GB2580942A

GB2580942A - Aerosol dispensing system

Info

Publication number: GB2580942A
Application number: GB1901335.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Keeling Robert
Original assignee: Airpure International Ltd
Current assignee: Airpure International Ltd
Priority date: 2019-01-31
Filing date: 2019-01-31
Publication date: 2020-08-05
Also published as: GB201901335D0; CN210259600U

Abstract

An aerosol dispensing system 100 for use with a replaceable and/or refillable aerosol canister comprises a holder to hold the aerosol canister, a release mechanism to dispense aerosol from the aerosol canister, and a receiver operable to activate the release mechanism on receiving a signal from a transmitter. The signal may be an infrared or radio signal. The system may further comprise a housing 105 with wall mounting means (135, fig. 1B.) The wall mounting means preferably has either a recess or a protrusion to engage with a corresponding part on the wall. The system may also have a timer mechanism to activate the release mechanism at a selection of predetermined time intervals, such as 9, 18 or 36 minutes. The release mechanism may have a lever (320, fig. 4A) with a resting position and an activated position, in which in the activated position the lever depresses an aerosol valve on the canister and in the resting position it does not.

Description

Aerosol Dispensing System

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an aerosol dispensing system for use with a replaceable and/or refillable aerosol canister, as well as to a kit containing, and a method of using, such a system. In particular, the invention relates to an aerosol dispensing system for the dispensing of aerosols on demand.

Introduction

Aerosol canisters provide one way of addressing malodourous environments, dispersing fragranced and/or odour eliminating formulations into the air to improve olfactory perception of the environment in question. They are typically operated by hand, via the depression and opening of an aerosol valve to release a quantity of the pressurised contents.

Aerosol dispensing systems have been introduced to disperse aerosols into selected environments in a more controlled and autonomous manner. The systems operate on a timer to release aerosol at regular intervals, maintaining a desired level of the fragrance in the environment. However, such systems are inflexible, and cannot easily adapt to changes in the environment without user intervention.

Alternative systems incorporate sensors to release aerosol in response to certain stimuli (e.g. motion sensors for triggering release when people are nearby). Such systems are, again, relatively inflexible and only effective in situations where the rate of activation by the stimuli corresponds to the amount of aerosol required.

Both of the above types of system are capable of improvement. For example, if the level of a malodourous moiety rapidly increases, the system has no way of compensating to mask it. Such systems also continue to release aerosol when no longer required to do so, resulting in wastage.

A few systems incorporate means for manual activation (e.g. buttons or switches) to address such circumstance. However, direct interaction of the user and system can result in the aerosol being discharged directly onto the user or in the immediate vicinity thereof, which is undesirable. It also requires the system to be easily accessible, limiting placement options, and leaving it vulnerable to abuse or mishandling by the public if it 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.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect, the present invention relates to an aerosol dispensing system for dispensing aerosol from an aerosol canister, the system comprising: a holder configured to hold the aerosol canister; a release mechanism operable to release aerosol from the aerosol canister; and a receiver operable to activate the release mechanism on receiving a signal from a transmitter. Manual control of the aerosol release means that a suitable quantity of aerosol is released only at times when it is required, thereby reducing wastage and increasing responsiveness. The transmitter allows the system to be operated at a distance, preventing incidents of users being sprayed with aerosol and allowing for greater freedom in placement of the system and, if positioned appropriately, prevents tampering or mishandling of the system.

The receiver may be operable to receive an infrared signal. Infrared signals are widely used to control various appliances in domestic and commercial settings and are proven to have good range and ease of use.

The receiver may be operable to receive a radio signal. Radio signal includes wireless networks. Such a signal may be transmitted as part of a wireless network already present in the environment into which the system is placed, such as a wi-fi network, thereby reducing the need for additional components. In embodiments wherein the system interacts with a pre-existing transmitter (e.g. a wi-fi router), the pre-existing transmitter is not part of the system per se. 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 the signal to cause the receiver to activate the release mechanism.

