GB2413283A

GB2413283A - A washroom scent delivery apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2413283A
Application number: GB0409196A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Grahame Peter Green
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-04-23
Filing date: 2004-04-23
Publication date: 2005-10-26
Also published as: GB0409196D0

Abstract

A washroom scent or lotion delivery apparatus 10 for use in conjunction with a hot air dryer 12, the dryer comprising a fan 32 arranged to direct an air stream towards the hands of a user, the washroom scenting apparatus comprising a retaining means 40 for retaining a quantity of scent 42, means 44 for diverting a portion of the air stream towards a scent outlet 18 and delivery means for delivering the scent from the retaining means into the air stream associated with the scent outlet The apparatus may additionally comprise a lotion retaining means (58 fig 3) for retaining a quantity of lotion (60, fig 3) and delivery means (66, fig 3) for delivering lotion from the lotion retaining means onto the hands of a user. The washroom scenting apparatus preferably comprises a heating element 38 and control means 46 for controlling the timing of and/or the amount of scent dispensed and/or the delivery of lotion.

Description

24 1 3283 Title: Washroom scent or lotion delivery apparatus and method

Description:

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for delivering scent and/or lotion in washrooms, and in particular, to a method and apparatus for use in conjunction with a hot air dryer.

In public and communal toilet facilities, especially gent's toilets that include urinals, there can be a build up of unpleasant odours between regular cleaning intervals. In an aim to counteract this, it is known to utilise air freshening means. Historically, solid chemical fresheners were placed in the urinals, which were adapted to give off air freshening vapour. However, the effect of these falls off rapidly and this has led to the introduction of mechanical air freshener delivery apparatus that are provided with a reservoir for deodorising material that is dispensed into the air at regular intervals.

A known device is battery operated and includes a fan that operates periodically to dispense the deodorising vapour into the air. The use of a battery makes for easy installation of the device but has the disadvantage of requiring battery replacement periodically. This adds to the cost and inconvenience of operating the apparatus.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome this problem.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a wash room scenting apparatus suitable for use in conjunction with a hot air dryer, the dryer comprising a fan arranged to direct an air stream towards the hands of a user, the wash room scenting apparatus comprising a retaining means for retaining a quantity of scent, means for diverting a portion of the air stream towards a scent outlet and delivery means for delivering the scent from the retaining means into the air stream associated with the scent outlet.

A second aspect of the invention provides a method of scenting a washroom using a hot air dryer, the hot air dryer comprising a fan arranged to direct air towards the hands of a user, the method comprising the steps of diverting a portion of the air stream from the dryer towards a scent outlet and using a delivery means to deliver a quantity of scent from a scent retaining means into the air stream associated with the scent outlet. The washroom scenting apparatus and method of the invention advantageously make use of a readily available source of motive power. Combining the dryer and scenting apparatus may simplify installation and negates the need for a separate power source to power the scenting apparatus.

Moreover, because use of the hand dryer generally follows the use of a toilet or urinal, scent is conveniently delivered when it is needed, rather than simply in accordance with an arbitrary timing regime.

The hot air dryer preferably comprises a body having an inlet aperture through which air is drawn into the body using the fan. The fan is preferably positioned within a duct located within the body that directs air efficiently towards and out through the outlet apertures. The fan is preferably driven by an electric motor.

The body of the dryer may have one or more inspection hatches for providing access to the scent retaining means (i.e. for removal, replacement, inspection etc). The inspection hatch or hatches may have key operated locks to prevent tampering. Inspection windows may also be provided on the body so that the amount of scent in the scent retaining means can be ascertained by visual inspection.

The hot air dryer preferably has a switching means for turning it on and off as desired. The switching means may be automatic. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the switching means comprises a motion and/or heat sensor (e.g. a passive infrared sensor) that switches the hot air dryer on or off in response the presence or absence of the user's hands in the vicinity of the first outlet. Manual override switches may be provided to starVstop the dryer on demand.

