GB2619017A

GB2619017A - Scent dispenser and cartridge therefor

Info

Publication number: GB2619017A
Application number: GB2207448.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Unsal Memet; Lacin Tolga; Henley Fawkes David; James Williamson William; James Renfrew Bruce
Original assignee: Scent5 Teknoloji A S
Current assignee: Scent5 Teknoloji A S
Priority date: 2022-05-20
Filing date: 2022-05-20
Publication date: 2023-11-29
Also published as: GB202207448D0

Abstract

A cartridge 100 for a scent dispenser 200 (Fig. 2) comprising one or more porous members (wicks) 104 and a reservoir, wherein the porous member is in fluid connection at both ends to the reservoir by a first and second passageway 116 and 126, wherein the first passageway is defined by a valve mechanism allowing the passageway to be selectively opened or closed. The reservoir may comprise a first and second portion. The first portion may provide a recess 118 for a sealed capsule 106 containing the scented liquid, and the second portion may provide a recess 120 for a piercing member 108 for the sealed capsule (Fig. 1B). Once pierced, the liquid may flow down to the second portion, where an actuator 206 (Fig 2) provided on the cartridge support apparatus 200 may squeeze a flexible membrane 110 which pumps the liquid through the second passageway and onto the porous member. The support apparatus may further comprise a fan 204 (Fig. 2) opposite the porous member.

Description

Scent dispenser and cartridge therefor The present invention relates to a cartridge for a scent dispenser. It also relates to an apparatus (a scent dispenser) operable to support or receive a cartridge and to cause a scent to be dispensed from the cartridge to the surrounding environment.

Scent dispensers may dispense a scent to the surrounding environment, for example, via evaporation of a volatile liquid into surrounding environment. Using such a scent dispenser, vapour from the volatile liquid may be provided to a room and may have a pleasant or desirable smell. It may be desirable to provide a scent dispenser which offers good control over an intensity of the scent dispensed thereby.

It may be desirable to provide an alternative scent dispenser and/or cartridge. It may further be desirable to provide such an alternative scent dispenser and/or cartridge which at least partially addresses one or more of the problems of the prior art, whether identified herein or elsewhere.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a cartridge for a scent dispenser, the cartridge comprising: a reservoir for containing a liquid; and at least one porous member, wherein the or each porous member is elongate, and hollow porous member, and wherein at least one end of the or each porous member is in fluid communication with the reservoir.

The porous members may be referred to as a wicks.

The cartridge according to the first aspect of the disclosure is particularly advantageous, as now described.

In use, a scent dispenser may be operable to cause liquid (for example a perfume) to be provided from the reservoir to so as to flow through the at least one porous member. To achieve this, the scent dispenser may be provided with any suitable actuation mechanism. As the liquid flows through the at least one porous member it may saturate it/them and wick through the at least one porous member to an external surface thereof. At least a portion of the liquid may then evaporate to provide a scent to the surrounding environment.

In contrast to known arrangements comprising solid wicks that a liquid can wick axially along the length of, the at least one hollow porous member of the cartridge according to the first aspect provides a number of advantages. By tipping or pumping liquid from the reservoir through the at least one hollow porous member substantially the entire internal surface thereof can be saturated in a short time period. Advantageously, this arrangement provides better control over the delivery of the liquid or perfume than, for example, a solid porous member. Rather than the liquid wicking axially along the length of a solid wick, the entire inner surface of the hollow porous member is provided with liquid that wicks radially outwards, where it may be delivered to an air flow provided by a fan of a scent dispenser. Furthermore, the use of such at least one hollow porous member can prevent oversaturafion of the or each porous member, which may result in undesirable leakage of the liquid.

The cartridge according to the first aspect may be suitable for use in a scent dispenser that is suitable for domestic use and which can provide an easily adjustable and controllable intensity of perfume to a room.

It will be appreciated that since the at least one porous member is elongate, and hollow the or each porous member may be generally of the form of a tube formed from porous material.

The cartridge may comprise a plurality of porous members. For such embodiments, the plurality of porous members may be generally mutually parallel.

At least one end of the or each porous member may be in fluid communication with the reservoir via a passageway. Advantageously, with such an arrangement liquid may be actively pumped via the passageway to the or each porous member as desired. This provides better control over the delivery of the liquid than an arrangement wherein wicks are pre-soaked in, or partially disposed in a reservoir containing, a liquid for disbursal.

It will be appreciated that as used herein a cartridge is intended to mean a container for a consumable (for example liquid) that is used in a larger or more complex item of apparatus or equipment (for example a scent dispenser) and which can be replaced with a similar part. In general such a cartridge may be a replaceable, consumable product.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a cartridge for a scent dispenser, the cartridge comprising: a reservoir for containing a liquid; and at least one porous member; wherein the reservoir is disposed at a first end of the at least one porous member, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with the first end of the at least one porous member via a first passageway and wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with a second end of the at least one porous member via a second passageway; and wherein the first passageway is provided with a valve mechanism allowing the first passageway to be selectively opened or closed.

The porous members may be referred to as a wicks.

The cartridge according to the second aspect of the disclosure is particularly advantageous, as now described.

In use, a scent dispenser may be operable to cause liquid (for example a perfume) to be provided from the reservoir to so as to flow through the at least one porous member. To achieve this, the scent dispenser may be provided with any suitable actuation mechanism. As the liquid flows through the at least one porous member it may saturate it/them and wick through the at least one porous member to an external surface thereof.

At least a portion of the liquid may then evaporate to provide a scent to the surrounding environment.

In use, the cartridge may be orientated such the reservoir is generally below the at least one porous member. The at least one porous member may be generally vertical. In use, the first end of the at least one porous member may be the bottom of the at least one porous member and the second end of the at least one porous member may be the top of the at least one porous member. Advantageously, the second passageway allows liquid to be provided to the second end of the at least one porous member (which, in use, is the top of the at least one porous member). The liquid may then flow through the at least one porous member under gravity. The first passageway allows any excess liquid to drain from the first end of the at least one porous member (which, in use, is the bottom of the at least one porous member) back into the reservoir. This arrangement provides good control over the delivery of the liquid, particularly as the reservoir is depleted.

Advantageously, the valve mechanism allows the first passageway to be closed. Once closed, if the reservoir is squeezed, liquid will be forced through the second passageway and delivered to the second end of the at least one porous member (which, in use, is the top of the at least one porous member). Once liquid has been delivered to the second end of the at least one porous member via the second passageway, the first passageway can be opened to allow any excess liquid to flow back into the reservoir.

The cartridge according to the second aspect may be suitable for use in a scent dispenser that is suitable for domestic use and which can provide an easily adjustable and controllable intensity of perfume to a room.

