GB2480906A

GB2480906A - Air treatment dispenser device

Info

Publication number: GB2480906A
Application number: GB201108111A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Abdul Ebrahim Patel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-05-18
Filing date: 2011-05-16
Publication date: 2011-12-07
Anticipated expiration: 2031-05-16
Also published as: GB201108111D0; GB201008272D0; GB2480906B

Abstract

An air treatment dispenser 29 comprises a container 4 for holding a liquid/gel air treatment composition 5 and a wick 2, the container having an open end 3. A closure arrangement 1 is mounted to the open end, the closure arrangement including at least one resiliently deformable seal having an opening through which the wick may be inserted into the container. The seal conforms closely about the wick once it has been inserted to resist leakage of the composition. Preferably, the closure arrangement comprises at least one self-sealing valve, such as a duck bill valve, an umbrella/duck bill valve or a cross slit valve. The seal member or the wick may have a groove to allow gas to vent from the container. In another aspect, the wick is made of porous plastic and projects beyond the container. In a further aspect, an air treatment apparatus comprises an evaporation medium having an evaporation surface and a wick associated with the evaporation medium for insertion in a container for holding a liquid/gel air treatment composition.

Description

Air Treatment Dispenser Device

Teclrnical Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a dispenser device for air treatment compositions.

More specifically, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a dispenser for dispensing a fragrance or deodorant in the form of a vapor for air freshening in an enclosed environment. These can be to mask odours or to combat odours, These may also contain a composition to counter odour molecules by masking or elimination.

The application of such a device also extends to insecticide action and a dispenser for insect bait station. The formulation of such a liquid composition will be appropriate to 1 0 have the desired effect on insects and crawling insects.

Bacjcgpund to the Invention The need for effectively combating airborne malodors in automobiles, homes and enclosed public buildings, by odour masking or destruction, is well established.

Various kinds of vapor-dispensing devices have been in use for this purpose. The most common of such devices is the aerosol container, or a wicking action device of an air freshener composition into the air. Another common type of dispensing device comprising a body of gelatinous matter which when it dries and shrinks releases a vaporized air-treating composition into the atmosphere. Another group of vapor-dispensing devices utilizes a carrier material such as paperboard impregnated or coated with a vaporizable composition. Yet another method is the use of a liquid /gel air freshener composition held in a thermoformed container with a sealed permeable polymeric membrane through which a volatile air freshener composition evaporates over a period of time. Other electric methods use heat or increase air flow with a mortised fan to assist evaporation. Common examples are plug in type cartridges or wicking air fresheners that can also have multiple different fragrance containers to enable different perceptions of air freshener.

The above mentioned air freshener methods are assembled differently with varying degrees of effective air freshening action. l'he costs of manufacture between such products vary significantly making inexpensive products of less effective and usually of inferior construction. Better ftmctioning products tend be the wicking range having a fragrant composition in liquid form that tend to be substantially more expensive. Wicking air freshener devises assembled have one end oithe wick material dipped into a liquid an air fresher composition in a glass container. The other wick end can be either partially or fully exposed to come into contact with air. The fragrance composition drawn up the wick is then dispersed through evaporation either by natural air circulation or assisted circulation through heat and/or an air flow stream directed towards the wick. These devises may have a clip which helps secure the device to an air vent of a vehicle.

A problem with the wick type of device mentioned above is that it is susceptible to leakages if for example the fragrance bottle is mistakenly positioned upside down or placed on its side. Thus such a device could not be safely suspended on to a rear view mirror of a vehicle. The swinging action of the device when the vehicle is in different modes of motion would make the liquid air fresher composition leak out or spill causing damage to interior vehicle surfaces.

At the opposite end of the range are suspended card/board type air fresheners impregnated with fragrance and which have no means to replenish or top up fragrance as it evaporates. These types of air fresheners inevitably have an overpoweringly strong smell to begin with that rapidly tales off over a short period of time. Attempts to address the problem of uneven rate of evaporation have been largely ineffective.

One attempt involves enclosing the card in a plastic film barrier which can he removed in stages to progressively expose the card to release the fragrance over time.

The consumer is instructed to slip the plastic film barrier off the card to further to expose the card over a period of time. An example of this type of air freshener is marketed by Car Freshener Corporation based in Watertown, New York type of air freshener under its brand Car Fresher (RTM) or Magic Tree (RTM), This kind of controlled release in realty works poorly as the entire card is susceptible to evaporation. Also they suffer the problem of not knowing when the air freshener life has come to an end.

There is a need for an improved air treatment dispenser which overcomes, or at least mitigates, some or all of the drawbacks of the know dispensers.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a wicking air treatment dispenser device which can be mass-produced economically and which can deliver a vapor medium at a controllable uniform rate over an extended period of time.

It is a further objective of the invention to provide a wicking air treatment dispenser device which is less susceptible leaking.

Yet another objective is an improved air treatment dispenser device for delivering an odorant and/or deodorant and/or insecticide vapor in an enclosed environment, particularly a vehicle.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an air treatment dispenser comprising a container for holding a liquid/gel air treatment composition and a wick, the container having an open end, a closure anangement mounted to the open end of the container, the closure arrangement including at least one resiliently deformable seal member having an opening through which the wick may be inserted into the container, the least one resiliently deformable seal member conforming closely about the wick once it has been inserted to resist leakage of the composition through the opening about the wick.

