WO2009016590A2

WO2009016590A2 - A cartridge for use in an appliance for dispensing an association of ingredients coming from a plurality of cartridges

Info

Publication number: WO2009016590A2
Application number: PCT/IB2008/053048
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicolas Duru
Original assignee: L'oreal
Priority date: 2007-07-31
Filing date: 2008-07-29
Publication date: 2009-02-05
Also published as: FR2919505B1; FR2919505A1; WO2009016590A9; WO2009016590A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge for use in an appliance that is configured to deliver a combination of ingredients coming from at least p reservoirs that are present in the appliance, the appliance being configured to receive one or more cartridges, each having at least one reservoir, the combination being selected from a plurality of combinations that can be obtained from a plurality of reservoirs, the cartridge including at least one reservoir containing a respective ingredient, and including a data medium containing at least combination data, readable by the appliance, relating to the quantities of the ingredients from the various reservoirs, within each of the combinations of the plurality of combinations.

Description

A CARTRIDGE FOR USE IN AN APPLIANCE FOR DISPENSING AN ASSOCIATION OF INGREDIENTS COMING FROM A PLURALITY OF CARTRIDGES

The present invention relates to dispenser appliances that are arranged to receive a plurality of reservoirs simultaneously, and to deliver a predefined combination of ingredients coming from at least two reservoirs disposed in the appliance.

The invention also relates to cartridges for use in such appliances.

The above term "deliver" encompasses various methods of dispensing the ingredients of the combination in separate or mixed-together form during an operating cycle of the appliance. Dispensing can take place by spraying into the air or onto a support, or by vaporization or evaporation .

Various systems for diffusing odors from a plurality of olfactory sources are disclosed in publications US 6 556 272, US 6 654 664, US 4 629 604, EP 1 570 868, FR 2 795 348, WO 2005/030276, US 2006/0146126,

FR 2 854 253, and US 5 724 256. US 5 724 256 teaches dispensing olfactory ingredients coming from a plurality of receptacles onto a rotary porous element so as to create an odor by mixing together the odorants coming from the various ingredients deposited on the porous element .

WO 2006/072744 discloses an odorant-diffuser module that is suitable for including an electronic chip so as to enable the appliance that receives the module to recognize said module.

EP 1 604 569 discloses a diffuser system for diffusing chemical substances for disrupting the behavior of insects, the system including cartridges having memories in which data relating to the dispensing of the substance contained in the cartridge is programmed. The diffuser system includes detector means for detecting the environment of the system, such as temperature or wind direction .

It is desirable to improve still further appliances and cartridges used to deliver combinations of olfactory or other ingredients, in particular for applying makeup or care products to human keratinous materials.

In a first of its aspects, the invention thus provides a cartridge for use in a dispenser appliance that is arranged to deliver a combination of ingredients coming from at least p reservoirs that are present in the appliance, the appliance being arranged to receive one or more cartridges, each having at least one reservoir, the combination being selected from a plurality of combinations that can be obtained from a plurality of reservoirs contained in one or more cartridges, at least one cartridge including at least one reservoir containing a respective ingredient, and including a data medium containing at least combination data, readable by the appliance, relating to the quantities of the ingredients from the various reservoirs, within each of the combinations of the plurality of combinations.

In embodiments of the invention, the cartridge is for use in a dispenser appliance that is arranged to receive a number p of cartridges simultaneously, and to dispense a combination of ingredients coming from at least two of the cartridges present in the appliance, the combination being selected from a plurality of combinations that can be obtained from a plurality of cartridges, at least one cartridge including a reservoir containing an ingredient and including a data medium containing at least combination data, readable by the appliance, relating to the quantities of the ingredients from the various cartridges, within each of the combinations of the plurality of combinations. The data medium is advantageously carried by the cartridge and not in a memory that is external to the appliance . The invention makes it possible for the user to avoid having to update the appliance by means of an internet connection or by returning the appliance to the distributor or the manufacturer. The update data can be contained in the cartridge (s) put the most recently on the market.

The appliance thus remains simple to use, while enabling users to benefit from new cartridges on the market and combinations corresponding thereto. In an embodiment, the invention leaves the user free to use a desired number of cartridges, without being limited to any predefined number of cartridges, and to add new cartridges to cartridges that have already been put on the market. As indicated above, for each combination of a plurality of ingredient combinations to be delivered with the appliance, the data medium can include combination data about the relative proportions of ingredients to be taken from the various corresponding reservoirs in order to achieve the combination. By way of example, the combination data includes identifiers for identifying the reservoirs or cartridges involved in each combination, and a value specific to each identifier within a single combination so as to inform the appliance about the quantity of the ingredient coming from the reservoir or from the corresponding cartridge in the combination. The combination data can possibly further inform the appliance about how to dispense the ingredients of the combination, e.g. in a predefined order, or by using a particular method of dispensing.

