CN210259600U

CN210259600U - Aerosol dispensing system and kit

Info

Publication number: CN210259600U
Application number: CN201920338184.0U
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·基林
Original assignee: Airpure International Ltd
Current assignee: Airpure International Ltd
Priority date: 2019-01-31
Filing date: 2019-03-15
Publication date: 2020-04-07
Anticipated expiration: 2029-03-15
Also published as: GB201901335D0; GB2580942A

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerosol dispensing system for use with a replaceable and/or refillable aerosol canister, and a kit, as well as a kit comprising such a system and a method of using such a system. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol dispensing system for dispensing an aerosol on demand, the system comprising: a fixture configured to hold the aerosol canister; a release mechanism operable to release an aerosol from an aerosol canister; and a receiver operable to activate the release mechanism upon receiving a signal from a transmitter.

Description

Aerosol dispensing system and kit

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol dispensing system for use with replaceable and/or refillable aerosol cans, as well as kits comprising such systems and methods of using such systems. In particular, the present invention relates to an aerosol dispensing system and kit for dispensing an aerosol on demand.

Background

Aerosol cans provide a solution to malodorous environments, dispersing fragrances and/or odor eliminators into the air to improve olfactory sensations in problematic environments. Aerosol canisters are typically manually operated to release a quantity of pressurized contents by depression and opening of an aerosol valve.

Aerosol dispensing systems have been introduced to dispense aerosols into selected environments in a more controlled and autonomous manner. The system operates according to a timer to time the release of the aerosol to maintain a desired fragrance level in the environment. However, such systems are inflexible and cannot easily adapt to changes in the environment without user intervention.

Alternative systems include sensors that release aerosol in response to certain stimuli (e.g., motion sensors for triggering the release of aerosol when a person is nearby). Such systems are also relatively rigid and effective only if the rate of activation of the stimulus corresponds to the amount of aerosol required.

Both of the above systems have room for improvement. For example, if the level of the malodorous element rises rapidly, the system cannot compensate to mask it. These systems also continue to release aerosol when it is no longer needed, which results in waste.

Some systems include means for manual activation (e.g., a button or switch) to address this situation. However, direct interaction of the user with the system can result in aerosol being discharged directly onto or near the user, which is undesirable. It also requires that the system be easily accessible, limits placement options, and is easily abused or mishandled by the general public if the system is located in a public environment.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to seek to address one or more of the above problems.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In one aspect, the present invention relates to an aerosol dispensing system for dispensing an aerosol from an aerosol can, the system comprising: a fixture configured to hold the aerosol canister; a release mechanism operable to release an aerosol from an aerosol canister; and a receiver operable to activate the release mechanism upon receiving a signal from the transmitter. Manually controlled aerosol release means that an appropriate amount of aerosol is released only when needed, thereby reducing waste and improving responsiveness. The emitter allows the system to operate at a distance that prevents the user from encountering the event of an aerosol spray and allows the system to have greater freedom in placement of landing points and prevent the system from being tampered with or mishandled if placed in the appropriate location.

The receiver may be operable to receive infrared signals. Infrared signals are widely used to control various appliances in home environments and business environments, and have been proven to have a good range and to be easy to operate.

The receiver may be configured to receive a radio signal. The radio signals include wireless networks. Such signals may be transmitted as part of a wireless network (e.g., wi-fi network) already present in the environment in which the system is located, thereby reducing the need for additional components. In embodiments where the system interacts with a pre-existing transmitter (e.g., a wi-fi router), the pre-existing transmitter is not itself part of the system. Instead, the system may further comprise a software control means (e.g. a mobile phone or computing device application, also referred to as an "app") operable to direct the pre-existing transmitter to emit a signal to cause the receiver to activate the release mechanism.