The hot air dryer preferably has first and second outlets. The first outlet is preferably for directing air towards the user's hands and the second outlet is the scent outlet. The first outlet is preferably fitted with a deflector to deflect heated, expelled air either towards the user's hands or face, as desired. A directional adjuster is preferably associated with the scent outlet to direct scented air in a desired direction.

The directional adjuster, where provided, preferably comprises one or more vanes that direct air in a desired direction.

An extension tube may be associated with the scent outlet. The extension tube, where provided, may direct the expelled, scented air away from the user to minimise the likelihood of depositing scent onto the clothes and/or skin of the user. The extension tube is preferably arranged to direct scented air above and/or over the head of the user. The extension tube may additionally comprise a directional adjuster.

The extension tube, where provided is preferably adjustable in length and/or direction. The extension tube may be telescopic. Preferably, a locking mechanism is associated therewith to enable the extension tube to be selectively locked in position.

The duct, where provided, preferably comprises a take-off tube leading to the scent outlet. Preferably, the throat of the take off tube can be variably opened and closed. A throttle may be used for this purpose. Accordingly, opening the throttle may permit a quantity of air taken in to the body of the dryer to be diverted towards and out through the scent outlet. The throttle may comprise an iris assembly whereby an aperture can be opened or closed to restrict airflow. Alternatively, a hinged plate may be provided that can hinge into the take off tube to obstruct the airflow.

The angle of the throttle plate, where provided, can be adjusted using an adjuster that screw-threadedly engages with a connecting rod. The connecting rod can be arranged to interact with a crank depending from an axle about which the throttle plate swivels. Thus, adjustment of the adjuster may cause the angle of the throttle plate to change thereby either restricting or opening the throat of the take off tube as desired.

Additionally or alternatively, the throttle may be adjusted using an actuator, e.g. a motor or solenoid, if desired.

The dryer preferably delivers hot air to the user's hands and a heating means is preferably provided for this purpose. The heating means of the invention preferably comprises an electrical heating element. The first outlet is preferably located on the underside of the body such that heated air is directed over the user's hands to dry them. Preferably the fan and heating means automatically switch off after a predetermined period.

The scent retaining means is preferably removable for ease of replacement, replenishment and/or servicing and inspection. The scent may have deodorising and/or antibacterial ingredients to help sanitise the vicinity of the dryer when in use.

The scent delivery means preferably comprises a scent delivery tube.

The scent delivery tube, where provided, may project into the airflow downstream of the fan. The scent retaining means is preferably adapted to seal to the scent delivery tube, where provided, preferably using an oring arrangement.

The scent delivery tube may hold a wick that collects scent from the scent retaining means and delivers it to the end of the delivery tube. A sponge or other porous element may be provided on the delivery tube such that as air is directed out through the scent outlet, it passes over the sponge or porous element evaporating and/or atomising scent as it does so. Capillary forces set up as the scent is removed from the sponge may draw more scent up the wick where provided from the scent retaining means to the end of the scent delivery tube.

Alternatively, the scent delivery means may comprise a pressurised canister containing scent. A delivery tube may connect to an outlet of the canister and extend into the scent outlet downstream of the fan. An atomising nozzle is preferably provided at the end of the delivery tube to break the scent up into an aerosol. Scent may thereby be decanted from the canister by way of an actuator. The actuator, where provided, may engage with the canister such that the actuator can depress the outlet of the canister thereby dispensing scent as desired. The actuator is operated in response to user operation of the apparatus, e.g. triggered when the apparatus is turned on, but not necessarily every time the apparatus is turned on to prevent excessive scent discharge.

A further alternative scent delivery means may comprise a scent retaining means and pump arrangement whereby the pump is arranged to collect scent from the scent retaining means via a tube. The tube, where provided, is preferably flexible and may be weighted at one end to keep the end of the tube below the liquid level of scent in the scent retaining means.

The pump, where provide, delivers scent into scent outlet downstream of the fan via a delivery tube. The delivery tube may be fitted with an atomising nozle to break the scent up into an aerosol, if desired.

