Scent dispenser and its cartridge

Abstract

The scent dispenser cartridge is comprised of a reservoir and one or more porous members (which may be referred to as wicks). The reservoir contains a liquid (e.g., perfume). The one or more porous members are elongated, hollow porous members, which may be, for example, in the form of a tube formed generally from a porous material. At least one end of the porous members is in fluid communication with the reservoir. Also disclosed is a device (scent dispenser) including a support for supporting the cartridge. The device further comprises an actuation mechanism operable to interact with the cartridge supported by the support such that the liquid flows from the reservoir through the one or more porous members. As the liquid flows through the one or more porous members, the liquid saturates the one or more porous members and permeates through the one or more porous members to their outer surfaces. At least a portion of the liquid then evaporates, providing the scent to the surrounding environment.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to cartridges for scent dispensers and to devices (scent dispensers) operable to support or receive the cartridges and expel a scent from the cartridges into the surrounding environment.

[0002] Scent dispensers can distribute scent to an ambient environment, for example, via evaporation of a volatile liquid into the ambient environment. Such scent dispensers can be used to deliver vapor from the volatile liquid into a room to provide a pleasant or pleasant scent. It is also desirable to provide a scent dispenser that provides easy control over the intensity of the scent dispensed into the ambient environment.

[0003] It may be desirable to provide alternative scent dispensers and / or cartridges.Furthermore, it may be desirable to provide such alternative scent dispensers and / or cartridges that at least partially address one or more of the problems of the prior art, whether or not identified herein.

[0004] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a scent dispenser cartridge that includes a reservoir for containing a fluid and one or more porous members, where the one or more porous members are not disposed within the reservoir. Rather, the fluid is actively (e.g., periodically) pumped from the reservoir to dose the fluid to the one or more porous members. Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a scent dispenser cartridge that is arranged to provide no or negligible passive delivery of scent or fluid. Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a scent dispenser cartridge that is arranged not to provide continuous delivery of scent or fluid when in use.

[0005] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a cartridge for a scent dispenser that includes one or more porous members and a divided reservoir for containing a liquid, in contrast to some prior art that includes a wick that is pre-soaked in the liquid.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge for a scent dispenser comprising a reservoir for containing a liquid and one or more porous members, each of the porous members being an elongated hollow porous member, at least one end of each porous member being in fluid communication with the reservoir.

[0007] The porous member may be referred to as a wick.

[0008] The cartridge according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is particularly advantageous, as has just been explained.

[0009] In use, the scent dispenser is operable to deliver liquid (e.g., perfume) from a reservoir and flow through one or more porous members. To achieve this, the scent dispenser may include any suitable actuation mechanism. As the liquid flows through the one or more porous members, the liquid saturates the one or more porous members and permeates through the one or more porous members to their exterior surfaces. At least a portion of the liquid then evaporates, providing a scent to the surrounding environment.

[0010] In contrast to known arrangements with a solid wick through which liquid can permeate axially along its length, the one or more hollow porous members of the cartridge according to the first aspect provide a number of advantages. By contacting or pumping liquid from a reservoir through the one or more hollow porous members to the tip, substantially the entire inner surface thereof can be saturated in a short time. Advantageously, this arrangement provides better control over the delivery of liquid or perfume than, for example, a solid porous member. Rather than liquid permeating axially along the length of the solid wick, the entire inner surface of the hollow porous member is supplied with liquid that permeates radially outward, where it can be supplied with the airflow provided by the fan of the fragrance dispenser. Furthermore, the use of such one or more hollow porous members can prevent oversaturation of the respective porous members, which could result in undesirable leakage of liquid.

[0011] The cartridge according to the first aspect is suitable for use in a scent dispenser suitable for home use, allowing the strength of perfume in a room to be easily adjusted and controlled.

[0012] It will be appreciated that the one or more porous members are elongated and hollow, so that each porous member may be generally in the form of a tube formed from the porous material.

[0013] The cartridge may be comprised of multiple porous members, and in such embodiments, the multiple porous members may be generally parallel to one another.

[0014] At least one end of each porous member may be in fluid communication with the reservoir via a passageway. Advantageously, in such an arrangement, liquid may be actively pumped through the passageway into each porous member, if desired. This provides greater control over the supply of liquid than arrangements in which the wick is pre-soaked or partially placed in a reservoir containing the dispensing liquid.

[0015] It will be understood that cartridge, as used herein, is intended to mean a container for a consumable (e.g., liquid) that is interchangeable with a similar part and is used in a larger or complex device or equipment (e.g., a scent dispenser). Generally, cartridges are replaceable consumables.

[0016] It will be understood that as used herein, a reservoir for containing liquid is intended to mean a part of a device (e.g. a cartridge) in which, in use, the majority of the liquid is located for the majority of the time. For example, there may be other parts of a device or cartridge in which a small portion of the liquid is located but which are not part of the reservoir. It will be understood that as used herein, a reservoir for containing liquid is intended to mean a part of a device (e.g. a cartridge) that is located close to the bottom of the device or cartridge such that, in use, the liquid tends to collect in said reservoir according to gravity.

[0017] 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 one or more porous members, the reservoir being disposed at a first end of the one or more porous members, the reservoir being in fluid communication with the first end of the one or more porous members via a first passage and the reservoir being in fluid communication with a second end of the one or more porous members via a second passage, the first passage being provided with a valve mechanism enabling selectively opening and closing the first passage.

[0018] The porous member is sometimes called a wick.

[0019] The cartridge according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is particularly advantageous, as has just been explained.

[0020] In use, the scent dispenser is operable to deliver liquid (e.g., perfume) from a reservoir and flow through one or more porous members. To achieve this, the scent dispenser may include any suitable actuation mechanism. As the liquid flows through the one or more porous members, the liquid saturates the one or more porous members and permeates through the one or more porous members to their exterior surfaces. At least a portion of the liquid then evaporates, providing a scent to the surrounding environment.

[0021] In use, the cartridge may be oriented such that the reservoir is generally beneath the one or more porous members. The one or more porous members may be generally vertical. In use, a first end of the one or more porous members may be the bottom of the one or more porous members and a second end of the one or more porous members may be the top of the one or more porous members. Advantageously, the second passage allows liquid to be supplied to the second end of the one or more porous members (which in use is the top of the one or more porous members). Liquid may then flow through the one or more porous members according to gravity. The first passage allows excess liquid to flow out of the first end of the one or more porous members (which in use is the bottom of the one or more porous members) back into the reservoir. This arrangement provides good control over the supply of liquid, particularly as the reservoir becomes depleted.

[0022] Advantageously, the valve mechanism may close the first passageway. Once closed, when the reservoir is squeezed liquid is forced through the second passageway to a second end of the one or more porous members (which in use is the top of the one or more porous members). Once liquid has been directed via the second passageway to the second end of the one or more porous members, the first passageway may be opened to allow excess liquid to return to the reservoir.

[0023] The cartridge according to the second aspect may be suitable for use in a scent dispenser suitable for home use, allowing the strength of perfume in a room to be easily adjusted and controlled.

[0024] The cartridge may include a plurality of porous members, and in such embodiments, the plurality of porous members may be generally parallel to one another.

[0025] It will be understood that cartridge, as used herein, is intended to mean a container for a consumable (e.g., liquid) that is interchangeable with a similar part and is used in a larger or complex device or equipment (e.g., a scent dispenser). Generally, cartridges are replaceable consumables.

[0026] At least a portion of the reservoir may be formed from a flexible material.

[0027] Such a cartridge may be used in a scent dispenser comprising an actuator operable to deform the flexible material and squeeze the reservoir, thereby forcing at least a portion of the liquid in the reservoir into the one or more porous members where it permeates through the walls of the one or more porous members. This provides the basis of a particularly simple mechanism for pumping liquid from the reservoir through the one or more porous members.

[0028] It will be understood that a flexible material may be intended to mean a material that can be easily deformed without breaking. It will further be understood that a flexible material may be intended to mean a material that is elastically deformable. It will be understood that a flexible material may be intended to mean a material that has high elasticity. Such a flexible material may be composed of any suitable plastic material, such as, for example, polypropylene or polyethylene. Alternatively, other flexible materials may be used, such as, for example, elastomers.

[0029] In some embodiments, the flexible material comprises a laminated plastic film. The laminated plastic film may comprise polypropylene or polyethylene.

[0030] The cartridge comprises a rigid body, a recess defined in the rigid body, and a flexible membrane sealed to the rigid body, with the reservoir being at least partially formed by the recess and the flexible material.