In one embodiment, the seat member is self-sealing, the opening being normally closed when the seal member is in an initial resiliently biased configuration.

The closure arrangement may comprise at least one self-sealing valve, such as a duck bill valve, an umbrella/duck bill valve, or a cross slit valve.

At least one of the wick and the seal member may comprise a formation configured to allow gas to escape from the container when the gas in the container is at a pressure higher than ambient. A groove may be provided on the interior surface of the seal member or the exterior of the wick where the two contact one another through which gas in the container can pass out to atmosphere.

The opening through the seal member may be closed by a further seal prior to insertion of the wick. The further seal may be a breakable seal through which the wick is inserted or it may be removable prior to inserting the wick. The further seal may be integrally formed with the seal member. The further seal may be a cross-slit seal.

In an embodiment, the container holds a volume of liquid/gel air treatment composition, the wick being dimensioned so as to extend into the container such that an inner end of the wick is located in close proximity to a base of the container opposite the open end when the wick is inserted into the container, the seal member extending into the container by a distance such that when the wick is inserted, an inner end of the seal member is located close to but spaced from the inner end of the wick so that a portion of the inner end of the wick is exposed, the arrangement being configured such that if the container is inverted, the inner end of the seal member is located above the level of the liquid/gel air treatment composition.

The wick maybe dimensioned to protrude from the top of the container when inserted to form an evaporation surface from which the liquid air treatment composition can evaporate after it has been drawn along the wick from the container.

The dispenser may comprise an evaporation medium associated with the wick on to which liquid air treatment composition can be drawn when the wick is inserted in the container, the evaporation medium providing an evaporation surface. The evaporation medium may be an air freshener card or board. The card or board may be shaped to resemble a living creature such as an animal or plant.

The wick may be an integral part of the evaporation medium or the dispenser may have means for attaching the wick to the evaporation medium.

The dispenser may comprise means for mounting the container to the evaporation medium.

The evaporation medium may be impregnated with an air treatment composition.

The dispenser may comprise means for suspending the device from a support such as, for example, a rear view of a vehicle mirror or a clothes wardrobe hanging pole.

The wick may be made from air freshener board material, cellulose board, cotton fibres, or a wooden reed. Alternatively. where the dispenser comprises a vapour evaporation medium, the wick may be configured to transport the air treatment composition from the container to the vapour evaporation medium by capillary action.

The wick may be made of porous plastic material. The wick material may be sintered so that comprises micro capillary channels along which the air treatment composition held in the container can travel to communicate with external air. The channels may be unidirectional or multi directional.

The dispenser may comprise means for selectively applying a variable pressure on the wick to vary the rate of wicking.

The dispenser may comprise means for adjustably controlling the rate of evaporation of the air treatment composition from the wick, The dispenser may comprises a casing which encloses a portion of the wick which protrudes from the container, the casing having a number of vent holes and means for selectively varying the number and/or size of vent holes which are opened at any one time. The casing may comprise an inner casing member surrounding the exposed portion of the wick and which has a plurality of vents through which an air treatment composition on the wick can evaporate, the casing also having an outer casing member movable mounted to the inner casing member and adjustable to selectively open and close some or all or the vents in the inner casing member.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an air treatment dispenser comprising a container for holding a liquid/gel air treatment composition, the container having an open end, a wick inserted into the container through the open end and projecting beyond the container along which the air treatment composition can travel from the container to communicate with external air and a means for sealing between the open end of the container and the wick, in which the wick is made of a porous plastic.

The wick material may be sintered and have micro capillary channels along which the air treatment composition held in the container can travel to communicate with external air. The channels may be unidirectional or multi directional, The sealing means may comprise a plug or bung located in open end of the container, the bung having a hole through which the wick is inserted. The plug or bung may be configured to form a seal about the wick. The plug or bung may be made of a natural or synthetic rubber or plastic.

The dispenser may comprise an evaporation medium and the wick may he in contact with the evaporation medium so that air treatment composition is transfei-red from the wick to the evaporation medium. The wick may be permanently in contact with the evaporation medium or it may be arranged to make intermittent contact with the evaporation medium. The evaporation medium may be an air freshener card.

The dispenser may comprise a control mechanism for selectively applying external pressure to a part of the wick which is outside of the container to vary the wicking rate. The control mechanism may be configured to deform the wick physically so that unidirectional channels in the wick are disturbed or distorted to vary the rate of wicking. The control mechanism may comprise a screw which can he adjusted to contact and compress or distort the wick. The control mechanism may comprise a control dial indicative of the wicking rate or the rate of release oF the air treatment composition.

The dispenser may comprise a cover enclosing at least part oF the wick which is outside of the container, the cover having at least one hole to allow the wicked air treatment composition to evaporate into the surrounding air.

In either of the first and second aspects of the invention, the dispenser may comprise an air treatment composition in the container. The formulation of the air treatment composition may be selected to provide a desired rate of wicking and/or evaporation. The air treatment composition may he selected from one or more of: an air freshener. a deodorizer, insect repellent, insect bait, and an insecticide. The air treatment composition may be a volatile composition.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an air treatment apparatus comprising an evaporation medium having an evaporation surface and a wicking member associated with the evaporation medium for insertion in a container for holding a liquid/gel air treatment composition.

The wicking member may be integral with the evaporation medium or it may be attached to the evaporation medium.