The data medium can include combination data relating to at least one combination that is formed with at least one ingredient coming from a cartridge other than the cartridge including the data medium, or that is formed exclusively of ingredients coming from one or more reservoirs other than the reservoir (s) contained in the cartridge including the data medium. The data medium may include combination data about the relative quantities of ingredients within combinations made from a choice of p reservoirs or cartridges from amongst m reservoirs or cartridges, where m > p .

When the ingredients of a combination are sprayed and are for creating an odor that is agreeable to human beings, the ingredients can be sprayed in such a manner as to mix together quickly in the air, e.g. in less than 30 seconds (s) , better in less than 10 s, or even in less than 1 s or 2 s .

For each combination, the data medium may further contain selection data for making it easier for the user and/or the appliance to select a combination. By way of example, the selection data may be description data describing the combination, or data relating to the conditions of use of the combination, e.g. a designation of the combination, e.g. of its name, of multimedia data to play before, during, and/or after dispensing the combination, a description of the combination, e.g. relating to at least one property of said combination. By way of example, and depending on the kind of ingredients, the property (ies) relate (s) to: the type of odor; the predominant olfactory note(s), in particular the head note, the body note, or the background note; color; glossiness; appearance; the action on keratinous materials. By way of example, the conditions of use relate to: a period of the day when it is recommended to dispense the combination; an activity; an event; or the kind of person (e.g. in terms of typology) for whom the combination is preferably intended.

The data medium may further include data relating to at least one rheological property of the ingredient (s) contained in the cartridge. Such data can be useful for controlling the dispenser device for dispensing each ingredient. For example, the data medium can inform the appliance about how the viscosity of an ingredient contained in the cartridge varies as a function of the time that has elapsed since the cartridge was used for the first time, where such variation can be as a result of the loss of one or more volatile compounds, for example. This can enable the appliance to adapt the conditions under which the various ingredients are dispensed so that the relative proportions within the combination are complied with as much as possible. The data medium can also contain data enabling the appliance to correct the proportion for an ingredient in a combination as a function of the time that has elapsed since manufacture of the cartridge containing the ingredient, or since first use, so as to take account of the ingredient becoming less effective, e.g. as a result of the ingredient degrading over time.

The data medium may include data about the way in which one or more ingredients are to be dispensed, e.g. in sequential or simultaneous manner and/or with spraying at a particular magnitude or frequency. The data medium may include data that is representative of the quantity of an ingredient remaining in the cartridge. This can be useful for signaling to the user how empty the cartridge is and/or to warn the user of the need to make a replacement. The data medium may possibly include personalized data that is specific to the user of the appliance. For example, before acquiring the cartridge, the user may express certain preferences, and the combinations stored in the data medium may depend on the preferences expressed.

Typological characteristics of the user may be evaluated before acquiring the cartridge, and corresponding data, resulting from the evaluation, may be stored in the data medium. By way of example, the appliance may be arranged to propose certain combinations to the user as a function of stored typological characteristics relating to the user. Data relating to the authentication of the cartridges can also be stored in the data medium.

In an embodiment of the invention, the above- mentioned data is contained in the data medium carried by the cartridge and not in a memory that is external to the appliance .

The data medium advantageously comprises an electronic memory that may be read only, but that is preferably read/write. By way of example, the size of the memory lies in the range 128 bytes (B) to 4 megabytes (MB) .

The cartridge may include first electrical contacts for co-operating with second electrical contacts of the appliance so as to enable the appliance to read, at least, data contained in the memory and/or to power electrically a dispenser device for dispensing an ingredient, with said dispenser device being carried by the cartridge.

The cartridge may also include a radiofrequency device enabling data to be exchanged without contact between the memory and the appliance.

An ingredient contained in a reservoir of the cartridge may be for creating a body spray or a room spray in combination with other ingredients contained in other reservoirs of the cartridge or in other cartridges placed in the appliance.

An ingredient contained in a cartridge may also be for applying to the skin, the hair, or the nails. By way of example, the appliance is arranged to deliver a composition other than a fragrance, e.g. makeup, a care product, or a self-tanning agent. By way of example, the various ingredients contained in the reservoirs may include various coloring agents, and the various combinations correspond, for example, to respective colors and/or to particular optical effects, e.g. more or less glossy. The cartridge may include a dispenser device for dispensing the ingredient, the dispenser device possibly being piezoelectric, electrostatic, or mechanical, e.g. peristaltic. The power supply to the dispenser device may be provided by the appliance, e.g. by electrical contacts, by induction, or by transmitting motion. In a variant, the cartridges do not include a dispenser device proper, and it is the appliance that takes the ingredients from the cartridges so as to deliver them. By way of example, the ingredients are taken by suction, by moving a piston, or by blowing air. A plurality of cartridges may be packaged together, e.g. in a single package such as a box, a bag, a blister pack, or a presentation case. The packaging of each cartridge may be sealed individual packaging, where appropriate .

Each cartridge may include an electronic memory that is fastened in permanent manner on said cartridge. By way of example, the number of different cartridges is greater than or equal to four, better greater than or equal to five, or even greater than or equal to seven or more. By way of example, the number of packaged-together cartridges corresponds to at least three so as to provide at least two different combinations, for example.