[0031] The rigid body may, for example, be formed from a plastic material For example, the rigid body may be formed by injection molding.

[0032] The flexible membrane may be constructed from any suitable plastic material, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, or other flexible materials, such as elastomers, may be used.

[0033] The reservoir may be disposed at a first end of the one or more porous members. The reservoir may be in fluid communication with the first end of the one or more porous members via a first passage. The reservoir may be in fluid communication with the second end of the one or more porous members via a second passage.

[0034] In use, the cartridge may be oriented such that the reservoir is located below the one or more porous members, i.e., in use, a first end of the one or more porous members may be at the bottom of the one or more porous members and a second end of the one or more porous members may be at the top of the one or more porous members.

[0035] Advantageously, the second passageway allows liquid to be supplied to a second end of the one or more porous members (which in use is the top of the one or more porous members). The liquid can then flow through the one or more porous members under the effect of gravity. The first passageway allows excess liquid to flow out of a first end of the one or more porous members (which in use is the bottom of the one or more porous members) back to the reservoir.

[0036] This arrangement provides good control over the liquid supply, especially as the reservoir becomes depleted.

[0037] The first and second passageways may be at least partially defined by channels in the rigid body.

[0038] The first passage may be provided with a valve mechanism capable of selectively opening and closing the first passage.

[0039] In embodiments including a flexible membrane and a rigid body, the valve mechanism may be actuated by pressing the flexible membrane into contact with the rigid body to close the first passageway.

[0040] Advantageously, the valve mechanism can close the first passageway. Once closed, when the reservoir is squeezed liquid is forced through the second passageway to a second end of the one or more porous members (which in use is the top of the one or more porous members). Once liquid has been directed via the second passageway to the second end of the one or more porous members, the first passageway can be opened to allow excess liquid to return to the reservoir.

[0041] The second passage may be provided with a valve mechanism capable of selectively opening and closing the second passage.

[0042] One or more walls may partially divide the reservoir into a first portion adjacent the second passage and a second portion.

[0043] Advantageously, such an arrangement may allow for a simpler actuation mechanism with a single actuator within the scent dispenser, as discussed above.

[0044] The one or more walls may be arranged such that a size and shape of the second portion of the reservoir is generally complementary to a size and shape of the actuator. As such, the actuator may be operable to initially engage the cartridge to generally isolate the second portion from the first portion. The same actuator may then be moved, and while still engaged with the cartridge, the movement of the actuator forces liquid through the second passageway to the second end of the one or more porous members.

[0045] Preferably, only a relatively narrow communication portion provides fluid communication between the first and second portions of the reservoir. For example, the dimensions of the communication portion may be on the order of the dimensions of the second passage. The dimensions of the connecting portion may be less than or equal to half the dimensions of the first and second portions.

[0046] The second portion of the reservoir may comprise a generally straight channel of generally uniform width, the first portion being connected to the second portion only at one end of the generally straight channel.

[0047] Such an arrangement allows an actuator, having outer dimensions smaller than and generally matching the internal dimensions of the generally linear channel, to be moved along the channel to force liquid through the second passageway to a second end of the one or more porous members in a manner similar to a peristaltic pump. The actuator may be in the form of a roller or the like.

[0048] The second portion of the reservoir may be defined by a generally annular channel having a generally uniform width, with the first portion connected to the second portion only at one circumferential location of the generally annular channel, and the second passage connected to a different location of the generally annular channel.

[0049] With such an arrangement, a rotary actuator having three protrusions whose outer dimensions are smaller than and generally match the inner dimensions of the generally annular channel can be moved around the channel to force liquid through the second passageway to a second end of the one or more porous members in a manner similar to a peristaltic pump. The three protrusions (or rollers) on the single rotary actuator can function as an anti-return valve.

[0050] The cartridge may further include a second reservoir. The reservoir may be disposed at a first end of the one or more porous members, and the reservoir may be in fluid communication with the first end of the one or more porous members via a first passageway. The second reservoir may be disposed at a second end of the one or more porous members, and the second reservoir may be in fluid communication with the second end of the one or more porous members via a second passageway.

[0051] In use, the cartridge may be oriented such that the one or more porous members are generally vertical, with one of the reservoirs or the second reservoir generally below the one or more porous members and the other of the reservoirs or the second reservoir generally above the one or more porous members, It will be understood that liquid is disposed in a reservoir at the bottom of the cartridge.

[0052] Advantageously, in this dual reservoir arrangement, by rotating the cartridge 180° about an axis generally perpendicular to the porous member(s), the reservoir containing the liquid that was at the bottom can be moved to the top and the liquid can be allowed to flow by gravity through the porous member(s) into the other reservoir. Such an arrangement provides a simple alternative mechanism by which liquid can be moved from one of the reservoirs to flow through the porous member(s).

[0053] The cartridge may further contain the liquid to be dispensed.

[0054] This liquid may consist of perfume or other volatile liquids.

[0055] The cartridge may further include a seal mechanism for preventing liquid from flowing through the one or more porous members.The cartridge may further include a seal breaking actuator operable to break the seal mechanism.

[0056] Such an arrangement advantageously prevents the cartridge from leaking during storage or transport, and further prevents the cartridge from drying out during storage, meaning that liquid is not wasted before the cartridge is used (at which point a seal breaking actuator can be used to break the seal mechanism and allow the liquid to be dispensed).

[0057] The liquid may be disposed within the sealed capsule, and the cartridge may further comprise a piercing member movable between an initial stored position and a subsequent activated position to extend into and rupture the sealed capsule.

[0058] 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 is rupturable by a piercing member. The piercing member may be movably attached to the cartridge body and may be sealed to the cartridge body.

[0059] The reservoir may define a chamber for receiving the sealed capsule. The chamber may have an opening to allow the piercing member to move into the chamber and for liquid to exit the chamber.

[0060] In some embodiments, the opening may function as a guide bush for the piercing member. In such embodiments, the opening may be generally circular and the piercing member may be comprised of a generally cylindrical portion, the outer diameter dimension of the generally cylindrical portion generally matching the inner diameter dimension of the opening. In such embodiments, the generally cylindrical portion may define one or more axial recesses for allowing liquid to flow through the opening while the piercing member is received within the opening.

[0061] The cartridge may further include a storage reservoir. The liquid may be disposed in the storage reservoir, and the sealing mechanism may include a valve operable to isolate the storage reservoir from the one or more porous members.

[0062] The valve may be operable to isolate the storage reservoir from all other parts of the cartridge. The storage reservoir may be located at an opposite end of the one or more porous members from the reservoir.

[0063] The sealing mechanism may include one or more valves operable to isolate the reservoir from the one or more porous members.

[0064] The cartridge may include one or more valves positioned to isolate the reservoir from the one or more porous members.

[0065] For example, the or each valve may comprise a single valve member movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, and when disposed in the closed configuration, the single valve member may substantially block and seal both the first and second passageways.

[0066] The cartridge may further include a biasing member arranged to bias a valve member of the or each valve towards a closed configuration in which the reservoir is isolated from the one or more porous members.

[0067] The cartridge may further include a rigid plate rigidly coupled to the body to form a two-part housing for the valve member and the biasing member.

[0068] The valve member may define an engagement feature which, in use, may be actuated by an actuator of the scent dispenser.

[0069] The rigid body has a groove defined therein for receiving an actuator of the scent dispenser which acts on the valve member.

[0070] The cartridge may further include a rack gear. In some embodiments, the rack gear may be formed on a surface of the rigid body. In use, the cartridge is inserted into the scent dispenser, for example, through an opening in the scent dispenser. After a portion of the cartridge is inserted, a pinion gear in the scent dispenser may act on the rack gear formed on the cartridge to fully retract the cartridge into the scent dispenser.

[0071] The one or more porous members may be formed from polypropylene.

[0072] In either the first or second aspect of the disclosure, the one or more porous members may be arranged so as not to be disposed within the reservoir. Advantageously, such a scent dispenser cartridge is arranged to provide for no or negligible passive delivery of scent or liquid, since liquid in the reservoir cannot permeate up the porous member and be delivered by evaporation. Rather, liquid is actively pumped (e.g. periodically) from the reservoir to dose the liquid to the one or more porous members. Either the first or second aspect of the disclosure may relate to a scent dispenser cartridge arranged so as not to provide continuous delivery of scent or fluid in use.

[0073] 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 aspect of the present disclosure and an actuation mechanism operable to interact with the cartridge supported by the support such that liquid flows from a reservoir through one or more porous members.