The system may further comprise the transmitter. The provision of a dedicated transmitter ensures that the system is not inadvertently activated by other systems and provides users with a clear and easily operable manner of activating the system. The transmitter may be mobile or it may be in a fixed location, for example adjacent to a doorway or a light switch. The system may further comprise a holster into which the transmitter may be removably inserted, the holster affixable to a surface. This gives the benefits of a mobile transmitter in that the transmitter may be moved to activate the system from any suitable location, while also providing a fixed location at which the transmitter may be stored, promoting easy use of the system and reducing the likelihood of the transmitter being misplaced. The transmitter may emit an infrared signal or a radio signal, per the method, which will be discussed in more detail later in this specification. The signal emitted may be receivable by the receiver at distances of up to 10 m.

The system may further comprise a housing comprising the holder, release mechanism and receiver. The housing may surround the holder, release mechanism and receiver to provide physical support and maintain the structure of the system. Alternatively or additionally, the housing may completely envelop the holder, release mechanism and receiver. The housing improves the aesthetic appeal of the system, provides it with physical robustness and affords a degree of protection from tampering. The housing may comprise multiple parts (e.g. a front part and a rear part) permitting opening thereof such that the aerosol canister and/or batteries may be inserted or removed. Such a housing may further comprise an internal casing, removably attached to another part of the housing, to partition the release mechanism and receiver from the holder.

The housing may further comprise wall mounting means. By being mountable to a wall, or other vertical surface, further options are provided for placement of the aerosol dispensing system other than flat surfaces. Mounting on a vertical surface may result in more optimal placement for the dispersal of the aerosol. In addition, it enables the aerosol dispensing system to be located at a height or location inaccessible to the general public when the system is installed in a public environment, thereby preventing tampering.

The wall mounting means may comprise a recess configured to receive and engage with a protrusion that is affixed to or part of the wall. Such a recess may, for example, comprise an indentation or cut-out shaped and sized so as to receive the head of a screw, or other fastening, set into a wall. The wall mounting means may comprise a protrusion configured to frictionally engage and/or mechanically interlock with a recess that is affixed to or part of the wall. The protrusion may, for example, comprise a peg or hook arrangement.

Additionally or alternatively a plate or bracket configured to be affixed to the wall by conventional means and comprising protrusions and/or recesses that are complementary to those of the housing may also be provided. Use of such a bracket allows the aerosol dispensing system to be more easily affixed 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 powered. The electrical power may be provided by batteries. By being battery powered, the installation of the aerosol dispensing system is made easier as wires are not needed to be supplied or routed to the location where the system is installed. In addition, the system may be moved more easily from one location to another. The batteries may be of any suitable type known to one skilled in the art; non-limiting examples include rechargable and non-rechargable batteries. The electrical power may be provided by an electricity supply. This provides a continuous supply of electrical power, as opposed to batteries which will require replacement.

The system may further comprise a timer mechanism, the timer mechanism operable to activate the release mechanism at a selection of predefined time intervals. The use of a timer mechanism allows for a baseline quantity of aerosol to be maintained in an area surrounding the aerosol dispenser without the need for the intervention of an operator. The selection of predefined time intervals may include intervals of 9 minutes, 18 minutes and 36 minutes. The skilled person could, of course, determine other intervals which may be suitable for use depending on the baseline quantity of aerosol required for a particular application. The timer mechanism may comprise a timer circuit. Such circuits are well known, easy to fit and simple to operate. The skilled person will be aware of a number of ways in which such mechanisms can be controlled, for example, a timer circuit may be controlled using a selector, such as a sliding switch in which each position that the switch can be held in corresponds to a different time interval. In exemplary embodiments wherein the system additionally comprises a housing containing the timer circuit, the selector may further comprise a tab which extends through a slot in the housing, the slot preferably located on the rear of the housing.

