WO2008112516A1

WO2008112516A1 - Scented utility clip

Info

Publication number: WO2008112516A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/056134
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas H. Wolf
Original assignee: Bath Solutions, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-03-09
Filing date: 2008-03-07
Publication date: 2008-09-18

Abstract

A scented utility clip (10, 90, 110, 210, 310) with a ventilated housing (20, 120) containing a scented material (60) such as scented beads (96). The clip (10) is comprised of the ventilated housing (20) joined to an opposing panel40) by a hinge(50,55) where tension is supplied by a sρring(70). Use of the scented utility clip (10) causes scented air to permeate the surrounding air space to freshen the air. Use of the scented utility clip (10) further allows for retention of a desired object such as papers, photographs or a towel, for example.

Description

PATENT

Case 0772-0006.01

SCENTED UTILITY CLIP

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[001] There are many products on the market aimed at improving the scent of the air in household rooms. Scent- carrying products that have means to secure a piece of clothing or to specific locations for purposes of emitting an odor for a desired effect are known.

£002] A known device of this type is a hunters' and trappers' scent pad that gives off a scent that permeates the surrounding airspace. An example of a known scented clip is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,302,899 to DeHart. The patent is directed towards a plastic housing with a clip that contains a sponge impregnated with a scented material. The scented pad is then clipped to a surface such as a shirt, a cap, or a tree limb. The scented pad gives off an aromatic scent that attracts animals. [003] Another known scented product is a towel holder that has a base that holds a roll of paper towels and contains a compartment filled with scented beads. An example of such a known scented towel holder is described in U.S. Published Patent Application No. US 2005/0224594 to Wolf. This particular patent is directed towards a paper towel holder that has a ventilated base which contains a compartment that is filled with scented beads and in which the beads are tumbled as the base is rotated during dispensing of the paper towels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[004] The present invention provides a scented utility clip. The scented utility clip provides a first surface that is on a decoratively shaped housing component that contains scented material within a carrier. The housing contains ventilation slots to allow the scent from the scented material to permeate the surrounding airspace. The scented utility clip has a panel that provides a second surface that is opposed to the first surface. The housing and panel components are joined to each other by a hinge- The first and second surfaces and hinge provide a clip action to close onto and grip an object or objects such as papers or photographs. The housing and panel components are biased in the closed position by a spring member. [005] It is a general aspect or object of the present invention to provide an air freshener having a utilitarian function.

[006] Another aspect or object of the present invention is to provide a clip to hold and/or organize objects. [007] Yet another aspect or object of the present invention is to provide a ventilated housing that contains scented material such as scented beads. [008] Yet another aspect or object of the present invention is to provide a combination scented clip and packaging enclosure such as barrier plastic to seal in the scent until the scented utility clip is put into operation.

_^9_^ [009] These and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the present invention, including the various features used in various combinations, will be better understood in connection with the following drawings in which certain specific features are shown and description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an assembled scented utility clip incorporating features according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the scented utility clip of FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the ventilated housing of the scented utility clip of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the scented utility clip of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 4A is an end elevational view of the scented utility clip of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a scented utility clip incorporating features of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the scented utility clip of FIG. 5;

[0017] FIG. 6A is an end elevational view of the scented utility clip of FIG. 5;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of a scented utility clip incorporating features of the present invention; [0019] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the scented utility clip of FIG. 7;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a scented utility clip incorporating features of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the scented utility clip of FIG. 9;

[0022] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a further embodiment of a scented utility clip incorporating features of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the scented utility clip of FIG. 11; and

[0024] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a combination retail packaging containing the scented utility clip of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION QF THE INVENTION

[0025] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriate manner.

[0026] The various drawing figures will now be referred to in detail. Turning first to FIGS. 1-4, a scented utility clip, generally designated as 10, includes a ventilated housing component 20 that has a chamber 26, ventilation slots 30 and hinge portions 50. This clip 10 is embodied with a light bulb style of decorative shape. The chamber 26 contains a scented material 60 such as aromatic beads. The ventilated housing 20 further includes a gripping end portion or extension 21 with a jaw member 24, as well as a digital access end portion or handle 22. In this embodiment, the walls of the ventilated housing component 20 are transparent. Alternatively, the walls of the ventilated housing 20 could be opaque.