The system may also include a transmitter. Providing a dedicated transmitter ensures that the system is not inadvertently activated by other systems and provides a clear and easy way for a user to activate the system. The transmitter may be mobile or may be placed in a fixed location, such as adjacent a doorway or a light switch. The system may also include a card slot into which the emitter may be removably inserted, the card slot being adherable to a surface. This provides the benefit of a mobile transmitter in that the transmitter can be moved to activate the system at any suitable location, while also providing a fixed location where the transmitter can be stored, increasing the ease of use of the system and reducing the likelihood of the transmitter being misplaced. According to this method, the emitter may emit an infrared signal or a radio signal, which will be discussed in more detail later in the description. The receiver may receive the transmitted signal at a location that is a maximum distance of 10 meters.

The system may also include a housing including a mount, a release mechanism, and a receiver. The housing may surround the mount, release mechanism, and receiver to provide physical support and maintain the structure of the system. Alternatively or additionally, the housing may completely enclose the mount, release mechanism and receiver. The housing promotes the aesthetic appeal of the system, provides physical robustness thereto and gives a degree of protection against tampering. The housing may include a plurality of features (e.g., front and rear) that allow the housing to be opened so that the aerosol canister and/or battery can be inserted or removed. Such a housing may also include an internal shroud that is removably attached to another portion of the housing to separate the release mechanism and receiver from the mount.

The housing may also include a wall mounting mechanism. By the aerosol dispensing system being mountable to a wall or other vertical surface, this provides other options for the positioning of the aerosol dispensing system than a flat surface. Mounting on a vertical surface may provide an optimal location for dispersion of the aerosol. Additionally, when the aerosol dispensing system is installed in a public environment, this enables the aerosol dispensing system to be placed at a height or location that is difficult for the public to access, thereby preventing tampering.

The wall mounting mechanism may comprise a recess configured to receive and engage a protrusion fixed to or part of the wall. For example, such recesses may include notches or cutouts shaped and sized to receive screw heads or other fasteners disposed in the wall. The wall mounting mechanism may comprise a protrusion configured to frictionally engage and/or mechanically interlock with a recess secured to or part of the wall. For example, the protrusion may comprise a peg or hook arrangement.

Additionally or alternatively, the present invention may also provide a plate or bracket configured to be secured to the wall by conventional means and including protrusions and/or recesses complementary to protrusions and/or recesses of the housing. The use of such a bracket allows the aerosol dispensing system to be more easily secured to and removed from the wall for maintenance or replacement, while the bracket remains fixed in place.

The release mechanism and/or receiver may be electrically powered. The transmitter may also be electrically driven. The power may be provided by a battery. Installation of the aerosol dispensing system is made easier by the battery power supply, as there is no need to supply or route wires to the location where the system is installed. In addition, the system can be more easily moved from one location to another. The battery may be any suitable type of battery known to those skilled in the art; including but not limited to rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. The power may be provided by a power source. The power supply provides a continuous supply of power as compared to batteries that require replacement.

The system may further comprise a timer mechanism operable to activate the release mechanism upon selection of a predetermined time interval. The use of a timer mechanism allows a reference quantity of aerosol to be maintained in the area around the aerosol dispenser without the need for intervention by an operator. The selection of the predetermined time interval may include intervals of 9 minutes, 18 minutes, and 36 minutes. Of course, one skilled in the art can determine other time intervals that may be suitable for use based on the baseline amount of aerosol required for a particular application. The timer mechanism may include a timer circuit. Such circuits are well known, easy to install and simple to operate. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various ways in which the timer mechanism may be controlled, for example, a selector may be used to control a timer circuit, such as a slide switch, wherein the switch may be held in positions corresponding to different time intervals. In an exemplary embodiment, wherein the system further comprises a housing containing the timer circuit, the selector may further comprise a tab extending through a slot in the housing, the slot preferably located at a rear of the housing.

The release mechanism may comprise a lever having a rest position and an activated position, the positions being configured such that when an aerosol canister is held at the mount: in the actuated position, the lever presses an aerosol valve positioned on an aerosol canister; and in the rest position the lever does not press the aerosol valve positioned on the aerosol canister. These mechanisms are easy to produce, are adaptable to a variety of aerosol cans, are robust, and can reliably operate under a variety of different conditions. The lever may be a protrusion extending perpendicularly from the surface of a stub gear connected to the motor through a series of gears, converting multiple fast rotations of the motor drive shaft into a reduced number of slower rotations, wherein the movement of the lever is limited (e.g., by the aerosol canister, actuator and/or housing) such that the stub gear remains connected to the motor.