[0074] The device according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is particularly suitable for engaging with the cartridge according to the first and second aspects and for causing liquid to flow from a reservoir (via an actuation mechanism) through one or more porous members. As the liquid flows through the one or more porous members, the liquid saturates the one or more porous members and permeates through the one or more porous members to their outer surfaces. At least a portion of the liquid then evaporates, providing a scent to the surrounding environment.

[0075] The device is particularly suitable for home use and is able to supply a room with perfume of easily adjustable and controllable intensity.

[0076] The actuation mechanism may include one or more actuators operable to squeeze a reservoir of a cartridge supported by the support.

[0077] For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the reservoir may be formed from a flexible material. The one or more actuators may be operable to deform the flexible material of the cartridge and squeeze the reservoir, causing at least a portion of the liquid in the reservoir to be forced into the one or more porous members and permeate through the walls of the one or more porous members. In this manner, the one or more actuators are operable to pump the liquid from the reservoir and through the one or more porous members.

[0078] When supported by the support, the reservoirs of the cartridge may be located beneath one or more porous members.

[0079] The actuation mechanism may comprise a valve actuator operable to move between a first position in which the first passage of the cartridge supported by the support is open and a second position in which the first passage of the cartridge supported by the support is closed.

[0080] In an embodiment of a cartridge comprising a flexible membrane and a rigid body, the valve actuator may be operable, when disposed in the second position, to move the flexible membrane to urge it into contact with the rigid body to close the first passageway.

[0081] The actuation mechanism may include a pump actuator operable to throttle a reservoir of a cartridge supported by the support when the valve actuator is disposed in the second position.

[0082] It will be appreciated that the valve member and the pump member may be comprised of separate parts of a common body.

[0083] The actuation mechanism may comprise one or more actuators operable to engage a cartridge supported by the support and, while engaged with the cartridge, move to force liquid through a second passageway of the cartridge to a second end of one or more porous members of the cartridge to generally isolate a second portion of the reservoir from a first portion of the reservoir.

[0084] The actuator may be a linear actuator.

[0085] Alternatively, the actuator may be a three prong rotary actuator.

[0086] The actuation mechanism may be operable to rotate the cartridge supported by the support through 180 degrees about an axis generally perpendicular to the one or more porous members of the cartridge.

[0087] The device may further comprise a liquid ejection actuator operable to engage and actuate the seal breaking actuator of the cartridge supported by the support to eject liquid so as to allow it to flow through one or more porous members of the cartridge.

[0088] The liquid release actuator may be operable to actuate a valve in the cartridge supported by the support to place a storage reservoir in the cartridge in fluid communication with one or more porous members of the cartridge.

[0089] The support may define a volume for receiving the cartridge.

[0090] The support may be positioned so that the porous member of the cartridge it supports is generally vertical.

[0091] The apparatus may further comprise a fan operable to provide an air flow adjacent the porous member of each of the cartridges supported by the support.

[0092] The apparatus may further comprise a housing arranged to at least partially enclose the support and the supported cartridge.

[0093] The body of the housing may define one or more vent holes.

[0094] The actuation mechanism may include a first valve actuator, a second valve actuator, and a pump actuator.

[0095] The first valve actuator may be operable to move (e.g. generally linearly) between a first (closed) position in which the first valve actuator does not contact a cartridge supported by the housing, and a second (open) position in which the first valve actuator contacts and actuates a first valve member of the cartridge.

[0096] Similarly, the second valve actuator may be operable to move (e.g. generally linearly) between a first (closed) position in which the second valve actuator is not in contact with the cartridge supported in the housing, and a second (open) position in which the second valve actuator is in actuating contact with a second valve member of the cartridge.

[0097] The pump actuator may be operable to throttle a reservoir of a cartridge supported by the housing. In particular, the pump actuator may be operable to deform a flexible membrane of the cartridge to throttle the reservoir. To achieve this, the pump actuator may be movable between a first (storage) position, in which the pump actuator is not in contact with the cartridge supported by the housing, and a second (throttling) position, in which the pump actuator deforms a flexible membrane of the cartridge to throttle the reservoir.

[0098] An apparatus operable to perform the steps of: (i) causing liquid to flow from a reservoir of a cartridge supported by a housing through a porous member; and (ii) causing liquid to flow back from the porous member into the reservoir of the cartridge.

[0099] Step (i) may include the steps of: (a) moving a second valve actuator to its second (open) position so as to move a second valve member of the cartridge to its open position; and (b) moving a pump actuator to its second (throttling) position so as to throttle a reservoir of the cartridge supported in the housing.

[0100] The scent dispenser may be movable to move the second valve actuator to its first position (closed) so as to move the second valve member to the closed position once a dose of volatile liquid vapour has been delivered to the porous member (e.g. after a suitable period of time).

[0101] The scent dispenser may be operable to move the pump actuator to a first (storage) position once a dose of volatile liquid vapour has been delivered to the porous member, such that no further throttling of the cartridge reservoir occurs.

[0102] Step (ii) may comprise moving the first valve actuator to its second position (open position) so as to move the first valve member of the cartridge to the open position.

[0103] This opens the first passage, allowing liquid that has flowed out of the porous member into the first recess to pass through the first valve and return to the reservoir (defined by the second recess).

[0104] The scent dispenser may be operable to move the first valve actuator to a first position (closed position) to move the first valve member to the closed position once excess liquid has flowed through the first valve and returned to the reservoir (e.g. after a suitable period of time).

[0105] The scent dispenser may be operable to perform a method including the steps of (a) opening a second passageway of a cartridge supported in the housing; (b) squeezing a reservoir of the cartridge to deform a membrane; (c) closing the second passageway of the cartridge; (d) ceasing squeezing of the reservoir; (e) opening a first passageway of the cartridge; and (f) closing the first passageway.

[0106] The first valve actuator, the second valve actuator, and the pump actuator may each be biased towards their first positions by a biasing mechanism.

[0107] The apparatus may further comprise a camshaft comprising a plurality of cams, and a motor arranged to rotate the camshaft about an axis.

[0108] Each of the multiple cams may be arranged to engage and move a different actuator of the device.

[0109] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a system comprising a cartridge according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure and an apparatus according to the third aspect of the present disclosure.

[0110] Various aspects and features of the disclosure described above or below may be combined with various other aspects and features of the disclosure, as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0111] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0112] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cartridge for a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure.

[0113] FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 1A.

[0114] FIG. 1C is a top view of the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B (with or without the transparent flexible member).

[0115] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure receiving the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C.

[0116] Figures 3A-3G show generally how the scent dispenser shown in Figure 2 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir of the cartridge shown in Figures 1A-1C through a porous member of the cartridge shown in Figures 1A-1C.

[0117] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a cartridge for a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure.

[0118] FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 4A.

[0119] FIG. 4C is a top view of the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B (with or without the transparent flexible member).

[0120] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure receiving the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C.

[0121] Figures 6A to 6G show generally how the scent dispenser shown in Figure 5 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir of the cartridge shown in Figures 4A to 4C through a porous member of the cartridge shown in Figures 4A to 4C.

[0122] FIG. 7A is a see-through view of a third embodiment of a cartridge for a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure.

[0123] FIG. 7B is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 7A.

[0124] FIG. 7C is a top view of the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B (with or without the transparent flexible member).

[0125] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure receiving the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C.

[0126] Figures 9A-9G show generally how the scent dispenser shown in Figure 8 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in Figures 7A-7C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in Figures 7A-7C.

[0127] 10A-10C are three different perspective views of parts of a fourth embodiment of a cartridge for a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure.

[0128] 11A and 11B each show a cross-section of the arrangement shown in FIGS. 10A-10C through line AA with the valve member disposed in a closed configuration (FIG. 11A).

[0129] FIG. 12A is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of a cartridge for a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure.

[0130] FIG. 12B shows a cross section of the cartridge of FIG. 12A through line BB.

[0131] FIG. 12C is a first perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 12A.

[0132] FIG. 12D is a second perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 12A.

[0133] FIG. 13A is a first perspective view of the rigid body of the cartridge shown in FIGS. 12A-12D (with the valve and porous member removed).

[0134] FIG. 13B is a second perspective view of the rigid body of the cartridge shown in FIGS. 12A-12D (with the valve and porous member removed).

[0135] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a scent dispenser according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (with a portion of the scent dispenser removed for ease of understanding) viewed generally from a first side (which may be referred to as the front side).

