WO2009109757A1

WO2009109757A1 - Apparatus for control of inappropriate aerosol residue and surface deposits

Info

Publication number: WO2009109757A1
Application number: PCT/GB2009/000605
Authority: WO
Inventors: William J. Rossiter; Edwin Ozaki-Owen
Original assignee: No Climb Products Ltd
Priority date: 2008-03-04
Filing date: 2009-03-04
Publication date: 2009-09-11
Also published as: GB2458175A; GB0805941D0; GB0804040D0

Abstract

A member (1) for use with a, canister or other container (5) that dispenses particulate, the member (1) being hollow and preferably a generalised clylinder or cone, the member (1) for receiving particulate dispensed from the canister or other container (5) and having a plurality of apertures (30, 31, 33) disposed along at least a part of the length of the member whereby in use the apertures (30, 31, 33) allow air into the member thereby assisting in movement, evaporation and / or dispersal of the particulate travelling through the member (1).

Description

Apparatus for Control of Inappropriate Aerosol Residue and Surface Deposits

The present invention relates to the correct use of an aerosol spray or particulate dispenser, the enhancing of its performance and the prevention of its use too close to a surface, area or object whereby inappropriate residues or surface coatings would otherwise result.

Aerosol containers or canisters are used to deliver or dispense a mixture of ingredients in particulate form usually under pressure. Usually the mixture of ingredients is contained within a container that is pressurised either manually or, commonly, through the use of chemicals known as propellants before being released, usually by means of a manually operated valve and usually finally exiting through a nozzle or actuator. The particulate, spray or aerosol, its profile and characteristics that result are derived from the particular combination and interaction of these chemical ingredients and components and can be defined and controlled closely through appropriate definition and selection of components.

What is often less closely controlled is the distance between the aerosol dispenser outlet and the physical area, object or surface at which it may be directed. In some cases (such as air freshener for example) the spray is not intended to be directed at a physical surface and this may not be a significant concern. In other cases it is more important (underarm deodorant used too close to the skin or clothing can result in unsightly stains or deposits if dispensed too close for example). In many cases it is vital to the correct operation of the product and prevention of damage. One of the better known examples of this is the use of spray paint too close to the surface to be painted whereby droplets, unwanted patterns and sometimes rivulet run off occurs rather than the even coating promised by the product particulars. Furniture polish is another example and staining may occur through incorrect use. In some cases incorrect use may even be indirectly life threatening. Aerosol smoke or hazard detector testers that are used too close can result in inappropriate residues and deposits on and in detectors that, aside from being unsightly, can adversely affect the performance of the smoke or hazard detector. For these reasons products usually carry instructions that a certain distance should be maintained between the exit of the aerosol and the object or area at which it is directed. These directions are, however, often not followed.

While, in certain cases, dispensing apparatus exists to control or influence the spray after exiting from the container, that apparatus often has to be notably larger or significantly longer than the aerosol container or canister itself and, as a result, is usually bulky or otherwise awkward or inconvenient to carry. In the event it does not form a 'permanent part¹ of the aerosol product, is not convenient to carry and / or is not inherently simple to fit or operate then its use is either avoided or ignored and the spray is used too close - with unwanted results.

From one aspect, the present invention provides a member for use with a canister or other container that dispenses particulate (usually) under pressure, the member being in the form of a hollow generally cylindrical or conical member for receiving particulate dispensed from the canister or other container and having a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a part of the length of the member. The length of the member preferably dictates the minimum distance between the release point of the aerosol spray or particulate and the point where it can directly impact trie target surface, area or object. Through the use of telescopic, folding or extending parts or by doubling as a carrying and storage container for the aerosol container the member may be rendered convenient when not in use so as to take up less space than the minimum distance it dictates for the aerosol spray or particulate when extended, unfolded or positioned. Designed in this way it can be much more convenient to retain with the core product that is the aerosol container itself and therefore be easier and more likely to be employed.