The release mechanism may comprise a lever with a resting position and an activated position, the positions configured such that when the aerosol canister is held in the holder: in the activated position the lever depresses an aerosol valve located on the canister; and in the resting position the lever does not depress the aerosol valve located on the canister. Such mechanisms are simple to produce, are suitable for a variety of aerosol canisters, robust and operate reliably in a wide range of conditions. The lever may be a protrusion extending perpendicularly from the surface of a mutilated gear, the mutilated gear connected to an electric motor by a series of gears that convert multiple, rapid rotations of the motor's drive shaft to a reduced number of slower rotations, with the lever's motion being restricted (e.g. by the aerosol canister, an actuator and/or the housing) such that the mutilated gear remains connected to the electric motor.

An actuator may be removably attached to the aerosol valve and disposed between the lever and the aerosol valve, such that: in the activated position the lever pushes the actuator to depress the aerosol valve; and in the resting position the lever does not push the actuator to depress the aerosol valve. In such embodiments, the lever does not contact the aerosol valve directly, but instead contacts the actuator. Aerosol valves usually comprise a short outlet tube, to which force is applied in order to open the valve. Once the valve is open, aerosol is dispensed through the tube in a direction opposing the application of force to the tube (i.e. onto the object applying force to the valve). Use of an actuator, such as one of those described above, prevents the object applying the force (i.e. the lever and/or release mechanism) from inadvertently blocking the aerosol valve by redirecting the flow of the 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 in fluid communication with the outlet tube of the aerosol valve located on the canister. A hollow actuator allows the aerosol to pass through the actuator. If appropriately dimensioned, the pressure of the aerosol is maintained on its passage through the actuator. The outlet may be configured to direct the aerosol when it is dispensed. By selecting the position of the outlet on the actuator, the direction in which the aerosol is dispensed from the canister can be controlled independently of the aerosol valve, thereby permitting a greater range of options for construction and arrangement of the system. Advantageously, the actuator allows the aerosol to be dispensed in a direction perpendicular to the motion of the lever (e.g. away from the release mechanism). This may be achieved by having an actuator which approximates an '12 shape (i.e. two conduits joined at the ends at a right angle).

The release mechanism may further comprise a motor operable to move the lever between the resting position and the activated position. Motors are a well-known and effective manner of providing locomotion to components. The motor may be an electric motor. Such motors are low maintenance, quiet in operation and suitable for use in enclosed spaces.

The motor may be further operable to hold the lever in the activated position for a predetermined period of time. By being held in the activated position, the aerosol valve is opened for a known quantity of time, meaning that a predetermined quantity of aerosol is released from the canister.

The release mechanism may be operable to release a predetermined quantity of aerosol from the canister. This advantageously allows for a measured release of aerosol into the environment per activation of the system, thereby allowing the operator a simple manner of controlling the quantity of aerosol in the environment and achieve a desired effect (e.g. a desired strength of scent).

The predetermined quantity of aerosol may be in the range of about 0.01 mL to about 1 mL; may preferably be in the range of about 0.05 mL to about 0.5 mL; may more preferably be in the range of about 0.07 mL to about 0.2 mL; and may most preferably be in the range of about 0.09 mL to 0.11 mL. Of course, the skilled person will be able to foresee and select other suitable values depending on the aerosol formulation to be used. Releasing a set quantity of aerosol into the environment per activation of the system allows the operator to easily release a quantity of the aerosol that may approximate any desired quantity.

The system may further comprise a display, notifying the user of the number of aerosol releases remaining until the canister will require replacement. The number of aerosol releases obtainable from an aerosol canister can be obtained by dividing the initial volume of the aerosol canister by the quantity of aerosol dispensed per release, the display then simply counts down from this number as the aerosol is released. Such a display may interact with the transmitter, receiver, activating mechanism and/or timer mechanism. The display may be mechanical or digital in nature.

The aerosol dispensing system may be a system for dispensing fragranced aerosols and/or odour eliminating aerosols. Such aerosols may be used to mask or remove unpleasant odours that arise in commercial or domestic environments.

In a further aspect, the present invention may relate to a kit comprising any aerosol dispensing system described previously, in combination with an aerosol canister. The aerosol canister provided in the kit may be replaceable and/or it may be refillable.