An actuator may be removably connected to the aerosol valve and disposed between the lever and the aerosol valve such that: in the actuated position, the lever pushes the actuator to depress the aerosol valve; in the rest position, the lever does not push the actuator to depress the aerosol valve. In such embodiments, the lever does not make direct contact with the aerosol valve, but rather makes contact with the actuator. Aerosol valves typically include a short outlet tube to which a force is applied to open the aerosol valve. Once the aerosol valve is opened, the aerosol spreads through the outlet tube in a direction opposite to the direction of the force applied to the tube (i.e., on the object applying the force to the aerosol valve). Using an actuator, such as one of those described above, prevents an object applying a force (i.e., the lever and/or release mechanism) from inadvertently blocking the aerosol valve by redirecting the flow of aerosol away from the lever and/or release mechanism.

The actuator may comprise an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication through the actuator, the inlet being in fluid communication with an outlet tube of an aerosol valve located on an aerosol canister. The hollow actuator allows aerosol to pass through the actuator. If the design is sized appropriately, the pressure of the aerosol is maintained on the passage through the actuator. The outlet may be configured to direct an aerosol as it is dispensed. By selecting the position of the outlet on the actuator, the direction in which the aerosol is dispensed from the aerosol canister can be controlled independently of the aerosol valve, allowing a greater range of options for the configuration and arrangement of the system. Advantageously, the actuator allows aerosol to be dispensed in a direction perpendicular to the lever movement (e.g. away from the release mechanism). This can be achieved by an actuator having an approximate "L" shape (i.e. two conduits connected at right angles at the ends).

The release mechanism may further include a motor operable to move the lever between the rest position and the activated position. Motors are well known and practically effective ways of providing motion to components. The motor may be an electric motor. The motor has the advantages of less maintenance workload, quiet running and suitability for use in a closed space.

The motor may further be operable to hold the lever in the activated position for a predetermined period of time. By holding the aerosol valve in an activated position, the aerosol valve is opened for a known period of time, which means that a predetermined amount of aerosol is released from the aerosol canister.

The release mechanism may be operable to release a predetermined amount of aerosol from an aerosol canister. This advantageously allows a measured amount of aerosol to be released into the environment each time the system is activated, allowing the operator to control the amount of aerosol in the environment and achieve a desired effect (e.g., a desired odor intensity) in a simple manner.

The predetermined amount of aerosol may be in the range of about 0.01 milliliters to about 1 milliliter; preferably, it may be in the range of about 0.05 ml to about 0.5 ml; more preferably, it may be in the range of about 0.07 ml to about 0.2 ml; most preferably, it may be in the range of about 0.09 ml to 0.11 ml. Of course, other suitable values can be envisioned and selected by those skilled in the art depending on the aerosol formulation to be used. Each actuation of the system releases a quantity of aerosol into the environment, which allows the operator to easily release a quantity of aerosol that can approach any desired quantity.

The system may further comprise a display to inform the user of the number of aerosol releases remaining before the aerosol canister needs to be replaced. The number of aerosol releases that can be obtained from an aerosol can is calculated by dividing the initial volume of the aerosol can by the number of aerosol dispensed per release, and then the display simply counts down from this number as the aerosol is released. Such a display may interact with the transmitter, receiver, activation mechanism and/or timer mechanism. The display may be mechanical or digital in nature.

The aerosol dispensing system may be a system for dispensing a fragranced aerosol and/or an odor eliminating aerosol. These aerosols can be used to mask or eliminate unpleasant odors that are produced in commercial or domestic environments.

In another aspect, the invention can be directed to a kit comprising any of the aerosol dispensing systems described above, and an aerosol canister. The aerosol canister provided in the kit is replaceable and/or refillable.