[0027] A panel component 40 has hinge portions 55 and a magnet 100. The panel component 40 further has a gripping end portion or extension 41 with a jaw member 44, as well as a digital access end portion or handle 42. Ventilated housing component 20 and panel component 40 provide respective first and second surfaces that engage each other at the respective jaw members 24 and 44 when the clip is at rest and nothing is interspersed therebetween. [0028] FIG. 4 is the side view of the scented utility- clip 10, shown in a closed orientation. Hinge portions 50 and hinge portions 55 are engaged by a hinge shaft 57, connecting the ventilated housing 20 to the second surface 40. As apparent from FIG. 4A, torsion spring, generally designated at 70, is engaged by the hinge shaft 57, One free-end portion of the torsion spring 70, shown as arm 72, is engaged by the ventilated housing 20, and another free- end portion of the torsion spring 70, shown as arm 74, is engaged by the second surface 40. The torsion spring 70 causes the ventilated housing component 20 and the panel component 40 to be biased towards the closed position. The force provided by the torsion spring 70 is adequate to hold an item or a plurality of items relatively tightly while being low enough to allow for opening operation by the application of normal digital forces.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates the top plan view of another embodiment of a scented utility clip 110 that can be practiced according to the basic principles of the present invention. Operation is similar to that of FIGS. 1-4A, primary differences being the size and overall shape of the clip assembly and the spring mechanism. The scented utility clip 110 has a ventilated housing 120 with ventilation slots 130. This clip 110 is embodied with a shaping cart style of decorative design. [0030] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the scented utility clip 110, shown in a closed orientation. The ventilated housing component 120 has a gripping end portion or extension 121 with a jaw member 124, as well as a digital access end portion or handle 122, chamber 126 and hinge portions 150. A panel component 140 has a gripping end portion extension 141 with a jaw member 144, as well as hinge portions 155. Hinge portions 150 and hinge portions 155 are engaged to connect the ventilated housing component 120 to the panel component 140. A compressor spring member, generally designated at 170, is shown in this embodiment .

[0031] As apparent from FIG. 6A, one end portion 172 of the compression spring 170 is engaged by the ventilated housing component 120 and another end portion 174 of the compression spring 170 is engaged by the panel component 140. The compression spring 170 causes the ventilated housing component 120 and the panel component 140 to be biased towards the closed position. The force provided by the compression spring 170 is adequate to hold an item or a plurality of items relatively tightly while being low enough to allow for opening operation by the application of normal digital forces.

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates the bottom plan view of another embodiment of a scented utility clip 210 that can be practiced according to the basic principles of the present invention. Operation is similar to that of either FIGS. 1-4A or FIGS. 5-6A, a primary difference being the size and overall shape of the clip assembly. [0033] FIG. 8 illustrates the top plan view of the scented utility clip 210 of FIG. 7. This embodiment exhibits a house style of decorative shape. This is illustrated to include a torsion spring on the order of torsion spring 70.

[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates the top plan view of another embodiment of a scented utility clip 90, while a side or end elevational view of this embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 10. This clip 90 is embodied with an automobile style decorative design. This embodiment includes a pair of digital access end portions or handles 91, 92 that are grasped by the user, typically by the thumb and forefinger, in order to open the clip in opposition to a biasing arrangement generally designated at 93. At the opposite end of each of the top member, illustrated as a panel component, and of the bottom member, illustrated as a ventilated housing component, is a jaw member 94, 95, respectively. When digital force is applied in opposite directions on the end portions or handles 91, 92, this force offsets the biasing force of the spring arrangement 93, as a result of which the jaw members 94, 95 move away from each other, thereby permitting an item or several items to be positioned between the jaws. [0035] In this embodiment, the scenting arrangement takes the form of a plurality of beads 96 positioned within a chamber 97 within the body of one of the main body components. These beads are scented and typically somewhat flexible, individually and/or as a collection, such that movement of the unit causes the beads to engage one another and the chamber 97 in order to encourage the release of a pleasant scent from the beads and through openings 98 and into the room. The beads 96 are easily dispersed throughout a wide variety of shapes of chamber 97, providing flexibility and efficiency in manufacturing and assembly of the scented utility clip 90. [0036] FIG. 11 illustrates the bottom plan view of another embodiment of a scented utility clip 310 that can be practiced according to the basic principles of the present invention. Operation is similar to that of either FIGS. 1~4A, FIGS. 5-6A or FIGS. 11-12, a primary difference being the size and overall shape of the clip assembly 310 when compared with these other embodiments. [0037] FIG. 12 illustrates the top plan view of the scented utility clip 310 of FIG. 11. This embodiment exhibits a fish or dolphin style of decorative shape. This is illustrated to include a torsion spring on the order of torsion spring 70.

[0038] FIG. 13 illustrates the top plan view of an embodiment of retail packaging 15 containing the scented utility clip 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4A. Retail packaging 15 is formed of a transparent material such as plastic so that the scented utility clip 10 can be seen without opening the package. Retail packaging 15 is substantially non-porous and provides barrier properties such that the potency of the scented material 60 is substantially maintained until the packaging is opened.