[0136] Figure 14B is a perspective view of the scent dispenser shown in Figure 14A (with a portion of the scent dispenser removed for ease of understanding) with a cartridge of the type shown in Figures 12A to 13B received in the scent dispenser, generally viewed from a second side (which may be referred to as the back side) opposite the first side.

[0137] First, a first embodiment of a cartridge 100 and scent dispenser 200 will be described with reference to Figures 1A to 3G.

[0138] The cartridge 100 comprises a rigid body 102 , four porous members 104 , a capsule 106 containing a liquid (eg, perfume), a piercing member 108 and a flexible membrane 110 .

[0139] The rigid body 102 may be formed, for example, from a plastic material. For example, the rigid body 102 may be formed by injection molding. As will be described below, the rigid body has various recesses and channels defined therein.

[0140] The porous members 104 may be referred to as wicks. Each porous member 104 is elongated and hollow. In this embodiment, each porous member 104 is generally tubular in shape formed from a porous material. The porous members may be formed from polypropylene, for example. The porous members 104 are generally parallel to one another. Each end of each porous member 104 is connected to or engaged with the rigid body 102.

[0141] The cartridge 100 in this embodiment includes four porous members 104, although other embodiments may include a different number of porous members 104. Generally, a cartridge includes one or more porous members.

[0142] The capsule 106 comprises a hermetically sealed capsule containing a liquid, which may comprise a perfume or other volatile liquid that is desired to be expelled, and may be formed at least in part from a flexible membrane or the like that is rupturable by the piercing member 108 (as described further below).

[0143] The piercing member 108 is operatively attached and sealed to the rigid body 102 of the cartridge 100 (discussed further below).

[0144] The flexible membrane 110 may comprise any suitable plastic 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 may be connected to the rigid body 102 by any suitable adhesive.

[0145] Each end of each porous member 104 is connected to or engaged with the rigid body 102. To facilitate this, the rigid body 102 defines four first engagement features 112 and four second engagement features 114. The first end of each porous member 104 engages with one of the first engagement features 112 and the second end of each porous member 104 engages with one of the second engagement features 114.

[0146] The first engagement feature 112 and the second engagement feature 114 may be configured with a boss or the like. In this embodiment, the second engagement feature 114 each includes a hollow boss adapted to be received on an end of the porous member 104 (see FIG. 1B). The outer dimensions of the second engagement feature 114 may generally match the inner dimensions of the porous member 104. As seen in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the second engagement feature 114 may be tapered, which may aid in insertion into the porous member 104. In this embodiment, the first engagement feature 112 each includes a boss adapted to be received on an end of the porous member 104 (see FIG. 1C). The inner dimensions of the first engagement feature 112 may generally match the outer dimensions of the porous member 104.

[0147] The first engagement feature 112 is hollow and may be considered a first passageway. The rigid body 102 defines various recesses in fluid communication with the first engagement feature 112. Any portion of the rigid body 102 that is disposed at the first end of the porous member 104 may be considered to form part of a reservoir. That is, any portion of the rigid body 102 that is below the porous member 104 in FIG. 1C may be considered to form part of a reservoir, as will now be discussed.

[0148] In this embodiment, the reservoir is defined in part by three recesses 116, 118, 120 defined in the rigid body 102 and the flexible membrane 110. The three recesses 116, 118, 120 maintain fluid communication with one another when the flexible membrane 110 is sealed to the rigid body 102. The three recesses 116, 118, 120 are separated in part by one or more walls formed in the rigid body 102.

[0149] The first recess 116 is in direct communication with the first engagement feature 112 (which provides a first passageway). The second recess 118 defines a chamber for receiving the seal capsule 106. The chamber has an opening 122 (see FIG. 1B) for allowing a piercing member to move into the chamber and for allowing liquid to exit the chamber, as described further below with reference to FIG. 3B. The third recess 120 is in the form of a generally rectilinear channel of generally uniform width.

[0150] The first recess 116 and the second recess 118 may be considered to be a first portion of a reservoir, and the third recess 120 may be considered to form a second portion of the reservoir.

[0151] The first portion of the reservoir is connected to the second portion of the reservoir only at one end of a generally straight channel formed by the third recess 120 by a relatively thin connecting portion 124. At the opposite end of the third recess 120 is a second passageway 126. The second passageway is formed in part by a channel in the rigid body 102. The third recess 120 is in fluid communication with a second end of the porous member 104 via the second passageway 126.

[0152] The dimensions of the connecting portion 124 may be on the order of the dimensions of the second passageway 126. The dimensions of the connecting portion 124 are less than or equal to half the dimensions of the first and second portions of the reservoir.

[0153] In use, the scent dispenser is operable to dispense liquid (e.g., perfume) from a reservoir by flowing it through the porous member 104. To achieve this, the scent dispenser may include any suitable actuation mechanism (described below). As the liquid flows through the porous member 104, it saturates the porous member 104 and permeates through the porous member 104 to its exterior surface. At least a portion of the liquid then evaporates, providing a scent to the surrounding environment.

[0154] In contrast to known arrangements with a solid wick that allows liquid to permeate axially along its length, the hollow porous member 104 of the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 1A-1C offers a number of advantages. By contacting or pumping liquid from a reservoir through the hollow porous member 104 at the tip, substantially its entire inner surface can be saturated in a short time. Advantageously, this arrangement offers better control over the delivery of liquid or perfume than, for example, a solid porous member. Instead of liquid permeating axially along the length of a solid wick, the entire inner surface of the hollow porous member is filled with liquid that permeates radially outward and is delivered to the airflow provided by the fan of the fragrance dispenser. Furthermore, the use of a hollow porous member 104 prevents oversaturation of the porous member 104, which can cause unwanted leakage of liquid.

[0155] In use, the cartridge 100 is oriented such that the reservoir is located below the porous member 104. Advantageously, the second passageway 126 allows liquid to be supplied to the second end of the porous member 104 (which in use is the top of the porous member 104). The liquid can then flow through the porous member 104 according to gravity. The first passageway allows excess liquid to be drained from the first end of the porous member 104 (which in use is the bottom of the porous member 104) back to the reservoir.

[0156] This arrangement provides good control over the supply of liquid, especially as the reservoir becomes depleted.

[0157] Next, a scent dispenser 200 used with the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C will be described with reference to FIG.

[0158] The scent dispenser 200 comprises a housing 202, a fan 204, and an actuator 206. The housing 202 defines a volume 208 for receiving the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. The housing 202 can therefore be considered as a support for supporting the cartridge 100. The housing 202 is positioned such that the porous member 104 of the cartridge 100 supported thereby is generally vertical. When supported by the housing 202, the reservoir of the cartridge 100 is positioned below the porous member 104. The housing 202 is positioned to generally surround the cartridge 100 supported thereby. The fan 204 is operable to provide an airflow in the vicinity of the porous member 104. One or more vents are defined in the body of the housing 202, which facilitate the airflow and allow the airflow to be exhausted from the housing 202 to the surrounding environment or room.

[0159] The actuator 206 is operable to interact with the cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202 to cause liquid to flow from a reservoir of the cartridge 100 through the porous member 104 .

[0160] The actuator 206 is operable to squeeze a reservoir of the cartridge 100 supported in the housing 202. In particular, the actuator 206 is operable to deform the flexible membrane 110 of the cartridge 100, squeezing the reservoir. This causes at least a portion of the liquid in the reservoir to be forced through the second passageway 126 and into the porous member 104, allowing it to permeate through the walls of the porous member 104. In this manner, the actuator 206 is operable to pump liquid from the reservoir through the porous member 104.

[0161] The actuator 206 is operable to engage the cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202 to generally isolate the second portion of the reservoir (defined by the third recess 120) from the first portion of the reservoir (defined by the first recess 116 and the second recess 118). The actuator 206 is further operable, while engaged with the cartridge 100, to force and move liquid through the second passageway 126 of the cartridge 100 to the second end of the porous member 104 of the cartridge 100.

[0162] The actuator 206 is a rotary actuator having a body 212 and three prongs 214. The prongs 214 engage the cartridge 100 and deform the flexible membrane 110, forcing liquid through the second passageway 126 and into the porous member 104.

[0163] The size and shape of the third recess 120 (which forms the second portion of the reservoir) is generally complementary to the size and shape of the projection 214 of the actuator 206 .

[0164] Next, the operation of the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 1A to 1C and the scent dispenser shown in Figure 2 will be described with reference to Figures 3A to 3G.