Additionally or alternatively, the scent dispensing means may comprise a pump for delivering scent from a scent retaining means via a delivery tube to an atomising nozle. The pump may be manually actuated or operated using a actuator. Where provided, the actuator may be a solenoid or a cam/link connected to a motor. The pump may comprise a ram or plunger pump mechanism. The pump may be connected to and actuated by pressing the dryer's on/off switch.

The dryer may further comprise a hand lotion reservoir containing a quantity of hand lotion. The hand lotion reservoir, where provided, may connect with a hand lotion delivery tube. An actuator may be provided for delivering a quantity of hand lotion into the first outlet downstream of the fan via a hand lotion delivery nozzle. The delivery nozle is preferably fitted with an atomiser that delivers a fine dispersion of hand lotion into the air stream and onto the user's hands.

A light may be provided that illuminates to inform the user when the hand lotion has been/is being dispensed. The hand lotion, where provided, may contain moisturizing, conditioning, antibacterial and/or deodorising agents if desired.

A sensor may be provided to sense the position of the deflector such that hand lotion is not dispensed when the deflector is in a face drying position to prevent the user's face from being sprayed with hand lotion.

The operation of the dryer (i.e. the motor, throttle position, heating element temperature, hand lotion pump, etc) is preferably controlled using a microprocessor.

The dispensing of scent may occur every time the dryer is operated.

More preferably, control means is provided to limit the frequency at which scent dispensing occurs. The control means may be a mechanical link mechanism between a physically actuated start button for the dryer to produce periodic dispensing of the scent. More preferably, the control means comprises an electronic control circuit, which may be part of the microprocessor control device of the hand dryer that operates to dispense scent after a predetermined number of actuations of the hand dryer, or more preferably still, when the hand dryer is next operated after a set time interval has elapsed since the last dryer operation.

Alternatively, means may be provided to initiate the operation of the dryer to dispense scent at prescribed intervals irrespective of whether the hand dryer is activated by a user.

A third aspect of the invention provides a washroom dryer comprising a fan arranged to direct an air stream towards the hands of a user, the wash room dryer further comprising a lotion retaining means for retaining a quantity of lotion and means for delivering a specified quantity of lotion from the lotion retaining means into the hands of the user at specified intervals.

The lotion is preferably a hand lotion, which may comprise moisturising, sanitising/sterilising and/or deodorising additives.

The washroom dryer is preferably provided with an actuator for delivering the specified quantity of hand lotion into the hands of the user. A delivery nozle is preferably provided, which may be fitted with an atomiser that delivers a fine dispersion of hand lotion into the air stream and onto the user's hands.

The washroom dryer may further comprise one or more signal means that signal to inform the user when the hand lotion has been/is being dispensed. The signal means may be an audible signal generator e.g. a buzer, or a visual signal generator e.g. a light.

The washroom dryer may have sensor for sensing the position of a deflector for directing the air stream of the dryer in a desired direction, and an associated control means such that hand lotion is not dispensed when the deflector is in a face drying position. The control means is preferably a microprocessor.

The washroom dryer may further comprise control means for delivering lotion at specified intervals. The specified intervals may be each time the dryer is used or on-demand at the touch of a button.

References herein to scenting apparatus, scent, scent outlet and scent delivery means; and references to lotion delivery apparatus, lotion, lotion outlet and lotion delivery means may be referred to more generally as; medium delivery apparatus, medium, medium outlet and medium delivery means where the medium may be scent, perfumed or disinfecting, antibacterial or otherwise, and the lotion may be moisturizing, disinfecting, antibacterial in nature or otherwise, and passages herein are to be interpreted accordingly.

A preferred embodiment of the invention shall now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the exterior of the invention; Figure 2 shows a partial cross section of the invention in side elevation; Figure 3 shows a partial cross section of the invention in front elevation; Figure 4 shows a partial cross section of the invention in side elevation with the deflector in face drying position; Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional detail of the air outlet of the invention; Figures 6 and 7 show alternative scent storage and delivery arrangements; Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention adapted for retrofitting to an existing dryer; and Figure 9 shows a further alternative embodiment of the invention comprising a manual scent delivery pump and an extension tube.