From another aspect the present invention provides an assembly for fitting to a canister or other container that dispenses particulate, the assembly comprising a first part being adapted to be attached to the canister or other container, and a second part being attached to the first part such that in use the second part is moveable with respect to the first part between a first position which is convenient for carrying and storage and a second position that dictates the minimum distance at which the product is applied from an area, object or surface_^

In all instances the length and overall size of the member is influenced by the valve, nozzle or actuator and formula of the product being dispensed as well as the amount of air that is introduced to the system at what point. The length, shape and size of the member can be shortened, making it more convenient to use, carry or store and the performance enhanced by the appropriate positioning of one or more apertures into the spacing member. In order that the present invention be more readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig 1a shows a first embodiment of the present invention in a first position; Fig 1b shows a first embodiment of the present invention in a second position

Fig 1c shows the first embodiment in a third position;

Fig 2a shows a second embodiment of the present invention in a first position;

Fig 2b shows a second embodiment of the present invention in a second position;

Fig 3 shows a third embodiment of the present invention in a first position; Fig 4 shows the third embodiment in a second position;

Fig 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention in a first position;

Fig 6 shows the fourth embodiment in a second position;

Fig 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention in a first position;

Fig 8 and 9 shows the fifth embodiment in a second and third position; Fig 10 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention in the first position;

Fig 11 shows the sixth embodiment in the second position; and

Fig. 11a shows a detailed view of apertures in one of the intermediate sections of Fig.

11 or other embodiments;

Aerosol containers usually have manually operable valves which have an outlet aperture pointing either axially along the length of the container or radially, transversely to the axis of the container, although some may be at angles in between the two or adjustable angles. We have designed and explain below specific arrangements to deal with these two most common different orientations of valve aperture although variations of the theme will suit different orientations. The first embodiment is designed to be an assembly of container and spacer member for use either with an aerosol container whose nozzle or actuator aperture is directed radially to the axis of the container or one whose nozzle or actuator is directed axially and a detailed description of this first embodiment will now be given with reference to Figs 1a, 1b and 1c. The container 5 is shown as being a conventional cylindrical container one end of which is provided with a manually operable valve which has a radially directed nozzle or actuator outlet aperture 3 in figures 1a and 1 b and an axially directed nozzle or actuator outlet aperture 6 in figure 1c. Attached to the exterior of the container 5 is a spacer member 1 which has a cylindrical cross section and which is pivotally connected to the container 10 by means of arms, 2 at a position spaced from the ends of the member 1 so that a part of the member 1 projects above the top of the container 1 by a distance sufficient to result in aerosol, spray or particulate discharged radially from the outlet aperture of the valve of the container striking the outer surface of the member 1. In this position, termed the first position, the member 1 forms a shield to prevent any aerosol, spray or particulate discharged radially from the container reaching or directly impacting a given surface, area or object. The member 1 may also be left attached to the container without significantly adversely affecting the carrying or storage of the product. In this way it is always available for use.

As shown in Figures 1 b and 1c, the member 1 is pivotal using the arms, 2 so that it can adopt an operative or second position such that the member 1 is radial to the container 5 as in figure 1b or an operative third position such that the member, 1 is axial to the container 5 as in figure 1c. In these operative positions when the nozzle or actuator of the container is operated, the resultant aerosol spray or particulate discharge will travel down or through the length of the member 1 towards a surface, object or area. It will be appreciated that the length of the member 1 can thus dictate the minimum distance at which the aerosol, spray or particulate from container 5 can be positioned with respect to a surface, object or area. The member 1 is shown be generally cylindrical or conical and to have a plurality of apertures in its side wall. The required length of the member 1 is a function of the formula of the product and the valve and nozzle selected as well as the amount of air that is/can be introduced to the spray as it travels the length of the spacer. In the event that the spacer is one that encloses the aerosol, spray or particulate by being a cylinder, cone or tube then the performance of the overall device is impacted by the number, type, size, shape and positioning of holes that may be introduced into the walls of the spacer. It may be that the member 1 can be a single member as shown in the drawings but it is equally possible for the member 1 to be made of two or more telescopically extending or folding portions. If desired, the container and / or the member 1 can be suitably formed so as to provide a retention means for holding the member 1 in the position shown in Figures 1a, 1 b or 1 c. Other modifications are possible both to the exact shape of the member 1 and its construction. For example it may be lengthened simply by the use of rods or additional sections that extend to a given distance.