[0165] The capsule 106 may be considered to be a sealing mechanism that prevents liquid from flowing through the porous member 104. Such an arrangement advantageously prevents the cartridge 100 from leaking (or passively splashing) during storage or transport.

[0166] The piercing member 108 is received within a bore in the rigid body 102. The piercing member 108 is operatively engaged with the rigid body 102 and is considered to be a seal rupture actuator operable to rupture the capsule 106.

[0167] The piercing member 108 is movable between an initial stored position (see FIG. 3A) and a subsequent actuated position (see FIG. 3B) in which the piercing member 108 extends into and ruptures the sealed capsule 106. The scent dispenser 200 further comprises a liquid ejection actuator 210 operable to engage and move the piercing member 108 of the cartridge 100 supported in the housing 202 to eject liquid from the capsule 206.

[0168] Initially, as shown in Figure 3A, the capsule 106 remains intact, sealing the liquid and preventing leakage of the liquid. When the cartridge 100 is loaded into the scent dispenser 200, the liquid release actuator 210 urges the piercing member 108 from an initial storage position (see Figure 3A) to a subsequent actuation position (see Figure 3B) where the piercing member 108 enters the capsule 106 and ruptures the sealed capsule 106.

[0169] The wall defining the chamber 118 for receiving 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 liquid to flow out of the chamber 118 when the capsule 106 is ruptured.

[0170] The opening 122 functions as a guide bushing for the piercing member 108. The opening 122 is generally circular, and the piercing member 108 comprises a generally cylindrical portion having an outer diameter dimension that generally matches an inner diameter dimension of the opening 122. The generally cylindrical portion defines one or more axial recesses 128 for allowing liquid to flow through the opening 122 while the piercing member 108 is received within the opening 122.

[0171] 3C and 3D , when the cartridge 100 is received in the housing 202 of the scent dispenser 200, the actuator 206 is positioned such that a protrusion 214 of the actuator 206 is adjacent to the third chamber 120. The protrusion 214 is generally in the form of a roller that can stretch and deform into the flexible membrane 110 as the actuator 206 rotates about an axis of rotation 215. The outer dimensions of the protrusion 214 are smaller than and generally match the inner dimensions of the generally linear channel of the third recess 120.

[0172] As the actuator 206 rotates about the axis 215, as shown in FIG. 3E, one of the projections 214 engages the cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202, at least partially isolating the second portion of the reservoir (formed by the third recess 120) from the first portion of the reservoir (formed by the first recess 116 and the second recess 118). As the actuator 206 continues to rotate, the projection 214 moves while remaining engaged with the cartridge 100, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3E. This forces liquid through the second passageway 126 of the cartridge 100 to the second end of the porous member 104 of the cartridge 100 in a manner similar to a peristaltic pump. The three projections 214 (or rollers) on the actuator 206 may function as an anti-reflux valve. As shown in FIG. 3F, the first passageway (formed by the hollow first engagement feature 112) allows excess liquid to flow out of the first end of the porous member 104 (which in use is the bottom of the porous member 104) back to the reservoir. As shown in FIG. 3F, further rotation of the actuator 206 disengages the protrusion 214 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 recess 116, and the second recess 118) to the second portion of the reservoir (formed by the third recess 120). As shown in FIG. 3G, further rotation of the actuator 206 engages another one of the protrusions 214 with the cartridge 100, allowing another dose of liquid to be delivered to the porous member 104.

[0173] The cartridge 100 shown in Figures 1A-1C has advantages over various known arrangements that use a (typically solid) wick pre-impregnated with a volatile liquid or perfume or a wick that is partially placed within a reservoir of volatile liquid or perfume. With such known arrangements, the rate at which perfume is delivered to a room cannot be controlled. The delivery of perfume with such known arrangements depends only on the ambient conditions and how quickly each soaked wick or reservoir of perfume dries. In addition, the rate of perfume delivery from such known arrangements is typically not constant, and as the perfume soaked wick or reservoir dries, the rate of perfume delivery decreases over time. In contrast, the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 1A-1C has several advantages over such known arrangements. First, because the capsule 106 is sealed, the cartridge 100 is less susceptible to leaking or undesirable drying of the cartridge 100 during storage. Nevertheless, when the cartridge 100 is in use, the piercing member 108 can be used to pierce the capsule 106 so that the liquid can be expelled. It should be noted that once the capsule 106 is punctured, the porous member 104 is not disposed within a reservoir containing liquid. Rather than relying on known passive arrangements in which perfume is expelled without control over the rate at which it is delivered to the surrounding environment, the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 1A-1C and the scent dispenser 200 shown in Figure 2 use an active delivery method (as described above with reference to Figures 3C-3G) in which a dose of perfume is delivered to the porous member 104 when desired. Advantageously, both the dose and the frequency at which such doses are dispensed can be controlled.

[0174] Next, a second embodiment of the cartridge 100 and scent dispenser 200 will be described with reference to Figures 4A to 6G. The cartridge 100 and scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 4A to 6G have many common features with the cartridge 100 and scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 1A to 3G. Below, only the differences between the cartridge 100 and scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 4A to 6G and the cartridge 100 and scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 1A to 3G will be described.

[0175] In this embodiment, the generally straight third recess 120 is replaced by a generally annular channel 130 of generally uniform width. The first portion of the reservoir (formed by the first recess 116 and the second recess 118) is connected to the second portion of the reservoir (formed by the generally annular channel 130) at only one circumferential location on the generally annular channel 130 by a relatively thin connecting portion 124. The second passages 126 are connected to different circumferential locations on the generally annular channel 130.

[0176] Additionally, the shape of the rotary actuator 206 is adapted to interact with the generally annular channel 130 .

[0177] In particular, the rotary actuator 206 has three protrusions 214 whose outer dimensions are smaller than and generally coincident with the inner dimensions of the generally annular channel 130. Furthermore, the axis of rotation 215 of the rotary actuator 206 is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation 215 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 member 104 in a manner similar to a peristaltic pump. The three protrusions 214 on the single rotary actuator 206 can function as an anti-return valve.

[0178] The operation of the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 4A to 4C and the scent dispenser shown in Figure 5 is shown diagrammatically in Figures 6A to 6G.

[0179] The manner in which the puncture member 108 moves from an initial storage position (see FIG. 6A) to a subsequent actuated position (see FIG. 6B) in which it extends into and ruptures the sealed capsule 106 is substantially as described above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B and will not be described further here.

[0180] 6C and 6D, when the cartridge 100 is received in the housing 202 of the scent dispenser 200, the actuator 206 is positioned such that the protrusion 214 of the actuator 206 is adjacent to the generally annular channel 130. As in the first embodiment, the protrusion 214 stretches and deforms into the flexible membrane 110. The outer dimensions of the protrusion 214 are smaller than and generally match the inner dimensions of the generally annular channel 130.

[0181] As shown in FIG. 6E, at any one time, two of the protrusions 214 engage the cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202 and at least partially isolate the portion of the generally annular channel 130 adjacent the second passage 126 from the remainder of the generally annular channel 130. As the actuator 206 rotates about the axis 215, the three protrusions 214 move while remaining engaged with the cartridge 100, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 6E. This forces at least a portion of the liquid contained in the portion of the generally annular channel 130 adjacent the second passage 126 through the second passage 126 of the cartridge 100 and toward the second end of the porous member 104 of the cartridge 100 in a manner similar to a peristaltic pump. The three protrusions 214 on the actuator 206 may function as an anti-reflux valve.

[0182] As shown in Figure 6F, the first passageway (formed by the hollow first engagement feature 112) allows excess liquid to flow out of the first end of the porous member 104 (which in use is the bottom of the porous member 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 to now isolate the portion of the generally annular channel 130 that is 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.

[0183] Further rotation of the actuator 206 may allow another dose of liquid to be delivered to the porous member 104 from a portion of the generally annular channel 130 isolated by the next pair of adjacent protrusions 214, as shown in FIG. 6G.

[0184] Next, a third embodiment of the cartridge 100 and scent dispenser 200 will be described with reference to Figures 7A to 9H. The cartridge 100 and scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 7A to 9H have many features in common with the cartridge 100 and scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 1A to 3G. Below, only the differences between the cartridge 100 and scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 7A to 9H and the cartridge 100 and scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 1A to 3G will be described.