In a further aspect, the present invention may relate to a method of dispensing an aerosol from an aerosol canister using any of the previously described aerosol dispensing systems, the method comprising the steps of, when installed with an aerosol canister or a kit comprising any of the previously described aerosol dispensing systems and aerosol canisters: transmitting a signal from a transmitter; receiving the communicated signal using a receiver; activating the release mechanism upon receipt of the signal by the receiver; and the release mechanism dispensing the aerosol from the aerosol canister.

The signal may be an infrared signal. Infrared signals are widely used to control various appliances in home environments and business environments, and have been proven to have a good range and to be easy to operate.

The signal may be a radio signal. The radio signals include wireless networks. Such signals may be transmitted as part of a wireless network (e.g., wi-fi network) already present in the environment in which the system is located, thereby reducing the need for additional components. In embodiments where the system interacts with a pre-existing transmitter (e.g., a wi-fi router), the pre-existing transmitter is not itself part of the system. Rather, the system may further comprise a software control means (e.g. a mobile phone or computing device application, also referred to as an "app") operable to direct a pre-existing transmitter to emit a signal operable to cause the receiver to activate the release mechanism upon receipt of the signal.

The step of releasing the aerosol from the aerosol canister may comprise depressing an aerosol valve located on the aerosol canister.

The release mechanism may depress the aerosol valve by depressing the aerosol valve using a lever.

After a predetermined period of time, the lever may stop pressing the aerosol valve. Releasing a predetermined quantity of aerosol from the aerosol canister by an action of opening an aerosol valve for a predetermined period of time.

Aerosol valves typically include a short outlet tube to which a force is applied to open the aerosol valve. Once the aerosol valve is opened, the aerosol spreads through the outlet tube in a direction opposite to the direction of the force applied to the tube (i.e., on the object applying the force to the aerosol valve). The release mechanism may depress the aerosol valve by levering down an actuator detachably connected to an outlet tube of the aerosol valve. More generally, the use of an actuator prevents the lever or release mechanism from inhibiting the dispensing of the aerosol by redirecting the flow of aerosol away from the lever and/or release mechanism.

The actuator may comprise an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication through the actuator, the inlet being in fluid communication with an outlet tube of the aerosol valve such that aerosol emanates from the outlet. The use of such a hollow actuator allows the aerosol to pass through the actuator. By selecting the position of the outlet, the aerosol can be spread in a desired direction. In particular, the aerosol may be dispersed in a direction perpendicular to the lever movement (e.g. away from the release mechanism). This can be achieved by an actuator having an approximate "L" shape (i.e. two conduits connected at right angles at the ends).

The lever may be driven by a motor. Motors are well known and practically effective ways of providing motion to components. The motor may be an electric motor. The motor has less maintenance workload and quiet running, and is suitable for being used in a closed space.

A predetermined amount of aerosol can be released from the aerosol canister. This advantageously allows a measured amount of aerosol to be released into the environment each time the system is activated, allowing the operator to control the amount of aerosol in the environment and achieve a desired effect (e.g., a desired odor intensity) in a simple manner.

The aerosol may be a fragranced aerosol and/or an odor eliminating aerosol. These aerosols can be used to mask or eliminate unpleasant odors that are produced in commercial or domestic environments.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a front view of an aerosol dispensing system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a closed state.

FIG. 1B is a rear view of the aerosol dispensing system of FIG. 1A.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the aerosol dispensing system of fig. 1A and 1B in an open state.

Fig. 3 is a front view of the inner shroud of the aerosol dispensing system of fig. 1A and 1B with the aerosol canister in place.

Fig. 4A is a front view of the inner shroud shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 4B is a rear view of the inner shroud shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 4C is a left side view of the inner shroud shown in fig. 3.

Fig. 4D is a right side view of the inner shroud shown in fig. 3.

Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of an actuator that may be mounted to an aerosol canister in some embodiments of a kit according to the invention.