At least a portion of the reservoir may be formed from a flexible material.

Such a cartridge may be used in a scent dispenser which may comprise an actuator that is operable to deform the flexible material and squeeze the reservoir. This may force at least a portion of a liquid within the reservoir into the at least one porous member, where it may wick through a wall of the at least one porous member. This provides a basis for particularly simple mechanism for pumping liquid from the reservoir and through the at least one porous member.

The cartridge may comprise: a rigid body, a recess being defined in the rigid body; and a flexible membrane sealed to the rigid body, wherein at least a portion of the reservoir is formed by the recess and the flexible material.

The rigid body may, for example be formed from a plastics material. For example, the rigid body may formed by injection molding.

The flexible membrane may comprise any suitable plastics material.

The reservoir may be disposed at a first end of the at least one porous member. The reservoir may be in fluid communication with the first end of the at least one porous member via a first passageway. The reservoir may be in fluid communication with a second end of the at least one porous member via a second passageway.

In use, the cartridge may be orientated such that the reservoir is disposed below the at least one porous member. That is, in use, the first end of the at least one porous member may be a bottom of the at least one porous member and the second end of the at least one porous member may be a top of the at least one porous member.

Advantageously, the second passageway may allow liquid to be provided to the second end of the at least one porous member (which, in use, is the top of the at least one porous member). The liquid may then flow through the at least one porous member under gravity. The first passageway may allow any excess liquid to drain from the first end of the at least one porous member (which, in use, is the bottom of the at least one porous member) back into the reservoir.

This arrangement provides good control over the delivery of the liquid, particularly as the reservoir is depleted.

The first passageway and the second passageway may be at least partially formed by channels in the rigid body.

The first passageway may be provided with a valve mechanism allowing the first passageway to be selectively opened or closed.

For embodiments comprising a flexible membrane and a rigid body, the valve mechanism may be actuated by pressing the flexible membrane so as to contact the rigid body and so close the first passageway.

One or more walls may partially divide the reservoir into a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the second passageway.

Advantageously, such an arrangement may allow for a simpler actuation mechanism comprising a single actuator in the scent dispenser, as now discussed.

The one or more walls may be arranged such that a dimension and shape of the second portion of the reservoir may be generally complementary to a dimension and shape of an actuator. As such, an actuator may be operable to first engage with the cartridge to generally isolate the second portion from the first portion. Subsequently, the same actuator may be moved, whilst still engaged with the cartridge, said movement of the actuator forcing liquid through the second passageway to the second end of the at least one porous member.

Preferably, only a relatively narrow connecting portion fluidly connects the first and second portions of the reservoir. For example, a dimension of the connecting portion may be of the order of a dimension of the second passageway. A dimension of the connecting portion may be less than half of a dimension of the first and second portions.

The second portion of the reservoir may comprise a generally linear channel of generally uniform width, the first portion being connected to the second portion only at one end of said generally linear channel.

With such an arrangement an actuator having external dimensions smaller than and generally matching the internal dimensions of the generally linear channel can be moved along the channel to force liquid through the second passageway to the second end of the at least one porous member in a similar manner to a peristaltic pump. The actuator may be of the form of a roller or the like.

The second portion of the reservoir may comprise a generally annular channel of generally uniform width, the first portion being connected to the second portion only at one circumferential position on said generally annular channel and the second passageway being connected to a different position on the generally annular channel.

With such an arrangement a rotary actuator having three protrusions with external dimensions smaller than and generally matching the internal dimensions of the generally annular channel can be moved around the channel to force liquid through the second passageway to the second end of the at least one porous member in a similar manner to a peristaltic pump. The three protrusions (or rollers) on a single rotating actuator may act as a non-return valve.

The cartridge may further comprise a second reservoir. The reservoir may be disposed at a first end of the at least one porous member and the reservoir may be in fluid communication with the first end of the at least one porous member via a first passageway. The second reservoir may be disposed at a second end of the at least one porous member, and the second reservoir may be in fluid communication with the second end of the at least one porous member via a second passageway In use, the cartridge may be orientated such the at least one porous member is generally vertical, with one of the reservoir or the second reservoir generally below the at least one porous member and the other one of the reservoir or the second reservoir generally above the at least one porous member. It will be appreciated that the liquid will be disposed in the reservoir at the bottom of the cartridge.

Advantageously, with this arrangement having two reservoirs, by rotating the cartridge by 180° about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the at least one porous member the reservoir containing the liquid that was at the bottom can be moved to the top, allowing the liquid to flow through the at least one porous member to the other reservoir under gravity. Such an arrangement provides a simple, alternative mechanism by which liquid can be caused to move from one of the reservoirs so as to flow through the at least one porous member.

The cartridge may further comprise a liquid to be dispensed.

The liquid may comprise a perfume or other volatile liquid which it is desired to dispense.

The cartridge may further comprise a sealing mechanism for preventing the liquid from flowing through the at least one porous member. The cartridge may further comprise a seal breaking actuator operable to break said sealing mechanism.

Such an arrangement advantageously prevents the cartridge from leaking during storage or transport. In addition, this prevents the cartridge from drying out during periods of storage. This means that the liquid is not wasted before the cartridge is used (at which time the seal breaking actuator can be used to break the sealing mechanism to allow delivery of the liquid).

The liquid may be disposed in a sealed capsule and the cartridge may further comprise a piercing member movable between a first, storage position and second, actuated position in which it extends into and ruptures the sealed capsule.

For example, the sealed capsule may be hermetically sealed. The sealed capsule may be at least partially formed from a flexible membrane or the like that can be ruptured by the piercing member. The piercing member may be movably mounted in, and sealed to, a body of the cartridge.

The reservoir may define a chamber for receipt of a sealed capsule. The chamber may have an opening to allow the piercing member to move into the chamber and to allow the liquid to flow out of the chamber.

In some embodiments, the opening may act as a guide bush for the piercing member.

In such embodiments, the opening may be generally circular and the piercing member may comprise a generally cylindrical portion, an outer dimension of the generally cylindrical portion generally matching an internal dimension of the opening. In such embodiments, the generally cylindrical portion may define one or more axial recesses to allow liquid to flow through the opening while the piercing member is received in the opening.

The cartridge may further comprise a storage reservoir. The liquid may be disposed in the storage reservoir and the sealing mechanism may comprise a valve operable to isolate the storage reservoir from the at least one porous member.

The valve may be operable to isolate the storage reservoir from all other parts of the cartridge. The storage reservoir may be disposed at an opposite end of the at least one porous member to the reservoir.

The sealing mechanism may comprise a valve operable to isolate the reservoir from the at least one porous member.

The valve may, for example, comprise a single valve member moveable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. When disposed in the closed configuration, the single valve member may substantially block and seal both the first and second passageways.