In a still further aspect, the present invention may relate to a method of dispensing an aerosol from an aerosol canister using any aerosol dispensing system described previously when fitted with an aerosol canister or any kit comprising the aerosol dispensing system and an aerosol canister as described previously, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting the signal from a transmitter; receiving the transmitted signal with the receiver; activating the release mechanism on reception of the signal by the receiver; and the release mechanism dispensing aerosol from the aerosol canister.

The signal may be an infrared signal. Infrared signals are widely used to control various appliances in domestic and commercial settings and are proven to have good range and ease of use.

The signal may be a radio signal. Radio signal includes wireless networks. Such a signal may be transmitted as part of a wireless network already present in the environment into which the system is placed, such as a wi-fi network, thereby reducing the need for additional components. In embodiments wherein the system interacts with a pre-existing transmitter (e.g. a wi-fi router), the pre-existing transmitter is not part of the system per se. 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 operable to cause the receiver to activate the release mechanism on receipt of the signal by the receiver.

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

The release mechanism may depress the aerosol valve by pressing the valve with a lever.

The lever may cease depressing the aerosol valve after a predetermined time period. By opening the aerosol valve for a predetermined time period a predetermined quantity of aerosol is released from the canister.

Aerosol valves usually comprise a short outlet tube, to which force is applied in order to open the valve. Once the valve is open, aerosol is dispensed through the tube in a direction opposing the application of force to the tube (i.e. onto the object applying force to the valve). The release mechanism may depress the aerosol valve by pressing an actuator removably connected to the outlet tube of the aerosol valve with a lever.

The use of an actuator prevents the lever or release mechanism more generally, from inhibiting the dispensing of the aerosol by redirecting the flow of the 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 in fluid communication with the tube of the aerosol valve, such that the aerosol is dispensed from the outlet. The use of such a hollow actuator allows aerosol to pass through the actuator. By selection of the outlet location, the aerosol can be dispensed in a desired direction. In particular, the aerosol may be dispersed in a direction perpendicular to the motion of the lever (e.g. away from the release mechanism). This may be achieved by having an actuator which approximates an 1' shape (i.e. two conduits joined at the ends at a right angle).

The lever may be moved by a motor. Motors are a well-known and effective manner of providing locomotion to components. The motor may be an electric motor. Such motors are low maintenance, quiet in operation and suitable for use in enclosed spaces.

A predetermined quantity of aerosol may be released from the canister. This advantageously allows for a measured release of aerosol into the environment per activation of the system, thereby allowing the operator a simple manner of controlling the quantity of aerosol in the environment and achieve a desired effect (e.g. a desired strength of scent).

The aerosol may be a fragranced and/or odour eliminating aerosol. Such aerosols may be used to mask or remove unpleasant odours that arise in commercial or domestic environments.

Brief Description of the Figures

Fig.1A is a front view of one embodiment of an aerosol dispensing system according to the present invention in the 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 shown in Figs. 1A and 1B in the open state.

Fig. 3 is a front view of an internal casing of the aerosol dispensing system shown in Figs. 1A and 1B with an in situ aerosol canister.

Fig. 4A is a front view of the internal casing shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 4B is a rear view of the internal casing shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 4C is a left profile view of the internal casing shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 4D is a right profile view of the internal casing shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5A is a cross section of an actuator which may be fitted to an aerosol canister in some embodiments of the kit according to the present invention.

Fig. 5B is a perspective view of the actuator shown in Fig. 5A in situ with the aerosol canister shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the transmitter and holster according to the aerosol dispensing system of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The following description is in relation to a particular embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to be limiting. The skilled person will understand that there are many permutations and variations which differ from the following description which do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

Figs. 1A and 1B show a particular embodiment of an aerosol dispensing system 100 comprising a housing 105made of plastic (e.g. polypropylene) and comprising a front part 110 and a back part 115 which fit together to make a whole. An aperture 120 is located on the front part 110 to permit a signal to reach a receiver, which is located within the housing 105 as described in more detail below. In the present embodiment, the aperture 120 is sealed with a material which is opaque to visible light, but permits transmission of the signal. A slit 125 is also located in the front part 110 to allow dispensation of aerosol from the system, as will be explained in more detail below.