The cartridge may include a single reservoir. In a variant, a single cartridge may include two or more reservoirs associated with the cartridge having a single dispenser device, or with the cartridge having a plurality of respective dispenser devices. The presence of a plurality of reservoirs within the cartridge is useful for storing ingredients that are incompatible with each other, for example. When the cartridge includes a plurality of reservoirs, the data medium can store data relating to each ingredient contained in a reservoir, e.g. the quantity of each ingredient remaining in the respective reservoir. When the cartridge includes a plurality of reservoirs, the ingredients contained in the reservoirs may be dispensed simultaneously, with no provision being made for the associated dispenser devices to function separately. In a variant, each dispenser device associated with an ingredient may be actuated independently of the other. A cartridge including a plurality of reservoirs may include only one data medium that is common to all of the reservoirs.

The cartridge may be secured to at least one other cartridge.

A plurality of cartridges may also form a set of cartridges that are secured together, and that are put into the appliance as a set. Two cartridges may include portions in relief for fastening them together, they may be bonded or heat-sealed together, or they may be attached by a fastener piece, e.g. an adhesive ribbon, a connection piece, a collar, or a strap.

In such circumstances, there is no need for all of the cartridges to include a respective data medium, since it may suffice that the appliance recognizes their presence, e.g. either because they are identified by the appliance by means of particular portions in relief or an optical code, for example, or because one of the cartridges of the set contains, in its data medium, data informing the appliance about their presence.

The reservoirs of various cartridges received in the appliance may all have the same capacity, or they may have different capacities. A cartridge may include a plurality of reservoirs of the same capacity or of different capacities.

In another of its aspects, the invention also provides a kit comprising:

^• at least one cartridge as defined in above, better a plurality of cartridges as defined above; and • an appliance for receiving at least said cartridge, the appliance being arranged to read the data medium of the cartridge. The appliance may include a control unit that is arranged to read the content of the data medium of each cartridge, and to determine whether an update needs to be performed. A cartridge may be read once said cartridge is in place on the appliance.

The appliance may include a screen. The screen may be useful for displaying a menu enabling the user to select a combination, for example. The screen may also display data relating to the selected combination and to each cartridge placed in the appliance.

The appliance may include a user interface enabling the user to select a combination to be dispensed from amongst a plurality of combinations. The user interface may include a touch screen or navigation and selection buttons for navigating through and selecting from a menu. In the even of an update, the appliance may read the combination data of a recent cartridge and add to and/or replace the combination data of the older cartridges on the basis of the combination data of the most recent cartridge .

The appliance may include a memory in which at least some of the data from the cartridges is copied, e.g. the data of the cartridge that the appliance has determined contains the most recent data.

The memory may be non-volatile, e.g. so as to enable the user, each time the appliance is switched on, to select a combination without a cartridge necessarily being present in the appliance, said appliance informing the user about the cartridges to be inserted in the appliance so as to be able to deliver the combination selected by the user. The cartridges may be identified by color, shape, and/or alphanumerical identifiers.

In another of its aspects, the invention also provides a method of dispensing a combination of ingredients coming from at least one cartridge as defined above, that is placed in a dispenser appliance, appliance-readable data that is representative of the quantities of the various ingredients of the combination possibly being contained in a data medium of the cartridge, in which method a combination is selected and then dispensed, as a function of the data stored in the cartridge .

In another of its aspects, the invention also provides a method of updating the data medium of a cartridge, the method comprising the steps consisting in: • placing the cartridge in the appliance for receiving it;

^• the appliance reading the data medium of a new cartridge including update data; and

^• writing the update data in the data medium of the cartridge to be updated.

The update data may include combination data. The appliance may be arranged to read the data medium of each cartridge, to determine the most recent data, and to update the data medium of any cartridge that does not have the most recent data.

Independently or in combination with the above, the invention also provides a method of diffusing an odor formed by a combination of ingredients taken from at least one cartridge placed in the appliance, in particular a cartridge as defined above, the or each cartridge including a dispenser device, in which method the combination is dispensed by successively emitting each ingredient, with a time interval between emissions that is short enough for the ingredients to mix together in the atmosphere in substantially uniform manner in less than 30 s, better in less than 10 s, or even in less than 2 s or 1 s . Each of the ingredients may be emitted successively in the quantity required. In a variant, each ingredient is emitted successively in a unit quantity during an individual pulse, the individual pulses being repeated until the quantity required for the ingredient is reached. This aspect of the invention, that relates to emitting an odor, makes it possible to use a single control circuit, in particular a single power interface, for successively powering the dispenser devices associated with the various reservoirs, thereby simplifying the appliance that receives the cartridge (s) .

