Dispensing Device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a device and method for dispensing a substance. The device may include a body portion in the shape of an airfoil and includes a region to contain the substance to be dispensed. The device may include one or a plurality of ports which may include a covering having a mechanical strength (e.g. tensile strength) that is less than the mechanical strength of the body portion. The device may be launched either by hand or by a launching mechanism.

1 . A dispensing apparatus comprising:
 a body portion wherein said body portion is configured in the shape of an airfoil and includes a region to contain a substance, said body portion formed from a first material having a tensile strength TS 1 ;   one or a plurality of ports in said body portion wherein said ports are capable of dispensing said substance;   said ports including a covering material having a tensile strength TS 2 , wherein TS 2 <TS 1 .   
   
   
       2 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein TS 1 ≧5000 psi. 
   
   
       3 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said region to contain a substance includes a plurality of chambers wherein each chamber is capable of containing a selected substance for dispensing through said ports. 
   
   
       4 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said substances when contained in said chambers are capable of exchanging between said chambers. 
   
   
       5 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 3  wherein said chambers include wall sections wherein said wall sections are capable of providing diffusion of said substances between said chambers. 
   
   
       6 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said body has a perimeter and said region to contain a substance extends about all or a portion of said perimeter. 
   
   
       7 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said covering material has a thickness of less than or equal to about 2.5 mm. 
   
   
       8 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said covering material is adhered to said apparatus by an adhesive. 
   
   
       9 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein TS 2  is less than about 5000 psi. 
   
   
       10 . A dispensing apparatus comprising:
 a body portion wherein said body portion is configured in the shape of an airfoil and includes a region to contain a substance, said body portion formed from a first material having a tensile strength TS 1  of greater than or equal to 5000 psi;   one or a plurality of ports in said body portion wherein said ports are capable of dispensing said substance;   said ports including a covering material having a thickness of less than or equal to about 2.5 mm having a tensile strength TS 2 , wherein TS 2  is less than 5000 psi.   
   
   
       11 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said region to contain a substance includes a plurality of chambers wherein each chamber is capable of containing a selected substance for dispensing through said ports. 
   
   
       12 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 11  wherein said substances when contained in said chambers are capable of exchanging between said chambers. 
   
   
       13 . The dispensing apparatus of  claim 10  wherein said covering material is adhered to said apparatus by an adhesive. 
   
   
       14 . A method for dispensing a substance comprising:
 providing a device having a body portion wherein said body portion is configured in the shape of an airfoil and includes a region containing a substance, said device including one or a plurality of ports in said body portion wherein said ports are capable of dispensing said substance wherein said ports include a covering material adhesively bonded to said body portion and having a tensile strength;   rotating said device and developing a tensile force (T f ) on said covering material wherein said tensile force exceeds one of:
 (a) said tensile strength of said covering material; or 
 (b) said adhesive bond of said covering material to said body; 
   whereupon said substance is dispensed through said ports to a surrounding environment.   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the tensile strength of said covering material is less than about 5000 psi. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said region to contain a substance includes a plurality of chambers wherein each chamber contains a selected substance for dispensing through said ports. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said substances in said chambers are capable of exchanging between said chambers. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 14  wherein said device includes a gas generating substance which produces a gas wherein said gas creates a pressure in said device that contributes to formation of said tensile force (T f ) on said covering material.