, or the like. The evaporator includes an improved adjustlnent mechanism for var;ring the evaporation rate of the liquid forrriulation. Thus, the concentration of the chemical active dispersed into the suirounding enviuonmcnt can be precisely controlled, depending on a user's preferences.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. An evaporator, for use with a bottle containing a substance to be evaporated and a wick that has its lower portion disposed within the bottle and its upper portion protruding from the bottle, the evaporator comprising:

a housing;

a heating device disposed within the housing at a position proximate to the upper portion of the wick; and an adjustment mechanism within the housing for displacing at least the upper portion of the wick toward or away from the heating device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wick.

2. The evaporator of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes an opening through which the wick extends.

3. The evaporator of claim 1, wherein the bottle is detachably engaged within the housing.

4. The evaporator of claim 1, wherein the substance to be evaporated is one of an insecticide, a fragrance, or an odor eliminator.

5. The evaporator of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a hollow cylindrical portion that surrounds at least part of the upper portion of the wick.

6. The evaporator of claim 5, wherein the adjustment mechanism further includes a dial portion for rotating the hollow cylindrical portion about an axis of rotation.

7. The evaporator of claim 6, wherein the dial portion is formed integrally with the hollow cylindrical portion.

8. The evaporator of claim 6, wherein the hollow cylindrical portion is rotatable through a range of rotation of about 75 degrees.

9. The evaporator of claim 6, wherein the hollow cylindrical portion defines an opening through which the wick extends, and the center of the opening is offset relative to the axis of rotation of the hollow cylindrical portion.

10. The evaporator of claim 5, wherein the adjustment mechanism further includes a plurality of tapered lugs disposed on an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical portion in contact with the upper portion of the wick.

11. The evaporator of claim 1, wherein the distance between the upper portion of the wick and the heating device can be varied by about 1 mm to about 3.5 mm.

12. The evaporator of claim 11, wherein the distance between the upper portion of the wick and the heating device can be varied by about 2 mm.

13. The evaporator of claim 1, further comprising a sheath encasing at least part of the upper portion of the wick.

14. The evaporator of claim 1, further comprising an electrical plug for supplying power to the heating device and for supporting the evaporator in a wall outlet.

15. The evaporator of claim 14, wherein the electrical plug is rotatable in order to support the evaporator in an upright position in both horizontal and vertical wall outlets.

16. The evaporator of claim 1, further comprising a fan disposed within the housing.

17. An evaporator, comprising:
a housing;

a bottle containing a substance to be evaporated;

a wick, having a lower portion disposed within the bottle and an upper portion protruding from the bottle, for drawing the substance to be evaporated toward the upper portion of the wick;

means for heating the upper portion of the wick to evaporate the substance;
means for positioning the upper portion of the wick relative to the heating means; and means for displacing at least the upper portion of the wick toward or away from the heating means in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wick.

18. The evaporator of claim 17, wherein the bottle is detachably engaged within the housing.

19. The evaporator of claim 17, wherein the substance to be evaporated is one of an insecticide, a fragrance, or an odor eliminator.

20. The evaporator of claim 17, wherein the displacing means includes_ a hollow cylindrical portion that surrounds at least part of the upper portion of the wick; and a dial portion for rotating the hollow cylindrical portion about an axis of rotation.

21. The evaporator of claim 20, wherein the dial portion is formed integrally with the hollow cylindrical portion.

22. The evaporator of claim 20, wherein the hollow cylindrical portion is rotatable through a range of rotation of about 75 degrees.

23. The evaporator of claim 20, wherein the hollow cylindrical portion defines an opening through which the wick extends, and the center of the opening is offset relative to the axis of rotation of the hollow cylindrical portion.

24. The evaporator of claim 20, wherein the displacing means further includes a plurality of tapered lugs disposed on an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical portion in contact with the upper portion of the wick.

25. The evaporator of claim 17, wherein the distance between the upper portion of the wick and the heating means can be varied by about 1 mm to about 3.5 mm.

26. The evaporator of claim 25, wherein the distance between the upper portion of the wick and the heating means can be varied by about 2 mm.

27. The evaporator of claim 17, further comprising a sheath encasing at least part of the upper portion of the wick.

28. The evaporator of claim 17, further comprising an electrical plug for supplying power to the heating means and for supporting the evaporator in a wall outlet.

29. The evaporator of claim 17, wherein the electrical plug is rotatable in order to support the evaporator in an upright position in both horizontal and vertical wall outlets.