The evaporation medium may be a section of card or board. The evaporation medium may be made of ce]Iulose or paperboard or the like.

The apparatus may further comprise an air freshener cartridge comprising a container for holding a liquid /gel air treatment composition, the container having an open end and a seal member mounted to the open end, the seal member having an opening through which the wicking member can be inserted.

The apparatus may comprise means for attaching the cartridge to the evaporation medium.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent

from the accompanying description and drawings.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Several embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1A is an exploded view from the front of a duck bill valve and a wick for use in an air treatment dispenser in accordance with the invention Figure lB is an exploded, longitudinal cross sectional view through an open neck region of container for a dispenser in accordance with the invention and the duck bill valve and wick of Figure lA; Figure IC is a longitudinal cross sectional view through a dispenser in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, incorporating the duck bill valve, wick and open neck region of Figures 1A and 1B; Figure 2 is a further longitudinal cross sectional view through the dispenser of Figure 1 C, showing the dispenser in action; Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 2 but showing the dispenser mounted to an evaporation medium; Figure 4 A is a view from above of a holder for attaching a wick to an evaporation medium; Figure 4B is a view from the side of the holder of Figure 4A, showing a wick in position in the holder; Figure 4C is a view from the side of a container br an air treatment composition for use with the holder of Figure 4B; Figure 5A is a view from above of an alternative holder for mounting a container to an evaporation medium in a dispenser in accordance with the invention; Figure 5B is a view from the side of the holder of Figure 5A mounted to a container for an air treatment composition; Figure SC is a longitudinal cross sectional view through a dispenser in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention incorporating the holder of Figures SA and SB; Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross sectional view though a dispenser in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a view from the rear of a dispenser in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention in which part of the container is shown in cross section; Figure 8 is a view from the rear of evaporation medium forming part of a dispenser in accordance with the invention; Figure 9 is a view similar to that of Figure 8 but showing a container for an air treatment composition mounted to the evaporation medium; Figure 10 A is a view from the front of a dispenser in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 1 OB is a longitudinal cross sectional view through the dispenser of Figure IOA; Figure 11 A is longitudinal cross sectional view from one side though a dispenser in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 B is view similar to that of Figure 11 B but taken from a different angle; Figure 12A is a view from the front of a dispenser in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, in which part of the container for air treatment composition is shown in cross section; Figure 1 2B is a view similar to that of Figure 12A but taken from a different angle and showing an alternative arrangement for mounting the dispenser; Figure 13A is a cross sectional view through a duck bill valve forming part of a dispenser in accordance with the present invention; Figure 13B is a view from below of the valve of Figure 13A; Figure 14A is a cross sectional view through a combination umbrclla/duckbill valve forming part of a dispenser in accordance with the present invention; Figure 14B is a view from below of the valve of Figure 14A; Figure 1 5A a cross sectional view through a cross slit valve forming part of a dispenser in accordance with the present invention; Figure 15B is a view from below of the valve of Figure iSA; Figure 16 is a view from the rear of a further embodiment of a dispenser in accordance with the invention; Figure 17 is a plan view of a modified seal member for use in an air treatment dispenser in accordance with the invention; Figure 18 is a sectional view through a dispenser in accordance with the invention incorporating the seal member ol Figure 17; Figure 19 is a plan view of a still further modified seal member for use in an air treatment dispenser in accordance with the invention; Figure 20 is a sectional view through a dispenser in accordance with the invention incorporating the seal member of Figure 19; Figure 21 is a sectional view through a dispenser in accordance with the invention incorporating a yet further modified a seal member; Figure 22 is a side view of a modified wick for use in a dispenser in accordance with the invention; and Figure 23 is an end view from below of the wick of Figure 22.

The present invention is concerned with dispensers of air treatment compositions in liquidigel form. The invention is particularly concerned with dispensers for air fresheners or de-odorants hut can also be applied to dispensers for other volatile compositions such as insect repellants or insect baits or insecticides. In the following description, the preferred embodiments are air freshener dispensers and will he described as such. However, it should be noted that the dispenser can be adapted to dispense other liquid/gel air treatment or volatile compositions.

A first embodiment of a dispenser 29 in accordance with the invention is illustrated in Figures 1A to 1C, The dispenser comprises an air freshener cartridge 26 containing a liquid air freshener and a wick 2 which is insertahie into the cartridge to allow the air freshener to be drawn out of the container into an evaporating surface.

The cartridge comprises a container 4 for holding a liquid air freshener composition and a closure arrangement 1. The container has an open neck region 3 at an upper end and the closure arrangement 1 is mounted to the open neck region to close the opening 1 5 and prevent the liquid air freshener composition form leaking out of the container.

The closure arrangement 1 in the present embodiment comprises a self-sealing mini-duck bill valve.

Duck bill valves are known components that are commonly used as one way fluid control valves and a typical duck bill valve is shown in more detail in Figures 13A and 13B. The valve i is made of a resiliently deformable material and includes a circular base region 27 which sealing engages with an outer edge ol the open neck 3 of the container. A central "duck bill" shaped portion 28 projects from the base into the container neck region 3. A slit 22 is provided at the base of the duck bill shaped portion which is normally closed when the valve is in an initial resiliently biased configuration.

