WO2007045835A2

WO2007045835A2 - Air freshener with removable cartridge

Info

Publication number: WO2007045835A2
Application number: PCT/GB2006/003820
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip William Goreham; David Kennedy; Paul Newton
Original assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited
Priority date: 2005-10-21
Filing date: 2006-10-16
Publication date: 2007-04-26
Also published as: AR058494A1; GB0521471D0; WO2007045835A3

Abstract

The invention provides a device (2) for dispensing a fluid for fragrancing, deodorising or sanitising air. The device (2) comprises a body (8, 10) for housing at least one cartridge (36) containing a fluid to be dispensed. The body (8, 10) has an aperture (14) adapted to allow the fluid to exit to the air, and a support surface (31). The body (8, 10) is adapted to receive the cartridge (36) through an opening (34) in the support surface (31). The support surface (31) forms a base (6) of the device (2).

Description

Device

The invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid for fragrancing, deodorising or sanitising air. Particularly, the invention relates to an air freshening device .

Air freshener devices are commonplace, particularly in domestic environments where they are used to create a pleasant fragrance or mask a bad odour. The devices are generally of two types, a stand-alone type which can be placed away from a mains socket and which may be electrically operated by means of an electrical lead or batteries, or the type which plugs directly in to a mains socket, known as a plug-in device. Usually, either one of these said types operates in combination with a fragrance refill cartridge. The refill cartridge may be gel-based in which fragrance in the gel emanates on contact with air, aerosol based, or alternatively, the refill cartridge may be wick-based, wherein a fragranced liquid is drawn up the wick and evaporates on exposure to the air.

The consumer often considers air freshener devices to serve a purely functional purpose. Due to their functional nature, these devices are generally not designed to be visually striking because the consumer often hides the device from public view. However, there is now a trend for manufacturers to make air freshener devices which are aesthetically appealing. In so doing, air fresheners are now considered to be ornamental articles for the home, being placed in prominent positions in a room. Alongside the aesthetic appeal, there is an expectation by the consumer that air fresheners devices have increased functional capability. In order to meet consumer demand, manufacturers are now producing devices with improved aesthetics and functionality. However, such devices are becoming expensive to manufacture and ultimately costly for the consumer to purchase .

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for dispensing a fluid for fragrancing, deodorising or sanitising air which meets the requirements of the consumer, and which is more cost effective to manufacture.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for dispensing a fluid for fragrancing, deodorising or sanitising air, the device comprising a body for housing at least one cartridge containing a fluid to be dispensed, the body having an aperture adapted to allow the fluid to exit to the air, and a support surface, wherein the body is adapted to receive said cartridge through an opening in the support surface, wherein the support surface forms a base of the device .

In this configuration, the surface on which the device is intended to sit on, receives the cartridge as well as acting as the base of the device. In so doing, less material is required to manufacture the device, therefore the device is more economical to manufacture than a device which incorporates an integral base .

Preferably, a mouth of the opening is substantially enclosed by the support surface. Preferably, the mouth of the opening is co-planar with a surface on which the device is adapted to stand. More preferably, the opening is located substantially centrally to the body of the device .

Such positioning aids the centre of gravity of the device and so the device is more stable when free standing. Particularly, when the cartridge is full, the centre of gravity is lowered and the device is ultimately steadier.

Preferably, at least a portion of the cartridge lies adjacent to the support surface. More preferably, the at least one portion of the cartridge is substantially coplanar with at least a part of the support surface.

This arrangement utilises both a part of the support surface of the body and a portion of the cartridge to form the base of the device. The portion of the cartridge also performs as part of the base. The device can therefore be manufactured with a minimal base structure which reduces the amount of material needed in manufacture. Advantageously, the cost of manufacturing is reduced and the product can be sold to the consumer at a competitive rate .

Furthermore, due to the portion of the cartridge being adjacent to and coplanar with the part of the surface of the body, the base of the device is level. The base is balanced and the device acquires a steady standing position in use or when in storage.

Preferably, the at least one cartridge is a refill cartridge . The portion of the cartridge may form a substantial section of the base. This configuration minimises the amount of material needed to manufacture the device because when the cartridge is positioned in the body, the portion of said cartridge forms a majority of the base of the device.