In another of its aspects, the invention also provides an appliance for receiving at least one cartridge, the appliance comprising:

^• a control unit; • means for receiving p reservoirs, in particular p cartridges, p ≥ 2, each containing an ingredient; and

^• a user interface making it possible to select a combination of ingredients coming from p reservoirs, in particular from p cartridges, from amongst a plurality of combinations that can be made at least from said reservoirs, in particular from said cartridges; the control unit being arranged to read, in the data medium, combination data relating to the selected combination, and to control the dispensing of the ingredients of the combination as a function of said combination data.

The invention can be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is a diagram showing, in isolation, an example of a cartridge made in accordance with the invention;

• Figure 2 is a view from below as seen looking along arrow II in Figure 1;

^• Figure 3 shows a set of cartridges for being used in an appliance of the invention;

^• Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of an appliance that is suitable for receiving cartridges of the invention;

• Figure 5 is a block diagram representing a cartridge and the appliance; ^• Figure 6 is a diagram showing data that might be stored in the cartridge;

^• Figure 7 is a block diagram showing various steps of an example of a method of the invention; • Figures 8 to 12 show various dispensing methods;

^• Figure 13 is a diagram showing a cartridge having at least two reservoirs;

• Figure 14 is a view from below as seen looking along arrow XIV in Figure 13; • Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 14 of a variant embodiment;

^• Figure 16 is a diagram showing a group of at least two cartridges that are secured to each other;

• Figure 17 is a view from below as seen looking along arrow XVII in Figure 16;

^• Figure 18 is a view similar to Figure 17 of a variant embodiment;

^• Figure 19 shows the Figure 16 group in use; and

^• Figure 20 shows the Figure 13 cartridge in use. Figure 1 shows a cartridge 1 _(l) constituting an embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment shown, the cartridge 1 _(l) presents a shape that is generally a rectangular parallelepiped, but the invention is not limited to a particular shape of cartridge.

The cartridge 1 _(l) includes a reservoir that contains an ingredient to be dispensed, e.g. an olfactory substance or a mixture of olfactory substances.

The ingredient contained in the cartridge can be other than a fragrance, e.g. being a composition for application to keratinous materials such as the skin, the lips, the hair, or the nails, e.g. as makeup. The ingredient can also contain a self-tanning agent or a care product . When the ingredient is an olfactory substance, the combination can be a body spray or a room spray. The ingredient can contain a fragrance selected from fragrant substances of natural or synthetic origin, and mixtures thereof .

Suitable fragrances and aromas of natural origin that may be mentioned, by way of example, are extracts of: flowers (lily, lavender, rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang) ; stalks and leaves (patchouli, geranium, petitgrain) ; fruits (coriander, aniseed, cumin, juniper) ; fruit peel

(bergamot, lemon, orange) ; roots (angelica, celery, cardamom, orris root, sweet-flag) ; wood (pine wood, sandal wood, pock wood, cedar wood) ; herbs and grasses

(tarragon, lemon grass, sage, thyme) ; needles and branches (spruce, fir, pine, dwarf pine) ; de resins and balsams (galbanum, elemi gum, benzoin, myrrh, olibanum, opopanax) . Suitable fragrances of synthetic origin that may be mentioned, by way of example, are compounds of the following types: esters; ethers; aldehydes; ketones; aromatic alcohols; and hydrocarbons; and mixtures thereof . Suitable esters that may, in particular, be mentioned are: benzyl acetate; benzyl benzoate; phenoxyethyl isobutyrate; p-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate; citronellyl acetate; citronellyl formiate; geranyl acetate; linalyl acetate; dimethyl-benzylcarbinyl acetate; phenylethyl acetate; linalyl benzoate; benzyl formiate; ethylmethylphenyl glycinate; alkylcyclohexyl propionate; styralyl propionate; and benzyl salicylate. A suitable ether that may be mentioned is benzylethylether . Suitable aldehydes that may be mentioned by way of example are: linear alkanals containing 8 to 18 carbon atoms; citral; citronellal; citronellyl oxyacetaldehyde; cyclamenaldehyde; hydroxycitronellal; lilial; and bourgeonal . Suitable ketones that may be mentioned by way of example are: ionones such as alpha-isomethylionone; and methylcedrylcetone . Suitable aromatic alcohols, and in particular terpenics, that may be mentioned are: anethole; citronellol; eugenol; isoeugenol; geraniol; linalol; phenylethylalcohol; and terpineol. Suitable hydrocarbons that may be mentioned in particular are terpenes.

In addition, it is also possible to use essential oils and aromatic ingredients, e.g. essences of sage, camomile, clove, melissa, mint, cinnamon leaf, lime blossom, juniper, vetiver, frankincense, galbanum, labolanum, and lavender.

Examples of suitable ingredients that may be contained in the cartridge, alone or in a mixture, are: bergamot essence; dihydromyrcenol; lilial; lyral; citronellol; phenylethyl alcohol; alpha- hexylcinnamaldehyde; eraniol; benzylacetone; cyclamenaldehyde; linalol; ambroxan; indole; hedione; sandelice; lemon, mandarin, and orange essences; allylamine gycolate; cyclovertal; lavender essence; sage essence; betadamascone; geranium essence; cyclohexyl salicylate; phenylacetic acid; geranyl acetate; benzyl acetate; and rose oxide.