30. The evaporator of claim 17, further comprising a fan disposed within the housing.

31. A plug-in evaporator for vaporizing a liquid formulation, comprising:
a bottle containing a liquid formulation;

a wick, having a lower portion disposed within the bottle and an upper portion protruding from the bottle, for drawing the liquid formulation from the bottle toward the upper portion of the wick; and a housing in which the bottle is retained, the housing including (i) an electrical heating device positioned proximate to the upper portion of the wick, (ii) an electrical plug for supplying power to the beating device and for supporting the evaporator in a wall outlet, and (iii) an adjustment mechanism for displacing the upper portion of the wick toward or away from the heating device in a direction substantially perpendicular io the longitudinal axis of the wick.

32. The evaporator of claim 31, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes an opening through which the wick extends.

33. The evaporator of claim 31, wherein the bottle is detachably retained within the housing.

34. The evaporator of claim 31, wherein the liquid formulation is one of an insecticide, a fragrance, or an odor eliminator.

35. The evaporator of claim 31, wherein the adjustment mechanism includes a hollow cylindrical portion that surrounds at least part of the upper portion of the wick.

36. The evaporator of claim 35, wherein the adjustment mechanism further includes a dial portion for rotating the hollow cylindrical portion about an axis of rotation.

37. The evaporator of claim 36, wherein the dial portion is formed integrally with the hollow cylindrical portion.

38. The evaporator of claim 36, wherein the hollow cylindrical portion is rotatable through a range of rotation of about 75 degrees.

39. The evaporator of claim 36, wherein the hollow cylindrical portion defines an opening through which the wick extends, and the center of the opening is offset relative to the axis of rotation of the hollow cylindrical portion.

40. The evaporator of claim 35, wherein the adjustment mechanism further includes a plurality of tapered lugs disposed on an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical portion in contact with the upper portion of the wick.

41. The evaporator of claim 31, wherein the distance between the upper portion of the wick and the heating device can be varied by about 1 mm to about 3.5 mm.

42. The evaporator of claim 41, wherein the distance between the upper portion of the wick and the heating device can be varied by about 2 mm.

43. The evaporator of claim 31, further comprising a sheath encasing at least part of the upper portion of the wick,

44. The evaporator of claim 31, wherein the housing further includes a fan.

45. The evaporator of claim 31, wherein the electrical plug is rotatable in order to support the evaporator in an upright position in both horizontal and vertical wall outlets.

46. A plug-in evaporator for dispersing a chemical active into a surrounding environment, comprising:

a bottle containing a liquid formulation;

a wick, having a lower portion disposed within the bottle and an upper portion protruding from the bottle, for drawing the liquid formulation from the bottle toward the upper portion of the wick;

a housing in which the bottle is detachably retained, an electrical heating device disposed within the housing at a position proximate to the upper portion of the wick;

an electrical plug extending from the housing for supplying power to the heating device and for supporting the evaporator in a wall outlet; and an adjustment mechanism within the housing for displacing the upper portion of the wick toward or away from the heating device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the wick, the adjustment mechanism including (i) a hollow cylindrical portion that engages the upper portion of the wick, and (ii) a dial portion for rotating the hollow cylindrical portion about an axis of rotation, wherein the hollow cylindrical portion defines an opening through which the wick extends, and the center of the opening is offset relative to the axis of rotation of the hollow cylindrical portion.

47. The evaporator of claim 46, wherein the liquid formulation is one of an insecticide, a fragrance, or an odor eliminator.

48. The evaporator of claim 46, wherein the dial portion is formed integrally with the hollow cylindrical portion.

49. The evaporator of claim 46, wherein the hollow cylindrical portion is rotatable through a range of rotation of about 75 degrees.

50. The evaporator of claim 46, wherein the adjustment mechanism further includes a plurality of tapered lugs disposed on an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical portion in contact with the upper portion of the wick.

51. The evaporator of claim 46, wherein the distance between the upper portion of the wick and the heating device can be varied by about 1 mm to about 3.5 mm.

52. The evaporator of claim 51, wherein the distance between the upper portion of the wick and the heating device can be varied by about 2 mm.

53. The evaporator of claim 46, further comprising a sheath encasing at least part of the upper portion of the wick, wherein hollow cylindrical portion of the adjustment mechanism engages a part of the wick encased by the sheath.

54. The evaporator of claim 46, further comprising a fan disposed within the housing.

55. The evaporator of claim 46, wherein the electrical plug is rotatable in order to support the evaporator in an upright position in both horizontal and vertical wall outlets.