WO2005084821A1

WO2005084821A1 - Fluid dispensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2005084821A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/000639
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Malcolm Goodwin
Original assignee: David Malcolm Goodwin
Priority date: 2004-03-08
Filing date: 2005-02-18
Publication date: 2005-09-15
Also published as: GB0405202D0

Abstract

An aroma dispenser (11) comprising an enclosure (13), an aroma reservoir (21) located within the enclosure (13), an outlet from the enclosure (13) and a valve member. The enclosure (13) is compressible in order to expel fragrant air through the outlet (27). The valve member is moveable within the enclosure (13) on compressing the enclosure (13), from a first closed position in which a first portion of the valve member provides a fluid tight seal between the outlet (27) and the enclosure (13), to a second open position in which a second portion of the valve member forms at least one fluid passageway between the outlet (27) and the enclosure (13). Thus, the fragrant air is expelled under pressure from the enclosure (13), when the valve member is in the open position.

Description

Fluid Dispensing Device

The present invention relates to a fluid dispensing device, and in particular to a fragrance dispensing device for allowing a user to sample the fragrance of consumable products such as cleaning, cosmetic, toiletry, food or beverage products.

Previous examples of dispensing devices include a device for dispensing perfumes that includes a fan to propel the perfume towards a user. Although successful in some applications, this and other conventional devices have several disadvantages. For example, these devices are complex owing to the need for a fan and associated driving means. The fan requires maintenance and eventually replacement due to wear. In addition, the fan creates an undesirable noise and restricts the shape, size and deployment of other components of the device. The driving means requires energy input, such as a battery, that needs periodic replacement and is environmentally unattractive.

Other examples of dispensing devices include devices which have a manually compressible enclosure such as a bellows, containing fragrance, such as perfumes and the like. The bellows when compressed opens a valve in the bellows through which the fragrance is released. The valve of these devices, however, generally impedes airflow from the bellows when the pressure applied to compress the bellows falls below that required to open the valve fully. The flexible nature of the walls of the bellows also makes it quite difficult to compress the bellows evenly which not only prevents proper expulsion of the fragrance but also localises stress on the walls of the bellows caused by repetitive compressing and decompressing of the bellows in an uneven manner. The aim of the present invention is to provide a fluid dispensing device which alleviates at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid dispensing device, comprising an enclosure, a fluid reservoir located within the enclosure, an outlet from the enclosure, and a valve member; the enclosure being compressible in order to expel fluid from the enclosure through the outlet; the valve member being moveable within the enclosure on compressing the enclosure, from a first closed position in which a first portion of the valve member provides a fluid tight seal between the outlet and the enclosure, to a second open position in which a second portion of the valve member forms at least one fluid passageway between the outlet and the enclosure, whereby the fluid is expelled under pressure from the enclosure, when the valve member is in the open position.

The fluid dispensing device of the present invention provides the advantage of building suitable pressure within the enclosure before expelling the fragrance so that it may be propelled a distance through the air. Preferably, the valve member is a rod, which is received within a bore leading to the outlet. Preferably, the first portion of the rod forms a fluid-tight seal with the bore and the second portion of the rod forms a channel along the bore from the enclosure to the outlet. Preferably, the device includes pressure equalisation means arranged to enable decompression of the enclosure when compression is released and the valve member returns to the first closed position.

The shape of the first portion of the rod and the outlet is such that a fluid tight seal is formed between them. The pressure build-up within the enclosure is then dependent on the length of the first portion of the rod. The longer the length of the first portion of the rod located within the enclosure, the greater must be the compression of the enclosure in order to push the first portion of the rod completely beyond the outlet of the enclosure. Of course, the greater the enclosure is compressed, the greater will be the pressure developed within the enclosure. Only when the full length of the first portion of the rod is pushed beyond the outlet of the enclosure is the fluid seal broken and the fluid within the compressed enclosure expelled.