As an alternative to being attached to the container and pivoted into and out of an operative position, the member 1 may be provided with a mounting ring or clip for receiving the container when in use whereby, when not in use, the member may be stored detached from the container but clipped into position on the container when needed for use. This concept is shown more clearly with reference to figure 2a and figure 2b. In this particular embodiment the cylindrical member 10 has been designed so that it is capable of being fitted either to a canister 15 with an axially directed nozzle or actuator, 15, as is the case in Figure 2a or to a radially directed nozzle or actuator, 16, as is the case in Figure 2b. One end of the member 10 comprises a mounting arrangement allowing the member 10 to be attached to either type of the canister 15 of either type (axial or radial nozzle). The mounting ring comprises a first mounting ring 13 and second mounting ring 12. The first mounting ring 13 is formed of an opening on one side of the member 10. The second mounting ring 12 is formed of an opening at the bottom end of the member 10 relative to the other end of the member which is nearest the target area or object of the spray, aerosol or particulate. In both-cases the member can be stored with the canister or, stored separately from the canister and fitted when required. In the case of figure 2a a first mounting ring 13 is fitted to the valve of the canister 14, with the mounting ring 12 providing access for the operator's finger to depress the actuator 15. In the instance of figure 2b the converse is the case, with the mounting ring 12 being fitted to the valve of the canister 14 and the mounting ring 13 providing access for the fingers of the operator to manually depress and activate the radially directed nozzle or actuator 16. Whether the device be mounted for radial usage or axial usage the particulate is still obliged to travel the length of the member 1 before being able to impact a surface. As described earlier maintaining a minimum distance is advantageous for controlling unwanted residue or surface deposits but the design of this embodiment is rendered advantageous by its compact size and convenience and this is turn is enabled not only by its multi position mounting system but also by the presence of apertures along the length of the member 1. Of course, were it necessary to extend the operative length of the design shown in Figure 2a and 2b or indeed any of the other embodiments described herein this could be achieved by the addition of extra, folding, telescoping or simply additional sections, pillars or rods that could be fitted to member 10. These are not shown in the figures since so many variations and embodiments could be employed.

Turning now to Figs 3 and 4, this is an embodiment which is designed to be utilised with an aerosol container whose valve has an outlet aperture directed axially or broadly axially of the container. In this embodiment, the container has a reference numeral 20 and the spacer member has a reference numeral 24. It will be seen from Figs 3 and 4 that the spacer member 24 is in fact made up of a plurality of telescopically extendable sections 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d. The elements 24b, c and d are arranged and dimensioned so that they fit within the element 24a which thus constitutes the outermost element when in a closed condition as shown in Fig 3. If desired, a cap 26 can be provided to be attached to the end of the element 24a and thus retain the member 24 in the closed condition - although the principle of containing the inner sections may also be achieved in other ways such as the addition of a lip to the top of the outermost section 24a.

The exact number of telescopic sections is dependent on a number of factors one of which is the desired minimum distance at which the container outlet should be spaced from a surface area or object for proper operation and the other is the overall axial length of the product in its stored, carried or closed position. Both of the foregoing are influenced by the valve, actuator or nozzle, formula and the amount of air that is introduced to the system (something beneficially affected in certain circumstances by the appropriate use of apertures, described in more detail later).

