Device for releasing an agent to be detected through olfaction

• Main Authors: JEFFREY E. FISH, FRANK G. DRUECKE, BAO TRONG DO, FUNG-JOU CHEN, KEVIN J. MULLALLY, LAURA BRAUNECKER, NEFETARI B. MURPH, KIMBERLY L. ELLEFSON, JAMES A. COTTER
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 08.09.2006
• Subjects: CHEMISTRY; COFFEE MILLS; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; FURNITURE; HUMAN NECESSITIES; METALLURGY; ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; TOILET ACCESSORIES; USE OF INORGANIC OR NON-MACROMOLECULAR ORGANIC SUBSTANCES ASCOMPOUNDING INGREDIENTS

The present invention relates to a device, such as a decal, for releasing an agent capable of being sensed through olfaction, generally in conjunction with the use, application, or presence of water or water vapor, as in a shower, spa, bath tub, sink, sauna, basin, or the like. The decal includes a web and an agent that can be released, transmitted, or delivered so that the agent can be sensed or detected through olfaction. The decal further includes an affixation element, such as a bonding material, that attaches the decal to a surface. In some embodiments, the agent may be attached to the web while in other embodiments the agent may form part of the web. In one embodiment, the agent is menthol. In another embodiment, the agent is menthol and is accompanied by a material capable of effervescing. In yet another embodiment, the device for releasing an agent capable of being sensed through olfaction is attached to fixtures or molded surfaces that are typically associated with showers, baths, sinks, etc. (e.g., a shower head, the hot and/or cold levers or handles for activating the flow of water, hardware associated with a shower curtain or door, a spigot, molded handles, and the like). In still another version of the invention, that portion of the device that is associated with the agent may be adjusted along some length of the device. For example, a decal may be adjustably attached to a flexible cord or substantially stiff rod or frame, the cord, rod, or frame capable of being attached to one of the aforementioned fixtures or molded surfaces.