The cartridge may further comprise a biasing member arranged to bias a valve member of the valve towards a closed configuration in which the reservoir is isolated from the at least one porous member.

The cartridge may further comprise a rigid plate connected to the rigid body so as to form a two-part housing for the valve member and the biasing member.

The valve member may define an engagement feature which, in use, can be acted on by an actuator of a scent dispenser.

A groove may be defined on the rigid body for receipt of an actuator of a scent dispenser for acting on the valve member.

The cartridge may further comprise a rack gear. In some embodiments, the rack gear may be formed on a surface of the rigid body. In use, the cartridge may be inserted into a scent dispenser, for example through an aperture defined in the scent dispenser. After a portion of the cartridge has been so inserted, a pinion gear within the scent dispenser may act on the rack gear formed of the cartridge so as to fully pull the cartridge into the scent dispenser.

The at least one porous member may be formed from polypropylene.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus comprising: a support for supporting a cartridge according to the first or second aspects of the present disclosure; and an actuation mechanism operable interact with a cartridge supported by the support so as to cause liquid to flow from the reservoir through the at least one porous member.

The apparatus according to the third aspect of the disclosure is particularly suitable for engaging with a cartridge according to the first and second aspects and for causing liquid to flow from the reservoir through the at least one porous member (via the actuation mechanism). As the liquid flows through the at least one porous member it may saturate it/them and wick through the at least one porous member to an external surface thereof. At least a portion of the liquid may then evaporate to provide a scent to the surrounding environment.

The apparatus may be particularly suitable for domestic use and can provide an easily adjustable and controllable intensity of perfume to a room.

The actuation mechanism may comprise at least one actuator operable to squeeze the reservoir of a cartridge supported by the support.

For example, in some embodiments at least a portion of the reservoir may be formed from a flexible material. The at least one actuator may be operable to deform a flexible material of the cartridge and squeeze the reservoir. This may force at least a portion of a liquid within the reservoir into the at least one porous member, where it may wick through a wall of the at least one porous member. In this way the at least one actuator may be operable to pump liquid from the reservoir and through the at least one porous member.

When supported by the support the reservoir of the cartridge may be disposed below the at least one porous member.

The actuation mechanism may comprise a valve actuator operable to move between a first position wherein a first passageway of a cartridge supported by the support is open and a second position wherein a first passageway of a cartridge supported by the support is closed.

For embodiments of the cartridge comprising a flexible membrane and a rigid body, the valve actuator may be operable to move so as to press the flexible membrane so as to contact the rigid body and so close the first passageway when disposed in the second position.

The actuation mechanism may comprise a pump actuator operable to squeeze the reservoir of a cartridge supported by the support when the valve actuator is disposed in the second position.

It will be appreciated that the valve member and the pump member may comprise separate parts of a common body.

The actuation mechanism may comprise at least one actuator operable to: engage with a cartridge supported by the support to generally isolate a second portion of the reservoir from a first portion of the reservoir; and to move, whilst still engaged with the cartridge, so as to force liquid through a second passageway of the cartridge to the second end of the at least one porous member of the cartridge.

The actuator may be a linear actuator.

Alternatively, the actuator may be a rotary actuator comprising three protrusions.

The actuation mechanism may be operable to rotate a cartridge supported by the support by 180° about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the at least one porous member of the cartridge.

The apparatus may further comprise a liquid release actuator operable to engage with and actuate a seal breaking actuator of a cartridge supported by the support so as to release liquid so that it can flow through the at least one porous member of the cartridge.

The liquid release actuator may be operable to actuate a valve of a cartridge supported by the support so as to fluidly connect a storage reservoir of the cartridge and the at least one porous member of the cartridge.

The support may define a volume for receipt of the cartridge.

The support may be arranged such that the porous members of a cartridge supported thereby are generally vertical.

The apparatus may further comprise a fan operable to provide an air flow in the vicinity of the or each porous member of a cartridge supported by the support.

The apparatus may further comprise a housing arranged to at least partially surround the support and a cartridge supported thereby.

A body of the housing may define one or more vents.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a system comprising: the cartridge of the first or second aspects of the present disclosure; and the apparatus according to the third aspect of the present disclosure.

Various aspects and features of the invention set out above or below may be combined with various other aspects and features of the invention as will be readily apparent to the skilled person.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cartridge for a scent

dispenser according to the present disclosure;

Figure 1B is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in Figure 1A; Figure 1C is a plan view of the cartridge shown in Figures 1A and 1B (with a transparent flexible member or with the flexible member removed); Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of a first embodiment of a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure with the cartridge shown in Figures 1A to 1C received therein; Figures 3A to 3G show schematically how the scent dispenser shown in Figure 2 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir of the cartridge shown in Figures 1A to 10 through porous members of the cartridge shown in Figures 1A to 1C; Figure 4A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a cartridge for a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure; Figure 4B is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in Figure 4A; Figure 40 is a plan view of the cartridge shown in Figures 4A and 4B (with a transparent flexible member or with the flexible member removed); Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of a second embodiment of a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure with the cartridge shown in Figures 4A to 40 received therein; Figures 6A to 6G show schematically how the scent dispenser shown in Figure 5 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir of the cartridge shown in Figures 4A to 40 through porous members of the cartridge shown in Figures 4A to 40; Figure 7A is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a cartridge for a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure; Figure 7B is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in Figure 7A; Figure 70 is a plan view of the cartridge shown in Figures 7A and 7B (with a transparent flexible member or with the flexible member removed); Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of a third embodiment of a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure with the cartridge shown in Figures 7A to 70 received therein; Figures 9A to 9G show schematically how the scent dispenser shown in Figure 8 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir of the cartridge shown in Figures 7A to 70 through porous members of the cartridge shown in Figures 7A to 70; Figures 10A to 100 show three different perspective views of parts of a fourth embodiment of a cartridge for a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure; and Figures 11A and 11B each show a cross section of the arrangement shown in Figures 10A to 100 through the line A-A with a valve member thereof disposed in a closed configuration (Figure 11A) and an open configuration (Figure 113).

A first embodiment of a cartridge 100 and a scent dispenser 200 is now described with reference to Figures 1A to 3G.

The cartridge 100 comprises: a rigid body 102, four porous members 104, a capsule 106 containing a liquid (for example perfume), a piercing member 108 and a flexible membrane 110.

The rigid body 102 may, for example be formed from a plastics material. For example, the rigid body 102 may formed by injection molding. As described below, the rigid body defines various recesses and channels.

The porous members 104 may be referred to as a wicks. Each of the porous members 104 is elongate and hollow. In this embodiment, each porous member 104 is generally of the form of a tube formed from porous material. The porous members may, for example, be formed from polypropylene. The four porous members 104 are generally mutually parallel. Each end of each porous member 104 is connected to, or engaged with, the rigid body 102.