In this embodiment the minimum number of sections is two namely the sections identified as section 24a and 24d. Section 24d is fixed to the top of the container by fitting to the valve (something that due to wide standardisations of valves will enable the device to fit a variety of sizes and shapes of container) but it could equally be fitted to the container in many instances. Section 24d is provided with a first aperture 30 which provides access for a user's finger to operate the valve of the container. This finger aperture is not, of course, 'vital' to the concept. A different 'lock' / mechanical push' could also be envisaged and could equally well prevent or discourage discharge in position one (the 'too close' position) and enable it in position two (the spacing position). One or more additional apertures 31 are provided in the walls of the element (shown here in 24d) as this has been found to improve the performance of the apparatus under certain circumstances. It is to be noted that the size, positioning and number of apertures will affect performance of the overall product. The second section which needs to be present in this embodiment is the outer-most section 24a. In this embodiment this section 24a is the one that telescopes, thereby extending the minimum distance in the second position without being disadvantageous, awkward or inconvenient in the first position. Further, in this embodiment this outer section does not have any apertures through its side wall that are large enough to enable actuation of the valve. Consequently, when in the closed position of the member 24, it is impossible for a user to operate the valve of the container as the section 24 shields the valve and protects the nozzle or actuator while preventing use in a similar way to the role performed by a traditional aerosol cap while, at the same time, being only a little larger than such a cap.,--

There may be one or more intermediate sections such as those shown as 24b and 24c. Preferably one or more of the intermediate sections are provided with one or more apertures 33 as again this has been shown to provide an improved performance under certain circumstances. In this particular embodiment, the apertures 31 in section 24d are relatively larger than the apertures 33 in the intermediate sections 24b, 24c, and serve as ventilation holes. The preferred material for the member 24 is a plastics material and the holes are shown here as circular holes though they can differ in shape, size, quantity and position. In a modified version it is possible to replace one or more of the intermediate sections or all of them with sections having mesh walls or even solid walls but it is to be noted that the size, positioning and number of apertures will affect performance of the overall product. In a modification not shown in the figures, one or more of the sections can be formed at least from rods or pillars.

The shape of the individual sections of the member 24 in this embodiment can be varied but ideally the sections can be nested one within the other in the closed condition and be maintained in an extended position irrespective of the orientation of the container and spacer. We prefer that each of the sections be slightly tapering so that when extended the spacer member 24 has a generally conical profile. Not only does this conical shape improve performance but the other advantage of this shape is that the telescopic sections can be extended simply by flicking the assembly which causes the sections to extend and then jam against each other in the extended condition due to friction between the individual sections. Collapsing the member 24 is then simply a matter of pushing the elements together. This has the advantage of neat and easy storage- and means that the device can be permanently connected to or with the container such that it is always used. Correctly designed in this way the user will not find himself in a position of being tempted (or, depending on the actuator employed, even able) to deploy the aerosol without the spacer member and therefore not potentially too close.

The fourth embodiment shown here in figures 5 and 6 is very similar to the third but the diameter of the outermost telescopic section 34a is wider than the container itself and therefore encloses most or all of the container when in its closed position. This embodiment would allow for a longer distance to be introduced in position two but with less telescopic sections still without significantly increasing the size of the overall product when in its closed position. Alternatively a greater overall length of telescope could be obtained. Although apertures are shown in the lower part of the outermost telescopic section 34a, it should be appreciated that the outermost section could be solid without apertures (as with other embodiments described herein). As with the third embodiment the apparatus is perceived to perform better with the introduction of apertures 30, 31 and 33.

A fifth embodiment shown here in Figures 7, 8 and 9, is again one that contains all or most of the container in the first position (Figure 7 its closed, storage or carrying position) but, in this embodiment the container 40 sits within a cylinder 41 that comprises the form of the spacing member and is removed from the interior of this spacing member which is itself then inverted and placed on top of the container. This can be seen in Figures 7 and 8 where, in this particulate embodiment, the ends of the spacer, marked as A & B, are seen to be reversed by the act of inversion. In the embodiment shown the spacing member has an interior disc 41a with an aperture 41 b at its centre through which the nozzle or actuator 4 protrudes. In this particular embodiment the nozzle or actuator cannot be depressed manually with a finger since it emits aerosol particulate or spray vertically and the finger of the operator would impede aerosol particulate or spray release. The nozzle is however, designed with a shoulder that is larger than the aperture 41b and pressing one against the other enables aerosol particulate or spray to be released. One or more ventilation apertures 31a are provided in the spacer and have a similar purpose to apertures 31 in previous embodiments. As with the prior embodiments the minimum distance between the exit of the aerosol particulate or spray from the container and the point at which it directly impacts the target surface, area or object can be limited by the dimensions of the spacing member and this, itself, can be adjusted by use of telescoping, folding or additional sections and the appropriate use of apertures. Similarly, the spacing member can be constructed from various materials (with plastic being a preferred option) and will perform better with appropriately placed apertures (in this case in the walls of the outer section and in the disc). As with some of the other embodiments this design is such that the spacer member is conveniently stored and carried with the aerosol product and so is more likely always to be deployed and so enhance the overall performance of the aerosol product through elimination of inappropriate residues or surface coatings and with correct positioning of apertures, enhanced throw or reach..