The capacity of the reservoir of the cartridge 1 _(l) lies in the range 1 milliliter (mL) to 20 mL, for example, however the invention is not limited to any particular capacity.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the cartridge 1 _(l) also includes a data medium 24_(l) that is shown diagrammatically in Figure 5. The data medium 24_(l) is advantageously an electronic memory with or without contacts, e.g. of the radio frequency identification (RFID) type, but it could of some other type, e.g. a matrix barcode that can be read optically by the appliance for receiving the cartridge, a magnetic memory, or an optical or electro-optical memory. When the cartridge 1 _(l) includes an electronic memory, the cartridge 1 _(l) can include first electrical contacts 4 that are, for example, situated on a face of the cartridge that is not visible once said cartridge is placed in the appliance, e.g. its bottom face, as shown.

The first contacts 4 are for co-operating with second contacts that are carried by the appliance 10 for receiving the cartridges, shown diagrammatically in

Figures 4 and 5.

The appliance 10 includes a housing 11 in which a plurality of cartridges l₍u to 1_(D) can be engaged, the housing 11 including means enabling data to be exchanged with the electronic memories 24_(l) of cartridges 1 _(l) that include them.

Where appropriate, the appliance 10 can include a cover, not shown, enabling the housing 11, with the cartridges in place, to be closed in airtight manner, so as to reduce the risk of volatile compounds evaporating when the appliance 10 is not in use.

The appliance 10 can include display means 13, e.g. a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, an electroluminescent screen, e.g. a light-emitting diode

(LED) or the like, or one or more indicator lights. The

LCD screen can be a touch screen, where appropriate. The appliance 10 can include a user interface 12 that enables the user to select a combination of ingredients to be diffused. The user interface can include navigation and selection buttons, or a touch screen, or any other control means.

The appliance 10 can include a control unit 20 that is connected to the display means 13 and to the user interface 12. The unit 20 can include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, one or more memories, and the usual peripheral electronic components making it possible to display data on the display means

13, and to select data via the user interface 12. Where appropriate, the control unit 20, the user interface 12, and/or the screen 13 are present on another appliance that is temporarily connected to the appliance 10, e.g. a mobile telephone, a multimedia player, a satellite navigation system (SATNAV) , a personal digital assistant (PDA) , an MP3 player, a USB key, amongst others . The appliance 10 includes an interface 22 making it possible to read the memory 24_(l) of each cartridge 1 _(l) that is placed in the appliance. The interface 22 can include an electrical connector making it possible to establish a wired connection with the memory of the cartridge. In a variant, the interface 22 enables wireless communication, in particular radio-frequency communication, with the cartridge. In the embodiment shown, each cartridge 1 _(l) also includes a dispenser device 30_(l) for dispensing its content, shown diagrammatically in Figures 1 and 5.

By way of example, the dispenser device 30_(l) is piezoelectric and, in the embodiment under consideration, electricity is supplied to the device 30_(l) via a power interface 15 that is connected to the unit 20 of the appliance 10. Power can be transmitted by means of the first electrical contacts 4, and by means of the electrical contacts that are disposed in the housing 11 that receives the cartridge.

By way of example, the device 30_(l) of the cartridge 1 _d) comprises a membrane that is fastened to a piezoelectric ceramic. The ingredient to be sprayed can be delivered by capillarity, or by means of a rotary pump that can be driven by the appliance 10, where appropriate . The data medium 24_(l) of each cartridge 1 _(l) can include a certain number of data fields.

By way of example, Figure 6 shows a data table that might be stored in the memory 24_(l) of a cartridge l_(l). The stored data includes some data relating to the cartridge itself, and other data relating to cartridge combinations, where the combination data need not necessarily involve the cartridge in question. The stored data can include a designation 50_(l) of the ingredient contained in the cartridge, e.g. the name or the trade name of the corresponding odor, the date of manufacture 51_(l) of the cartridge, the validity date 52_(l) of the cartridge, the manufacturing batch number 53_(l), the date 54_(l) the cartridge is first used in the appliance, the initial volume 55_(l) of the ingredient stored in the cartridge, the remaining volume 56_(l) of the ingredient in the cartridge, the type of fluid 101 _(l), e.g. data relating to its viscosity.

The stored data can also include combination data 57₍₁)⁽¹⁾ ... 57_(l)⁽ⁿ⁾ relating to different combinations 1 ... n of ingredients that can be dispensed by the appliance during an operating cycle of said appliance. The combination data 57_(l) ^(t) relating to a combination t. contained in the cartridge I₁ includes data 103 ^(t) enabling the appliance 10 to know the relative proportions of the different ingredients so as to create the combination t.. By way of example, the information 103 ^(t) can be encoded in a format that comprises the identifier of each of the cartridges involved in the combination, followed by a value that is representative of the quantity to be delivered. Where appropriate, the data 103 ^(t) can inform the appliance 10 on how to dispense the different ingredients of the combination, e.g. simultaneously or sequentially.