[0185] A first major difference is that the cartridge 100 does not include a capsule 106 or a piercing member 108. Rather, the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A-7C comprises a storage reservoir 132 and a valve member 134 operable to isolate the storage reservoir 132 from the porous member 104. Initially, liquid is disposed within the storage reservoir 132 and the valve member 134 is disposed in a closed configuration isolating the storage reservoir 132 from the porous member 104 (see Figure 9A). The scent dispenser 200 comprises an actuator operable to move the valve member 134 to an open state that allows liquid to flow from the storage reservoir 132 into the porous member 104 (see Figure 9B).

[0186] The valve member 134 is operable to isolate the storage reservoir 132 from all other portions of the cartridge 100. The storage reservoir 132 is disposed at an opposite end of the porous member 104 from the reservoir.

[0187] The second main difference is that the reservoir of cartridge 100 is defined by a first recess 136 and a second recess 138 (rather than a first recess 116, a second recess 118, and a third recess 120). In this embodiment, the first passageway includes a valve mechanism that allows the first passageway to be selectively opened and closed, as will now be described. In particular, a wall 140 is provided that separates first recess 136 from second recess 138. Fluid communication between first recess 136 and second recess 138 is provided only by a notch or recess 142 in wall 140 that provides a connection between first recess 136 and second recess 138 adjacent flexible membrane 110.

[0188] The valve mechanism can be actuated by pushing the flexible membrane 110 into contact with the rigid body 102, thereby closing the first passageway (see Figures 9E-9H). The flexible membrane 110 distorts to close a channel provided by a notch or recess 142 in the wall 140.

[0189] Advantageously, the valve mechanism allows the first passageway to be closed. Once closed, when the reservoir is squeezed, liquid is forced through the second passageway 126 to the second end of the porous member 104 (which in use is at least the top of the porous member). Once liquid has passed through the second passageway 126 to the second end of the porous member 104, the first passageway can be opened to allow excess liquid to return to the reservoir.

[0190] The third major difference is that the scent dispenser 200 is comprised of a valve actuator 216 and a pump actuator 218 .

[0191] The valve actuator 216 is operable to move between a first position (see FIG. 8) in which the first passage of the cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202 is open, and a second position (see FIGS. 9F and 9H) in which the first passage of the cartridge 100 supported by the support is closed. When disposed in the second position, the valve actuator 216 is operable to move the flexible membrane 110 to press into contact with the rigid body 202 (near the wall 140 and the notch 142) to close the first passage.

[0192] The pump actuator 218 is operable to throttle a reservoir of the cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202 when the valve actuator 216 is disposed in the second position (see FIGS. 9F and 9H). It will be appreciated that the valve actuator 216 and the pump actuator 218 may be comprised of separate portions of a common body.

[0193] Next, a fourth embodiment of the cartridge 100 will be described with reference to Figures 10A to 11B. The fourth embodiment of the cartridge 100 has many features in common with the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A to 7C, and can generally be used in a scent dispenser 200 of the type shown in Figure 8A, as described in Figures 9C to 9H. Only the differences between the cartridge shown in Figures 10A to 11B and the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A to 7C will be described below.

[0194] Figures 10A-10C are three perspective views of rigid body 102. Porous member 104 is shown in Figure 10B but not in Figures 10A and 10C.

[0195] 7A-7C is that the fourth embodiment cartridge does not include a storage reservoir 132 and a valve member 134 operable to isolate the storage reservoir 132 from the porous member 104. Rather, as will be explained further below, in this embodiment, a valve member is provided that is operable to isolate the main reservoir (defined at least in part by the second recess 138) from all other portions of the cartridge (via both the first and second passageways).

[0196] To achieve such an arrangement, an operable valve member is provided which isolates the main reservoir from all other parts of the cartridge with several modifications.

[0197] The first difference with respect to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A-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 a flexible membrane 110 (not shown), which closes the open channel when 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 connected by a channel formed under the barrier portion 144.

[0198] A second difference with respect to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A-7C is that a second wall 146 is provided separating 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 to the notch or recess 142 in the wall 140. That is, the space between the rigid body 102 and the flexible membrane 110 provided by the notch or recess 142 in the wall 140 provides fluid communication between the first recess 136 and the intermediate second recess 138b. The only fluid communication between the first recess 136 and the second recess 138 is through the intermediate second recess 138b. The passageway 148 is at least partially formed in the second wall 146. In use, a passageway 148 formed at least partially in the second wall 146 may provide fluid communication between the intermediate second recess 138b and the main second recess 138a.

[0199] It should be noted that the channel formed beneath the barrier portion 144 connecting the two passage portions 126a, 126b is adjacent (above) a passage 148 formed at least partially in the second wall 146.

[0200] A third difference with respect to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A-7C is that a valve member 150 is provided, as will now be discussed with reference to Figures 11A and 11B. Figures 11A and 11B respectively show a cross-section of the arrangement shown in Figures 10A-10C through line AA (see Figures 10A and 10B). The valve member 150 is movable at least between 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 under the barrier portion 144 connecting the two passage portions 126a, 126b and (b) the passage 148 formed at least partially in the second wall 146. Thus, in the closed configuration, the valve member 150 isolates the reservoir from the porous member 104 (see Figure 11A). When the valve member 150 is disposed in the open configuration, both (a) the channel formed under the barrier portion 144 connecting the two passage portions 126a, 126b and (b) the passage 148 formed at least partially in the second wall 146 are partially opened. Thus, when the valve member 150 is disposed in the open configuration, the reservoir formed by the main second recess 138a can be in fluid communication with both the first end and the second end of the porous member 104.

[0201] A fourth difference with respect to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A-7C is that the valve member 150 includes a biasing mechanism arranged to bias the valve member 150 to a closed configuration, as will now be discussed. In particular, this embodiment further includes a rigid plate 152 coupled to the rigid body 102. As best seen in Figure 10C, the rigid plate 152 is provided on the side of the rigid body 102 opposite the side on which the recesses 136, 138a, 138b and channels 126a, 126b are formed. As best seen in Figures 11A and 11B, the rigid body 102 and the rigid plate 152 are connected to form a two-part housing for the valve member 150 and the spring 154. The spring 154 may be referred to as a biasing member. It will be appreciated that the 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. 11A and 11B, the valve member 150 and spring 154 can be placed into a bore in the rigid body 102. The rigid plate 152 can then be coupled to the rigid body 102, sandwiching the valve member 150 and spring 154 between the rigid plate 152 and the rigid body 102, compressing the spring 154 and placing the valve member in a closed configuration.

[0202] The rigid plate 152 may be attached to the rigid body 102 using ultrasonic welding or sealing. Location features 194 (see, for example, FIG. 12A) may be provided to aid in the assembly and welding or sealing process.

[0203] In this embodiment, the rigid plate 152 is received in a recess formed in one side of the rigid body 102. The inner surface of the main second recess 138a thus defines a step 156 (see Figures 10A and 10B).

[0204] The valve member 150 comprises a first portion 158 and a second portion 160. The outer dimensions of the first portion 158 generally correspond to the inner dimensions of the channel formed beneath the barrier portion 144 connecting the two passage portions 126a, 126b. When the valve member 150 is disposed in the closed configuration, the first portion 158 is received within and generally blocks the channel formed beneath the barrier portion 144 connecting the two passage portions 126a, 126b. The outer dimensions of the second portion 160 generally correspond to the inner dimensions of the passage 148 at least partially formed in the second wall 146. When the valve member 150 is disposed in the closed configuration, the second portion 160 is received within and generally blocks the passage 148 at least partially formed in the second wall 146.

[0205] The channel formed beneath the barrier portion 144 connecting the two passage portions 126a, 126b and the passage 148 formed at least partially in the second wall 146 are two distinct portions 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 connecting the two passage portions 126a, 126b is not in fluid communication with the passage 148 formed at least partially in the second wall 146.

[0206] Similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 7A-7C, the notch or recess 142 in the wall 140 in combination with the flexible membrane 110 provides a valve mechanism that allows the first passageway to be selectively opened and closed by deflection of the flexible membrane 110, as described above with reference to Figures 9E-9H.

[0207] In this embodiment, liquid is initially disposed within the reservoir (defined at least in part by the main second recess 138a) and the valve member 150 is disposed in a closed configuration isolating the reservoir from the porous member 104 (see FIG. 11A). As described herein, the scent dispenser 200 comprises an actuator operable to act on an engagement feature 162 of the valve member 150 to move the valve member 150 to an open configuration allowing liquid to flow from the reservoir via the second passageways 126a, 126b (see FIG. 11B) into the porous member 104.