When a duck billed valve is used in its intended application as one way fluid control valve, the slit 22 can be forced open when a fluid is supplied under pressure to the inside of the valve to allow fluid to flow through. However, if fluid flows in the opposite direction, it tends to press the opposing sides of the thick-bill portion together so that the slit 22 remains closed and no fluid flow is possible. For use in a dispenser in accordance with the present invention, the valve 1 is fitted to the container in an orientation that would allow a flow of fluid into the container hut not in the reverse direction. The duck bill valve 1 thus provides an effective closure for holding the liquid air freshener composition in the container without leakage.

The dispenser also includes a wicking device 2, one end of which can he inserted into the container through the slit 22 for immersion in the liquid air freshener composition. The other end of the wick protrudes above the container to form an evaporation surface. In use, once the wick has been inserted in the container, the liquid air freshener is drawn from the container along the wick to the exposed upper end from where it can evaporate into the surrounding air.

The wick 2 and the duck bill valve are sized and dimensioned so that the valve forms a seal around the wick to prevent the liquid in the container from leaking out.

For use with a valve having an elongate slit 22, the wick is in the form of thin elongate rectangular length of card. The wick 2 can be made of any suitable material that provides an appropriate wicking action such as air freshener card or hoard. Preferably, the wick is dimensioned so that it reaches the bottom of the container so that the majority of the liquid can be dispensed.

The container 4 may be made of glass or plastic or it may be in the form of a rigid or flexible tubing that is sealed at one end. The container 4 could also be in the form of a flexible elastic walled chamber and could be shaped to resemble a living creature e.g. a dolphin or a flower petal.

Dispensers in accordance with the invention are relatively simple and inexpensive to make hut are capable of delivering a substantially uniform rate of evaporation of the air freshener over the life of the dispenser. The rate of wicking and evaporation can be controlled by selection of suitable materials and sizing of the wick and/or by varying the composition of the air freshener so that the dispenser delivers the air freshener at a desired rate for any particular application.

As shown in Figure 2, the dispenser may be provided with a loop of material 6 by means of which it can be hung on a suitable support such as a rear view mirror of a vehicle or a clothes wardrobe hanging pole.

Whilst duck billed valves are particularly suitable for use with the dispenser 29, other types of resiliently flexible, self-scaling one-way valves having an opening which is normally held shut by the resilience of the material but through which a wick can be inserted can be used. Other suitable valves include a combined umbrella duck bill valve such as that shown in Figures 14A and 14B and a cross slit valve such as that shown in Figures ISA and 15B. Valves of these types are manufactured by Mini Valve International based in Netherlands. A sleeved duck bill valve could also be used.

The adoption of commercially available, self-sealing resiliently deformable one way valves to form a closure for a wicking type air freshener dispenser is advantageous as it eliminates the need for a special component to he designed and manufactured. with all the tooling costs associated. However, the closure need not be a duck bill or other one way valve and any suitable resiliently deformabie self-sealing seal member having an opening through which a wick may be inserted into the 1 5 container but which is normally closed when the seal member is in an initial resiliently biased configuration can be used. The valves or seal member can be made of any suitable materials including, for example: Silicone, Fluorosilicone, iluoro Fiastomer, Natural Rubber Polyisoprene, Butyl, Ethiene Propylene, or Nitrile. These materials have different resistance to oxidizing chemicals, solvents, ozone, concentrated acids and alkali compounds that may be present in a fragrant composition.

The dispenser 29 would typically be supplied to an end user with the wick separate from the cartridge 26. The end user then inserts the wick and places the dispenser in an appropriate location for use. The duck bill valve 1 forms an effective closure for the container 4 without the need for a removable closure such as a screw cap that is typically required with known wicking type dispensers. These caps are only good for storage purposes and discarded when product is in use. The use of a self-sealing duck bill or other suitable valve or self-sealil1g closure in comparison provides significant advantages in providing a better cheaper and neater solution having less plastic wastage and environmental benefits and also has additional valuable functions too described below.

In some applications, a larger evaporation surface may be desirable and in this case the wick 2 may be attached to or may indeed he an integral part of a larger evaporation medium such as an air freshener card. Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment in which the cartridge is mounted to an evaporation medium in the form of a card 8 by means of fasteners 7. The wick may he an integral part of the card 8 or it could be fastened to the card so that air freshener is drawn up the wick and into the card from which it can evaporate. The card can be made of any suitable material such as plastic or cellulose board. The dispenser may be provided with sting so that it can be hung from a support or it may be provided with a clip for securing to a support, such as the air vent of a vehicle. Where the wick is a separate item from the evaporation medium, it can he made of any suitable material including but not limited to: air freshener board material, cellulose board, cotton fibres or a wooden reed The card 8 can be pre impregnated with air freshener. However when a user feels the need ol additional fragrance for example when the card has lost its fragrance capabilities a cartridge 26 filled with liquid air freshener can be attached to act as a top up mechanism. The user simply has to insert a wick into the valve and secure the cartridge if necessary so it does not fall off from the card preventing unwanted leaks.

However, the card need not be pre impregnated. It could for example use the wicking of the air freshener composition from the cartridge to absorb fragrance composition into the matrix of the card and evaporate that way. Additionally the cartridge may he replaced with a new cartridge or refilled thus eliminating the need to purchase another card and its cartridge. This can have environmental benefits in that these cards can be reused again and again and the less waste if the cartridges were refilled, Thus within the scope of the invention is a method to top up a card type air freshener with fragrance and additionally provide reusability of the cards with additional fragrant cartridges to top up or fill up the cards with a fragrant composition. This process can be repeated again and again giving the invention significant cost saving advantages over pre impregnated cards.