The combination data 57_(l) ^(t) can, for the combination t., include a description 100 ^(t) of the combination, and data 102 ^(t) about the conditions of use of the combination t.

By way of example, the data 102 ^(t) relating to the conditions of use of the combination t can contain data about the persistence of the resulting odor, or about the kinds of people for whom the combination is best suited.

The description data 100 ^(t) describing the combination t can include the name or the trade name of said combination, and one or more descriptions of one or more properties of the combination.

The description data describing the combination and/or the data relating to the conditions of use of the combination can contain, or can refer to, an audio and/or video file for playing by the appliance 10 before, during, and/or after dispensing the combination, e.g. involving images that evoke the odors that have been or that are to be diffused. Optionally, the file can be read by another appliance with which the appliance 10 can communicate .

By way of example, the description data 100 ^(t) describing the combination can include a description of the corresponding odor by specifying the corresponding olfactory note, for example. Amongst known olfactory notes, mention can be made for example of: hesperidium fragrances; aromatics; floral fragrances; musks; fruity fragrances; spice; oriental fragrances; marine fragrances; aquatic notes; chypre fragrances; woody fragrances; fern fragrances; and mixtures thereof.

By way of example, the appliance 10 is arranged to display, as a function of the data 102 ^(t), in the event of the user selecting the combination t., a message advising the user to renew dispensing after a certain period of time.

In a variant, the appliance 10 can be programmed by the user in such as manner as to renew dispensing periodically, and in automatic manner. In this event, and by way of example, the renewal period is determined automatically by the appliance from the data 102 ^(t).

In a variant, the data 102 ^{(1 n)} can also be useful for enabling the appliance to select a plurality of combinations as a function of the kind of person. For example, the user can select his or her own skin type on the appliance, and the combinations that are then proposed to the user are the combinations for which the data 102 ^{(1 n)} corresponds to the selected skin type. The user can select one or more olfactory notes on the appliance 10, and the appliance 10 can then use the data 100 ^{(1 n)} to propose combinations to the user in which the selected olfactory notes are present. The memory 24_(l) can include check data 58_(l) for checking the stored data, so as to enable the appliance 10 to detect a read error, if any, while reading the memory 24 _(l) .

The data can be encoded in a predefined format so as to enable it to be read by the appliance 10. Initially, some of the data need not be present on the data medium, such as the date the cartridge is first used, or the remaining volume, and such data can be saved on the data medium by the appliance progressively as the cartridge is used.

The appliance 10 can operate as follows. While a cartridge 1 _(l) is being put into place in the appliance 10, the data medium 24_(l) of said cartridge is read at a step 60, as shown in Figure 7. Reading can also be performed when the appliance is switched on, if the cartridge 1 _(l) is already present.

Thus, the appliance can read all of the memories of all of the cartridges present in the appliance, and in particular it can determine which of the cartridges has the most recent data relating to potential cartridge combinations, or which has the greatest number of stored combinations .

For example, amongst the cartridges present on the appliance, at least one 1 _(w) of them may be more recent and may store a greater number of combinations on the data medium.

In this event, the appliance can be arranged to read the data from said cartridge 1 <„> , and save all or some of it in a memory belonging to the unit 20, and in the memories of the other cartridges placed in the appliance so as to update them, at step 61. For example, if the new cartridge 1 _(w) includes data about a new combination n+1, the corresponding data 57(_W)⁽ⁿ⁺¹) can be saved in the memories of the other cartridges . In the embodiment under consideration, once any updating has been performed, the appliance 10 enables the user, at step 62, to select a combination that is to be diffused.

By way of example, the selection can be made from a display on the appliance 10 of a list of combination names. The list can be a list of all of the stored combinations, or, in a variant, it can be the result of a sort performed by the appliance on the basis of criteria input by the user, such as the kind of fragrance desired by the user, for example.

For example, the appliance 10 can propose to the user a menu for selecting criteria for the combination. By way of example, this could be a list of olfactory notes, or other qualifiers describing the resulting odor. The user can make a selection from the list. Then, a sort is performed by searching the data 100 ^{(1 n)} for combinations that are listed as satisfying the criterion. The combinations can be proposed to the user who can select one of them. If it is possible to dispense the combination from the cartridges in place in the appliance, a message can be displayed inviting the user to start dispensing. If the combination cannot be dispensed from the cartridges in place, the appliance can invite the user to place the relevant cartridges in the housing 11.

The appliance 10 can also be arranged to propose criteria for making a selection as a function of the combinations that are available from the cartridges that are in place in the appliance, or to display a list of the combinations that are possible with the cartridges that are in place in the appliance. The selected combination is dispensed at step 63, either as soon as the selection has been made, or in response to a start dispensing command being input via the user interface 12, or in a time-programmed manner, or in response to certain environmental parameters, e.g. such as detecting that a person is present in the room in which the appliance is placed, if said appliance is provided with a presence sensor.