Although this embodiment of a cartridge 100 comprises four porous members 104, other embodiments may have a different number of porous members 104. In general, the cartridge comprises at least one porous member.

The capsule 106 comprises is a sealed capsule which is hermetically sealed and which contains a liquid. The liquid may comprise a perfume or other volatile liquid which it is desired to dispense. The sealed capsule 106 may be at least partially formed from a flexible membrane or the like that can be ruptured by the piercing member 108 (as discussed further below).

The piercing member 108 is movably mounted in, and sealed to, the rigid body 102 of the cartridge 100 (as discussed further below).

The flexible membrane 110 may comprise any suitable plastics material. The flexible membrane 110 is sealed to the rigid body 102. For example, the flexible membrane 110 may be heat sealed to the rigid body 102, or connected to the rigid body 102 by any suitable adhesive.

Each end of each porous member 104 is connected to, or is engaged with, the rigid body 102. To facilitate this the rigid body 102 defines a four first engagement features 112 and four second engagement features 114. A first end of each porous member 104 engages with one of the first engagement features 112 and a second end of each porous member 104 engages with one of the second engagement features 114.

The first engagement features 112 and second engagement features 114 may comprise a boss or the like. In this embodiment, the second engagement features 114 each comprise a hollow boss suitable to be received in an end of the porous member 104 (see Figure 1B). An external dimension of the second engagement features 114 may generally match an internal dimension of the porous members 104. As can be seen in Figures 1B and 1C the second engagement features 114 may be tapered, which may aid insertion of them into the porous members 104. In this embodiment, the first engagement features 112 each comprise a boss suitable to receive an end of the porous member 104 (see Figure 1C). An internal dimension of the first engagement features 112 may generally match an external dimension of the porous members 104.

The first engagement features 112 are hollow and may be considered to be a first passageway. The rigid body 102 defines various recesses that are in fluid communication with the first engagement features 112. All parts of the rigid body 102 that are disposed at the first end of the porous members 104 may be considered to form part of a reservoir. That is, all parts of the rigid body 102 that are below the porous members 104 in Figure 1C may be considered to form part of a reservoir, as now discussed.

In this embodiment, the reservoir is partially defined by three recesses 116, 118, 120 defined in the rigid body 102 and the flexible membrane 110. The three recesses 116, 118, 120 remain in fluid communication with each other once the flexible membrane 110 is sealed to the rigid body 102. The three recesses 116, 118, 120 are partially separated by one or more walls formed in the rigid body 102.

A first recess 116 is in direct communication with the first engagement features 112 (which provide the first passageway). A second recess 118 defines a chamber for receipt of the sealed capsule 106. The chamber has an opening 122 (see Figure 1B) to allow the piercing member to move into the chamber and to allow the liquid to flow out of the chamber, as will be described further below with reference to Figure 3B. A third recess is generally of the form of a generally linear channel of generally uniform width.

The first and second recesses 116, 118 may be considered to be a first portion of the reservoir and the third recess 120 may be considered to form a second portion of the reservoir.

The first portion of the reservoir is connected to the second portion of the reservoir only at one end of the generally linear channel formed by the third recess 120 by a relatively thin connecting portion 124. At an opposite end of the third recess 120, there is provided a second passageway 126. The second passageway is partially formed by a channel in the rigid body 102. The third recess 120 is in fluid communication with a second end of the porous members 104 via the second passageway 126.

A dimension of the connecting portion 124 may be of the order of a dimension of the second passageway 126. A dimension of the connecting portion 124 is less than half of a dimension of the first and second portions of the reservoir.

In use, a scent dispenser is operable to cause liquid (for example a perfume) to be provided from the reservoir to so as to flow through the porous members 104. To achieve this, the scent dispenser may be provided with any suitable actuation mechanism (as described below). As the liquid flows through the porous members 104 it may saturate them and wick through the porous members 104 to an external surface thereof. At least a portion of the liquid may then evaporate to provide a scent to the surrounding environment.

In contrast to known arrangements comprising solid wicks that a liquid can wick axially along the length of, the hollow porous members 104 of the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 1A to 10 provides a number of advantages. By tipping or pumping liquid from the reservoir through the hollow porous members 104 substantially the entire internal surface thereof can be saturated in a short time period. Advantageously, this arrangement provides better control over the delivery of the liquid or perfume than, for example, a solid porous member. Rather than the liquid wicking axially along the length of a solid wick, the entire inner surface of the hollow porous member is provided with liquid that wicks radially outwards, where it may be delivered to an air flow provided by a fan of a scent dispenser. Furthermore, the use of the hollow porous members 104 can prevent oversaturation of the porous members 104, which may result in undesirable leakage of the liquid.

In use, the cartridge 100 is orientated such that the reservoir is disposed below the porous members 104. Advantageously, the second passageway 126 allows liquid to be provided to a second end of the porous member 104 (which, in use, is the top of the porous members 104). The liquid may then flow through the porous members 104 under gravity. The first passageway allows any excess liquid to drain from a first end of the porous members 104 (which, in use, is the bottom of the porous members 104) back into the reservoir.

A scent dispenser 200 for use with the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1C is now described with reference to Figure 2.

The scent dispenser 200 comprises: a housing 202, a fan 204 and an actuator 206. The housing 202 defines a volume 208 for receipt of the cartridge 100 shown in Figure 1A to 1C. The housing 202 may therefore be considered to be a support for supporting the cartridge 100. The housing 202 is arranged such that the porous members 104 of a cartridge 100 supported thereby are generally vertical. When supported by the housing 202, the reservoir of the cartridge 100 is disposed below the porous members 104. The housing 202 is arranged to generally surround a cartridge 100 supported thereby. The fan 204 is operable to provide an air flow in the vicinity of the porous members 104. A body of the housing 202 defines one or more vents to facilitate said air flow and to allow the air flow to exit the housing 202 to the surrounding environment or room.

The actuator 206 is operable interact with a cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202 so as to cause liquid to flow from the reservoir of the cartridge 100 through the porous members 104.

The actuator 206 is operable to squeeze the reservoir of a cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202. In particular, the actuator 206 is operable to deform a flexible membrane 110 of the cartridge 100 and squeeze the reservoir. This may force at least a portion of a liquid within the reservoir through the second passageway 126 and into the porous members 104, where it may wick through a wall of the porous members 104. In this way the actuator 206 is operable to pump liquid from the reservoir and through the porous members 104.