Although shown with a particular shape in Fig. 1A, the skilled person will understand that the slit 125 may be any suitable shape that allows the aerosol to be dispersed freely.

The rear part 115 comprises a wall-mounting means 135 in the form of a recess with a large lower section 135a and a small upper section 135b. The recess is shaped such that the head of a screw or nail or other such fixing (not shown) may pass through the lower section 135a, but not the upper section 135b, and the shaft of the screw or nail may slide into the upper section 135b from the lower section 135a. In this manner, the system 100 is mountable to a wall (not shown) by a screw, nail, or similar shaped fixing, affixed to the wall. Of course, it will be appreciated that the system 100, although wall-mountable, is not required to be mounted to a wall. Due to the flat base 150 the system 100 may alternatively be placed on a shelf or other approximately horizontal surface.

The rear part 115 also defines a slot 140, through which a selector 145 extends. The selector 145 is connected to a controller (not shown) for a timer mechanism (not shown) connected to a release mechanism (not shown in this figure). In the embodiment of Fig. 1B, the selector 145 is in the form of a tab connected to a sliding switch which controls the timer mechanism. The tab has four positions, each of which sets the controller to a different aerosol release setting. The settings are 'off', 9 minutes between activations, 18 minutes between activations and 36 minutes between activations. Of course, the timer mechanism could be programmed such that any other predefined time intervals are instead available for selection.

Fig. 2 shows the front part 110 and rear part 115 of the housing 105 are hingedly connected at their respective bases via a pair of pivot points 210 with a common axis. Thus the housing 105 is openable with the front part 110 rotating around the axis, moving forward and down, thereby opening the housing. Alternatively, the rear part 115 may be moved down to open the housing 105. The pivot points 210 are formed of a pair of openings in the base of the rear part 115 which receive pins formed in the base of the front part 110. The skilled person will appreciate that this is but one of a number of ways in which the front part 110 and rear part 115 may be joined to permit opening.

Opening the housing 105 expose the holder so that an aerosol canister (not shown) may be inserted into it and removed once empty. In this embodiment, the holder is integrally formed with the housing 105. The holder comprises a series of ribs 215 located on the internal surfaces of the housing 105, both the front part 110 and rear part 115. The ribs 215 form the circumference of the holder when closed (i.e. they circumferentially enclose the aerosol canister when the housing 105 is closed), and a base 220, on which an aerosol canister (not shown) can sit. Opening the housing 105 also exposes an internal casing 225, the lower surface of which, while not forming part of the holder itself, provides some stabilisation of the aerosol canister (not shown) by virtue of being complementarily shaped so as to accommodate the upper part of he canister. The internal casing 225 comprises battery compartments 235 which are formed as recesses, allowing insertion and replacement of batteries (not shown) as and when required. Each battery compartment 235 also comprises apertures 230 at each end through which electrical contacts for the circuitry that is powered by the batteries protrude.

The internal casing 225 is removably fixed to the back part 115 of the housing 105 via screws or other fixings (not shown) inserted through holes 240 which are complementary to spurs (not shown) in the back part 115. Snap fittings are also located on the sides of the internal casing (see Figs. 4B, 4C and 4D). The internal casing 225 holds a receiver, release mechanism and timer mechanism (not shown in this figure) in a separate partition to the aerosol canister such that, when the housing 105 is opened, these components remain inaccessible and protected. The top surface 260 of the internal casing 225 includes a depressible tab 245 that is complementary to an aperture 250 in the top surface of the front part 110. When the housing 105 is closed, the tab 245 fits into the aperture 250 and prevents opening of the housing 105 by virtue of being mechanically interlocked. When the housing 105 is to be opened, the tab 245 is depressed, moving it out of the aperture 250 and permitting movement of the front part 110 relative to the internal casing 225 and back part 115. In the alternative embodiment, wherein the rear part 115 moves to open the housing 105, the internal casing 225 is removably fixed to the front part 110 of the housing 105, and the aperture 250 is located in the top surface of the rear part 115.