Figure 5B is a perspective view of the actuator of figure 5A with the aerosol canister of figure 3 in place.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an emitter and card slot of an aerosol dispensing system according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

The following description is related to particular embodiments of the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous permutations and variations that differ from the description below without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 1A and 1B illustrate a particular embodiment of an aerosol dispensing system 100, the aerosol dispensing system 100 including a housing 105 made of plastic (e.g., polypropylene), the housing 105 including a front portion 110 and a rear portion 115, the front portion 110 and rear portion 115 being assembled together to form a unitary body. An aperture 120 is located on the front portion 110 to allow signals to reach a receiver located within the housing 105, as will be described in more detail below. In this embodiment, a material opaque to visible light is used to seal the aperture 120, but allow transmission of signals. A slit 125 is also located in the front portion 110 to allow dispensing of aerosol from the system, as will be described in more detail below. Although the slits 125 are shown in fig. 1A as being of a particular shape, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the slits 125 can have any suitable shape that allows the aerosol to be freely dispersed.

The rear portion 115 includes a wall mounting mechanism 135 in the form of a recess having a large sized lower portion 135a and a small upper portion 135 b. The recess is shaped so that the head of a screw or nail or other such fastener (not shown) can pass through the lower portion 135a but not the upper portion 135b, and the shank of the screw or nail can slide from the lower portion 135a into the upper portion 135 b. In this manner, the system 100 may be mounted to a wall (not shown) by means of screws, nails, or similarly shaped fasteners secured to the wall. Of course, it should be understood that although the system 100 may be mounted to a wall, it need not be mounted to a wall. The system 100 may alternatively be placed on a shelf or other near horizontal surface, thanks to a flat base 150.

The rear portion 115 also defines a slot 140, with a selector 145 extending through the slot 140. The selector 145 is connected to a controller (not shown) for connection to a timer mechanism (not shown) of a release mechanism (not shown in this figure). In the embodiment of fig. 1B, the selector 145 is in the form of a tab that is connected to a slide switch that controls a timer mechanism. The tab has four positions, each setting the controller to a different aerosol release setting. These settings were "off" with 9, 18 and 36 minutes between activations. Of course, the timer mechanism may be programmed such that any other predefined time interval is available for selection.

Fig. 2 shows that the front 110 and rear 115 portions of the housing 105 are hinged to their respective bases by a pair of coaxial pivot points 210. Thus, the housing 105 is openable, and the front portion 110 rotates about an axis, moves forward and downward, thereby opening the housing. Alternatively, the rear portion 115 may be moved downward to open the housing 105. The pivot point 210 is formed by a pair of openings in the base of the rear portion 115 that receive pins formed in the base of the front portion 110. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this is but one of many ways in which the front and

back portions

110, 115 may be connected to allow opening.

The housing 105 is opened to expose the mounting bracket so that an aerosol canister (not shown) can be inserted therein and removed once the aerosol canister is empty. In this embodiment, the mount is formed integrally with the housing 105. The mount includes a series of ribs 215, the ribs 215 being located on the inner surface of the housing 105, both on the front 110 and rear 115 portions. The ribs 215 form the circumference of the holder when the housing 105 is closed (i.e. the ribs 215 circumferentially surround the aerosol canister when the housing 105 is closed) and an aerosol canister (not shown) may be placed on the base 220. Opening the outer shell 105 also exposes an inner shroud 225 which provides some stability to the aerosol canister (not shown) by virtue of its complementary shape to the mounting bracket to receive the upper part of the aerosol canister, although the lower surface of the inner shroud 225 is not formed as part of the mounting bracket itself. The inner shroud 225 includes a battery compartment 235 formed as a recess, allowing batteries (not shown) to be inserted and replaced as and when needed. Each battery compartment 235 also includes an aperture 230 at each end through which electrical contacts of the circuit powered by the battery protrude.

