Method and apparatus for fastening a fluid transport mechanism to a container

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the fastening of a fluid transport mechanism to a fluid reservoir, and optionally, to various mechanisms which increase the effectiveness of the vaporizing units within which such devices may be employed. For example, the fluid transport mechanism is suitably fastened to the reservoir and removal of the transport mechanism is substantially inhibited by a retaining force provided by one or more fastening features. That is, the transport mechanism is fabricated or suitably augmented such that once it has been inserted into the reservoir, it is not easily removable without significant force or through the use of tools. The retaining force is a force which opposes other forces applied to the transport mechanism which would tend to remove the fluid transport mechanism. For example, the retaining force is provided, at least in part, by fastening features configured on the fluid transport mechanism and/or other components, such as a fitment or a sleeve, which engages the transport mechanism and likewise inhibits its removal by directing the retaining force in a direction opposite to that which is needed to remove the transport mechanism from the reservoir. Thus, the fastening elements may suitably comprise various configurations of the transport mechanism itself, components attached to or part of the reservoir, or various combinations of the forgoing, all of which provide an effective retaining force which aids in inhibiting removal of the transport mechanism.

We claim:  
     
         1 . An apparatus for fastening a fluid transport mechanism to a container comprising 
 a fluid transport receiving mechanism configured for attachment to a container and for receipt of the fluid transport mechanism, and    a fluid transport mechanism including a first part and second part, said first part extending upwardly from said receiving mechanism and said second part extending downwardly from said receiving mechanism, said second part including an enlarged portion.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said second part enlarged portion is configured to provide an effective retaining force which opposes other forces applied to aid fluid transport mechanism which would tend to remove said fluid transport mechanism from said receiving mechanism.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein aid second enlarged part substantially inhibits removal of said fluid transport mechanism from said receiving mechanism.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said first part of said fluid transport mechanism evidences a first geometric configuration and wherein said second enlarged part evidences a geometric configuration which is different from said first geometric configuration.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said first geometric configuration is substantially cylindrical.  
     
     
         6 . An improved air treatment device of the type having a bottle for containing an air treatment material and a wick in at least partial fluid communication with said air treatment material, improved wherein, said wick includes an enlarged portion which substantially inhibits removal of said wick from said bottle.  
     
     
         7 . The air treatment device of  claim 6  further comprising a connection device for receiving said wick, said connection device configured for attachment to said bottle.  
     
     
         8 . The air treatment device of  claim 7  wherein said wick enlarged portion substantially prevents removal of said wick from said connection device.  
     
     
         9 . A wick system comprising 
 a fluid reservoir;    a wick;    a wick fastening device for fastening said wick to said fluid reservoir; 
 wherein said wick includes a fastening feature to securely attach said wick to said fastening device, said fastening feature comprising a portion of said wick.  
   
     
     
         10 . The wick system of  claim 9  wherein said wick fastening feature comprises at least one enlarged portion being formed in or on said wick.  
     
     
         11 . The wick system of  claim 10  wherein said wick fastening feature comprises at least of a first and a second enlarged portion, each of said first and second portions being formed in or on said wick.  
     
     
         12 . The wick system of  claim 11  wherein said wick is attached to said wick fastening device such that said first portion is positioned above said fastening device and said second portion is positioned below said fastening device.  
     
     
         13 . The wick system of  claim 10  wherein said at least one enlarged portion is positioned below said wick fastening device when said wick is attached to said wick fastening device and said wick fastening device is attached to said fluid reservoir.  
     
     
         14 . The wick system of  claim 9  wherein said wick fastening device comprises a first portion for attachment to said fluid reservoir and a second portion for receipt of said wick.  
     
     
         15 . The wick system of  claim 14  wherein said second portion includes an extended sleeve and said first portion in proximity to said second portion includes a conically shaped reservoir.