The receiver (not shown) is located in a port 255 in the internal casing 225. The location of the port 255 corresponds to location of the aperture 120 of the front part 105 when the housing 105 is closed.

Fig. 3 shows the interaction between the internal casing 225 and an aerosol canister 300 when in situ noting that the remainder of the aerosol dispensing system 100 has been omitted from this figure for clarity. A lower surface 302 of the internal casing 225 is shaped to define a recess 325 which accommodates the upper portion of the canister 300. The internal casing 225 includes also includes a notch 305 in the rear wall 307 of the recess 325 of the internal casing 225 into which an actuator 310, connected to an aerosol valve 315 (shown in dotted outline) located in the top surface of the aerosol canister 300, and a lever 320 both extend. In the resting position, the lever 320 exerts no force on the actuator 310 and hence does not depress the aerosol valve 315. On activation, the lever 320 is moved downwards by a motor (as described below), exerting force on the actuator 310 and depressing the aerosol valve 315, thereby releasing aerosol from the aerosol canister 300. In addition to the recess 305, the internal casing 225 also defines a recess 325, which permits the easy insertion and removal of the actuator 310 into the notch 305.

Fig. 4A shows a front view of the internal casing 225 without the aerosol canister 300. A receiver (not shown) comprises an infrared sensor (not shown) located in the port 255, and is connected to a circuit board on which is a control circuit (not shown). On receipt of an infrared signal, the control circuit activates the release mechanism (described in greater detail below). Of course, the sensor could alternatively be a radio receiver and the receiver could act on receipt of a radio signal (e.g. emitted by a wireless network). The control circuit is held in the internal casing 225.

The internal casing 225 also holds a timer circuit (not shown), an example of a timer mechanism, which is controlled by the tab 145 extending through the slot 140 on the back part of the housing 105. Sliding the tab 145 along the slot 140 alters the time between automated activations. In this particular system, the tab 145 has four positions corresponding to "Off' (i.e. no sprays), 9 minutes, 18 minutes and 36 minutes between activations. The skilled person will appreciate that, although these conventional timings are selected, any other suitable timing may be used.

Fig. 4B shows the rear of the internal casing 225 and shows a release mechanism 400 located in the internal casing 225. The release mechanism 400 comprises an electric motor 405, a first gear 410, a second gear 415 and the lever 310 (as described above) (not shown in Fig. 4B). On activation by a receiver circuit in communication with the receiver, or timer circuit, (not shown) the motor 405 turns. The first gear 410 and second gear 415 transmit the rotation of the motor 405 to the lever 320, which is a projection extending perpendicularly from the surface of a mutilated (quarter) gear (not shown). Also shown in Fig. 4B are the snap fittings 420, the complementary parts of which (not shown) are formed in the back part 115, and permit reversible joining of the internal casing 225 and rear part 11 of the housing 105.

Fig. 4C shows a left profile of the internal casing 225 and Fig. 4D shows a right profile of the internal casing 225. Between them, these views depict the arrangement of the motor 405, first gear 410 and second gear 415. The first gear 410 comprises a large gear 410a and a small gear 410b with a common axis of rotation which are joined together such that they rotate simultaneously (e.g. formed as a single piece). The second gear 415, not shown in detail, is identical to the first gear 410.

The motor 405 has a drive gear 405a, which connects with the first large gear 410a. The first small gear 410b connects to the larger gear of the second gear 415, and the smaller gear of the second gear 415 connects to the mutilated gear (not shown) to which the lever 320 is attached. The ratios of the gears are such that the multiple rotations of the motor 405 are converted to a partial rotation of the mutilated gear (not shown) to which the lever 320 is attached. As a result lever 320 is moved downwards even against resistance provided by the aerosol valve 315.

