Patent Pick: Matrix for Fragrance Release

Reed-diffuser-200

Patent Picks are chosen by the editors from publicly available sources. Today's feature, from EnviroScent, Inc., relates to an absorbent matrix housing a fragrance material that controls the release of fragrance in the environment.

Methods, compositions and articles for olfactory-active substances
U.S. Patent Application 20150374869
Publication date: Dec. 31, 2015
Assignee: EnviroScent, Inc.

According to these inventors, unscented wood sticks or reeds are used as diffusers for scented oil. The oil wicks up the central portion of the reed, and the fragrance volatilizes out the upper end of the reed. The reeds must be turned frequently so the previously immersed end of the reed is exposed to the air outside the container.

Oftentimes, the reeds clog from debris or biocontaminants in the oil, and are not effective at providing long-term fragrance to an environment. Therefore, articles are needed that provide olfactory-active substances to the environment. They should be durable, easily manufactured and provide a slow or controlled rate of release of the fragrance.

The present invention is thus directed to articles of various shapes and sizes comprising a structural component and an olfactory-active component. The structural component includes a matrix material that absorbs or adsorbs at least one olfactory-active substance. In addition, at least a portion of the surface of the structural component may be covered or overlaid by a coating or a harrier to control the release of the olfactory-active substance.

Patent application accessed on Jan. 4, 2016

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