Figures 4A to 4C illustrate an alternative means of attaching a wick to an evaporation medium such as an air freshener card or hoard. The dispenser in this embodiment has a holder 9 that can he thermoformed from plastics material and which has a slit 10 through which a portion of the wick can be inserted. As shown in Figure 4B, the holder has tabs 11 projecting on either side which can he secured to a card by means of suitable fasteners such as: press studs, clips etc. Figure 4H show the wick projecting from the holder for insertion in a cartridge 26 as shown in Figure 4C.

The cartridge 26 may have a screw in or push fit, or have a bayonet type fitting to secure it the holder 9. Although not shown in the drawings, the wick may be a part of or may be connected to the board so that the air freshener composition can travel along the wick into the board.

An alternative arrangement for secure the container 4 to an evaporation medium is illustrated in Figures SA to SC. In this arrangement a holder 12 is lhrmed from a plastic sheet 12, The sheet has a circular central portion with an opening which is dimensioned to be placed over the neck of a container 4. Tabs 30 project inwardly of the opening to ensure a secure fit about the container neck as in Figure SB. The sheet 12 has two elongate tabs ii that project outwardly on opposite sides of the central portion. The elongate tabs ii are folded upwardly and clipped in position to an evaporation medium 14 using fasteners such as press studs, rivets 15 or the like.

In this embodiment, an additional seal member 13 is located between the duck bill valve and the wick 2 to prevent leaks. This may he a rubber or polymeric bung/plug with a slit so the wick is surrounded and forms a seal.

Figure 6 shows the use a multiple duck bill valves I that can be inserted in series to additionally ensure that no leaks occur of the liquid are freshener composition. The wick 2 is inserted through both valves communicating by wicking action with an evaporating surface 14.

A further embodiment of a dispenser in accordance with the invention is shown in Figure 7, In this embodiment, two duck billed valves are located at the container opening to ensure no leaks occur and the container is mounted to an evaporation medium or card 14 by means of a holder 9 ol the type described above in relation to Figures 4A to 4C. The wick 2 may be an integral part of the evaporation medium or it may be a separate part attached to the evaporation medium provided that there is elective communication for the air freshener composition to pass along the wick into the evaporation medium. The holder 9 may be held to the evaporating surface by means of tabs 11 having press studs or rivets 15. The evaporation medium is suitably shaped to provide an attractive appearance and for effective evaporation.

Figure 8 shows an evaporation medium in the form of a card or hoard 14 which is shaped like a Christmas tree. A rectangular opening is formed in the middle of the evaporation medium and a wick 2 formed integrally with the evaporation medium projects into the opening. As shown in Figure 9, a cartridge 26 holding liquid air freshener can be inserted into the opening so that the wick 2 projects throLigh the valve into the container. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the wick is shaped like an arrow 16 so that it has upwardly facing edges that engage with the valve 1 to hold the cartridge to the evaporation medium. Alternatively or in addition, the cartridge can be attached to the evaporation medium by means of clip/press studs or rivets 15.

Figures 1 OA and I OB illustrate an alterative arrangement for mounting the cartridge 26 to an evaporation medium 14. In this embodiment the container has a shaped portion which is adapted to be received in a correspondingly shaped aperture in evaporation medium. In the embodiment shown, the projecting portion and the aperture are circular but this need not be the case and any suitable shapes can be used that allow container to be mounted securely to the evaporation medium card 14. The wick 2 is formed integrally with the evaporation medium. The wick 2 projects from an upper surface of the main body of the medium 14 and is folded down for insertion into the container. The fill level of the air freshener composition can also be seen as shown in Figure 1OA.

in some applications, it may be desirable to be able to modify the rate of wicking and/or evaporation. These can be modified by subjecting the wick to variable degrees of exposure or pressure, for example. Such controls can come in many forms suitably shaped and sized to bring about its function. It may be connected directly to its container. For example the wick may be held within rigid or flexible tube and a method to compress or to encourage a kink on the piece of tubing will therefore control the rate of uptake of the fragrance composition by the wick. Figure 1 1A illustrates how the rate of wicking can be controlled by means of enclosing an exterior portion of the wick within a tube 17 and compressing by means of a restriction device 1 8 to slow down the rate of wicking. In Figure 11 B shows the dispenser when the compression action is relieved such that the rate of wicking is faster. Variable compression of the wick can be achieved by means of a tightening and loosening action of the tube by means of a screw adjuster. The adjusting screw could be provided with an indication dial numbered to show wicking rate.

Alternatively, means can be provided to vary the degree of exposure of the wick to at least partially control release of the fragrance composition from it. For example, the exposed portion of the wick or other evaporation medium can be contained in a cover having vent holes and means to adjust the number and/or size of the holes that are open to allow evaporation. Figure 12A shows one possible arrangement in which the exposed portion of the wick 2 is contained in an inner cover having vent holes 20 and an outer cover 19 is slidable mounted to the inner cover to selectively open and close the vent holes. This may he indicated in terms of a dial or other indicator graduated to indicate the evaporation rate. Such a device may be suspended by means of a string. Figure 12 B illustrates a similar embodiment which has clipping means 21 can be used to position the device on the air vent of a vehicle.