Preferably, the portion of the cartridge is a bottom surface of the cartridge. Generally, the bottom surface of the cartridge is more rigid then the walls of the cartridge because the bottom often makes the initial impact with a surface during use. Advantageously, the bottom of the cartridge forms a sturdy base of the device which is more capable of withstanding impact. Preferably, the portion, or preferably the cartridge, is made from transparent materials, preferably glass. The cartridge itself may form a substantial section of the base.

Preferably a chamber is provided preferably, on the device, for housing the cartridge. Preferably, the chamber having approximately the same dimensions to that of the cartridge. This enables easy insertion of the cartridge in the device .

Preferably holding means are provided on the device for holding the cartridge in an operative position. More preferably, the holding means are located on the chamber. Preferably the holding means are resiliently deformable arms .

The holding means ensure that the cartridge is held in a fixed but releasable position in the device. Advantageously, the use of resiliently deformable arms, allow the cartridge to be readily fixed into position by simply pushing the cartridge into the device .

Preferably a plurality of fins is located on the body. More preferably the fins are arranged in a fan-like shape on the chamber.

The fins are provided to add strength and support to the body of the device. This is particularly useful when the cartridge is pushed hard into the device. The cartridge abuts against the fins and prevents any potential damage to the device. Further, the fins act to channel airflow around the device. Such channelling encourages heat dissipation throughout the device.

Preferably the device is a stand-alone type device, preferably, being either mains operated or battery operated. Such stand-alone devices may preferably receive wick based refill cartridges or, alternatively aerosol based cartridges. Further alternatively, such devices may receive gel type cartridges. Yet further alternatively, such devices may incorporate other means of vapour distribution such as vibrating plate (piezoelectric) or PCT ceramic technologies.

Preferably, the device comprises a fan and preferably receives a gel type or preferably a wick-type refill cartridge.

Preferably, the body is adapted to house a plurality of cartridges which are received through the opening in the support surface. The said plurality may comprise refill cartridges. More preferably, a portion of each of the said plurality of cartridges forms preferably a substantial section of the base of the device. Preferably, the plurality of the removable cartridges together form a substantial section of the base. Preferably, the or each cartridge is manufactured from transparent material, preferably glass.

It is an advantage for a single air freshener device to be able to house a number of cartridges. Each cartridge may preferable operate independently of the other cartridges, or preferably, each cartridge may operate to emit a fragrance at preferably the same time as, or intermittently of another cartridge.

An assembly of cartridges in a single housing, a portion of each cartridge forming a part of the base of the device, ensures a planar sturdy surface on which to stand the device. Further, when one or each cartridgeOOO is transparent, the consumer can monitor the levels of the fragrance without having to open the device or touch the refill . Each cartridge may contain a different colour fragrance which provides an aesthetically pleasing colour- way for the consumer .

Preferably at least one electrical light source is located on the device. The at least one electrical light source is preferably operable to produce a modulated light output.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination. An embodiment of the invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an air fragrancing device according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional side view of an air fragrancing device incorporating a cartridge;

Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a part of an air fragrancing device;

Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of an air fragrancing device;

Figure 5 shows a schematic plan view of a part of an air fragrancing device;

Figures 6a and 6b show schematic plan views of air fragrancing devices;

Figures 7a and 7b show further schematic plan views of air fragrancing devices;

Figures 8a and 8b show a schematic perspective view and a schematic sectional view respectively of an air fragrancing device;

Figures 9a and 9b show schematic sectional side views of air fragrancing devices; and Figure 10 shows a schematic view from below an air fragrancing device.

Figure 1 shows an air fragrancing device 2 according to the invention. The air fragrancing device 2 has generally a pear-shaped body having a chamfered first end 4 and a base 6. The air fragrancing device 2 comprises a shade 8 and a chassis 10. The shade 8 and the chassis 10 are held together in a push-fit manner but it will be appreciated that any fitting which allows the shade 8 to be removed from the chassis 10 would be equally suitable, for example, a screw thread type fitting.

The shade 8 comprises the first end 4 and a second end 12. The first end 4 has a sloping surface in which is located an aperture 14 through which fluid exits the air fragrancing device 2. A channel 16 having a number of openings 17 therein extends downwardly from the aperture 14 towards the chassis 10 as shown in Figure 2. A switch 20 is located in a slot 22 in the first end 4. The slot 22 is of sufficient length to enable the switch 20 to move from at least a first position to at least a second position in order to effect the dispersion of the fluid. The switch 20 has a number of projections thereon which provide a gripping surface which a user of the air fragrancing device 2 can push against when moving the switch 20.