The fluid is expelled from the enclosure through a passageway formed between the outlet of the enclosure and second portion of the rod. The passageway, once fully opened, stays fully open with a minimum of pressure (i.e. the pressure required to compress the enclosure) and does not require a constant application of the high pressure needed to first open the passageway, as would be the case in the prior art where a conventional valve is used. This makes it easier to compress the enclosure once the passageway is opened and reduces impedance to the fluid flow which a valve would create when the pressure applied to the bellows falls below that required to open the valve fully.

The rod also provides the further advantage of providing structural support to the enclosure and maintaining proper alignment of the enclosure with the outlet, thus allowing the enclosure to be compressed evenly. This is particularly advantageous where the enclosure is a bellows or other similar type of flexible structure. Allowing the enclosure to be compressed evenly not only aids proper expulsion of the fluid, but also spreads the stress evenly across the enclosure caused by repetitive compressing and decompressing.

Preferably, the first portion of the rod has a seal, such as a sealing bead or ring, for example. This improves the seal formed between the first portion of the rod and the outlet. Preferably, the seal is integral with the first portion of the rod. The first portion of the rod may have a stop member at one end remote from the second portion of the rod to prevent further progress of the rod into the enclosure when the enclosure is released. The stop member may be, for example a rubber ring having a diameter greater than that of the outlet of the enclosure.

The enclosure can consist of or include a bellows or a piston and cylinder arrangement, for example.

When the enclosure is a bellows or other similar type of structure capable of being compressed, the resilient nature of its walls tend to return the bellows to its original expanded state when the compression force is released.

Preferably, the device includes biasing means located within the enclosure to aid expansion of the enclosure to its original expanded state and to urge the rod to the first retracted position when the enclosure is released. The biasing means can be a compression spring, for example. The biasing means is particularly advantageous where the enclosure is not a bellows or other similar type of resilient structure which would tend to expand naturally when it is released, for example, a piston.

Preferably, the pressure equalisation means is a one-way valve in a wall of the enclosure for example, a one-way flap valve, which allows air into, but not out of, the enclosure. When the enclosure is released, the rod begins to return to its first retracted position and the enclosure to its original expanded state. However, when an end of the first portion of the rod adjacent the second portion engages the outlet, the enclosure becomes sealed and no air can enter the enclosure. This creates a pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the enclosure which prevents the rod from returning to its fully retracted position and thus the enclosure returning to its fully expanded state. The one-way valve opens in response to this pressure difference, allowing air to enter the enclosure and thus the rod to return to its fully retracted position and the enclosure to its original expanded state.

Alternatively, the pressure equalisation means could be a small void in a wall of the enclosure. When the enclosure is compressed the void can be sealed by an actuator used to compress the enclosure, for example, a rubber pad on a plunger or cam, or a users finger or thumb; the actuator being removed during decompression of the enclosure allowing air to enter the enclosure through the void and the rod to return to its fully retracted position and the enclosure to its original expanded state.

Preferably, the second portion of the rod has at least one groove running along at least a portion of its length, the passageway being formed between the at least one groove and the outlet. For example, the groove may run the entire length of the second portion of the rod and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod.

The speed, pattern and dispersion of the fluid is influenced by the type of groove. For example, where a fine or narrow groove, or grooves, are used, a liquid may be expelled as a spray. The finer the groove or grooves, the finer the spray and the greater the speed with which it is expelled from the enclosure. The shape of the groove(s) will also influence the spray pattern, for example, helical shaped groves will provide a spinning spray pattern, and a single straight groove will spray the fluid in a straight line.