Referring now to Figure 1, a hand dryer 10 according to the invention is shown having a body 12 a first outlet 14 with face deflector 16 and a scent outlet 18 with a directional adjuster 20. Inspection hatches 22 & 24 and an adjuster screw 26 are provided on the upper surface of the body 12. The hand dryer 10 is powered via an electrical flex 28 that connects into the ring main via a fused spur (not shown).

Figure 2 shows the internal components of the dryer. The body 12 is provided with an inlet aperture 30 through which air can be drawn into the body 12 (as indicated by arrow A) using a fan 32. The fan 32 is positioned within a duct 34 located within the body 12 that directs the air towards and out through the main outlet aperture 14 (as indicated by arrow B).

When a user's hands (not shown) are placed below the main outlet aperture 14, a motion / heat sensor 36 (e.g. a passive infrared sensor) triggers the operation of the fan and a heater element 38 positioned in the outlet air stream. Hot air is thereby directed over the user's hands to dry them. The fan 32 and heater element 38 automatically switch off after a predetermined period.

A removable scent retaining means 40 is provided and contains a quantity of liquid scent 42. The scent has deodorising and antibacterial ingredients to help sanitise the vicinity of the dryer 10 when in use.

The duct 34 has a take-off tube 44 leading to the scent outlet 18 that can be variably opened and closed using a throttle plate 46. When the throttle plate 46 is open, a quantity of air taken in (arrow A) is diverted to and out through the scent outlet 18 (as indicated by arrow D).

Referring now to Figure 3, the removable scent retaining means 40 connects to a scent delivery tube 48 that projects into the take off tube 44.

The scent retaining means 40 seals to the scent delivery tube 48 using an o- ring arrangement. The scent delivery tube 48 holds a wick 52 that collects scent 42 from the scent retaining means 40 and delivers it to a sponge 54 surrounding the end of the scent delivery tube 48. Thus, as air is directed up the take off tube 44, it passes over the sponge 54 evaporating and/or atomising scent 42 as it does so. Capillary forces set up as the scent is removed from the sponge draws more scent 42 up the wick 52 from the scent retaining means 40 to the end of the scent delivery tube 48.

Also shown in Figure 3 is the motor 56 that drives the fan 32 and a hand lotion reservoir 58 containing a quantity of hand lotion 60. The hand lotion reservoir 58 connects with a hand lotion delivery tube 62 via a push fit connector 64 sealed using an o-ring arrangement (not shown). An actuator 66, comprising a pump, is triggered at desired intervals and delivers a quantity of hand lotion 60 to the hand lotion delivery nozzle 68. The delivery nozzle 68 is fitted with an atomiser 70 that delivers a fine dispersion of hand lotion into the air stream and onto the user's hands. Thus, a quantity of hand lotion can be delivered, say in the last quarter of a hand drying cycle, such that the user can moisturise and/or condition his/her skin. A light 71 illuminates to inform the user when the hand lotion has been/is being dispensed. The hand lotion may contain moisturising, conditioning, antibacterial and/or deodorising agents if desired.

Figure 4 shows the deflector 16 in a face drying position such that air is directed towards the user's face, rather than his hands (as indicated by arrow C). A sensor 72 is provided to sense the position of the deflector 16 such that hand lotion 60 is not dispensed when in a face drying position to prevent the user's face from being sprayed with hand lotion 60.

Figure 5 shows a detail of the take off tube 44 as previously described.

The directional adjuster 20 comprises a tube body 82 having a flange 84 thereon. The flange 84 has finger grips moulded therein to enable the directional adjuster 20 to be rotated within the take off tube 44. The tube body 82 has a formation 86 thereon that engages with a groove 88 in the take off tube 44 such that once inserted, it cannot easily be removed. Disposed within the directional adjuster 20 are vanes 90 that direct air in a desired direction (arrow E). By rotating the directional adjuster, the direction in which the air leaves the dryer 10 can be adjusted. A ratchet or lock (not shown) may be provided to prevent unintentional adjustment of the directional adjuster 20.