The chassis 10 is generally circular in plan view and comprises a skirt 24 and a chamber 26 as shown in Figures 2 and 3. A circuit board 28, as will be described in more detail below, is housed on the chassis 10. A cable opening 29 is located on the skirt 24 through which a cable 30 is fed into the device 2. The cable 30 connects to the circuit board 28 for supplying power to the air fragrancing device 2. The skirt 24 curves downwardly to join a support surface 31. The support surface 31 curves inwardly to form a part of the base 6.

The skirt 24 has an arched vent 32 moulded therein as shown in Figure 4. The vent 32 extends underneath the chassis 10 to cooperate with an opening 34 in the support surface 31. During operation, the vent 32 enables a user to see a cartridge 36 in the device 2 and allows for easy insertion and removal of the cartridge 36.

A wall 38 extends upwardly from the opening 34 to form the chamber 26. The chamber 26 is of the same general shape to that of the cartridge 36 held therein. Due to this close similarity in shape the chamber 26 acts to guide the cartridge 36 into an operating position ready for use as shown in Figure 2.

The cartridge 36 is held in the chamber 26 such that a portion 37 of the cartridge 36 forms part of the base 6 of the device 2. The said portion 37 is coplanar with and adjacent to the support surface 31. As shown in figure 2, the portion 37 and the support surface 31 together form the base 6.

Resiliently deformable arms 42 are provided on an inner surface of the chamber 26. The arms 42 extend downwardly from the chamber 26. The arms 42 have hands 43 which project inwardly towards each other so that each hand 43 operates to lock the neck of the cartridge 36 in the operating position. A plurality of fins 46 are located at an upper end of the inner surface of the chamber 26 upon which shoulders of the cartridge 36 abut against when in the operating position. Seven fins 46 are shown but any number would be suitable. The fins 46 are arranged in a fan-like manner around the inner surface.

A typical cartridge 36 would be a wick-type liquid fragrance cartridge, commonly used as part of the AIRWICK (RTM) range. Although alternative cartridges include gel type cartridges, pressurised aerosol canisters, preferably incorporating a solenoid device in place of a heat source . The invention further includes passive air freshener devices, for example, those incorporating a fan and belt system.

As shown in Figure 2 and 3, the chamber 26 comprises a back portion 48 and a front portion 50 which are joined by a top portion 52. The chamber 26 is orientated so that the back portion 48 faces towards the cable 30. A collar 53 which is generally crescent-shaped in plan view extends around a part of the top portion 52, and upwardly towards the first end 4 of the air fragrancing device 2. The collar 53 extends from the top portion 52 to a point beyond the angle of spread of the light from, in particular, the rear LED 80, as will be described in more detail below. The collar 53 prevents the light reflecting off the internal parts of the housing, for example, the heat source 54 or connector 60, from appearing on the first end 4.

A heat source 54 is located on the top portion 52 of the chamber 26. The heat source 54 is generally circular in cross section with a generally circular portal 55 extending through the length thereof. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a flange 56 extends approximately 180° around an upper part of the heat source 54 and outwardly beyond the back portion 48. The preferred heat source 54 comprises two metal oxide resistors. The heat source operates at approximately 30 Ohms, 1.7 Watts, and 7.2 Volts. It will be appreciated by the skilled reader that any suitable heat source 54 could be incorporated into the air fragrancing device 2, for example, a wire-wound heater, a PTC, ceramic, a thick film or a thin film heater, or any other type of heater suitable for supplying heat to the wick 40.

The heat source 54 is held in position on the top portion 52 by lugs 58. The lugs 58 provide a snap fitting^' which allows for easy assembly of the heat source -54 on the chamber 26 during, for example, manufacture. The heat source 54 is connected to the circuit board 28 by a connector 60.

A chimney 62 is located on the heat source 54. The chimney 62 is generally circular in plan view and has an internal diameter of between 0.9 to 1.2cm. The length of the chimney 62 is between approximately 0.5cm and- 10cm, preferably lcm to 5cm, more preferably 2cm to 3.5cm. In an especially preferred embodiment the chimney is approximately 2.5cm in length. The chimney 62 has two diametrically opposing cut-outs 64 which are located at a lower end thereof. The cut-outs 64 are of similar dimension to the openings 17 in the channel 16. It is envisaged that any suitable number of cut-outs may be provided in the chimney 62. An arm 66 extends from the chimney 62 and through the slot 22 to cooperate with the switch 20. It will be appreciated by the reader that the switch 20 may either be a separate or integral part of the chimney 62. When the air fragrancing device 2 is assembled, the chimney 62 is held in position by the channel 16 which is of a slightly smaller diameter then said chimney. In this manner, the chimney 62 is movable relative to the channel 16 upon actuation of the switch 20.