[0208] The valve member 150 defines an engagement feature 162. A groove 164 is defined on the side of the rigid body 102 to which the rigid plate 152 is connected. The engagement feature 162 of the valve member 150 extends across an open face of the groove 164 to form a generally closed channel.

[0209] In use, the cartridge is inserted into the scent dispenser 200, for example, through an opening provided in the scent dispenser 200. During such insertion, the cartridge is moved in a direction generally parallel to the groove 164 provided in the rigid body 102. When the cartridge is inserted into the scent dispenser 200, a portion of the scent dispenser 200 is inserted into the groove 164. The portion of the scent dispenser 200 received in the groove 164 has a dimension larger than the generally closed channel formed by the engagement feature 162 of the valve member 150 and the groove 164. When the portion of the scent dispenser 200 received in the groove 164 contacts the engagement feature 162 of the valve member 150, it acts against the bias spring 154 to move the valve member 150 towards the open configuration.

[0210] Another difference from the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 7A to 7C is that in this embodiment, a rack gear 166 is formed on the surface of the rigid body 102. During use, the cartridge is inserted into the scent dispenser 200, for example, from an opening provided in the scent dispenser 200. After a portion of the cartridge is inserted, a pinion gear in the scent dispenser 200 acts on the rack gear 166 formed on the surface of the rigid body 102, allowing the cartridge to be completely drawn into the scent dispenser 200.

[0211] Another difference from the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 7A-7C is that in this embodiment, the cartridge is constructed from five substantially parallel porous members 104.

[0212] Another difference from the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 7A-7C is that stiffening ribs 168 are provided on the rigid body 102 adjacent each of the porous members 104.

[0213] Next, a fifth embodiment of the cartridge 100 will be described with reference to Figures 12A to 13B. The fifth embodiment of the cartridge 100 shares many features with the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 10A to 11B. Below, only the differences between the cartridge shown in Figures 12A to 13B and the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 10A to 11B will be described.

[0214] FIG. 12A is a plan view of the fifth embodiment of cartridge 100, FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment of cartridge 100 through line BB (see FIG. 12A), and FIG. 12C and FIG. 12D are two perspective views of the fifth embodiment of cartridge 100.

[0215] FIG. 13A is a first oblique view of a rigid body of a fifth embodiment of the cartridge 100 (with the valve and porous member 104 removed), and FIG. 13B is a second oblique view of the rigid body of the fifth embodiment of the cartridge 100 (with the valve and porous member 104 removed).

[0216] Similar to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 10A-11B, in this embodiment, a valve member is provided that is operable to isolate the main reservoir (defined at least in part by the second recess 138) from all other parts of the cartridge (via both the first and second passages). A first difference with respect to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 10A-11B is that the fifth embodiment comprises two valve members that together are operable to isolate the main reservoir from all other parts of the cartridge. In particular, a first valve member 170 is provided that is operable to open and close the first passage (between the first recess 136 and the second recess 138), and a second valve member 172 is provided that is operable to open and close the second passage 126 (in particular between the first portion 126a of the second passage and the second portion 126b of the second passage).

[0217] Each of the first and second valve members 170, 172 is received within a stepped bore in the rigid body 102 that defines an annular valve seat. When one of the valve members 170, 172 contacts its respective annular valve seat the valve is closed, whereas when that valve member 170, 172 moves away from its respective annular valve seat the valve is open.

[0218] The second valve member 172 is in a position similar to the single valve member 150 of the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 10A-11B. In this embodiment, the second valve member 172 does not control or restrict the first passage (between the first recess 136 and the second recess 138). In relation to the second passage 126, the second valve member 172 functions similarly to the single valve member 150 of the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 10A-11B. However, compared to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 10A-11B, a number of changes have been made to allow the second valve member 172 to be actuated by an actuator facing the opening face of the rigid body 102 (i.e., the face to which the flexible membrane is fixed), as will be described below. First, the second valve member 172 has been moved inside the barrier portion 144 (separating the first portion 126a of the second passage from the second portion 126b of the second passage). Second, the second valve member 172 is surrounded by a circular wall 174 (forming part of the wall 140 separating the first recess 136 and the second recess 138). When the membrane is adhered to the open face of the rigid body 102, the circular wall 174 defines a generally circular channel 176. The generally circular channel 176 is a generally annular channel when the second valve member 172 is disposed in the closed position. Furthermore, the generally annular channel 176 is in fluid communication with the second passageway second portion 126b. Third, the first passageway portion 126a and the second passageway second portion 126b both communicate with the bore in which the second valve member 172 is disposed, but at different depths (from the surface to which the flexible membrane is adhered). A generally circular channel 176 defined by the circular wall 174 is in fluid communication with the second passageway second portion 126b, while the first passageway first portion 126a is in fluid communication with another portion 178 of the (stepped) bore in which the second valve member 172 is received. A generally annular valve seat 180 separates the circular channel 176 from the portion 178 of the (stepped) bore in which the first passageway first portion 126a communicates.

[0219] Another difference with respect to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 10A-11B is that the cartridge of the fifth embodiment does not have a second wall separating the second recess 138 into two parts. In effect, the intermediate second recess 138b and the first recess 136 are merged.

[0220] Additionally, another difference (relative to cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 10A-11B) is that wall 140 does not define a notch or recess 142 to provide fluid communication between first recess 136 and second recess 138. Rather, a first valve member 170 is provided in first wall 140. As will be described further below, first valve member 170 is also positioned to be actuated by an actuator that faces an opening face of rigid body 102 (i.e., the face to which the flexible membrane is adhered).

[0221] The first valve member 170 is surrounded by a semicircular wall 182 (which forms part of the wall 140 separating the first recess 136 and the second recess 138). When the membrane is secured to the open face of the rigid body 102, the circular wall 174 defines a generally semicircular shape 184. The generally semicircular channel 184 is a generally semi-annular channel when the first valve member 170 is disposed in the closed position. Moreover, the generally semicircular channel 184 is in fluid communication with the first recess 136. The second recess 138 is also in fluid communication with the bore in which the first valve member 170 is disposed, but at a different depth (from the surface to which the flexible membrane is secured) than the generally semicircular channel 184. The second recess 138 communicates via a passage 188 (see FIG. 12C ) with another portion 186 of the (stepped) bore in which the first valve member 170 is received. The generally semicircular channel 184 and the portion 186 of the (stepped) bore in which the second recess 138 communicates are separated by a generally annular valve seat 190.

[0222] In effect, first valve 170 replaces a previously formed valve (see Figures 7A-7C and accompanying description) by using valve actuator 216 (see Figure 8 and accompanying description) to press membrane 110 into contact with notch 142 in wall 140.

[0223] Each of the first valve member 170 and the second valve member 172 is movable between at least a closed configuration (see FIGS. 12A-12D) and an open configuration. When the first valve member 170 is disposed in the closed configuration, the first valve member 170 blocks the first passageway (formed in part by the passageway 188, a portion 186 of the (stepped) bore in which the first valve member 170 is received, and the generally semicircular channel 184). When the second valve member 172 is disposed in the closed configuration, the second valve member 172 blocks the passageway between the two passageway portions 126a, 126b of the second passageway. Thus, when the first valve member 170 and the second valve member 172 are both in the closed configuration, they isolate the reservoir (formed by the second recess 138 and the membrane) from the porous member 104.

[0224] When the second valve member 172 is placed in the open configuration, the two passage portions 126a, 126b of the second passage are in fluid communication and fluid can be pumped up from the reservoir to the second end of the porous member 104. When the first valve member 170 is placed in the open configuration, the first recess 136 and the second recess 138 are in fluid communication and fluid can return from the first end of the porous member 104 to the reservoir. In addition, when the first valve member 170 is placed in the open configuration, air can flow through the first valve into the reservoir (formed by the second recess 138 and the membrane) to equalize the pressure difference across the membrane. That is, a partial vacuum that may be formed in the reservoir (e.g., if the second valve is closed before the pump actuator throttling the reservoir stops throttling the reservoir, as described below) can be neutralized when the first valve is open.