The lever 320 is relatively broad in shape such that, even with the rotation of the mutilated gear (not shown) moving it around the gear's rotational axis (i.e. providing lateral as well as vertical motion), the lever 320 remains in contact with the actuator 310, thereby providing a downward force, throughout the full range of its motion, opening the valve 315 of the canister 300. When activation of the release mechanism ceases, the lever 320 is returned to its original resting position towards the top of the notch 305, thereby closing the valve 315 and ending the release of aerosol. The release mechanism holds the lever 320 in the activated position for a set period of time, such that a set quantity of aerosol is dispensed from the aerosol canister 300.

The base 425 of the notch provides a stop for the lever 320, ensuring that the teeth of its mutilated gear portion remain enmeshed with those of the second gear 415 even in the absence of an aerosol canister 300 to provide resistance to the motion of the lever 320.

Fig. 5A shows a cross section of an actuator 310 which may be removably fitted to the aerosol canister 300 as part of the kit of the present invention. The actuator 310 is hollow and defines a conduit 500 which extends between a first opening 505 and a second opening 510. The conduit 500 includes a bend with an angle of approximately 90°, such that the first opening 505 and second opening 510 are perpendicular to one another. The first opening 505 is dimensions so as to frictionally engage an outlet tube 515 of the aerosol canister 300 and prevent egress of aerosol at this joint. The second opening 510 permits the aerosol that is introduced into the conduit 500 through the first opening 505 from the outlet tube 515 to be dispersed. By selecting the direction that the second opening 510 is facing relative to the first opening 505, the direction in which the aerosol is dispensed may be selected.

Fig. 5B shows the actuator 310 when positioned on the outlet tube 515 of the aerosol valve 315. The first opening 505 fits tightly around the outlet tube 515 and the second opening 510 is open to the atmosphere. Due to the bend in the conduit 500 the second opening faces perpendicular to the axis of the outlet tube 515. When the actuator 310 is pushed downwards (as per the orientation shown) towards the valve 315, the valve 315 opens and aerosol is dispensed through the outlet tube 515 under pressure. The aerosol passes through the conduit 500 and is dispersed through the second opening 510, away from the object applying the depressive force to the actuator 310. The second opening 510 is restricted such that a high pressure is maintained in the conduit 500 and the aerosol is dispensed effectively. The restriction is an additional component which can be inserted into a second opening 510 of relatively wide gauge. Alternatively, the restriction can be formed integrally as part of the actuator 310 (i.e. the second opening 510 is of a narrow gauge).

Fig. 6 shows a transmitter 600 that forms part of the system 100 in embodiments wherein there is a dedicated transmitter. The figure also shows a holster 605 in which the transmitter may be stored. The transmitter 600 comprises an activation button 610, an LED 615 and an emitter 620. The transmitter 600 comprises a cuboid sealed body made of plastic, inside which transmitter circuitry is located. On the rear surface of the transmitter 600 is a slidable panel (not shown) which encloses the battery compartment (not shown). The activation button 610 is located on the front of the transmitter 600 and depressing the button 610 activates the transmitter 600 to emit the infrared signal, which is subsequently detected by the receiver located in the housing 105 shown in previous Figs. The LED 615 which emits light on activation. The receiver circuit may also comprise an LED which emits light on activation. The timer circuit also comprises an LED which emits light intermittently when the tab 145 is in any position other than 'off' to indicate that the circuit is active and that the dispenser may dispense aerosol.

The transmitter 600 may be placed in the holster 605 for storage. The holster 605 is made of plastic and is configured to hold the transmitter 600 around three of its sides, so that the transmitter 600 may be slid into and out of the holster 605. The skilled person will understand that the transmitter 600 may be any desirable shape the meets the required aesthetic and ergonomic standards and that the holster 605 will be shaped to complement the shape of the transmitter 600.