The inner shroud 225 is removably secured to the rear portion 115 of the housing 105 by screws or other fasteners (not shown) that are inserted through holes 240, the holes 240 being complementary to prongs (not shown) in the rear portion 115. Snap fittings are also located on the sides of the inner shroud (see fig. 4B, 4C and 4D). The inner shroud 225 holds the receiver, release mechanism and timer mechanism (not shown in this figure) in a separate partition from the aerosol canister so that these components are still inaccessible and protected when the outer housing 105 is open. The top surface 260 of the inner shroud 225 includes depressible tabs 245 that are complementary to apertures 250 in the top surface of the front portion 110. When the enclosure 105 is closed, the tabs 245 fit into the apertures 250 and prevent the enclosure from opening by mechanical interlocking of the two. When the outer shell 105 is to be opened, the tab 245 is depressed, removing it from the aperture 250 and allowing the front portion 110 to move relative to the inner shroud 225 and the rear portion 115. In an alternative embodiment, where the rear portion 115 is moved to open the housing 105, the inner shroud 225 is removably secured to the front portion 110 of the housing 105 and the aperture 250 is located in the top surface of the rear portion 115.

The receiver (not shown) is located in a port 255 in the inner shroud 225. The position of the port 255 corresponds to the position of the aperture 120 of the front portion 105 when the housing 105 is closed.

Fig. 3 shows the interaction between the inner shroud 225 and the aerosol can 300 in situ, noting that the remainder of the aerosol dispensing system 100 is omitted from this figure for clarity. The lower surface 302 of the inner shroud 225 is shaped to limit the recess 325 that receives the upper portion of the aerosol canister 300. The inner shroud 225 also includes a recess 305 in the rear wall 307 of the recess 325 of the inner shroud 225 into which recess 305 both an actuator 310 and a lever 320 extend, the actuator 310 being connected to an aerosol valve 315 (shown in dashed outline) located in the top surface of the aerosol canister 300. In the rest position, the lever 320 does not exert a force on the actuator 310 and therefore does not depress the aerosol valve 315. Upon actuation, the lever 320 is moved downward by a motor (described below), exerting a force on the actuator 310 and depressing the aerosol valve 315, thereby releasing aerosol from the aerosol canister 300. In addition to the notch 305, the inner shroud 225 also defines the recess 325, which allows the actuator 310 to be easily inserted into and removed from the notch 305.

Figure 4A shows a front view of the inner shroud 225 without the aerosol canister 300. The receiver (not shown) includes an infrared sensor (not shown) located in port 255 and is connected to a circuit board on which is a control circuit (not shown). Upon receipt of an infrared signal, the control circuit activates the release mechanism (described in more detail below). Of course, the sensor may alternatively be a radio receiver, and the receiver may function in receiving radio signals (e.g., radio signals transmitted by a wireless network). The control circuit is held within the inner shroud 225.

The inner shroud 225 also holds a timer circuit (not shown), which is an example of a timer mechanism controlled by tabs 145 that extend through slots 140 on the rear of the outer shell 105. Sliding the tab 145 along the slot 140 may change the time interval between automatic actuations. In this particular system, the tab 145 has four positions, corresponding to "off" (i.e., no spray), with intervals of 9, 18, and 36 minutes between activations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although these conventional timings are chosen, any other suitable timings may be used.

Fig. 4B shows the rear of the inner shroud 225 and shows the release mechanism 400 located in the inner shroud 225. The release mechanism 400 includes a motor 405, a first gear 410, a second gear 415, and a lever 310 (as described above) (not shown in fig. 4B). The motor 405 rotates when activated by a receiver circuit, or timer circuit (not shown), in communication with the receiver. The first gear 410 and the second gear 415 transmit the rotation of the motor 405 to the lever 320, and the lever 320 is a protrusion vertically extending from the surface of a stub (quarter) gear (not shown). Also shown in fig. 4B is a snap fitting 420, a complementary portion of which (not shown) is formed in the rear portion 115 and allows for reversible engagement of the inner shroud 225 and the rear portion 11 of the outer housing 105.