The angle of the throttle plate 46 can be adjusted by rotating screw 26, which screw-threadedly engages with a connecting rod 92. The connecting rod 92 engages with a crank 94 depending from an axle 96 about which the throttle plate 46 swivels. Thus, adjustment of the screw 26 causes the angle of the throttle plate 46 to change thereby either restricting or opening the throat of the take off tube 44. Restricting the throat of the take off tube 44 reduces the airflow over the sponge 54, which reduces the scent output of the dryer 10 (and vice-versa). The axle 96 could be connected to an actuator, e.g. a motor or the like (not shown) to make manually adjusting the screw 26 redundant.

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention whereby the scent retaining means 40 is a pressurised canister 100 containing scent.

A delivery tube 48 connects to the outlet 101 of the canister 100 and extends into the take off tube 44. An atomising nozzle 102 is provided at the end of the delivery tube 48 to break the scent up into an aerosol. Scent is decanted from the canister 100 by way of an actuator 104 that engages with a flange 103 depending from the neck of the canister. The actuator 104 depresses the outlet 101 of the canister 100 relative to the delivery tube 48 thereby dispensing scent 42 as desired. The actuator 104 may be electrically operated, using an electric motor. The actuator is operated to cause a momentary release of scent when the apparatus is operated. This may occur every time the apparatus is operated control of the actuator may operate in conjunction with a timing circuit, which limits the frequency of operation of the actuator.

To prevent excessive scent delivery with any of the embodiments described herein, means may be provided that operates in conjunction with a timing means to close off the delivery tube or the air flow to the second outlet, as the case may be. To this end a motor operated control means may be provided.

Figure 7 shows a further alternative embodiment of the invention whereby the scent 42 is decanted from the scent retaining means 40 using a pump 108. The pump 108 collects scent 42 from the scent retaining means via a flexible tube 110 that is weighted using a weight 112 to keep the end of the tube 110 below the level of scent 42 in the scent retaining means 40. The pump 108 delivers scent 42 into the take off tube 44 via a delivery tube 48 fined with an atomising nozzle 102 to break the scent 42 up into an aerosol.

The inspection hatches 22 & 24 provide access to the scent retaining means 40 & 58 (i.e. for removal, replacement, inspection etc) and have key operated locks 74 to prevent tampering. Inspection windows 76 are provided on the body 12 so that the amount of scent 42 and/or hand lotion 60 can be ascertained by visual inspection without having to open the inspection hatches 22 & 24. Manual override switches 78 & 80 are also provided to start/stop the dryer 10 on demand and/or to prevent the delivery of hand lotion 60, if desired.

The operation of the dryer 10 (i.e. the motor 56, throttle plate 46 position, heating element 38 temperature, hand lotion pump 66, etc) is controlled using a controller 83 comprising a microprocessor.

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention that is adapted for retrofitting to an existing dryer. This device comprises a body 120 having a scent retaining means 122 incorporated therewith. A scent delivery tube 124 is provided in a similar manner to the aforementioned embodiments.

An air scoop 126 is also provided that is adapted to project into the air stream of the dryer. The air scoop 126 collects a portion of the air stream and directs it via a tube 128, past the scent delivery tube 124 to the scent outlet 130. A directional adjuster 132 is associated with the scent outlet to direct scented air in a desired direction and a throttle plate 134 is provided for controlling the rate of scent deposition.

This embodiment has clips 136 for engaging with the body of the dryer.

The scent retaining means 122 is pre-filled and factory sealed such that device is adapted to be disposable, i.e. for a single use. A removable / refillable scent retaining means 122 could be provided for semi permanent / permanent retrofit installation.

Finally, Figure 9 shows a further possible embodiment of the invention having an extension tube 140 extending from the scent outlet aperture 18.