In a further embodiment which is shown in Figure 16, the wick 2 is made of a porous plastic. The wick material may be sintered so that it forms micro capillary channels along which the air freshener composition held in the container can travel to communicate with external air. These channels may be unidirectional or multi directional. Using capillary action to draw the air freshener composition from the container, the pore size, component size, geometry, and the disturbance of capillary alignment can be carefully selected to control the release of fragrance into the atmosphere. The wick 2 can additionally be made to come in fixed contact with an evaporating surface 14 such as an air freshener card. It may in the alternative be in intermittent contact with an evaporation medium, which would be another method in which to control wieking rate. For example, where the device is to he mounted to a rearview mirror in a vehicle, the swinging action of the suspended device can be utilized to bring the wick 2 into intermittent contact with the evaporating surface.

A duck bill valve or other similar sealing member can be used to close the open end of the container and the wick inserted through the valve as in the previously described embodiments. However, Figure 16 illustrates an alternative arrangement in which the open end of the container is closed by means of a rubber or plastic sealable valve or plug or hung 23 with a centre hole for the wick to pass through to prevent leaks. The plug 23 is suitably shaped and sized to form a seal between it and the wick.

In this method no leaks would occur from the reservoir chamber despite a wick being inserted.

The part 24 of the wick not in the container may be subjected to external pressure to control wicking rate or deformed physically so that unidirectional channels in the wick are disturbed or distorted so that the rate of wicking can be controlled, For example by twisting, kinking or putting a point of the wick under physical pressure.

For example a flat ended screw 25 may be used to compress or disturb capillary alignment. The screw 25 may be associated with a control dial that will tell a user the rate of air freshener dispensation and optionally choose the right fragrance setting for their needs. The wick 2 may at least he partially covered with a cover with at least one hole 20 to allow the wicked fragrance to evaporate into the surrounding air. These features are not exclusive and it is envisaged that combination of alternative features with and without an evaporating surface and or optional wicking controls may form multiple features in a fragrance dispensing device.

It is envisaged that claims as to how long an air fi'eshener device lasts are made in marketing a product. The invention recognizes and hence within the scope of the invention that the rate of flow of the wicking liquid composition can be helpful in making such estimates. The viscosity of the air freshener or other air treatment composition would bring about different results. A thicker composition would flow slowly. Again though the reference is made to a liquid composition such a composition may also a have a gel like structure. 1-lence for example if the volume of the reservoir is predetermined and the rate of average wicking too is known it is then possible to calculate how long it will take for the reservoir to empty out. In this method it is possible to calculate how many hours, days, weeks. or months the product can be predetermined to work.

The relatively leak proof nature of dispenser in accordance with the invention allows suspension particularly on to a rear view mirror of a vehicle. It can also be safely clipped onto a car air vent.

The rate at which wicking occurs is dependent on a number of factors including the pressure inside the container. Where the container is subject to elevated temperatures or direct sunlight which can heat up the contents, there is a risk that the pressure in the container may build up leading to the air treatment composition being wicked at a laster rate than intended. This can lead to a build-up 0 [excess treatment in the wick that would then tend to drip. Many air treatment compositions, such as fragrance oils used in air fresheners, have a corrosive effect on plastics especially smooth surface coating finishes and paint work. This is a particular issue for air fresheners used in vehicles. A car interior is susceptible to many temperature changes during the course of the day and time of the year. Its interior temperatures can on a hot day exceed 70'C, Further more direct sunlight onto car can heat fragrance oils within the dispenser container. This effect is more apparent if the container is made of glass.

The problems of excess wicking can be avoided, or at least reduced, by allowing gasses in the container to escape, especially when the pressure in the container rises above ambient. Accordingly, a vent means may be incorporated into the dispensers as disclosed above to allow gasses to escape but which does not allow liquid/gel air treatment composition to leak or which at least keeps any such leakage to a minimum.

Figures 17 and 1 8 illustrate a dispenser in accordance with the invention which has been modified to allow excess gasses to escape from the container. In this embodiment, the seal member 35 mounted in the open end of the container 4 is not a self sealing valve but rather comprises tubular sleeve like body that extends into the container through which the wick 2 is inserted. At least an inner region of the sleeve like body is arranged to conform closely about the wick 2 when it is inserted to prevent or resist the liquid/gel composition from leaking past the wick. To allow gas to escape from the container 4, a groove 31 extends along the inner surface of the sleeve like body, at least where it contacts the wick 2. The groove 3 1 allows gasses in the container to vent to atmosphere past the wick but is dimensioned so as to prevent, or at least reduce to a minimum, the passage of fluid/gel composition. The groove 31 could be constructed so that it will only open when the pressure inside the container reaches a predetermined threshold value above atmospheric. Alternatively the groove 31 may be closed at one or more points along its length by a flexible seal arrangement to prevent liquid/gel flowing through the groove if the container is inverted hut which are deflected to allow gas to escape when the pressure in the container reaches a threshold value above atmospheric. The seal member 35 has head portion which sealingly engages with the open end of the container and is typically made of a resiliently dcformable material including any of those discussed previously in relation to the self sealing valves. In the present embodiment, the wick 2 is generally circular in cross section, at least where it is inserted through the seal member 35, and the opening 22 through the seal member is also circular apart from the groove 31. The portion of the wick 2 which protrudes from the container has as an evaporation region 2A of enlarged cross sectional area and which may be flat rather than circular.