The actuator 206 is operable to engage with a cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202 to generally isolate the second portion of the reservoir (formed by third recess 120) from a first portion of the reservoir (formed by the first and second recesses 116, 118). The actuator 206 is further operable to move, whilst still engaged with the cartridge 100, so as to force liquid through the second passageway 126 of the cartridge 100 to the second end of the porous members 104 of the cartridge 100.

The actuator 206 is a rotary actuator comprising a main body 212 and three protrusions 214. It is the protrusions 214 which engage with the cartridge 100, deform the flexible membrane 110 and force the liquid through the second passageway 126 to the porous members 104.

A dimension and shape of the third recess 120 (which forms the second portion of the reservoir) is generally complementary to a dimension and shape of the protrusions 214 of the actuator 206.

The operation of the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1C and the scent dispenser shown in Figure 2 is now described with reference to Figures 3A to 3G.

The capsule 106 may be considered to be a sealing mechanism preventing liquid from flowing through the porous members 104. Such an arrangement advantageously prevents the cartridge 100 from leaking (or being passively dispersed) during storage or transport.

The piercing member 108 is received in a bore in the rigid body 102. The piercing member 108 is movably engaged with the rigid body 102 and may be considered to be a seal breaking actuator operable to break the capsule 106.

The piercing member 108 movable between a first, storage position (see Figure 3A) and second, actuated position (see Figure 3B) in which it extends into and ruptures the sealed capsule 106. The scent dispenser 200 further comprises a liquid release actuator 210 operable to engage with and move the piercing member 108 of a cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202 so as to release liquid from the capsule 206.

Initially, as shown in Figure 3A, the capsule 106 is intact, sealing the liquid and preventing leakage of the liquid. Once the cartridge 100 has been loaded into the scent dispenser 200, the liquid release actuator 210 urges the piercing member 108 from the first, storage position (see Figure 3A) to the second, actuated position (see Figure 3B) in which it extends into and ruptures the sealed capsule 106.

A wall which defines the chamber 118 for receipt of the capsule 106 is provided with an opening 122 to allow the piercing member 108 to move into the chamber 118. The opening 122 also allows the liquid to flow out of the chamber 118 once the capsule 106 has been ruptured.

The opening 122 acts as a guide bush for the piercing member 108. The opening 122 is generally circular and the piercing member 108 comprises a generally cylindrical portion, an outer dimension of the generally cylindrical portion generally matching an internal dimension of the opening 122. The generally cylindrical portion defines one or more axial recesses 128 to allow liquid to flow through the opening 122 while the piercing member 108 is received in the opening 122.

As shown in Figures 3C and 3D, when the cartridge 100 is received in the housing 202 of the scent dispenser 200, the actuator 206 is disposed such that the protrusions 214 of the actuator 206 are adjacent the third chamber 120. The protrusions 214 are generally of the form of rollers that can extend into and deform the flexible membrane 110 as the actuator 206 rotates about an axis 215 of rotation. An external dimension of the protrusions 214 is smaller than and generally matches the internal dimensions of the generally linear channel of the third recess 120.

As shown in Figure 3E, as the actuator 206 rotates about axis 215, one of the protrusions 214 engages with a cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202 to at least partially isolate the second portion of the reservoir (formed by third recess 120) from a first portion of the reservoir (formed by the first and second recesses 116, 118). As the actuator 206 continues to rotate, the protrusion 214 moves whilst still engaged with the cartridge 100 as indicated by the arrow in Figure 3E. This forces liquid through the second passageway 126 of the cartridge 100 to the second end of the porous members 104 of the cartridge 100 in a similar manner to a peristaltic pump. The three protrusions 214 (or rollers) on the actuator 206 may act as a non-return valve. As shown in Figure 3F, the first passageway (formed by hollow first engagement features 112) allows any excess liquid to drain from a first end of the porous members 104 (which, in use, is the bottom of the porous members 104) back into the reservoir. As shown in Figure 3F, as the actuator 206 rotates further, the protrusion 214 disengages from the cartridge 100, allowing a portion of the liquid (the next dose) to flow from the first portion of the reservoir (formed by the first and second recesses 116, 118) to flow into the second portion of the reservoir (formed by third recess 120). As shown in Figure 3G, as the actuator 206 rotates further, another one of the protrusions 214 engages with the cartridge 100 and another dose of liquid can be delivered to the porous members 104.

The cartridge 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1C is advantageous over various known arrangements in which a (typically solid) wick is pre-soaked with a volatile liquid or perfume or a wick which is partially disposed in a reservoir of the volatile liquid or perfume. With such known arrangements, no control is provided over the rate at which the perfume is delivered to a room. The delivery of perfume from such known arrangements is solely dependent on ambient conditions and how quickly the per-soaked wick or reservoir of perfume dries out. In addition, the rate of delivery of perfume from such known arrangements is typically not constant with the rate of perfume delivery reducing over time as the per-soaked wick or reservoir of perfume dries out. In contrast, the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1C has several advantageous over such known arrangements. First, since the capsule 106 is hermetically sealed, the cartridge 100 is not prone to leaks or undesirable drying out of the cartridge 100 during periods of storage. Nonetheless, when the cartridge 100 is to be used, the piercing member 108 can be used to pierce the capsule 106 such that the liquid can be dispensed. Note that even once the capsule 106 has been pierced the porous members 104 are not disposed in the reservoir that contains the liquid. Rather than relying on the known, passive arrangements wherein the perfume is dispensed with no control over the rate at which the perfume is provided to the surrounding environment, the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1C and the scent dispenser 200 shown in Figure 2 use an active dispensing method (as described above with reference to Figures 3C to 3G) wherein when desired a dose of perfume is provided to the porous members 104. Advantageously, both the dose and the frequency at which such a dose is dispensed can be controlled.

A second embodiment of a cartridge 100 and a scent dispenser 200 is now described with reference to Figures 4A to 6G. The cartridge 100 and the scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 4A to 6G share many features in common with the cartridge 100 and the scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 1A to 3G. In the following, only the differences between the cartridge 100 and the scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 4A to 6G and the cartridge 100 and the scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 1A to 3G are discussed.

In this embodiment, the generally linear third recess 120 has been replaced by a generally annular channel 130 of generally uniform width. The first portion of the reservoir (formed by first and second recesses 116, 118) is connected to the second portion of the reservoir (formed by the generally annular channel 130) only at one circumferential position on said generally annular channel 130 by a relatively thin connecting portion 124. The second passageway 126 is connected to a different circumferential position on the generally annular channel 130.

In addition, the form of the rotary actuator 206 is adapted in order to interact with the generally annular channel 130.