Adjacent the cable opening 29 is an operating button 72 which is operatively linked to the circuit board 28. The operating button 72 is a push-button type, although a slidably movable operating button is equally suitable. A slidably movable operating button may be configured to move into a number of positions, which may be incremental.

As shown in Figure 5, the circuit board 28 is generally horseshoe shaped in plan view, having a diameter of approximately 8cm. The circuit board 28 is connected to a power supply via the cable 30. The cable 30 connects to mains power through a transformer so as to supply low voltage electricity, typically 7.5V, to the air fragrancing device 2. In this manner, the user is not directly exposed to mains electricity.

A plurality of light sources shown as LEDs 74, are fixed on to the circuit board 28. Each LED 74 is fixed in a specific position. In the arrangement shown in Figure 5, five LEDs are provided and are configured in a symmetrical arrangement around the horseshoe shape of the circuit board 28 as follows: two front LEDs 76, two middle LEDs 78 and a single rear LED 80. The front LEDs 76 are positioned adjacent the front portion 50 of the chamber 26 at an angle β of approximately 49° from an axis 85. The middle LEDs 78 are positioned adjacent a corner 82 of the chamber 26, at an angle α which is approximately 11° from the axis 85. The rear LED 80 is positioned adjacent the back portion 48 of the chamber 26, and generally centrally thereof, at a distance d from the back portion 48. The distance d is approximately 0.14cm. In the arrangement shown, a 50° viewing angle is achieved for each LED 74. A 50° viewing angle means that the luminous intensity is half of the maximum at an angle 25° from the centreline of the LED 74. Although 50° is the preferred angle, the range of viewing angle includes 5 to 180°. The luminous intensity may be in the range 1000-5000mca but the preferred luminous intensity is 3900mca. The peak wavelength may be in a range of wavelength in the visible, UV or IR region but the preferred peak wavelength is 589nm. The spectrum radiation bandwidth may be between 5 to 50nm but in the embodiment shown, the preferred bandwidth is 30nm.

A filter element of substantially the same shape and size as the circuit board 28 is mounted on the chassis 10, above the LEDs and adjacent thereto. The filter element can rotate in the device 2. The filter element comprises a number of viewing windows, for example five windows. Each window is positioned to align with one LED 74 so that light passes through the or each window.

Figures 6a and 6b show alternative circuit boards having four or five LEDs respectively thereon. In the arrangement of Figure 6a, an unwanted shadow is created by the four LEDs as shown by hatched lines. In Figure 6b, five LEDs are located on a device. In this arrangement the shadowing in minimised.

Figures 7a and 7b again show arrangements for positioning either four or five LEDs respectively on the device. In Figure 7a, the position of the opening 34 in the base 6 of the device 2, together with the location and number of LEDs 74, reduces the visibility of the cartridge 36 when viewed through the vent 32. However, in the arrangement of Figure 7b, the visibility is substantially increased due to the location of the opening 34 and the number and positioning of each LED 74. The visibility distance X is reduced in Figure 7b which enables the consumer to easily see the cartridge 36.

The positioning of the LEDs 74 with respect to the shade 8 and the chamber 26 provides an arrangement which produces a candle-like effect on the device 2. This effect is primarily due to the light from each LED 74 being reflected off the walls of the chamber 26 and the collar 53 and on to the inner surface of the shade 8 in a predictable and structured manner as shown in Figures 8a and 8b. The arrows in said figures schematically show the predicted direction the light travels in the device 2 and how the light is reflected off chosen surfaces.

The arrangement provided by the invention overcomes problems of unwanted shadows being created from light reflecting randomly off component parts inside the device 2. An example of unwanted shadowing being created on the first end 4 of the device 2 is shown schematically in Figure 9a. In Figure 9a a shadow, shown as "A" in the figure, is created on the first end 4 due to light reflecting off the internal parts of the device 2, particularly the connector 60 and chamber 26. The effect "A" is undesirable to the consumer. Figure 9b shows the arrangement of the present invention whereby the flange 56 is provided on the heat source 54. The flange 56 extends passed the connector 60 and prevents light reflected off the connector 60 from being projected as a shadow on the first end 4. Instead, as shown by inserts marked B and C, desirable and visually appealing shadows are created on the first end 4. The shadows may be of any shape. For example, when used in a children's room, the shape may be a star shape and may be rotate about the aperture 14. This may be achieved by the flange 56 rotating in the device 2.