When the air freshener, or other air treatment composition, in the container heat up, the heated air and other gases within the container can escape from the container along the groove 31. This maintains the pressure in the container substantially the same as atmospheric so that the wicking rate does not reach a point that it saturates the wick.

Because the sea] member 35 in this embodiment is not sell sealing, it is necessary to provide a means of preventing the liquid/gel composition from leaking before the wick is inserted. One arrangement would be to provide a conventional closure for the open end of the container 4 such as a screw or push fit cap. Figure 18 illustrates an alternative arrangement in which the opening through the seal member 35 is closed by means of a separate seal 32 affixed to the seal member. The further seal 32 could he made of any suitable material, such as an aluminum foil or sealing paper/plastic material, and can be located at either end of the seal member 35 as illustrated. Typically, only one seal 32 would be provided, though one could he used at either end as shown. The seal 32 may be a breakable or frangible seal through which the wick can he pushed or it ma be removable prior to insertion of the wick.

Figures 19 and 20 illustrate an alternative arrangement in which the further seal 32 is formed as an integral part of the seal member 45. Tn this embodiment, the further seal 32 is a cross-slit seal 33 but any other suitable self-sealing arrangement can used.

including any of those discussed above, provided that they do not prevent gasses from escaping as required.

The dispenser is intended to be used in an upright position with the open end of the container 4 uppermost and the wick 2 projecting upwardly out of the container as shown in Figure 18, and 20. In this orientation, there is little danger of the liquid/gel composition leaking through the seal member 35 past the wick, even where a gas vent groove is provided. However, there is a risk that a user may inadvertently use the disposer upside down or that the dispenser may be knocked so that it is inverted. Figure 21 illustrates an adaptation of the previous Iwo embodiments which has been modified to reduce the risk of]eakage if the dispenser is inverted.

As in all the embodiments, the wick 2 is dimensioned so that an inner end 37 is positioned close to a base 38 of the container opposite the open end when it is inserted. This is to ensure that the majority of the composition can be used up in the conventional manner. In the embodiment as shown in Figure 20, the sleeve like body of the seal member 35 is extended so that it covers the majority of the length of the wick in the container with only a small length of the wick being exposed close to the base. The arrangement is configured so that the inner end 35A of the sleeve like body which closely conforms about the wick is positioned close to the inner end 2A of the wick at a position which is located above the level 34 of the composition when the dispenser is inverted, as shown. Accordingly, even if the dispenser is inverted, the composition is not able the leak through the seal member past the wick.

Whilst it is advantageous to provide a groove 31 in the seal member 35 to allow gas to escape to prevent excess wicking, other formations could also be used which allow gases to escape. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, a groove 36, or indeed any other suitable vent formation, could be provided on the wick 2 rather than the seal member. In some cases. both the wick and the seal member can be provided with formations to allow gases to vent.

In all the embodiments it is envisaged that the dispenser components may even at least partially be housed/ held or positioned in a casing and/or suspended by means of a string or hook. These casings may be simple constructions for example to simply house just one component or a multiple number of components in different combinations.

It is within the scope of the invention to adapt the device to dispense air treatment compositions that are designed to attract or repel insects, bugs, crawling creatures and rodents. The composition may contain an ingredient harmful to these creatures.

Dispensers in accordance with the invention can be configured to offer the following advantages: 1. Continuous release of fragrance 2. Uniform strength over life 3. Adj ustable controls 4. Clear end of life signal 5, Attractive decorative device 6. Good fragrance to space coverage ratio.

7. An assembly that can be produced economically 8. Low operational cost through the use of less materials & control abilities 9. Good range of fragrances. Unlike other devises a limited range of fragrance profiles have to he used to with strong high notes to make them noticeable.

10. Environmentally friendly in reduction of usage of materials to give the same air freshening effect.

Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the claims.

Features Identified in the Drjs 1. Self-sealing valve 2. Wick member can he made of cotton or porous plastic 3 Reservoir opening 4. Reservoir container 5. Fragrance composition 6. String 7. Fasteners 8. Plastic card 9. Holder to secure wick, reservoir and card together 10. Wick slit for wick to go through 11. Tabs to secure reservoir and card together 12. Design to hold reservoir neck so it can he secured to card 13. Bung to absorb excess liquid or to make additional seal with wick 14. Air freshener absorbent medium and evaporating surface 15. Press studs 16. Arrow shaped wick to secure card to cartridge 17. Tube 18. Restriction to decrease flow into wick 19. Cover with vent holes that can increase or decrease with movement of cover 20. Vent holes 21. Clipping means for example to a vehicle air vent.