The fluid reservoir can be a liquid fragrance of a cosmetic, cleaning, toiletry, food or beverage product, for example. The toiletry may be a lotion or a deodorant; the cosmetic may be a perfume; the food or beverage may be pizza or a soft drink, respectively. An advantage of the present invention is that it is suitable for use with a diversity of consumable products. The fluid reservoir may also be a fragrance absorbent, such as, exfoliated vermiculite granules, a felt pad, or a gel; although any other material can be used that can hold and retain a volume of fragrance typically in a liquid form. In one embodiment, the absorbent is fibrous, while in another it is granular. In one embodiment in which the absorbent is vermiculite granules, the granules can be held in a sachet made of a suitable material such as a non-woven synthetic material such as Aerotex ^R™. The absorbent is suitable for absorbing a wide range of fragrances.

Preferably, the fragrance absorbent is located adjacent the outlet of the enclosure.

Preferably, the device includes a nozzle connected to the enclosure at the outlet to help direct the fluid from the enclosure, for example, towards a user. More preferably, the outlet is in the shape of a nozzle. Alternatively, the nozzle may be formed integrally with the enclosure.

Where the fluid is a liquid, the rod will be self cleaning. When the rod returns to its retracted position, excess liquid which may accumulate around the outlet will be removed by the retracting rod and drawn back into the enclosure. When the passageway is opened, any residual liquid about the outlet will be ejected by the extending rod and force of the expelled liquid. Thus the device could be used with liquids which may harden over time if left exposed to the air, such as glues for example. Preferably, the device has means for automatically compressing and decompressing the enclosure. Said automatic means may include, for example, biasing means to urge the rod to the extended position, thus compressing the enclosure and a restraining member to hold the rod in the retracted position and the enclosure in the expanded state against the biasing means.

The biasing means can be a compression spring, for example, attached to the rod and located external of the enclosure. When the rod is in the retracted position, the spring is sandwiched between the stop member of the first portion of the rod and the outlet of the enclosure.

The restraining member can be a releasable arm which holds the rod in the retracted position against the bias of the spring. On releasing the arm, the force of the spring compresses the enclosure and urges the rod to the extended position. The force provided by the spring must, of course, be sufficient to push the rod from its retracted position to its extended position, i.e. to break the fluid seal formed between the first portion of the rod and the outlet of the enclosure.

Although described in relation to use with air as the fluid, other fluids, such as liquids can also be dispensed using the device according to the invention.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a valve system for releasing fluid from a compressible enclosure having an outlet, the valve system comprising a valve member and a bore between the enclosure and the outlet; the valve member being located within the bore and moveable on compression of the enclosure from a closed position in which a first portion of the valve member forms a fluid-tight seal with the bore, and an open position in which a second portion of the valve member forms a fluid passageway along the bore. Those features suitable for use in the device of the first aspect are equally applicable to this second aspect.

The invention may be carried into practice in various ways, and embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-section though a fluid dispensing device according to the present invention with the bellows expanded;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 with the bellows compressed;

Figure 3a is a cross-section of the first portion of the rod of the fluid dispensing device in the direction of the arrows A- A in Figure 2;

Figure 3b is a cross-section of the second portion of the rod of the fluid dispensing device in the direction of the arrows B-B in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 2 showing a second embodiment;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a third embodiment;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a fourth embodiment;

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing a fifth embodiment; and

Figures 8 and 9 are views similar to Figures 1 and 2 showing a sixth embodiment; Figure 10 is a vertical cross-section through a fluid dispensing device showing a seventh embodiment with the valve member closing the outlet;

Figure 10a is a cross-section in the direction of arrows A- A in Figure 10;

Figure 10b is a cross-section in the direction of arrows B-B in Figure 10;

Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 10 with the outlet open;

Figures 12 to 13 are similar to Figures 10 to 11, but show an eighth embodiment;

Figures 14 and 15 are similar to Figures 10 and 11, but show a ninth embodiment; and

Figures 16 and 17 are similar to Figures 10 and 11, but show a tenth embodiment.