A sixth embodiment is shown in Fig. 10 and 11 and is similar to the embodiments in

Figs. 3 and 4 in that it is designed to be utilised with an aerosol container whose valve has an outlet aperture directed axially or broadly axially of the container. In this embodiment, the container has a reference numeral 60 and the spacer member-has a reference numeral 64. - It will be seen from Figs 10 and 11 that similar to Fig. 3 and 4 and therefore the common features of Figs 10 and 11 are not described in detail. The spacer member 64 is made up of a plurality of telescopically extendable sections 64a, 64b, 64c and 64d. The spacer member 64 is fixed to the valve (not- shown) of the container 60. A ring 66 fits around the upper edge of the container 60.

In this particular embodiment, the retention of the member 64 in the closed condition is achieved by means of a movable element 68 which is operable by a user of the apparatus and one or more lips 70 that are formed in the top of the outermost section 64a. The movable element 68 includes an abutment portion 68a that provides a friction lock on the outer-most element 64a preventing release of the outer-most element 64a when the member is in the first position. The lips 70 are formed at the end of the outermost element 64a and prevent release of elements 64b and 64c.

As with the embodiments in Figs. 3 to 9, the exact number of telescopic sections in this embodiment is dependent on a number of factors one of which is the desired minimum distance at which the container outlet should be spaced from a surface area or object for proper operation and the other is the overall axial length of the product in its stored, carried or closed position. In this embodiment the minimum number of sections is two namely the sections identified as section 64a and 64d. Section 64d is formed integrally with the ring 66 which is located at the top of the container and a valve receiving portion (not shown in Fig 11) of section 64d is fitted to the valve of the container 60. Section 64d is provided with a first aperture 72 which provides access for a user's finger to operate the valve of the container. This finger aperture is not, of course, 'vital' to the concept since actuation of the valve could be achieved with levers. The valve receiving portion comprises a hole that is fitted to the valve and at one end includes an actuating lever 74 that can be accessed by a user through the aperture 72. A different 'lock' / mechanical push' could also be envisaged and could equally well prevent or discourage discharge in position one (the 'too close' position) and enable it in position two (the spacing position). One or more additional apertures 76 are provided in the walls of the element (shown here in 64d) as this has been found to improve the performance of the apparatus under certain circumstances. These apertures and the venturi apertures 78 (described in more detail later) have been found to eliminate inappropriate residue on the inner surface of the member 64 (or similar members in other embodiments) as well as to enhance performance generally. The second section which is present in this embodiment is the outer-most section 64a. In this embodiment this section 64a is the one that telescopes, thereby extending the minimum distance in the second position without being disadvantageous, awkward or inconvenient in the first position.

There are one or more intermediate sections such as those shown as 64b and 64c. Preferably, one or more of the intermediate sections are provided with one or more apertures 78 as again this has been shown to provide an improved performance under certain circumstances.

In this embodiment, the orientation of the apertures is not necessarily perpendicular to the planar surface of the spacer member 64. The apertures 78 may be angled as shown in more detail in Fig. 11a and described later. The preferred material for the member 64 and other members described herein is a plastics material although other materials including but not limited to card, glass fibre or metal could be used and the apertures are shown here generally as circular apertures though they can differ in shape, size, quantity and position. In a modified version and other embodiments it is possible to replace one or more of the intermediate sections or all of them with sections having mesh walls or even solid walls but it is to be noted that the size, positioning and number of apertures will affect performance of the overall product. As before, in a modification not shown in the figures, one or more of the intermediate sections can be formed at least from rods or pillars.

