Cartridge-type aroma percolator

Abstract

A cartridge-type aroma percolator for wafting fragrance into the atmosphere at a relatively high rate. The percolator includes a cylindrical container having a vented cap and a base provided with a raised hub housing an electric heater. Telescopically inserted into the container is a replaceable cartridge having a can whose base has a reentrant socket that complements and receives the hub. Placed adjacent the upper end of the can is a liquid-permeable toroidal insert incorporating a pad of porous material, the insert defining therebelow a chamber having a pool therein of an aqueous solution of a volatile liquid fragrance. A tube coaxial with the can extends through the hollow core of the barrier, the tube inlet being immersed in the pool adjacent the socket, the tube outlet being above the barrier. When the heater is energized, the solution in the region of the socket is caused to boil to produce a head of pressurized gas above the pool, forcing the liquid to rise in the tube and to be discharged from the outlet to shower onto the insert whereby the liquid percolates through the pad before returning to the chamber. An aromatic vapor emitted from the pad is wafted into the atmosphere through the vented cap of the percolator. A removable cover means is provided for hermetically sealing said can, and for storing the contents thereof, while the cartridge is not in use.