[0039] In use, the scented utility clip is opened by pressing the respective handles or digital access ends of the ventilated housing component and of the panel component, such as ventilated housing component 20 and panel component 40 in FIGS. 1-4A, towards each other, causing the respective opposite ends of the ventilated housing component 20 and the panel component 40 to pull apart as they rotate about the hinge shaft 57. The torsion spring 70 exerts a force on the ventilated housing component 20 and the panel component 40 that biases the opposite ends and their respective jaw members 24, 44 towards each other. The ventilated housing component of some of the embodiments, such as that of FIGS. 1-4A, can contain a scented material 60 such as aromatic beads impregnated with a scent. The scent from the scented material 60 passes through the ventilation slots 30 causing the scent to permeate the surrounding airspace. [0040] In an alternate form of use, the scented utility clip is opened by pressing the handle ends of the ventilated housing component and the panel component, such as ventilated housing component 120 and panel component 140 in FIGS. 5-6A, towards each other, causing the opposite ends and their respective jaw members of the ventilated housing component 120 and the panel component 140 to pull apart as they rotate about the engaged hinge portions 150 and 155. The compression spring 170 exerts a force on the ventilated housing component 120 and on the panel component 140 that biases their opposite ends towards each other. The ventilated housing component 120 of some of the embodiments, such as those of FIGS. 5~6A, can contain a scented material such as aromatic beads impregnated with a scent. The scent from the scented material passes through the ventilation slots 130 causing the scent to permeate the surrounding airspace.

[0041] While preferred forms of the invention have been shown and described, it will be realized that alterations, modifications and/or combinations may be made thereto. For example, aromatic beads provide flexibility and efficiency in manufacturing and assembly as properly sized beads readily fill a specific volume while not passing through ventilation slots, allowing a wide variety of shapes to be used with one type of scented material. However, other types of scented materials can be available for use, such as porous foam impregnated with a scent, an aromatic solid or an aromatic gel. Also, the scented utility clip could be attached to a surface with an adhesive surface. In addition, the scented utility clip could be a unitary housing that has two walls that are biased towards each other by the tensile properties of the housing material. [0042] It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention which have been described are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, including those combinations of features that are individually disclosed or claimed herein.

Claims

1. A scented utility clip for use as an air freshener comprising:

a ventilated housing component, said ventilated housing component having a gripping end and a digital access end handle, said ventilated housing component containing scented material; a panel component generally opposing said ventilated housing component, said panel component having a gripping end and a digital access end handle; a hinge joining the ventilated housing component and the panel component at a location on said housing and panel components spaced away from their respective gripping end handles; and a spring member providing tension between said ventilated housing component and said panel component, said spring member located between said hinge and said respective digital access end handles of the said spring member, said spring member thereby biasing said gripping ends into gripping position.

2. The scented utility clip of Claim 1, wherein the hinge is comprised of at least one first hinge portion on the ventilated housing component and at least one second hinge portion on the panel component, said hinge portions being engaged by at least one shaft.

3. The scented utility clip of claim 2, wherein at least one said shaft is a projection from said first or second hinge portion, an opposing said second or first hinge portion cavity, and said projection is pivotally positioned within said cavity.

4. The scented utility clip of Claim 3, wherein said projection is on the hinge portion of the panel component , and the cavity is on the hinge portion of the ventilated housing component.

5. The scented utility clip of Claim 2, comprising multiple shafts, each shaft being a projection from said first or second hinge portion, each opposing second or first hinge portion has a cavity, and said projections are pivotally mounted within respective said cavities.

6. The scented utility clip of Claim 2, wherein the said spring member is a torsion spring.

7. The scented utility clip of Claim 6, wherein said torsion spring has an arm at opposing ends thereof, one said arm being engaged by the ventilated housing component and said other arm of the torsion spring being engaged by the panel component.

8. The scented utility clip of Claim 1, wherein said spring member is a compression spring housing opposing end portions, one said end portion being engaged by the ventilated housing component, and said other end portion of the compression spring being engaged by the panel component .

9. The scented utility clip of Claim 1, wherein the scented material is comprised of beads.

10. The scented utility claim of Claim 1, wherein the scented material is comprised of porous foam.

11. The scented utility clip of Claim 1, wherein the scented material is comprised of a gel.

12. The scented utility clip of Claim 1, wherein the scented material is comprised of a solid block.

13. The scented utility clip of Claim 1, wherein said panel component contains an attachment component.

14. The scented utility clip of Claim 13, wherein said attachment component is at least one magnet.

15. The scented utility clip of Claim 1, wherein said ventilated housing component contains ventilation slots.

16. The scented utility clip of Claim 1, wherein at least said ventilated housing component has a decorative profile generally corresponding to a shape of a consumer object.

17. Α packaged scented utility clip for use as an air freshener comprising:

a ventilated housing component, said ventilated housing component having a gripping end and a digital access end handle, said ventilated housing component containing scented material; a panel component generally opposing said ventilated housing component, said panel component having a gripping end and a digital access end handle; a hinge joining the ventilated housing component and the panel component at a location on said housing and panel components spaced away from their respective gripping end handles; and a spring member providing tension between said ventilated housing component and said panel component, said spring member located between said hinge and said respective digital access end handles of the said spring member biasing said gripping ends into gripping position; and wherein the scented utility clip is enclosed within sealed packaging.

18. The packaged scented utility clip of Claim 17 , wherein the sealed packaging is polymer that has gas barrier properties.

19. The packaged scented utility clip of Claim 17, wherein the sealed packaging includes a sealed metallic bag fully enclosing the scented utility clip.