Figures 1 and 2 show an aroma dispenser generally indicated by the reference numeral 11, which comprises a bellows 12 defining an enclosure 13, a cylindrical rod 14 and a nozzle assembly 15. The bellows 12 is closed at one end by an end cap 16 which has a one way flap valve 17, and at the other end by a disc 18. The disc 18 has a central bore 19 and is fixed to the rear of the nozzle assembly 15. A porous, generally doughnut-shaped fragrance reservoir 21 is located on the disc 18 within the enclosure 13.

The rod 14 is attached to the end cap 16 and passes through the bore 19 in the disc 18. The rod 14 has a front portion 22 which is cylindrical as shown most clearly in Figure 3 a, and a rear portion 23 which is formed with four longitudinal grooves 24 as shown most clearly in Figure 3b.

The nozzle assembly 15 has a bowl 25 at the rear, which receives the disc 18. A cylindrical portion 26 extends forward from the bowl 25 and this is joined to a narrow outlet 27 by way of a tapering conical portion 28. The conical portion has a series of shoulders 29.

When the dispenser is in its rest position, as shown in Figure 1, with the bellows 12 expanded, the cylindrical front portion 22 of the rod 14 is located in the bore 19.

The shape and size of the front portion 22 and the bore 19 are such that when they engage, a fluid tight seal is formed. Thus, when the bellows 12 is in the fully expanded or rest position, the bore 19 is sealed and so no fragrance can pass through. Advantageously, this extends the life of the dispenser 11 since no fragrance can escape when it is not in use.

When the dispenser 11 is to be used, the user compresses the bellows 12 by applying manual pressure to the end cap 16. This moves the rod 14 so that it slides through the bore 19. As the bellows 12 is compressed, the air within is pressurised. This continues until the full extent of the first portion 22 of the rod passes through the bore 19. When this occurs, the fluid seal formed between the first rod portion 22 and the bore 19 is broken and the air and fragrance within the enclosure 13 is expelled under pressure from the bellows 12 through passageways formed between the bore 19 and the grooves 24 on the rear rod portion 23. These passageways, once opened, stay open with a minimum of pressure i.e. the pressure required to compress only the bellows 12. The high pressure necessary to compress the air prior to breaking the fluid tight seal is no longer required once the valve is opened. This makes it easier to compress the bellows 12 once the passageways are opened and reduces impedance to the airflow; a conventional valve arrangement would require a minimum pressure applied to the bellows 12 simply to keep the valve fully open.

The pressure build-up within the bellows 12 is directly proportional to the length of the front rod portion 22, which provides the fluid tight seal with the bore 19. The longer the length of the front rod portion 22, the further the bellows 12 must be compressed in order to push the front rod portion 22 completely through the bore 19, thus breaking the fluid tight seal.

Once the seal has been broken, the pressure within the bellows 12 created by the compression expels the fragrant air, which is directed by the nozzle assembly 15 towards the intended recipient. The nozzle assembly 16 is of course sufficiently long such that when the bellows 12 is fully compressed, the rod 14 should not restrict the passage of the fragrant air from the nozzle assembly 16. The stops 29 prevent this occurring, as shown in Figure 2.

On releasing the bellows 12, natural resilience urges the bellows 12 to return to its expanded position and the rod 14 to return to its original retracted position as shown in Figure 1. When the end of the front rod portion 22 adjacent the rear rod portion 23 engages the bore 19 the fluid tight seal is re-established. This would tend to prevent the rod 14 from moving any further, and the bellows 12 from returning to its fully expanded state. However, the partially expanded state of the bellows 12 creates a pressure difference between the enclosure 13 and the exterior of the bellows 12, and so the one-way flap valve 17 opens in response to this pressure difference allowing air to enter the bellows 12 to equalise the pressure. The resilience of the bellows walls continues to urge the rod 14 to its fully retracted position and the bellows 12 to its fully expanded state. The front rod portion 22 may have a stop (not shown) at its free end, which has a diameter larger than that of the bore 15, in order to prevent further retraction of the rod 14 into the bellows 12.