Claims

CLAIMS: An aerosol dispensing system for dispensing aerosol from an aerosol canister, the system comprising: a holder configured to hold the aerosol canister; a release mechanism operable to dispense aerosol from the aerosol canister; and a receiver operable to activate the release mechanism on receiving a signal from a transmitter.
The system of claim 1, wherein the receiver is operable to receive an infrared signal or a radio signal.
3. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system further comprises the transmitter.
The system of any preceding claim, further comprising a housing comprising the holder, release mechanism and receiver, optionally wherein the housing further comprises wall mounting means.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the wall mounting means comprises either (i) a recess configured to receive and engage with a protrusion that is affixed to or part of the wall, or (ii) a protrusion configured to frictionally engage and/or mechanically interlock with a recess that is affixed to or part of the wall.
The system of any preceding claim, wherein the release mechanism and/or receiver are electrically powered.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the electrical power is provided by one or more batteries or by an electricity supply. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
The system of any preceding claim, further comprising a timer mechanism, the timer mechanism operable to activate the release mechanism at a selection of predefined time intervals.
The system of claim 8, wherein the selection of predefined time intervals includes intervals of 9 minutes, 18 minutes and 36 minutes.
The system of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the timer mechanism comprises a timer circuit.
The system of any preceding claim, wherein the release mechanism comprises a lever with a resting position and an activated position, the positions configured such that when the aerosol canister is held in the holder: in the activated position the lever depresses an aerosol valve located on the canister; and in the resting position the lever does not depress the aerosol valve located on the canister.
The system of claim 11, wherein an actuator is attached to the aerosol valve and disposed between the lever and the aerosol valve, such that: in the activated position the lever pushes the actuator to depress the aerosol valve; and in the resting position the lever does not push the actuator to depress the aerosol valve.
The system of claim 12, wherein the actuator comprises an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication through the actuator, the inlet in fluid communication with the aerosol valve located on the canister, optionally wherein the outlet is configured to direct the aerosol when it is dispensed.
The system of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the release mechanism further comprises a motor operable to move the lever between the resting position and the activated position, optionally wherein the motor is further 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.operable to hold the lever in the activated position for a predetermined period of time.
The system of any preceding claim, wherein the release mechanism is operable to release a predetermined quantity of aerosol from the canister, optionally wherein the predetermined quantity of aerosol is in the range of about 0.01 mL to about 1 mL.
The system of any preceding claim, wherein the aerosol dispensing system is a system for dispensing fragranced aerosols and/or odour eliminating aerosols.
A kit comprising the aerosol dispensing system of any preceding claim and an aerosol canister.
The kit of claim 17 wherein the canister is a replaceable and/or refillable canister.
A method of dispensing aerosol from an aerosol canister using the system of any of claims 1 to 16 when fitted with an aerosol canister or the kit of claim 17 or claim 18 comprising the steps of: transmitting a signal from a transmitter; receiving the transmitted signal with the receiver; activating the release mechanism on reception of the signal by the receiver; and the release mechanism dispensing aerosol from the aerosol canister.
The method of claim 19, wherein the signal is an infrared signal or a radio signal.
The method of any of claims 19 to 20, wherein the step of releasing aerosol from the aerosol canister comprises depressing an aerosol valve located on the canister, optionally wherein the release mechanism (i) depresses the aerosol valve by pressing the valve with a lever, or (ii) depresses the aerosol valve by pressing an actuator connected to the aerosol valve with a lever.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the actuator comprises an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication through the actuator, the inlet in fluid communication with the aerosol valve, such that the aerosol is dispensed from the outlet.
23. The method of any of claims 21 to 22, wherein the lever ceases depressing the aerosol valve after a predetermined time period.
24. The method of any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the lever is moved by a motor.
25. The method of any of claims 19 to 24, wherein a predetermined quantity of aerosol is released from the canister, optionally wherein the predetermined quantity of aerosol is in the range of about 0.01 mL to about 1 mL.
26. The method of any of claims 19 to 25 wherein the aerosol is a fragranced and/or odour eliminating aerosol.