The LEDs 74 may be of the same colour or different colours. The colours are, for example, yellow, orange, white, red, blue or green. Alternatively at least one single RGB LED can be incorporated into the device 2. The light emitting from each LED 74 can be modulated. The alternative LEDs, together with modes of operation are detailed below.

There are a number of possible modes of operation of the LEDs 74. Each mode can be produced using RGB LEDs, or separate red, green and blue LEDs.

A first mode is known as the rainbow mode. The rainbow mode preferably cycles through all of. the colours in a preferably continuous sequence over the course of approximately 10 seconds (s) . Speed control options are provided on the device 2 to allow the consumer to set the cycle time, preferably to 2.5s, 5s, 10s, 20s or 40s or any time in between. In so doing, for example, a red LED 74 is slowly reduced in intensity while, a blue LED 74 is slowly increased in intensity. The effect this produces is a gradual change through the colour spectrum from red, through purple to blue. The same effect is carried out with respect to a green LED 74 present in the device 2 ^• so as to achieve a smooth cycle through the colour spectrum.

A second mode is the RGB beat mode which uses at least one RGB LED. The RGB beat mode cycles through the colours in preferably the same sequence as the rainbow mode, but the lights pulse off between each colour to give a beat effect . The "off cycle" is a gradual decrease then increase in light intensity over the course of approximately Is. The total colour cycle preferably takes

10s. Speed control options allow the consumer to set the cycle time a preferred time, for example, to 2.5s, 5s,

10s, 20s or 40s or any time in between. The interval of the "off cycle" is preferably varied proportionally with the cycle time.

Alternatively, the beat mode can be carried out on single LEDs 74. When using single LEDs, the consumer selects their chosen colour and the light pulses on/off in said colour. The total cycle time is preferably 6s. The "off cycle" is a gradual decrease then increase in light intensity over the course of preferably Is. Speed control options allow the consumer to set the cycle time to a preferred time, for example, to 1.5s, 3s, .6s, 12s or 18s or any time in between. The interval of the "off cycle" is varied proportionally with the cycle time. A further mode is the static mode. The static mode allows the consumer to select any of the possible colours to achieve a static light glow.

A further alternative mode is the pulse mode. The pulse mode is similar to the beat mode but the "off cycle" consists of preferably two off periods giving the effect of a heart beat. The total cycle time is preferably 8s. The light is fully on for 2s, a gradual loss in intensity over the course of Is is then followed by a gradual increase over Is. The light then gradually decreases in intensity over Is and is held fully off for Is before gradually increasing in intensity over 2s. Speed control options allow the consumer to set the preferred cycle time to 2s, 4s, 8s, 16s or 24s or any time in between. The interval of the off cycle is varied proportionally with the cycle time.

An RGB cycle mode gives the effect of colours moving around the device. In said mode, each RGB LED (or cluster of red, green and blue LEDs) is a different colour at any one time. For example, if three LEDs are used, one is red

(LEDl), one is green (LED2) one is blue (LED3) and at the start of the sequence. LEDl then slowly cycles from red to green, while LED2 cycles from green to blue and LED3 cycles from blue to red etc. The total cycle time is 10s.

Speed control options allow the consumer to set the cycle time, for example, to 2.5s, 5s, 10s, 20s or 40s or any time in between.

A candle mode uses yellow LEDs or the yellow colour achieved by RGB LEDs. In said mode, one or more LEDs is held in a static yellow mode while one or more other LEDs is switched on/off in a yellow mode to produce a flicker effect. The on/off cycle is typically fast, with on and off being of preferably equal duration and preferably 5 cycles being achieved per second. The pulse speed can be varied by the consumer.

The mode of operation of the LEDs 74 can produce a flickering effect reminiscent of a candle flickering. Further, an effect may be produced over a programmed time p'eriod which may coincide with a change in the intensity of the fragrance. For example, a red candle may coincide with a strong intensity of fragrance and the fragrance decreases in intensity as the LED changes to an orange colour. The effect can be enhanced by the use of the filter element working in co-operation with the LEDs.

Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention in which a plurality of cartridges 136 are housed in the chamber 126. Four cartridges 136 are shown but any suitable number may be incorporated into the device 100. A portion 137 of each cartridge 136 forms a section of the base 106 of the device 100, together with a support surface 131 of the device 100.

In a further embodiment, a circuit breaker is incorporated into the electrical circuitry. The circuit breaker can be operated to close the circuit when, for example, a fragrance cartridge is placed in the device 2 or the shade 8 is fitted to the chassis 10.

In a further embodiment, a recognition system is provided on the device 2. The recognition system comprises electronic identification means which can be located on the device 2, on each shade 8, and on a cartridge to be used in the device. The identification means detects a preferred match, for example, a particular shade with a particular fragrance cartridge. The operation of such a recognition system for example, incorporating barcodes, will be apparent to the skilled person.

In use, the consumer chooses a preferred shade 8 and fixes said shade 8 to the chassis 10. The consumer can make his choice using the recognition system. The cartridge 36 is then inserted into the opening 34 in the chamber 26 of the air fragrancing device 2. Advantageously, the vent 32 provides an easily accessible thumb hole for inserting and removing the cartridge 36. The contours of the chamber wall 38 act to guide the cartridge 36 towards an operative position in which the wick 40 passes through the chamber 26 and into the portal 55 of the heat source 54; the end of the wick 40 is co-linear with an end of the heat source 54. The shoulders of the cartridge 36 abut against the fins 46 of the chamber 26. The neck of the cartridge 36 is pushed against the arms 42 which resiliently deform to receive said cartridge 36. In this position, the air fragrancing device 2 is releasably held in the operative position.

In the operative position, the cartridge 36 sits in the device 2 so that the portion 37 of the cartridge 36 rests in the same plane as the support surface 31 of the chassis 10. Together, the portion 37 of the cartridge 36 and the support surface 31 form the base 6 of the device. Due to this configuration, a level base 6 of the device 2 is achieved. The user is able to place the device 2 down on a surface and the device remains in a steady configuration. In this position, a section of the cartridge 36 remains visible to the consumer due to the vent 32 in the skirt 24 of the chassis 10. This allows the consumer to monitor the level of liquid remaining in the cartridge 36, particularly when nearing the end of life of the cartridge 36.

In order to supply power to the air fragrancing device 2, the cable 30 is connected to a power supply. The cable 30 runs via a transformer which provides approximately 7.5V to said device 2. In so doing, the consumer is not directly exposed to the risk of viewing a mains electric shock. It will be appreciated that an alternative form of low voltage power supply may be incorporated, for example, low voltage battery power.

When connected, power is fed to the connector 60 to heat the heat source 54. Further, the LEDs 74 in the air fragrancing device 2 can be switched on by pushing the operating button 72 into an operative position. In an alternative arrangement, the operating button 72 can operate either or both the LEDs 74 or heat source 54.

When power is supplied to the heat source 54, heat radiates into the portal 55 to cause diffusion of the liquid on wick 40. When the switch 20 is in the On' position, the cut-outs 64 align with the openings 17 to allow a substantial flow of air across the end of the wick 40 which causes rapid vaporisation of the fragrance. Vapour travels up through the channel 16 and out of the aperture 14. If the user wishes to lessen the intensity of the fragrance the switch 20 is moved to the ^λoff position. In this position, the chimney 62 rotates about the channel 16 so that the cut-outs 64 partially align with the openings 17 in the channel 16. Due to the gap provided between the openings 17 and cut-outs 64, a minimal but continual airflow is provided through the device 2 which helps to ensure that substantially no condensation forms on the internal surfaces of the device 2. The presence of condensation inside the device 2 is undesirable as liquid may run onto the electrical components, particularly the PCB, and damage the device 2.

The air fragrancing device 2 is visually striking to a consumer while simultaneously operating as a fragrance dispenser. The light effect produced by light being directed towards particular surfaces on the chamber and shade, appears to the consumer as a candle flame, flickering in use and so there is no obvious requirement to burn wax candles which are potentially very dangerous. This effect is further enhanced by the consumer selecting a preferred mode of operation. Further, the light effect is not diminished by unsightly shadowing of internal parts of the device because of the arrangement of the collar 53 and flange 56 which co-operate to minimise such an effect. Also, the smoothed internal surfaces of the device 2 further ensure unwanted shadowing is minimised. Particularly, there are substantially no sharp corners on snap fits or screw points on the internal surface.