It will be appreciated that a spring (not shown) may be provided within the bellows 12 to aid the return of the rod 14 to return to its original retracted position and the bellows 12 to return to its fully expanded state.

Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the dispenser 31 which has a modified rod 34. The rod 34 has a similar rear portion 33 but its front portion 32 has an O-ring 35. This forms a more effective fluid tight seal within the bore 19 when the rod 34 is retracted and the bellows 12 is in the expanded state.

Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the dispenser 41 in which the bellows is replaced by a cylinder and piston arrangement. The nozzle assembly 15 remains unaltered. In this case a cylinder 42 defines the enclosure 43. The rod 44 is attached to a piston 45 which has an O-ring 46 and a one-way valve 47, and is slidable within the cylinder 42. The rear portion 48 of the rod 44 is similar to the earlier embodiments but the front portion 49 has an O-ring 51 and a stop 52 at the free end.

The cylinder 42 has a front wall 53 which has a collar 54 defining a bore 55 through which rod 44 passes. The O-ring 51 on the rod front portion 49 forms a fluid-tight seal in the bore 55 and the stop 52 prevents the rod 44 being retracted too far.

The dispenser 41 is operated by depressing the piston 45, pushing it into the cylinder 42. The embodiment shown in Figure 6 is similar to the previous embodiment with the exception of the use of a compression spring to urge the return of the rod 44 to its fully retracted position (as shown). The spring 62 is mounted on the rear portion 48 of the rod 44 and acts between the piston 45 and the reservoir 21 (as shown) or alternatively the front wall 53 of the cylinder 42 or the collar 54.

After the piston 45 is depressed, to expel air from the enclosure 43, the spring 62 returns the piston 45 to the position shown in Figure 6. This type of arrangement with a compression spring mounted on the rod could also be used with the bellows 12 illustrated in the earlier embodiments.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the dispenser 71 can be operated automatically. The arrangement is similar to that of Figure 5 except that a compression spring 72 acts between the stop 52 and the collar 54 and an arm 73 is pivotally connected to the piston 47. The arm 73 is caused by a solenoid (not shown) to retract, moving the piston 45 to the position shown in Figure 5. The solenoid holds the piston in this position. When air is to be expelled from the enclosure 43, the solenoid is de-energised and the spring 72 urges the piston 45 to the position shown in Figure 7. This causes the air to be expelled through the nozzle assembly 15. The piston 45 is then retracted by energising the solenoid.

Figures 8 and 9 show a sixth embodiment. The dispenser 81 comprises a bellows 82 defining an enclosure 83, a rod 84 and a nozzle assembly 85. The bellows has a rear end wall 86 which has a one-way valve 87, and an inwardly protruding stud 88.

The rod 84 has a cylindrical front portion 89 with an O-ring 91 and a grooved rear portion 92, as in the earlier embodiments, but in this case, the rear end of the rod 84 has an inwardly extending stud 93. A spring 94 has its ends located over the two studs 88, 93, and so extends between the bellows rear wall 86 and the rod 84.

The nozzle assembly 85 comprises a collar 95 and boss 96 extending from the collar 95. The boss 96 has a cylindrical bore 97 and an outlet 98 from the bore 97.

A porous aroma reservoir 99 is located on the collar 95. The bellows 82 is also located within the collar 95. The rod 84 extends into the bore 97, and the spring 94 is shown in its relaxed condition in Figure 8, i.e. neither compressed nor in tension.

To dispense the aroma, the bellows 82 is compressed which pressurises the aroma-laden air in the enclosure 83. The spring 94 is compressed and the rod 84 moves further into the bore 97. At this stage the O-ring 91 forms a fluid- tight seal in the bore 97. As compression continues, the O-ring 91 passes the outlet 98 and the rear grooved 92 portion of the rod 84 allows the pressurised air to escape (Figure 9).