In particular, the rotary actuator 206 has three protrusions 214 with external dimensions smaller than and generally matching the internal dimensions of the generally annular channel 130. In addition, an axis of rotation 215 of the rotary actuator 206 is generally perpendicular to that of the rotary actuator 206 shown in Figures 2 and 3 and described above. In use, the three protrusions 214 can be moved around the channel 130 to force liquid through the second passageway 126 to the second end of the porous members 104 in a similar manner to a peristaltic pump. The three protrusions 214 on a single rotating actuator 206 may act as a non-return valve.

The operation of the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 4A to 40 and the scent dispenser shown in Figure 5 is illustrated schematically in Figures 6A to 6G.

The use of the piercing member 108 being moved from a first, storage position (see Figure 6A) to a second, actuated position (see Figure 6B) in which it extends into and ruptures the sealed capsule 106 is substantially as described above with reference to Figures 3A and 3B and will not be discussed further here.

As shown in Figures 6C and 6D, when the cartridge 100 is received in the housing 202 of the scent dispenser 200, the actuator 206 is disposed such that the protrusions 214 of the actuator 206 are adjacent the generally annular channel 130. As with the first embodiment, the protrusions 214 extend into and deform the flexible membrane 110. An external dimension of the protrusions 214 is smaller than and generally matches the internal dimensions of the generally annular channel 130.

As shown in Figure 6E, at any given time, two of the protrusions 214 engage with a cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202 to at least partially isolate a portion of the generally annular channel 130 that is adjacent the second passageway 126 from the rest of the generally annular channel 130. As the actuator 206 rotates about axis 215, the three protrusions 214 move whilst still engaged with the cartridge 100 as indicated by the arrow in Figure 6E. This forces at least a portion of the liquid that is contained in the portion of the generally annular channel 130 that is adjacent the second passageway 126 through the second passageway 126 of the cartridge 100 to the second end of the porous members 104 of the cartridge 100 in a similar manner to a peristaltic pump. The three protrusions 214 on the actuator 206 may act as a non-return valve.

As shown in Figure 6F, the first passageway (formed by hollow first engagement features 112) allows any excess liquid to drain from a first end of the porous members 104 (which, in use, is the bottom of the porous members 104) back into the reservoir. As shown in Figure 6F, as the actuator 206 rotates further, the two protrusions 214 that at least partially isolated the portion of the generally annular channel 130 adjacent the second passageway 126 rotate round so as to now isolate a portion of the generally annular channel 130 that is now in fluid communication with the connecting portion 124. In this way, the portion of the generally annular channel 130 isolated by this pair of protrusions 214 can be replenished by the reservoir.

As shown in Figure 6G, as the actuator 206 rotates further, another dose of liquid can be delivered to the porous members 104 from a portion of the generally annular channel 130 isolated by the next pair of adjacent protrusions 214.

A third embodiment of a cartridge 100 and a scent dispenser 200 is now described with reference to Figures 7A to 9H. The cartridge 100 and the scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 7A to 9H share many features in common with the cartridge 100 and the scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 1A to 3G. In the following, only the differences between the cartridge 100 and the scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 7A to 9H and the cartridge 100 and the scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 1A to 3G are discussed.

A first main difference is that the cartridge 100 does not comprise a capsule 106 or a piercing member 108. Rather, the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A to 7C comprises a storage reservoir 132 and a valve member 134 operable to isolate the storage reservoir 132 from the porous members 104. Initially, the liquid is disposed in the storage reservoir 132 and the valve member 134 is disposed in a closed configuration isolating the storage reservoir 132 from the porous members 104 (see Figure 9A). The scent dispenser 200 is provided with an actuator operable to move the valve member 134 into an open configuration allowing the liquid to flow from the storage reservoir 132 into the porous members 104 (see Figure 9B).

The valve member 134 is operable to isolate the storage reservoir 132 from all other parts of the cartridge 100. The storage reservoir 132 is disposed at an opposite end of the porous members 104 to the reservoir.

A second main difference is that the reservoir of the cartridge 100 is defined by a first recess 136 and a second recess 138 (rather than first, second and third recesses 116, 118, 120). In this embodiment, the first passageway is provided with a valve mechanism allowing the first passageway to be selectively opened or closed, as now discussed. In particular, a wall 140 is provided separating the first recess 136 from the second recess 138. Fluid communication between the first recess 136 and the second recess 138 is provided only by a notch or recess 142 in the wall 140 providing a connection between the first and second recesses 136, 138 adjacent the flexible membrane 110.

The valve mechanism may be actuated by pressing the flexible membrane 110 so as to contact the rigid body 102 and so close the first passageway (see Figures 9E to 9H). The flexible membrane 110 is distorted so as to close the channel provided by the notch or recess 142 in the wall 140.

Advantageously, the valve mechanism allows the first passageway to be closed. Once closed, if the reservoir is squeezed, liquid will be forced through the second passageway 126 and delivered to the second end of the porous members 104 (which, in use, is the top of the at least porous member). Once liquid has been delivered to the second end of the porous members 104 via the second passageway 126, the first passageway can be opened to allow any excess liquid to flow back into the reservoir.

A third main difference is that the scent dispenser 200 comprises a valve actuator 216 and a pump actuator 218.

The valve actuator 216 is operable to move between a first position wherein the first passageway of a cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202 is open (see Figure 8) and a second position wherein the first passageway of the cartridge 100 supported by the support is closed (see Figures 9F and 9H). The valve actuator 216 is operable to move so as to press the flexible membrane 110 so as to contact the rigid body 202 On the vicinity of the wall 140 and notch 142) and so close the first passageway when disposed in the second position The pump actuator 218 is operable to squeeze the reservoir of a cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202 when the valve actuator 216 is disposed in the second position (see Figures 9F and 9H). It will be appreciated that the valve actuator 216 and the pump actuator 218 may comprise separate parts of a common body.

A fourth embodiment of a cartridge 100 and is now described with reference to Figures 10A to 11B. The fourth embodiment of a cartridge 100 shares many features in common with the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A to 70 and may be used in a scent dispenser 200 of the type shown in Figure 8A generally as described in Figures 9C to 9H. In the following, only the differences between the cartridge described with reference to in Figures 10A to 11B and the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A to 70 are discussed.

Figures 10A to 100 show three perspective views of the rigid body 102. The porous members 102 are not shown in Figures 10A and 100 although they are shown in Figure 10B.

A main difference (relative to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A to 7C) is that the cartridge of the fourth embodiment does not comprise a storage reservoir 132 and a valve member 134 operable to isolate the storage reservoir 132 from the porous members 104. Rather, as will be described further below, in this embodiment a valve member is provided which is operable to isolate the main reservoir (defined at least partially by second recess 138) from all other parts of the cartridge (via both the first and second passageways).

In order to achieve such an arrangement wherein a valve member is provided which is operable to isolate the main reservoir from all other parts of the cartridge a number of changes have been made.