Fig. 4C shows a left side view of the inner shroud 225 and fig. 4D shows a right side view of the inner shroud 225. Between them, these views depict the arrangement of the motor 405, the first gear 410 and the second gear 415. The first gear 410 includes a large gear 410a, and a small gear 410b having a common rotational axis with the large gear 410a, which are coupled together such that they rotate simultaneously (e.g., formed as a single piece). The second gearwheel 415, which is not shown in detail, is identical to the first gearwheel 410.

The electric motor 405 has a driving gear 405a which is connected to a first gearwheel 410 a. The first pinion gear 410b is connected to a large gear of the second gear 415, and a pinion gear of the second gear 415 is connected to a stub gear (not shown) to which the lever 320 is attached. The ratio of these gears is such that multiple rotations of the motor 405 are converted into partial rotations of the stub gear (not shown) to which the lever 320 is attached. Thus, the lever 320 moves downward even if the lever 320 is subjected to the resistance provided by the aerosol valve 315.

The profile of the lever 320 is relatively wide such that even if the lever 320 moves about the axis of rotation of the stub gear (i.e., provides lateral and vertical movement) as the stub gear (not shown) rotates, the lever 320 maintains contact with the actuator 310, thereby providing a downward force throughout its range of motion, opening the aerosol valve 315 of the aerosol canister 300. When activation of the release mechanism ceases, the lever 320 returns to its original rest position, towards the top of the recess 305, thereby closing the aerosol valve 315 and ending the release of aerosol. The release mechanism holds the lever 320 in the actuated position for a set period of time such that a set amount of aerosol is dispensed from the aerosol canister 300.

The base 425 of the recess provides a stop for the lever 320 to ensure that the teeth of the stub gear portion thereof still engage with the teeth of the second gear 415 to provide resistance to movement of the lever 320 even in the absence of an aerosol canister 300.

Figure 5A shows a cross-section of an actuator 310, the actuator 310 perhaps being removably mounted to an aerosol canister 300 as part of a kit of the present invention. The actuator 310 is hollow and defines a conduit 500, the conduit 500 extending between a first opening 505 and a second opening 510. The conduit 500 includes a bend having an angle of about 90 deg. such that the first opening 505 and the second opening 510 are perpendicular to each other. The first opening 505 is sized to frictionally engage the outlet tube 515 of the aerosol canister 300 and prevent the flow of aerosol at that engagement. The second opening 510 allows the aerosol to be dispersed by being introduced into the conduit 500 from the outlet tube 515 through the first opening 505. The direction of dispensing of the aerosol may be selected by selecting the direction in which the second opening 510 faces relative to the first opening 505.

Fig. 5B shows the actuator 310 when positioned over the outlet tube 515 of the aerosol valve 315. The first opening 505 is fitted tightly around the outlet pipe 515 and the second opening 510 is open to the atmosphere. Due to the bend in the conduit 500, the second opening faces in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the outlet tube 515. When the actuator 310 is pressed downwards (according to the direction shown) towards the aerosol valve 315, the aerosol valve 315 opens and the aerosol under pressure is dispensed through said outlet tube 515. The aerosol passes through the conduit 500 and emanates through the second opening 510, away from the object applying pressure to the actuator 310. The second opening 510 is restricted so that a high pressure is maintained in the conduit 500 and the aerosol is effectively dispersed. The limitation is that additional components may be inserted into the relatively wide gauge second opening 510. Alternatively, the restricting member may be integrally formed as part of the actuator 310 (i.e., the second opening 510 has a narrow gauge).

Fig. 6 shows a transmitter 600, which transmitter 600 forms part of the aerosol emission system 100 in embodiments where a dedicated transmitter is present. The figure also shows a card slot 605 in which the transmitter may be stored. The emitter 600 includes an activation button 610, a light emitting diode LED 615, and an emitter tube 620. The transmitter 600 comprises a cuboid enclosure made of plastic in which the transmitter circuitry is located. On the rear surface of the transmitter 600 is a slidable faceplate (not shown) that surrounds a battery compartment (not shown). The activation button 610 is located in front of the transmitter 600 and pressing the activation button 610 activates the transmitter 600 to emit an infrared signal that is subsequently detected by a receiver located in the housing 105 shown in the previous figures. The LED 615 emits light when activated. The receiver circuit may also include a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that emits light when activated. The timer circuit also includes an LED that intermittently illuminates when the tab 145 is in any position other than "off" to indicate that the circuit is active and that the dispenser can dispense aerosol.