The extension tube 140 has a bifurcated end 142 and vanes 90 for directing the expelled air in desired directions. A screw-threaded locking ring 144 having a tapered edge drivable between the body of the dryer 12 and the extension tube 144 is provided to clamp/lock the extension tube 140 is a desired position.

There is also provided, a plunger pump 146 in communication with the on/off switch 78 of the dryer 10. Depressing the on/off switch 78 causes the pump to the depressed, delivering quantity of scent 42 from the scent retaining means 40 via the delivery tube 48 to an atomising nozzle 102 situated in the expelled air stream.

Claims

Claims: 1. A washroom scenting apparatus suitable for use in conjunction

with a hot air dryer, the dryer comprising a fan arranged to direct an air stream towards the hands of a user, the washroom scenting apparatus comprising a retaining means for retaining a quantity of scent, means for diverting a portion of the air stream towards a scent outlet and delivery means for delivering the scent from the retaining means into the air stream associated with the scent outlet.
2. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fan is positioned within a duct located within a body of the dryer.
3. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fan is driven by an electric motor.
4. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a switching means for turning the dryer on and off as desired.
5. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the switching means is automatic.
6. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dryer has first and second outlets.
7. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first outlet is for directing air towards the user's hands and the second outlet is the scent outlet.
8. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a directional adjuster associated with the scent outlet to direct scented air in a desired direction.
9. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, in which the scent outlet is disposed at the end of an extension tube projecting from a body of the dryer.
10. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the extension tube and/or its outlet is arranged to direct expelled air away from a user of the dryer.
11. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the extension tube is adjustable in length and/or direction.
12. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising a locking mechanism for selectively locking the extension tube in a desired position.
13. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or any preceding claim dependent thereon, wherein the duct comprises a take-off tube leading to the scent outlet.
14. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein a throat of the take off tube can be variably opened and closed.
15. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the throat of the take off tube is variably openable and closable using a throttle.
16. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the throttle comprises a movable plate within the take off tube for selectively and/or variably obstructing the airflow.
17. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the throttle plate is adjustable using an adjuster that screw-threadedly engages with a connecting rod arranged to interact with a crank depending from an axle about which the throttle plate swivels.
18. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 15, 16 Or 17, wherein the throttle is adjustable using an actuator.
19. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a heating means for heating the expelled air.
20. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the scent retaining means is removable for ease of replacement, replenishment and/or servicing and inspection.
21. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the scent delivery means comprises a scent delivery tube that projects into the airflow downstream of the fan.
22. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the scent delivery tube holds a wick that collects scent from the scent retaining means and delivers it to the end of the scent delivery tube.
23. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein a sponge or other porous element is provided on the end of the delivery tube such that as air is directed out through the scent outlet, it passes over the sponge or porous element evaporating and/or atomising scent as it does so.
24. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the scent delivery means comprises a pressurised canister containing scent.
25. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the scent delivery tube has an atomising nozzle associated therewith to break the scent up into an aerosol.
26. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein scent is dispensed from the canister by way of an actuator.
27. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the scent delivery means comprises a pump.
28. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein the pump is a ram or plunger pump.
29. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the pump is actuated using an electrical actuator.
30. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 27, 28 or claim 29, wherein the pump is adapted for manual actuation.
31. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 29, wherein a quantity of scent is selectively delivered upon actuation of the dryer.
32. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 31 when dependent on any of claims 28 to 30, wherein the actuated pump is connected to and actuated by pressing an on/off switch associated with the dryer.
33. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 31 when dependent on any of claims 28 to 30, wherein the pump is actuated by an actuator electrically connected to an on/off switch of the dryer.
34. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 33, further comprising control means for delivering scent at predetermined intervals.
35. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 34, wherein the control means is a microprocessor.
36. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 35, further comprising a hand lotion reservoir containing a quantity of hand lotion.
37. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 36, wherein an actuator is provided for delivering a quantity of hand lotion into the first outlet downstream of the fan via a hand lotion delivery nozzle.
38. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein the delivery nozzle is fitted with an atomiser that delivers a fine dispersion of hand lotion into the air stream and onto the user's hands.
39. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 36, 37 or claim 38, further comprising one or more signal means that signal to inform the user when the hand lotion has been/is being dispensed.
40. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in. any one of claims 36 to 39, further comprising a sensor for sensing the position of the deflector such that hand lotion is not dispensed when the deflector is in a face drying position.
41. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the operation of the dryer is controlled using a microprocessor.
42. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 41, adapted for retrofit installation on an existing dryer.
43. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 42, comprising a body attachable to a dryer using clip fasteners, an air scoop adapted to project into the air stream of the dryer for collecting a portion of the air stream and directing via a tube past the scent delivery tube to the scent outlet.
44. A washroom scenting apparatus as claimed in claim 42 or claim 43, adapted to be disposable insofar as the scent retaining means is prebilled and factory sealed for single use.
45. A method of scenting a washroom using a hot air dryer, the hot air dryer comprising a fan arranged to direct air towards the hands of a user, the method comprising the steps of diverting a portion of the air stream from the dryer towards a scent outlet and using a delivery means to deliver a quantity of scent from a scent retaining means into the air stream associated with the scent outlet.
46. A method of scenting a washroom as claimed in claim 45, wherein the dryer further comprises control means for delivering scent at predetermined intervals.
47. A method of scenting a washroom as claimed in claim 46, wherein a quantity of scent is delivered every time the dryer is used.
48. A method of scenting a washroom as claimed in claim 46, wherein a quantity of scent is delivered at predetermined intervals.
49. A method of scenting a washroom as claimed in any one of claims 45 to 48, wherein the operation of the dryer is controlled using a microprocessor.
50. A washroom dryer comprising a fan arranged to direct an air stream towards the hands of a user, the wash room dryer further comprising a lotion retaining means for retaining a quantity of lotion and means for delivering a specified quantity of lotion from the lotion retaining means into the hands of the user at specified intervals.
51. A washroom dryer as claimed in claim 50, wherein the lotion is a hand lotion.
52. A washroom dryer as claimed in claim 51, wherein the hand lotion comprises one or more additives from the group comprising moisturisers, sanitizers, sterilisers, antibacterial agents and deodorants.
53. A washroom dryer as claimed in any of claims 50, 51 or 52, wherein an actuator is provided for delivering the specified quantity of hand lotion into the hands of the user.
54. A washroom dryer as claimed in claim 53, wherein the actuator is a pump.
55. A washroom dryer as claimed in any of claims 50 to 54, wherein the means for delivering comprises a delivery nozzle.
56. A washroom dryer as claimed in claim 55, wherein the nozle comprises an atomiser that delivers a fine dispersion of hand lotion into the air stream and onto the user's hands.
57. A washroom dryer as claimed in any of claims 50 to 56, further comprising one or more signal means that signal to inform the user when the hand lotion has been/is being dispensed.
58. A washroom dryer as claimed in claim 57, wherein the signal means is an audible signal generator.
59. A washroom dryer as claimed in claim 58, wherein the audible signal generator is a buzer.
60. A washroom dryer as claimed in claim 57, wherein the signal means a visual signal generator.
61. A washroom dryer as claimed in claim 57, wherein the visual signal generator is a light.
62. A washroom dryer as claimed in any of claims 50 to 61, further comprising a deflector for directing the air stream of the dryer in a desired direction, and a sensor and associated control means such that hand lotion is only dispensed when the deflector is in a desired position.
63. A washroom dryer as claimed in any of claims 50 to 62, further comprising a control means for delivering lotion at specified intervals.
64. A washroom dryer as claimed in any of claims 50 to 63, wherein the specified intervals is each time the dryer is used.
65. A washroom dryer as claimed in any of claims 50 to 63, wherein the specified intervals is each time the dryer is on-demand.
66. A washroom dryer as claimed in any of claim 65, wherein the specified intervals is each time a button on the dryer is pressed.
67. A washroom dryer as claimed in claim 62 or claim 63, wherein the control means is a microprocessor.
68. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
69. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.