In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the spacer member is attached to the canister and can be provided with one or more extension pieces that can be added to the end of the spacer member. As well as interconnecting extension pieces, the spacer member may, for example, include a hinged section that is attached to the end of the spacer member. The hinged section (as well as interconnecting extension sections) can be used to ensure correct distance between the nozzle of the canister and the target area but the hinged section might also be folded to inhibit access to the nozzle. Alternative types of extension pieces could be added to the spacer so as to serve to ensure correct distance between the nozzle of the canister and the target area but also be moved to inhibit access to the nozzle if required.

With any of the embodiments disclosed above, it is possible to provide an elongate spacer such that in the operative position, the container or the particulate exit aperture cannot be positioned closer than, for example, 6 to 10 inches from a surface, object or area from any of these designs. When used in conjunction with a suitable formula, valve and nozzie selection will serve to minimise or eliminate the deposit of unwanted residue (such as in the case.of aerosol smoke detector testers or deodorants) or deliver a smooth and even deposit of spray coating without bubbles, droplets, run off or streaming (such as in the case of furniture polish or paint spray). The spacer is in the form of a generalised cylinder or cone. The spacer can be irregular along its length as well as geometrically unusual in its cross section. It will be appreciated that the cross section of the spacer need not be circular but could be other shapes such as oval or hexagonal.

In some of the above embodiments, it is noted that the transition of the spacer from the first position, which is convenient for carrying and / or storage, to the second operative position, which determines a minimum distance between the outlet aperture and the target surface area or object for the spray, aerosol or particulate, occurs whilst the spacer is fixed to the container. That is, the spacer does not have to be detached from the container to perform its function in the second position from the first position or vice versa.

Apertures in the various embodiments are known to provide an improved performance under certain circumstances and in several ways.

Fig. 11a shows part of the wall section of a member with three apertures 78. In this instance that wall section is section 64c of Figure 11 but the principle applies to other embodiments described. There is an angle A between the opening of the outer surface 64cι of the section 64c and the inner surface 64c₂ of the section 64c. The same apertures and variations on the theme can be provided in other sections and in other embodiments: The optimum angle between the outer surface and inner surfaces of the sections _'Will depend on* the combination of formulae, nozzle, valve. and desired effect. The size, shape, quantity and positioning of the apertures will influence airflow and, in some cases, a venturi effect is provided. This thereby improves performance by adding higher volume of air assisting particle dispersal, evaporation, positioning, and travel in, and through, the member. Beneficial effects will also be achieved should the apertures not be angled as described herein.

The influence of apertures on air in the system as hereinbefore described and the combination of these and the spacer member can assist both with particle residue and the 'throw', direction, control and focus of particulate which is dispensed from a canister or other container connected to the member. In combination the apertures also influence the length of the spacer member which need not be as long as would need to be the case if there were no apertures.

When positioned on the side wall it is not necessary to have apertures along the entire length of the spacer member and indeed it has been found that performance can be improved if apertures are absent from the end of the spacer furthest from the canister i.e. the end which expels particulate from the spacer.

The required length of the spacer is therefore a function of the formula of the product and the valve and nozzle selected as well as the amount of air that is / can be introduced to the spray as it travels the length of the spacer. In the event that the spacer is one that encloses the aerosol, spray or particulate by being a cylinder, cone or tube then the performance of the overall device is impacted by the number, type, size, shape and positioning of holes that may be introduced into the walls of the spacer.

The overall device and goals can be further enhanced in certain circumstances by the addition of telescoping, hinged or simply additional sections to extend the length of the spacer if required.