22. Distortion of capillary channels to control flow.

23. Rubber! polymeric! plastic plug or bung 24. Contact of wick to evaporating surface may be fixed or intermittent.

25. Wick rate adjustment screw 26. Dispenser cartridge 27. Base portion of duck bill valve 28. Duck bill portion of duck bill valve 29. Air treatment composition dispenser 30. Tabs 31. Grove 32. Seal 33. Cross-slit seal 34. Level of liquid/gel composition 35, Seal member 36. Groove 37. inner end of wick 38. Base of container

Claims

Claims 1. An air treatment dispenser comprising a container for holding a liquid/gel air treatment composition and a wick, the container having an open end, a closure arrangement mounted to the open end of the container, the closure arrangement including at least one resiliently deformable seal member having an opening through which the wick may be inserted into the container, the least one resiliently deformable seal member conforming closely about the wick once it has been inserted to resist leakage of composition through the opening about the wick.
2. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim 1. in which the seal member is self-sealing, the opening being normally closed when the seal member is in an initial resiliently biased configuration.
3, An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim 2, in which the closure arrangement comprises at least one self-sealing valve, such as a duck bill valve, an umbrella/duck bill valve, or a cross slit valve.
4. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the wick and the seal member comprises a formation configured to allow gas to escape from the container when the gas in the container is at a pressure higher than ambient.
5. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a groove is provided on the interior surface of the seal member or the exterior of the wick where the two contact one another through which gas in the container can pass out to atmosphere.
6. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, in which the opening through the seal member is closed by further seal prior to insertion of the wick.
7. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the container holds a volume of liquid/gel air treatment composition.the wick being dimensioned so as to extend into the container such that an inner end of the wick is located in close proximity to a base of the container opposite the open end when the wick is inserted into the container, the seal member extending into the container by a distance such that when the wick is inserted, an inner end of the seal member is located close to but spaced from the inner end of the wick so that a portion of the inner end ol the wick is exposed, the arrangement being configured such that if the container is inverted, the inner end of the seal member is located above the level of the liquid/gel air treatment composition.
8. An air treatment dispenser as claimed any one of the preceding claims, in which the wick is dimensioned to protrude from the top of the container when inserted to lbrm an evaporation surface from which the air treatment composition can evaporate after it has been drawn along the wick from the container.
9. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the dispenser comprises an evaporation medium associated with the wick on to which air treatment composition can he drawn when the wick is inserted in the container.
10. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim 9, in which the evaporation medium is an air freshener card or board.
11. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim 9 or claim 1 0, in which the wick is an integral part of the evaporation medium.
12. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the dispenser comprises means for suspending the device from a support such as, for example, a rear view of a vehicle mirror or a clothes wardrobe hanging pole.
13. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the wick is made from air freshener board material, cellulose board, cotton fibres or a wooden reed.
14. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, in which the wick is configured to transport the air treatment composition from the container to the vapour evaporation medium by capillary action.
15. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim 14, in which the wick is made of porous plastic material.
16. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim 15, in which the wick material is sintered and contains micro capillary channels along which the air treatment composition held in the container can travel to communicate with external air.
17. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding cIainis the dispenser comprising means for selectively applying a variable pressure on the wick to vary the rate of wicking.
18. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding, the dispenser comprising means for adjustably controlling the rate of evaporation of the air treatment composition from the wick.
19. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim 18, in which the dispenser comprises a casing which encloses a portion of the wick which protrudes from the container when inserted, the casing having a number of vent holes and 1 5 means for selectively valying the number and/or size of vent holes which arc opened at any one time.
20. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, in which the dispenser includes a dial mechanism calibrated to provide an indication of the rate of wicking or evaporation.
21. An air treatment dispenser comprising a container for holding a liquid/gel air treatment composition, the container having an open end, a wick inserted into the container through the open end and projecting beyond the container along which the air treatment composition can travel from the container to communicate with external air and a means for sealing between the open end of the container and the wick, in which the wick is made of a porous plastic.
22. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim 21, in which the wick material is sintered and comprises micro capillary channels along which the air treatment composition held in the container can travel to communicate with external air.
23. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, in which the sealing means comprises a plug or hung located in open end of the container, the plug or hung having a hole through which the wick is inserted.
24. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, in which the dispenser comprises an evaporation medium, the wick contacting the evaporation medium so that air treatment composition is transferred from the wick to the evaporation medium.
25. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim 24, in which the dispenser is configured so that the wick makes intermittent contact with the evaporation medium.
26. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25, in which the evaporation medium is an air freshener card.
27. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 26, the dispenser comprising a control mechanism for selectively applying external pressure to a part of the wick which is outside of the container to vary the wicking rate.
28. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim 27, in which the control mechanism comprises a screw which can be adjusted to contact and compress or distort the wick.
29. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28, in which the control mechanism includes a dial calibrated to give a visual indication of the rate of wicking.
30. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 29, in which the dispenser comprises a cover enclosing at least part of the wick which is outside of the container, the cover having at least one hole to allow the wicked air treatment composition to evaporate into the surrounding air.
3 1. An air treatment dispenser as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the dispenser comprises an air treatment composition in the container.which air treatment composition is selected from one or more of: an air freshener, a deodorizer, insect repellent, insect bait, and an insecticide.
32. An air treatment apparatus comprising an evaporation medium having an evaporation surface and a wicking member associated with the evaporation medium for insertion in a container for holding a liquid/gel air treatment composition.
33. An air treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 32, in which the wicking member is integral with the evaporation medium.
34. Au air treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 32 or claim 33. in which the evaporation medium is a section of card or board.
35. An air treatment apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 34, the apparatus comprising an air freshener cartridge comprising a container for holding a liquid /gel air treatment composition, the container having an open end and a seal member mounted to the open end, the seal member having an opening through which the wicking member can be inserted.
36. An air treatment apparatus as claimed in any one claims 32 to 35, the apparatus comprising means for attaching the cartridge to the evaporation medium.
37. An air treatment dispenser substantially as hereinhefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.