Odor neutralization apparatus and method

Abstract

An apparatus for neutralizing odors in clothing, comprising an applicator for applying a neutralizing substance to a person's clothing, the applicator including: a carrier layer impregnated with the neutralizing substance and a substrate layer having generally the same shape as the carrier layer and bonded to the carrier layer around all but a select portion of the perimeter of the carrier layer. An activating mechanism associated with the applicator may be provided for releasing the neutralizing substance from the carrier layer. In another aspect of the invention, a method comprising the steps of providing an odor-neutralizing applicator having a carrier layer impregnated with an odor neutralizing substance and adapted to be slipped over the person's fingertips of one hand; and manipulating the applicator against the person's clothing to neutralize the odors in the person's clothing. An activating step may be included to release the odor neutralizing substance onto the person's clothing.

1 . An apparatus for neutralizing odors in clothing, comprising: 
 a finger mitt applicator for applying an odor neutralizing substance to a person's clothing, the applicator including:    a carrier layer having a generally bounded shape defined by a perimeter thereof and impregnated with the odor neutralizing substance; and    a substrate layer having generally the same shape as the carrier layer and bonded to the carrier layer around all but a select portion of the perimeter of the carrier layer, thereby forming a pocket with the carrier layer and an open space for inserting one or more of a user's fingers therein.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises: 
 a top layer attached to an opposite side of the substrate layer from the carrier layer; and    indicia including a brand image imprinted on the top layer.    
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the indicia includes instructions for use of the applicator.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate layer and the top layer are combined in a single substrate layer having an imprintable outer surface.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein the substrate layer is selected from the group consisting of leather and a leather substitute.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 an activating mechanism associated with the carrier layer of the applicator for releasing the odor neutralizing substance from the carrier layer.    
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the activating mechanism is a wrapper configured for enclosing the carrier layer until use.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the wrapper is configured to enable re-use of the applicator.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket formed in the applicator is adapted for being slipped over a user's fingertips to enable manipulating the applicator to release the odor neutralizing substance.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pocket is formed in the applicator by squeezing first and second opposite sides of the applicator, thereby providing an open space for inserting a user's fingers.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier layer is a non-woven, absorbent fabric sheet.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the carrier layer is fabricated from spun-bonded polyester fibers.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the odor neutralizing substance includes a perfume.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the odor neutralizing substance includes a pleasing scent.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier layer is also impregnated with a perfume.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the odor neutralizing substance is a perfume.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate layer is a non-absorbent paper.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the odor neutralizing substance is impregnated into a first portion of the carrier layer and a second substance having a pleasing odor is released from a second portion of the carrier layer.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the substrate layer is bonded to the carrier layer around all but a select portion of the perimeter of the carrier layer using a bonding means selected from the group consisting of sewn stitches, adhesive, rivets, staples, and clamps.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the generally bounded shape defined by a perimeter comprises a plane figure selected from the group consisting of triangular, rectangular, circular, eliptical, oval, and polygonal.  
   
   
       21 . A method of neutralizing odors present in a person's clothing, comprising the steps of: 
 providing an odor-neutralizing applicator having a carrier layer impregnated with an odor neutralizing substance and adapted to be slipped over the person's fingertips of one hand;    slipping the applicator over the fingertips of the person's hand; and    manipulating the applicator against the person's clothing to release the odor neutralizing substance onto the person's clothing thereby neutralizing the odors in the person's clothing.    
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the step of manipulating comprises the step of: 
 rubbing the carrier layer of the applicator against the surface of the person's clothing to release the odor neutralizing substance onto the person's clothing.    
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising the step of: 
 activating the carrier layer of the applicator, prior to the step of manipulating, to enable release of the odor neutralizing substance.    
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the step of activating further comprises the step of: 
 removing a protective wrapper from the applicator thereby exposing an active portion of the carrier layer.    
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24 , further comprising the step of: 
 replacing the protective wrapper over the active portion of the carrier layer for subsequent re-use of the applicator.