A first difference (relative to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A to 7C) is that the second passageway comprises two passageway portions 126a, 126b, each partially formed by an open channel in the rigid body 102. It will be appreciated that the two passageway portions 126a, 126b are also partially formed by the flexible membrane 110 (not shown), which closes the open channels when it is sealed to the rigid body 102. Between the two passageway portions 126a, 126b is provided a barrier portion 144 which is sealed to the flexible membrane 110. The two passageway portions 126a, 126b are linked by a channel formed beneath the barrier portion 144.

A second difference (relative to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A to 7C) is that a second wall 146 is provided which separates the second recess 138 into a main second recess 138a and an intermediate second recess 138b. In particular, the second wall 146 is provided such that the intermediate second recess 138b is adjacent the notch or recess 142 in the wall 140. That is, fluid communication is provided between the first recess 136 and the intermediate second recess 138b by a space between the rigid body 102 and the flexible member 110 provided by the notch or recess 142 in the wall 140. The only fluid communication between the first recess 136 and the second recess 138 is via the intermediate second recess 138b. A passageway 148 is formed at least partially in the second wall 146. In use, the passageway 148 formed at least partially in the second wall 146 can provide fluid communication between the intermediate second recess 138b and the main second recess 138a.

Note that the channel formed beneath the barrier portion 144 that links the two passageway portions 126a, 126b is adjacent to (above) the passageway 148 formed at least partially in the second wall 146.

A third difference (relative to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A to 7C) is that a valve member 150 is provided, as now discussed with reference to Figures 11A and 118.

Figures 11A and 11B each show a cross section of the arrangement shown in Figures 10A to 100 through the line A-A (see Figures 10A and 10B). The valve member 150 is moveable between at least a closed configuration (see Figure 11A) and an open configuration (see Figure 11B). When the valve member 150 is disposed in the closed configuration, the valve member 150 blocks both (a) the channel formed beneath the barrier portion 144 that links the two passageway portions 126a, 126b and (b) the passageway 148 formed at least partially in the second wall 146. Therefore, in the closed configuration, the valve member 150 isolates the reservoir from the porous members 104 (see Figure 11A). When the valve member 150 is disposed in the open configuration, both (a) the channel formed beneath the barrier portion 144 that links the two passageway portions 126a, 126b and (b) the passageway 148 formed at least partially in the second wall 146 are partially open. Therefore, when the valve member 150 is disposed in the open configuration, the reservoir formed by main second recess 138a can be in fluid communication to both the first and second ends of the porous members 104.

A fourth difference (relative to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A to 70) is that the valve member 150 is provided with a biasing mechanism arranged to bias the valve member 150 to the closed configuration, as now discussed. In particular, this embodiment further comprises a rigid plate 152 connected to the rigid body 102. As can be best seen from Figure 100, the rigid plate 152 is provided on an opposite side of the rigid body 102 to that on which the recesses 136, 138a, 138b and channels 126a, 126b are formed. As can be best seen in Figures 11A and 118, the rigid body 102 and the rigid plate 152 are connected so as to form a two-part housing for the valve member 150 and a spring 154. The spring 154 may be referred to as a biasing member. It will be appreciated that connection between the rigid plate 152 and the rigid body 102 may be achieved in any one of a number of ways such as, for example an adhesive. In order to assemble the arrangement shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the valve member 150 and spring 154 may be placed in a bore in the rigid body 102. Subsequently, the rigid plate 152 may be connected to the rigid body 102 so that the valve member 150 and spring 154 are held captive between the rigid plate 152 and the rigid body 102 and the spring 154 is under compression, biasing the valve member toward the closed configuration.

In this embodiment, the rigid plate 152 is received in a recess formed in one side of the rigid body 102. Therefore, an internal surface of the main second recess 138a defines a step 156 (see Figures 10A and 10B).

The valve member 150 comprises a first portion 158 and a second portion 160. An external dimension of the first portion 158 generally matches an internal dimension of the channel formed beneath the barrier portion 144 that links the two passageway portions 126a, 126b. When the valve member 150 is disposed in the closed configuration, the first portion 158 is received in and generally blocks the channel formed beneath the barrier portion 144 that links the two passageway portions 126a, 126b. An external dimension of the second portion 160 generally matches an internal dimension of the passageway 148 formed at least partially in the second wall 14. When the valve member 150 is disposed in the closed configuration, the second portion 160 is received in and generally blocks the passageway 148 formed at least partially in the second wall 14.

The channel formed beneath the barrier portion 144 that links the two passageway portions 126a, 126b and the passageway 148 formed at least partially in the second wall 146 are two different sections of a single recess formed in the rigid body 102. However, the valve member 150 seals against the rigid body 102 such that the channel formed beneath the barrier portion 144 that links the two passageway portions 126a, 126b is not in fluid communication with the passageway 148 formed at least partially in the second wall 146.

As with the embodiment shown in Figures 7A to 7C, the notch or recess 142 in the wall 140, in combination with the flexible membrane 110, provides a valve mechanism allowing the first passageway to be selectively opened or closed by distortion of the flexible membrane 110, as discussed above with reference to Figures 9E to 9H.

With this embodiment, initially, the liquid is disposed in the reservoir (defined at least partially by the main second recess 138a) and the valve member 150 is disposed in a closed configuration isolating the reservoir from the porous members 104 (see Figure 11A). As now discussed, the scent dispenser 200 is provided with an actuator operable to act on an engagement feature 162 of the valve member 150 so as to move the valve member 150 into an open configuration allowing the liquid to flow from the reservoir into the porous members 104 via the second passageway 126a, 126b (see Figure 11B).

The valve member 150 defines the engagement feature 162. On the side of the rigid body 102 to which the rigid plate 152 is connected, there is defined a groove 164. The engagement feature 162 of the valve member 150 extends across an open face of the groove 164 so as to form a generally closed channel.

In use, the cartridge may be inserted into a scent dispenser 200, for example through an aperture defined in the scent dispenser 200. During such insertion, the cartridge may be moved in a direction generally parallel to the groove 164 defined in the rigid body 102. As the cartridge is inserted into a scent dispenser 200, a part of the scent dispenser 200 may be received in the groove 164. A dimension of the part of the scent dispenser 200 received in the groove 164 is larger than the generally closed channel formed by the engagement feature 162 of the valve member 150 and the groove 164. As the part of the scent dispenser 200 received in the groove 164 contacts the engagement feature 162 of the valve member 150 it acts against the biasing spring 154 and moves the valve member 150 towards the open configuration.

Another difference (relative to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A to 7C) is that, in this embodiment, a rack gear 166 is formed on a surface of the rigid body 102. In use, the cartridge may be inserted into a scent dispenser 200, for example through an aperture defined in the scent dispenser 200. After a portion of the cartridge has been so inserted, a pinion gear within the scent dispenser 200 may act on the rack gear 166 formed on a surface of the rigid body 102 so as to fully pull the cartridge into the scent dispenser 200.