When the bellows 82 is released, the spring 94 and the resilience of the bellows 82 returns the dispenser to the state shown in Figure 8 and the spring 94 retracts the rod 84 so that the front portion 89 of the rod 84 passes the outlet 98, thereby closing the nozzle assembly 85.

This embodiment has the added advantage that the front rod portion 89 will not obstruct the expulsion of the fragrant air once the fluid tight seal is broken and therefore no consideration is necessary regarding the relative lengths of the rod 84 and the nozzle assembly 85. It will also be appreciated that the device of this embodiment may be compressed by the application of pressure to either end of the device.

It may be advantageous to enable the user to customise the fragrance in the bellows to make it more personal. This can be achieved by detaching the nozzle assembly 16 from the bellows or piston enabling the user to fill the bellows or piston with a chosen fragrance absorbent.

Alternatively, a number of individual bellow or piston units could be provided, each with a different fragrance.

The bellows or piston could also be designed so that two or more can be fitted together so that they can be depressed together thus releasing at least two separate fragrances simultaneously.

When the fluid dispensing device is automated, the bellows can be operated by any appropriate means, for example, an electro-mechanical device such as a motor and cam assembly. Other possible means include air pressure and hydraulics.

It will be appreciated that the fluid dispensing device could incorporate a sensor so that the enclosure is compressed when people are in a pre-determined area. In order to extend the life span of the fragrance within the enclosure, the device could incorporate a means to limit the number of compressions in any given period, regardless of the number of times the sensor is triggered.

The fluid dispensing device could also be designed to compress the enclosure more than once per operating cycle to release more fragrance. This is achieved by the device when automated by driving the motor for the number of revolutions required which is equal to the number of compressions. The rate of compression can also be varied by the shape of the cam.

Figure 10 shows a dispenser 101 suitable for dispensing a relatively thick or highly viscous fluid, such as a paste, in particular, toothpaste. The dispenser comprises a cylindrical casing 102 with a slidable base or crawler plate 103 and a cap 104. the cap 104 fits over the end of the casing 103 but is urged away from the casing 102 by a compression spring 105 which acts between the top rim of the casing 102 and the underside of the cap 104.

The cap is formed with a curved passage 106 which terminates at one end in a nozzle 107 outside the cap 104 and at the other end in a closure disc 108. The disc 108 is slideably located within the top of the casing 102. The casing 102, plate 103 and disc 108 define a paste cavity 109.

A valve member 111 is slideably mounted within the passage 106. The valve member 111 comprises a stem 112 having an enlarged head 113 at one end and at the other end, a perforated support 114 which is fixed within the cavity 109. The head 113 is a tight fit within the passage 106 while the stem 112 leaves a channel 115 within the passage 106.

Normally, the dispenser 101 is in the position (with the head 113 closing the passage 106, as shown in Figure 10. When it is desired to dispense some of the paste from the cavity 104, the cap 104 is depressed to the position shown in Figure 11. This compresses the air beneath the cap and forces the disc 108 down, which in turn forces paste up into the channel 115 in the passage 106. At the same time, as the cap 104 moves down the valve member 111, the head 113 leaves the passage 106, so opening the nozzle 107 and allowing the paste to be dispensed. When the cap 104 is released, the spring 105 returns it to the position shown in Figure 10, in which the nozzle 107 is closed by the head 113. As the paste is dispensed, the plate 103 gradually travels up the inside of the casing 102.

The dispenser 121 shown in Figures 12 and 13 is similar to the previous embodiment other than in the design of the end cap 122. Here, the end cap 122 comprises a skirt 123, a bellows portion 124, a dome 125 and a nozzle 126. The skirt 122 fits over the end of the casing 102, the valve stem 112 extends into the nozzle 126 and the head 113 closes the nozzle 126. The paste cavity 127 is therefore defined by the casing 102, the plate 103, the bellows portion 124 and the dome 125.

