SPILL-RESISTANT FRAGRANCE DIFFUSER Field

The present invention relates to fragrance diffusers, in particular to decorative fragrance diffusers for the home. Background to the Invention

The use of fragrance diffusers to provide a pleasant fragrance in the home is a common practice, and there are many varieties of diffusers available on the market for consumers.

One such variety that has become popular in recent years comprises a bottle of liquid fragrance that passively diffuses the fragrance into the atmosphere with the assistance of rattan reeds sitting in the liquid. This variety has the benefit of providing a simple and

aesthetically pleasing device that has a natural

appearance reminiscent of a floral arrangement. A further advantage is that the diffusion rate can be adjusted by varying the number of reeds or by periodically turning the reeds around.

One problem associated with this variety is that the liquid fragrance will typically stain polished furniture surfaces, and if the bottle is accidentally knocked over, there is no impediment to spillage.

There is therefore a need to provide an improved diffuser of this variety that retains the aesthetic and functional advantages but ameliorates the problems associated with spillage . Summary of the Invention According to a broad aspect of the invention there is provided a fragrance diffuser for diffusing a fragrance into the atmosphere comprising:

a container for containing a fragrant liquid; at least one elongate diffusing element for immersing a lower part thereof in the fragrant liquid and for disposing through an opening in the container so that an upper part thereof is outside the container, whereby the liquid is drawn by capillary action from the immersed end along the diffusing element to the upper part and then evaporates; and

a spill guard adapted to be disposed across the container opening to reduce spilling of the liquid if the container is tipped over and having at least one hole sized so that at least one of the diffusing element lower parts can be inserted therethrough.

In one embodiment there are more than one of the diffusing elements and more than one of the holes and the diffusing elements in use are inserted through different holes.

In one embodiment the holes are angled to provide a desired angular disposition of the diffusing elements.

In one embodiment the spill guard is composed of a plastic material.

In one embodiment the diffusing elements are rattan reeds.

In one embodiment the spill guard further comprises an elongate breather duct to allow entry of air while

retarding escape of liquid if the container is tipped over. Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1 is a drawing of the fragrance diffuser with rattan reeds of an embodiment of the current invention in use ;

Figure 2A and 2B are cross-sectional view of a container and spill guard of an embodiment of the current invention. Figure 3A and 3B show cross-sectional details of the spill guard of the embodiment of Figure 2.

Detailed Description of embodiments

An embodiment of the current invention will now be

described.

Referring first to Figure 1, there is shown a fragrance diffuser of an embodiment of the invention. The fragrance diffuser comprises a container 10 typically a glass bottle which in use contains a fragrant liquid 11. The liquid partially fills container 10 and is composed of a volatile chemical . An example of such chemical that imparts a frangipani fragrance is a mixture of alcohol, 2- (4-Tert- Butylbenzyl) Propionaldehyde , Amyl Cinnamal, D-Limonene, Eugenol , Hexyl Cinnamyl and Phenylacetaldehyde . A

plurality of diffusing elements in the form of rattan reeds 12 typically about 10, (six only shown) are each immersed in the liquid at a lower part and disposed through an opening of the container so that an upper part is outside the container. The reed, being porous, supports a capillary action whereby the liquid is drawn along the reed to the upper part where it evaporates slowly in the atmosphere and imparts a fragrance to the room.

Container 10, being similar to a vase, will spill a substantial part of the liquid if it has an open neck and is accidentally tipped over. Referring now to Figure 2A, the spill guard is shown in a pre-assembled state and in Fig 2B in an assembled state. Container 10 has a screw top neck 15 and is supplied sealed by a cap 13. The user removes and discards cap 13 and snaps spill guard 20 which is made of a hard plastic onto the opening. Decorative wooden collar 14 is then placed over the opening.

Referring now to Figure 3A, where lower, side and upper views are shown, and Figure 3B, where a radial side cross- section is shown, cylindrical spill guard 20 has

engagement surfaces comprising channel 24 and plug side wall 26 to engage with the top and inner side wall of the container neck. Ten holes 22 are angled outwards at about 15 degrees to receive and orient reeds 12 in an angled arrangement. Holes 22 are sized to snugly fit reeds 12. Breather duct 28 with breather hole 30 extends downwards and allows air entry. The length of breather duct 28 adds to the anti-spill properties as it will tend to inhibit egress of liquid through breather hole 30 when the

container is tipped.

Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that many variations may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, any construction or fitting method is within the scope of the invention, and the hole may be a single central hole large enough to receive all the reeds . In addition, the holes may simply be provided by slits in a flexible baffle that yield as the reed is inserted

therethrough. Further, the long breather duct aids in the embodiment shown but is not essential. In the claims which follow and in the preceding

description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.