With any of the embodiments disclosed above, it is possible to provide a spacer such that in the operative position, the outlet of the container cannot be positioned closer than, for example, 6 to 10 inches from surface, object or area and any of these designs. When used in conjunction with a suitable formula, valve and nozzle selection such a spacer will serve to minimise or eliminate the deposit of unwanted residue (such as in the case of aerosol smoke detector testers or deodorants) or deliver a smooth and even deposit of spray coating without bubbles, droplets, run off or streaming (such as in the case of furniture polish or paint spray). In certain circumstances the spacer can also improve the 'throw' direction, control and focus of particulate

The preferred embodiment thus provides a spacer arrangement that is connected to oτ contains a container, preferably in the form of an aerosol canister during the usual carrying, storage and / or use of the container and which does not make the container significantly larger, more bulky or more inconvenient to carry, store or use and, where appropriate benefits are derived from the positioning of appropriate apertures to introduce air into the system. Where necessary or useful by hinging, telescoping, inverting, otherwise extending or simply being fitted into an operative position the device acts as a spacer that inhibits use of the aerosol spray or particulate too close to a surface or a focus or targeting device to ensure better accuracy. The required length of the spacer is a function of the formula of the product and the valve and nozzle selected as we^'ll as by the amount of air that is / can be introduced to the spray as it travels the length of the spacer. In the event that the spacer is one. that encloses the aerosol, spray or particulate by being a cylinder, cone or tube then the performance of the overall device is impacted by the number, type, size, shape and positioning of holes or apertures that may be introduced into the walls of the spacer. In a further development of this concept the device is can be arranged such that it cannot be used when the spacer member is not in place or is closed thereby preventing use too close and its use is only enabled when the spacer member is properly positioned - thereby dictating the minimum distance. In this way inadvertent use 'too close' is inhibited or prevented.

The apparatus is particularly useful for testing gas and / or combustion product detectors (for example, smoke detectors) where it is preferable to space the container containing test medium at a certain distance from the detector. Also, such a use of the apparatus is advantageous as gas and / or combustion product detectors are normally positioned at different locations so the apparatus described herein which is convenient for carrying and easy to use would be particularly suitable for testing smoke detectors. Other uses are envisaged for this apparatus, for example, in the application of paint and / or polish where a minimum distance or an appropriate focus could be considered optimum to achieve the best results when applying the paint and / or polish.

Claims

1. A member for use with a canister or other container that dispenses particulate,- the member being hollow and for receiving particulate dispensed from the canister or: other container and having a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a part of the length of the member whereby in use the apertures allow air into the member thereby assisting in movement, evaporation and / or dispersal of the particulate travelling through the member.

2. The member according to claim 1 , wherein the member is in the form of a generalised cylinder or cone.

3. The member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the member is arranged to extend to its operative length.

4. The member according to claim 3, wherein the member comprises a plurality of telescopically extending sections.

5. The member according to claim 4 wherein at least one of the sections includes apertures.

6. The member according to any preceding claim wherein the apertures are angled.

7. The member according to any preceding claim wherein the member comprises a section attachable to the canister and includes one or more apertures relatively larger than the other apertures.

8. The member according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the telescopically extending sections form a generally conical profile.

9. The member according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there is one or more intermediate sections between the outer section of the member and the section attachable to the canister or other container.

10. The member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the sections comprises an opening or apparatus in its side wall to permit access to the inside of the member from the side of the member.

11. The member according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for attaching the member to the canister or other container.

12. The member according to claim 11 , wherein the attaching means comprises means for providing a pivotal connection between the member and the canister or other container.

13. The member according to claim 11 , wherein the attaching means comprises a mounting ring or clip for receiving the canister or other container.

14. The member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein any or all of the sections are formed at least in part of a mesh.

15. The member according to any one of claims 2 to 14 further comprisinq means 5 for retaining the member in an unextended position.

16 A member according to any of the preceding claims that is adapted to store or house the canister or other container.

10 17. A member according to any of the preceding claims that is attachable to the canister or other container and remains attached to the canister or other container during storage.

18. A member according to any of the preceding claims that is extended in length by 15 means of one or more hinged, telescoping or interconnecting sections.

19. A member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

20 20. Apparatus comprising a canister or other container that dispenses spray, aerosol, or particulate and a member according to any preceding claim attached thereto.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20 for use in testing a gas and / or combustion product detector, wherein the spray, aerosol, or particulate is used to test the functionality of the gas and / or combustion product detector