As with the previous embodiment, when the dome 124 is pushed down, the head 113 opens the nozzle 126 and the paste is expelled. When the dome 125 is released, the resilience of the bellows 124 returns the cap 122 to its previous condition.

The dispenser 141 shown in Figures 14 and 15 is similar to the embodiment in Figures 12 and 13 except that the casing 142 and the end cap 143 are not separate components but are a unitary construction.

The dispenser 161 shown in Figures 16 and 17 is also similar to the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13 except that in this case the dome 125 is depressed by means of a cam member 162.

It will be understood that the cam arrangement shown in Figures 16 and 17 could be used in any of the earlier embodiments of Figures 10 to 15.

Claims

1. A fluid dispensing device, comprising an enclosure, a fluid reservoir located within the enclosure, an outlet from the enclosure and a valve member; the enclosure being compressible in order to expel fluid from the enclosure through the outlet; the valve member being moveable within the enclosure on compressing the enclosure, from a first closed position in which a first portion of the valve member provides a fluid tight seal between the outlet and the enclosure, to a second open position in which a second portion of the valve member forms at least one fluid passageway between the outlet and the enclosure, whereby the fluid is expelled under pressure from the enclosure, when the valve member is in the open position.

2. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in Claim 1, in which the enclosure comprises a bellows, whereby the enclosure is compressible by compressing the bellows.

3. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in Claim 1, in which the enclosure comprises a cylinder and piston arrangement, whereby the enclosure is compressible by moving the piston in the cylinder.

4. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in Claim 1 , in which the enclosure comprises a cylinder and an end cap, whereby the enclose is compressible by moving the end cap relative to the cylinder.

5. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the fluid reservoir is in the form of an absorbent containing fragrant liquid.

6. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4, in which the fluid reservoir is arranged to contain a paste.

7. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in any preceding Claim, including a nozzle to which the outlet leads, in order to direct fluid expelled from the enclosure.

8. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in Claim 1, additionally including pressure equalisation means, arranged to enable decompression of the enclosure when compression is released and the valve member returns to the first closed position.

9. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in Claim 8, in which the pressure equalisation means comprises a one-way valve, allowing air into the enclosure when compression is released.

10. A fluid dispensing device as claimed Claim 8, in which the pressure equalisation means is an opening in a wall of the enclosure.

11. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the valve member is a rod, which is received within a bore leading to the outlet.

12. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in Claim 11 , in which the first portion of the rod forms a fluid-tight seal with the bore and the second portion of the rod forms a channel along the bore from the enclosure to the outlet.

13. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in Claim 12, in which the second portion of the rod has at least one groove running along at least a portion of its length, the passageway being formed between the at least one groove and the outlet of the enclosure.

14. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in Claim 13, in which the groove runs parallel to a longitudinal axis of the rod.

15. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in Claim 13, in which the groove is a helical groove, or a portion of reduced diameter.

16. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in any of Claims 11 to 15, in which the first portion of the rod has a stop member at one end remote from the second portion of the rod to limit retraction of the rod into the enclosure when the compression is released.

17. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in any preceding Claim, including biasing means to urge the rod valve member towards the first retracted position when the compression is released.

18. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in Claim 17, in which the biasing means is a compression spring.

19. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in any preceding Claim, in which the device includes means for automatically compressing and/or decompressing the enclosure.

20. A fluid dispensing device as claimed in Claim 19, in which the automatic means comprises a compression spring to urge the rod to the second extended position and a releasable restraining member to hold the rod in the first retracted position against the bias of the compression spring.

21. A valve system for releasing fluid from a compressible enclosure having an outlet, the valve system comprising a valve member and a bore between the enclosure and the outlet; the valve member being located within the bore and moveable on compression of the enclosure from a closed position in which a first portion of the valve member forms a fluid-tight seal with the bore, and an open position in which a second portion of the valve member forms a fluid passageway along the bore.