The ingredients of a combination can be dispensed in various ways as described below with reference to

Figures 8 to 12, and on the assumption, in the examples, that the appliance contains three cartridges 1 _(a) , 1 _(b) , and l(_c), and that the selected combination corresponds to diffusing a combination of three ingredients in compliance with a triplet of values x, y, and z. By way of example, the combination data is stored in the form a. x b.y c.z in the memory of at least one of the cartridges .

By way of example, the values x_, y, _z_, correspond to a number of individual spray pulses, each individual spray pulse having a constant duration and a constant equal magnitude, and corresponding to the emission of a unit quantity of the ingredient contained in the cartridge . For example, the combination data a2b5c3 can indicate that the combination corresponds to: two (x = 2) individual pulses (e.g. of duration 100 microseconds (ms) ) of the ingredient contained in the first cartridge 1 (_a) ; five (y = 5) individual pulses (e.g. of duration 100 ms) of the ingredient contained in the second cartridge 1 _(b) ; and three (z = 3) individual pulses (e.g. of duration 100 ms) of the ingredient contained in the third cartridge 1 _(c) .

The ingredients can be sprayed in individual pulses that are sequential or simultaneous.

By way of example, each ingredient is diffused successively by an individual pulse, as shown in Figure 8. This method of diffusion is advantageous in that it enables the ingredients to be mixed well, while making it possible to have a single control circuit for the spray devices of the cartridges, specifically the power interface 15.

Successive individual pulses may optionally be offset in time, e.g. by a duration lying in the range 1 ms to 100 ms, e.g. about 10 ms, thereby smoothing the power needed for spraying. In a variant not shown, the ingredient contained in the cartridge 1 _(a) is diffused by means of x_ successive individual pulses, then the ingredient contained in the cartridge 1 _(b) is diffused by means of y successive individual pulses, then the ingredient contained in the cartridge 1 _(c) is diffused by means of Z₁ successive individual pulses.

The emissions of the ingredients are close enough together over time for the ingredients to mix together and create the desired combination. By way of example, all of the ingredients for a given combination are dispensed in no more than 5 seconds (s) , better in less than 2 s, or even in less than 1 s.

The ingredients can also be diffused simultaneously, with a pulse lasting for a time period that depends on the quantity of the corresponding ingredient that is to be diffused, as shown in Figure 9. The individual pulses can be of the same magnitude for all of the ingredients.

In the variant shown in Figure 10, the pulses are successive, each ingredient being dispensed in full before another ingredient is dispensed. Such sequential diffusing is advantageous, as explained above, in that it makes it possible to use the power interface 15 to operate the dispenser members of the various cartridges in succession. Diffusion magnitude need not be constant and depends on the quantity to be diffused, as shown in Figure 11. In this example, the ingredients contained in the various respective cartridges are diffused simultaneously, but with diffusion magnitudes x_, y, and Z₁ that are different, as a function of the respective quantities to be sprayed. The pulses can all be of the same duration. In the variant shown in Figure 12, the magnitudes x, y, and Z₁ are different, and the ingredients are not dispensed simultaneously, but successively. Optionally, a time offset between the pulses, e.g. of about 50 ms, serves to smooth the power needed for spraying. The pulses can all be of the same duration.

In a variant not shown, diffusion is performed both with a magnitude that varies and with a duration that varies .

Where appropriate, a correction can be applied to a value, e.g. x_, y, or Z₁, that is representative of the quantity of an ingredient to be dispensed within a combination, e.g. as a function of the date the corresponding cartridge was first used and/or as a function of the quantity remaining, so as to take account of the loss of volatile compounds, or of a lower flow rate because of a lower level in the reservoir.

Before, during, or after a dispensing cycle, the appliance can write to the memories of the cartridges, the quantities that remain of the various ingredients. A cartridge can contain a plurality of ingredients that are stored separately in respective reservoirs.

By way of example, Figure 13 shows a cartridge 1₍₁)^<C1)(C2) having two ingredients Ci and C2 and including two reservoirs 6₍₁₎ ^<C1) and 6₍₁₎ ^<C2) respectively containing the two ingredients. Where appropriate, a multi- reservoir cartridge can include as many reservoirs as the appliance can receive, e.g. three or more.

The cartridge 1₍₁₎ ^<C1)<C2) can include a single data medium 24 _(l) ^{<cl) <c2)} and contacts 4 that can, for example, be situated at the same location as for one single-reservoir cartridge, as shown in Figure 14, or contacts that are situated at locations that corresponds to two single- reservoir cartridges placed side by side, as shown in Figure 15.

At least two cartridges can also be joined together in such a manner as to be handled as a single part, as shown in Figure 16.

This figure shows a set 1 _(l, ₃₎ that is formed by joining together two cartridges 1 _(l) 1_(D) that are held together by any appropriate means, e.g. a strap 7 as shown, adhesive, heat-sealing, a collar, snap-fastening, a sheath.

Each cartridge secured in this way can include a respective data medium and corresponding contacts, as shown in Figure 17.