Another difference (relative to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A to 7C) is that, in this embodiment, the cartridge comprises 5 substantially mutually parallel porous members 104.

Another difference (relative to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A to 7C) is that a reinforcing rib 168 is provided on the rigid body 102 adjacent each of the porous members 104.

In an alternative embodiment rather than a single reservoir connected to both ends of the porous members 104 by first and second passageways, the cartridge may comprise a second reservoir. The reservoir may be disposed at a first end of the porous members 104 and the reservoir may be in fluid communication with a first end of the porous members 104 via a first passageway. The second reservoir may be disposed at a second end of the porous members 104 and the second reservoirs may be in fluid communication with the second end of the porous members 104 via a second passageway.

In use, the cartridge may be orientated such the porous members are generally vertical, with one of the reservoir or the second reservoir generally below the porous members and the other one of the reservoir or the second reservoir generally above the porous members. It will be appreciated that the liquid will be disposed in the reservoir at the bottom of the cartridge.

Advantageously, with this arrangement having two reservoirs, by rotating the cartridge by 180° about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the porous members the reservoir containing the liquid that was at the bottom can be moved to the top, allowing the liquid to flow through the at least one porous member to the other reservoir under gravity. Such an arrangement provides a simple, alternative mechanism by which liquid can be caused to move from one of the reservoirs so as to flow through the at least one porous member.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as described. The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention as described without departing from the scope of the claims set out below.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A cartridge for a scent dispenser, the cartridge comprising: a reservoir for containing a liquid; and at least one porous member; wherein the reservoir is disposed at a first end of the at least one porous member, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with the first end of the at least one porous member via a first passageway and wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with a second end of the at least one porous member via a second passageway; and wherein the first passageway is provided with a valve mechanism allowing the first passageway to be selectively opened or closed.
2. The cartridge of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the reservoir is formed from a flexible material.
3. The cartridge of claim 1 or claim 2 comprising: a rigid body, a recess being defined in the rigid body; and a flexible membrane sealed to the rigid body, wherein at least a portion of the reservoir is formed by the recess and the flexible material.
4. The cartridge of claim 3 wherein the first passageway and the second passageway are at least partially formed by channels in the rigid body.
5. The cartridge of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein one or more walls partially divide the reservoir into a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the second passageway.
6. The cartridge of claim 5 wherein the second portion of the reservoir comprises: a generally linear channel of generally uniform width, the first portion being connected to the second portion only at one end of said generally linear channel; or a generally annular channel of generally uniform width, the first portion being connected to the second portion only at one circumferential position on said generally annular channel and the second passageway being connected to a different position on the generally annular channel.
7. The cartridge of any preceding claim further comprising a liquid to be dispensed.
8. The cartridge of claim 7 further comprising: a sealing mechanism for preventing the liquid from flowing through the at least one porous member; and a seal breaking actuator operable to break said sealing mechanism.
9. The cartridge of claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the liquid is disposed in a sealed capsule and wherein the cartridge further comprises a piercing member movable between a first, storage position and second, actuated position in which it extends into and ruptures the sealed capsule and optionally wherein the reservoir defines a chamber for receipt of the sealed capsule, the chamber having an opening to allow the piercing member to move into the chamber and to allow the liquid to flow out of the chamber.
10. The cartridge of claim 8 further comprising a storage reservoir, wherein the liquid is disposed in the storage reservoir and wherein the sealing mechanism comprises a valve operable to isolate the storage reservoir from the at least one porous member.
11. The cartridge of claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the sealing mechanism comprises a valve operable to isolate the reservoir from the at least one porous member.
12. The cartridge of claim 11 further comprising a biasing member arranged to bias a valve member of the valve towards a closed configuration in which the reservoir is isolated from the at least one porous member.
13. The cartridge of claim 12 when dependent either directly or indirectly on claim 3, the cartridge further comprising a rigid plate connected to the rigid body so as to form a two-part housing for the valve member and the biasing member.
14. The cartridge of any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the valve member defines an engagement feature which, in use, can be acted on by an actuator of a scent dispenser.
15. The cartridge of any one of claims 11 to 14 when dependent either directly or indirectly on claim 3, wherein a groove is defined on the rigid body for receipt of an actuator of a scent dispenser for acting on the valve member.
16. The cartridge of any preceding claim further comprising a rack gear.
17. The cartridge of any preceding claim wherein the at least one porous member is formed from polypropylene. 5
18. An apparatus comprising: a support for supporting a cartridge according to any preceding claim; and an actuation mechanism operable interact with a cartridge supported by the support so as to cause liquid to flow from the reservoir through the at least one porous member.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the actuation mechanism comprises at least one actuator operable to squeeze the reservoir of a cartridge supported by the support.
20. The apparatus of claim 18 or claim 19 wherein when supported by the support the reservoir of the cartridge is disposed below the at least one porous member.
21. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a valve actuator operable to move between a first position wherein a first passageway of a cartridge supported by the support is open and a second position wherein a first passageway of a cartridge supported by the support is closed.
22. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a pump actuator operable to squeeze the reservoir of a cartridge supported by the support when the valve actuator is disposed in the second position.
23. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 22 wherein the actuation mechanism comprises at least one actuator operable to: engage with a cartridge supported by the support to generally isolate a second portion of the reservoir from a first portion of the reservoir; and to move, whilst still engaged with the cartridge, so as to force liquid through a second passageway of the cartridge to the second end of the at least one porous member of the cartridge.
24. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 23 further comprising a liquid release actuator operable to engage with and actuate a seal breaking actuator of a cartridge supported by the support so as to release liquid so that it can flow through the at least one porous member of the cartridge.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the liquid release actuator is operable to actuate a valve of a cartridge supported by the support so as to fluidly connect a reservoir of the cartridge and the at least one porous member of the cartridge.
26. The apparatus of claim 24 or claim 25 further comprising a pinion gear operable to engage with a rack gear defined on a cartridge so as to move the cartridge into or out of the apparatus, and wherein the liquid release actuator is operable to actuate a valve of the cartridge as a result of such movement of the cartridge so as to fluidly connect a reservoir of the cartridge and the at least one porous member of the cartridge.
27. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 26 wherein the support defines a volume for receipt of the cartridge.
28. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 27 further comprising a fan operable to provide an air flow in the vicinity of the or each porous member of a cartridge supported by the support.
29. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 28 further comprising a housing arranged to at least partially surround the support and a cartridge supported thereby wherein optionally a body of the housing defines one or more vents.
30. A system comprising: the cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 17; and the apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 29.