The ability to interchange shades 8 of the device 2 provides the consumer with a choice of external appearance of the device 2. Further, because a particular shade can be fitted with the identification means, the shade can be matched to a specific cartridge fragrance. The recognition means can be mechanical, for example, using co-operating mechanical parts on the shade and cartridge. The recognition system can also cause the operation of a particular mode of LEDs.

The vent 32 provides a viewing window for the consumer. The appeal of this feature is enhanced when the or each cartridge 36,136 is manufactured from transparent material and the fluid contained therein is coloured. When a plurality of cartridges is provided, each may contain a different coloured fluid. Also, due to the transparent nature of the or each cartridge, the consumer is given a visual indication of how full the cartridge is and when to replace it.

It is preferred that the or each cartridge is manufactured from glass. Glass is a robust material which can be blown thick enough to withstand impact . The manufacture of glass does not generally create sharp edges, which may sometimes result from injection moulding of plastics. Further, glass is compatible with the combination of fragrance and heat.

The configuration of a portion of the cartridge forming a part of the base of the device, together with the support surface of the chamber, requires less material to make the device. Therefore, the cost of producing the device is less than that compared to a device which incorporates a complete and integrally moulded base.

Provision of the component parts in the chassis 10 ensures that the operational parts are housed in one location on the device. This allows the shade to be manufactured more simply than if the shade carried component parts also. Further, because the shade has no component parts, the shade can be easily interchanged on the chassis by the consumer without the need for the consumer to connect any electrical components or other such parts which allow the device to operate. This arrangement provides the consumer with choice of device appearance but simultaneously limits the risk of the consumer damaging the device whilst fitting the chosen shade to the chassis.

The chamber may be manufactured from plastics material. Particularly suitable plastics materials are those which are opaque in nature, for example polypropylene. In so doing, the opaque areas aid in hiding internal component parts .

The invention is not limited to the use of a fragrance but is equally suited to use with liquids for pest control, pharmaceutical preparations which can be vaporised, for example, formulations to ease congestion. When used for pest control, the light source is preferably a UV light, particularly a UV germicidal light.

Although the device is shown connected to a mains power lead, it is envisaged that the device make comprise a docking station and rechargeable batteries. Such an arrangement allows the consumer to move the device around the home and outside, for example to the garden. When used in the garden, the device is preferably adapted for pest control .

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A device for dispensing a fluid for fragrancing, deodorising or sanitising air, the device comprising a body for housing at least one cartridge containing a fluid to be dispensed, the body having an aperture adapted to allow the fluid to exit to the air, and a support surface, wherein the body is adapted to receive said cartridge through an opening in the support surface, wherein the support surface forms a base of the device.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a mouth of the opening is substantially enclosed by the support surface.

3. A device as claimed in claims 1 or 2 , wherein the mouth of the opening is co-planar with a surface on which the device is adapted to stand.

4. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening is located substantially centrally to the body of the device.

5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the cartridge lies adjacent to the support surface.

6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the said portion of the cartridge is substantially coplanar with at least a part of the support surface.

7. A device as claimed in claims 5 or 6, wherein the said portion of the cartridge is a bottom surface of the cartridge .

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cartridge is a removable cartridge .

9. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a vent is located on the body of the device adjacent the support surface.

10. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a chamber is provided on the device for housing said cartridge, the chamber having approximately the same dimensions to that of the cartridge.

11. A device as claimed in claim 10, wherein holding means are provided on the chamber for holding the at least one cartridge in the device.

12. A device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the holding means are resiliently deformable arms.

13. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of fins is located on the body.

14. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the fins are arranged in a fan-like shape.

15. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is a stand-alone type device.

16. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is adapted to house a plurality of removable cartridges .

17. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each cartridge is manufactured from transparent material .

18. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one electrical light source is located on the device.

19. An assembly comprising a device for dispensing a fluid for fragrancing, deodorising or sanitising air, the device comprising a body for housing at least one cartridge containing a fluid to be dispensed, the body having an aperture adapted to allow the fluid to exit to the air, and a support surface, wherein the body is adapted to receive said cartridge through an opening in the support surface, wherein the support surface forms a base of the device, the assembly further comprising at least one cartridge containing a fluid to be dispensed.

20. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.