At least one cartridge secured in this way need not include its own data medium, and, where appropriate, may include only the contacts for electrically powering the corresponding spray device, as shown in Figure 18.

The multi-reservoir cartridge 1₍₁₎ ^<C1)<C2) or the set of cartridges l(i,_D> can be used alone or in combination with other cartridges in the appliance 10, e.g. with at least one single-reservoir cartridge 1, as shown in Figures 19 and 20.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The appliance 10 is shown in Figure 4 in the form of a relatively compact portable appliance. In a variant, the appliance 10 can be integrated: in the cab of a vehicle; in a train compartment or in an aircraft; in an elevator; in furniture; in an electronic appliance such as a monitor, a television set, a computer, a video projector, or a games console; or a household appliance, e.g. a refrigerator, a freezer, a washing machine, a clothes dryer, a dishwasher, a cooker hood, an oven, a vacuum cleaner, an air-conditioning or ventilation device, or an alarm clock; or a piece of sports apparatus . The appliance 10 can be arranged to offer other functions, e.g: a telephone function; serve as a digital photo frame; a telephone answering machine; an alarm; a global positioning unit; an advertising board; and/or be integrated in a seat or in a partition in a dwelling or in a shop.

The expression "comprising a" should be understood as being synonymous with "comprising at least one" unless specified to the contrary.

Claims

1. A cartridge for use in an appliance that is configured to deliver a combination of ingredients coming from at least p reservoirs that are present in the appliance, the appliance being configured to receive one or more cartridges, each having at least one reservoir, the combination being selected from a plurality of combinations obtainable from a plurality of reservoirs, the cartridge including at least one reservoir containing a respective ingredient, and including a data medium containing at least combination data, readable by the appliance, relating to the quantities of the ingredients from the various reservoirs, within each of the combinations of the plurality of combinations.

2. A cartridge according to claim 1, for use in an appliance that is configured to receive a number p of cartridges simultaneously, and so as to dispense a combination of ingredients coming from at least two of the cartridges present in the appliance, the combination being selected from a plurality of combinations obtainable from a plurality of cartridges, the data medium containing at least data relating to the quantities of the ingredients from the various cartridges, within each of the combinations of the plurality of combinations.

3. A cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, the combination data relating to at least one combination that is formed with at least one ingredient coming from a cartridge other than the cartridge including the data medium.

4. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the data medium including combination data relating to combinations made from a choice of p reservoirs from amongst m reservoirs, where m > p.

5. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the data medium including combination data relating to combinations made from a choice of p cartridges from amongst m cartridges, where m > p.

6. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the data medium further including, for each combination, selection data for making it easier for the user and/or the appliance to select a combination.

7. A cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 6, the data medium including data relating to at least one property, in particular a rheological property, of the ingredient contained in a reservoir of the cartridge.

8. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the data medium storing data that is representative of the quantity that remains of the ingredient of a reservoir of the cartridge.

9. A kit comprising:

^• at least one cartridge as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8; and • an appliance (10) for receiving at least said cartridge, the appliance being arranged to read the data medium (24_(l)) of said at least one cartridge (l_(l)).

10. A kit according to claim 9, the appliance including a control unit (20) that is arranged to read the data medium of each cartridge to determine the most recent data, and to update the data medium of any cartridge that does not have the most recent data.

11. A kit according to any one of claims 9 to 10, including a selection member (12) enabling the user to select a combination to be dispensed from amongst a plurality of combinations.

12. A method of dispensing a combination of ingredients of which at least one comes from at least one cartridge as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, that is placed in a common dispenser appliance (10), appliance-readable data that is representative of the quantities of the various ingredients of the combination being contained in a data medium (24_(l)) of the cartridge, in which method a combination is selected and then dispensed, as a function of the data stored in the cartridge.

13. A method of updating a cartridge as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising:

^• placing the cartridge in the appliance for receiving it;

^• the appliance reading the data medium of a new cartridge including update data; and • writing the update data in the data medium of the cartridge to be updated.

14. A method of diffusing an odor formed by a combination of olfactory ingredients taken from at least one cartridge placed in an appliance, in particular a cartridge as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, the or each cartridge including a dispenser device, in which method the odor is dispensed by successively emitting each ingredient of the combination, with a time interval between emitting the various ingredients that is short enough for the ingredients to mix together in the atmosphere in substantially uniform manner in less than 30 s, better in less than 10 s, or even in less than 2 s or i s.

15. An appliance for receiving at least one cartridge as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, the appliance comprising :

^• a control unit (20); • means for receiving p reservoirs, in particular p cartridges, p ≥ 2, each containing an ingredient; and

^• a user interface (12) allowing to select a combination of ingredients coming from p reservoirs, in particular from p cartridges, from amongst a plurality of combinations that can be made at least from said reservoirs, in particular from said cartridges; the control unit (20) being configured to read, in the data medium, combination data relating to the selected combination, and to control the dispensing of the ingredients of the combination as a function of said combination data.