The transmitter 600 may be placed in a card slot 605 for storage. The card slot 605 is made of plastic and is configured to hold the launcher 600 around three sides of the launcher 600 so that the launcher 600 can slide in and out of the card slot 605. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the emitter 600 may have any desired shape while meeting the necessary aesthetic appeal and ergonomic criteria, and that the shape of the card slot 605 will be configured to complement the shape of the emitter 600.

Claims

1. An aerosol dispensing system for dispensing an aerosol from an aerosol can, the system comprising:

a fixture configured to hold the aerosol canister;

a release mechanism operable to release a dispensed sol from the aerosol canister;

a receiver operable to activate the release mechanism upon receiving a signal from a transmitter.

2. The aerosol dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the receiver is operable to receive an infrared signal or a radio signal.

3. The aerosol dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises the emitter.

4. The aerosol dispensing system of either of the preceding claims 1 or 2, wherein the system further comprises a housing containing the mount, release mechanism and receiver.

5. The aerosol dispensing system of claim 4, wherein the housing further comprises a wall mounting mechanism.

6. The aerosol dispensing system of claim 4, wherein the wall mounting mechanism comprises: (i) a recess configured to receive a protrusion secured to or part of the wall and engage the protrusion; or (ii) a protrusion configured to frictionally engage and/or mechanically interlock with a recess secured to or part of the wall.

7. The aerosol dispensing system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the release mechanism and/or receiver is electrically actuated.

8. The aerosol dispensing system of claim 7, wherein the power is provided by one or more batteries or a power source.

9. An aerosol dispensing system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a timer mechanism operable to activate the release mechanism at selected predetermined time intervals.

10. The aerosol dispensing system of claim 9, wherein the selected predetermined time intervals comprise 9, 18, and 36 minute intervals.

11. The aerosol dispensing system of claim 9, wherein the timer mechanism comprises a timer circuit.

12. The aerosol dispensing system of claim 10, wherein the timer mechanism comprises a timer circuit.

13. The aerosol dispensing system of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the release mechanism comprises a lever having a rest position and an activated position configured such that when the aerosol canister is held at the mount:

in the actuated position, the lever presses an aerosol valve positioned on the aerosol canister; and

in the rest position, the lever does not press the aerosol valve positioned on the aerosol canister.

14. The aerosol dispensing system of claim 13, wherein an actuator is attached to the aerosol valve and disposed between the lever and the aerosol valve such that:

in the actuated position, the lever pushes the actuator to depress the aerosol valve; and

in the rest position, the lever does not push the actuator to depress the aerosol valve.

15. The aerosol dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the actuator includes an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication through the actuator, the inlet being in fluid communication with the aerosol valve positioned on the aerosol canister.

16. The aerosol dispensing system of claim 13, wherein the outlet is configured to direct an aerosol as it is dispensed.

17. The aerosol dispensing system of claim 13, wherein the release mechanism further comprises a motor operable to move the lever between the rest position and an actuated position.

18. The aerosol dispensing system of claim 17, wherein the motor is further operable to hold the lever in the actuated position for a predetermined period of time.

19. The aerosol dispensing system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, wherein the release mechanism is operable to release a predetermined amount of aerosol from the aerosol canister.

20. The aerosol dispensing system according to claim 19, wherein the predetermined amount of aerosol is in a range of about 0.01 milliliters to about 1 milliliter.

21. The aerosol dispensing system of any of the preceding claims 1 or 2, wherein the aerosol dispensing system is a system for dispensing a fragranced aerosol and/or an odor eliminating aerosol.

22. A kit comprising an aerosol canister and the aerosol dispensing system of claim 1 or 2.

23. The kit of claim 22, wherein the aerosol canister is a replaceable and/or refillable canister.