[0225] Similar to the valve member 150 of the fourth embodiment shown in Figures 10A-11B, the first valve member 170 and the second valve member 172 each include a biasing mechanism arranged to bias the valve members 170, 172 to a closed configuration, as described above. In particular, this embodiment also includes a rigid plate 152 coupled to the rigid body 102. As best seen in Figure 12B, the rigid plate 152 is provided on the side of the rigid body 102 opposite the side in which the recesses 136, 138 (and channels 126a, 126b) are formed. The rigid body 102 and the rigid plate 152 are connected to form a two-part housing for the first valve member 170, the second valve member 172 and two springs 154. The springs 154 may be referred to as biasing members. It will be appreciated that the 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, by adhesive. 12A-12D, each of the valve members 170, 172 may be placed within a bore in the rigid body 102 along with the spring 154. The rigid plate 152 may then be connected to the rigid body 102 such that the valve members 170, 172 and the spring 154 are captured between the rigid plate 152 and the rigid body 102 and the spring 154 is under compression, biasing the valve members 170, 172 towards a closed configuration.

[0226] Again, in this embodiment, the rigid plate 152 is received in a recess formed in one side of the rigid body 102. The inner surface of the second recess 138 thus defines a step 156 (see Figures 12A, 12C and 12D).

[0227] The first valve member 170 includes a first portion 170a and a second portion 170b.

[0228] The outer dimensions of the first portion 170a generally correspond to the inner dimensions of the annular seat 190. The outer dimensions of the second portion 170b generally correspond to the inner dimensions of the portion 186 of the (stepped) bore with which the second recess 138 communicates (in which the first valve member 170 is received). A seal 192 is provided between the generally annular valve seat 190 and a shoulder formed between the first and second portions 170a, 170b of the first valve member 170.

[0229] The second first valve member 172 includes a first portion 172a and a second portion 172b. The outer dimensions of the first portion 172a generally correspond to the inner dimensions of the generally annular valve seat 180. The outer dimensions of the second portion 172b generally correspond to the inner dimensions of the portion 178 of the (stepped) bore into which the second valve member 172 is received and into which the first portion 126a of the second passage communicates. A seal 192 is provided between the generally annular valve seat 190 and a shoulder formed between the first and second portions 170a, 170b of the first valve member 170.

[0230] In this embodiment, liquid is initially disposed within the reservoir (defined at least in part by the second recess 138) and the first and second valve members 150 are disposed in a closed configuration isolating the reservoir from the porous member 104. As will now be described, the scent dispenser 200 comprises two valve actuators, each operable to act on one of the valve members 170, 172 to move the valve members 170, 172 to an open configuration (thereby opening the first or second passageway, respectively).

[0231] Similar to the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 10A to 11B, a rack gear (not shown) may be formed on the surface of the rigid body 102. During use, the cartridge is inserted into the scent dispenser 200, for example, from an opening provided in the scent dispenser 200. After a portion of the cartridge is inserted, a pinion gear in the scent dispenser 200 acts on the rack gear formed on the surface of the rigid body 102, and the cartridge can be completely drawn into the scent dispenser 200.

[0232] In this embodiment, the rigid body 102 defines an inlet 196 for fluid. A generally cylindrical flange or boss 196a is provided around the inlet 196. The inlet 196 provides access through the wall of the rigid body 102 to the reservoir (defined by the second recess 138 and the membrane) for filling the reservoir with fluid (once the membrane is sealed to the rigid body 102). Once the reservoir is filled with fluid, a plug (not shown) is inserted into the inlet 196 and sealed to the rigid body 102. When the plug is inserted into the inlet 196, the rigid body 102 may be subjected to a force in the direction indicated by arrow C. A generally triangular rib 198 is provided adjacent the inlet 196 for added strength to avoid (or at least reduce) deformation of the rigid body 102 while the plug is inserted into the inlet 196 and the rigid body is subjected to such forces.

[0233] One advantage of the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 12A-13B (e.g., over the cartridge 100 shown in Figures 10A-11B) is that the first valve member 170 and the second valve member 172 may be maintained in a closed state by default, even when the cartridge 100 is loaded into the scent dispenser 200. This may reduce undesired spillage or leakage of the volatile liquid. Additionally, passive distribution of the volatile liquid vapor may be further reduced, further improving control of the distribution of the volatile liquid vapor.

[0234] Another embodiment of a scent dispenser 200 is adapted to receive and actuate a cartridge 100 of the type shown in Figures 12A to 13B to emit a volatile liquid vapor and is described with reference to Figures 14A and 14B. The scent dispenser 200 can share many features in common with the scent dispenser 200 shown in Figures 2, 5 and 8.

[0235] Fig. 14A is a perspective view of the scent dispenser 200 (with a part of the scent dispenser 200 removed for ease of understanding) viewed generally from a first side surface (which may also be referred to as the front side). Fig. 14B is a perspective view of the scent dispenser 200 (with a part of the scent dispenser 200 removed for ease of understanding) viewed from a second side surface (which may also be referred to as the rear side) opposite the first side surface, in a state in which a cartridge 100 of the type shown in Figs. 12A to 13B is attached to the scent dispenser 200.

[0236] The scent dispenser 200 is comprised of a housing 202 and a fan 204 (shown only in FIG. 14A). The housing 202 defines a volume 208 for receiving the cartridge 100 shown in FIGS. 12A-13B. The housing 202 can therefore be considered as a support for supporting the cartridge 100. The housing 202 is arranged such that the porous member 104 of the cartridge 100 supported thereby is generally vertical. When supported by the housing 202, the reservoir of the cartridge 100 is located below the porous member 104. The housing 202 is arranged to generally surround the cartridge 100 supported thereby (it will be appreciated that at least a portion of the housing has been removed in FIGS. 14A and 14B). The fan 204 is operable to provide an air flow in the vicinity of the porous member 104. A body (not shown) of the housing 202 may define one or more vents to facilitate said airflow and to allow the airflow to exhaust from the housing 202 to the surrounding environment or room.

[0237] The scent dispenser 200 further comprises a pinion gear 220 and a motor 222 operable to rotate the pinion gear 220. In use, the cartridge 100 is inserted into the scent dispenser 200 through an opening (top of Figs. 14A and 14B) provided in the scent dispenser 200. After a portion of the cartridge 100 is inserted, the pinion gear 220 in the scent dispenser 200 acts on a rack gear formed on a surface of the rigid body 102 to pull the cartridge 100 completely into the scent dispenser 200.

[0238] The scent dispenser 200 further comprises a first valve actuator 224 , a second valve actuator 226 , and a pump actuator 228 .

[0239] The first valve actuator 224 is operable to move (e.g., generally linearly) between a first (closed) position in which the first valve actuator 224 is not in contact with the cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202, and a second (open) position in which the first valve actuator 224 is in operative contact with the first valve member 170. That is, when in the second position, the first valve actuator 224 pushes the spring 154 to bias the first valve member 170 away from the generally annular valve seat 190, thereby opening the first valve (i.e., opening the first passageway).

[0240] Similarly, the second valve actuator 226 is operable to move (e.g., generally linearly) between a first (closed) position in which the second valve actuator 226 is not in contact with the cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202, and a second (open) position in which the second valve actuator 226 contacts and actuates the second valve member 172. That is, when in the second position, the second valve actuator 226 pushes the spring 154 to bias the first valve member 172 away from the generally annular valve seat 180, thereby opening the second valve (i.e., opening the second passages 126a, 126b).

[0241] The pump actuator 228 is operable to throttle a reservoir of the cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202. In particular, the pump actuator 228 is operable to deform the flexible membrane 110 of the cartridge 100 to throttle the reservoir. To accomplish this, the pump actuator 228 is movable between a first (storage) position in which the pump actuator 228 is not in contact with the cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202, and a second (throttling) position in which the pump actuator 228 deforms the flexible membrane 110 of the cartridge 100 to throttle the reservoir. The movement of the pump actuator 228 between the first and second positions can comprise a linear or rotational movement. In one embodiment, the scent dispenser 200 is operable to rotate the pump actuator 228 about an axis 230.

[0242] The first valve actuator 224, the second valve actuator 226, and the pump actuator 228 are operable to interact with the cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202 to cause liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge 100 through the porous member 104, as currently discussed.

[0243] The scent dispenser 200 is operable to perform the following steps: (i) dosing the porous member 104 (i.e., causing liquid to flow from the reservoir of the cartridge 100 through the porous member 104) and (ii) draining the porous member 104 (i.e., causing liquid to flow back from the porous member 104 to the reservoir of the cartridge 100).

[0244] Next, the application of the porous member 104 will be described.

[0245] With the first valve actuator 224 in its first (closed) position, the first passageway remains closed. To pump liquid from the reservoir to the second (upper) end of the porous member 104, the scent dispenser 200 may be operable to both (a) move the second valve actuator 226 to its second (open) position to move the second valve member 172 to the open position, and (b) move the pump actuator 228 to the second (throttling) position to throttle the reservoir of the cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202.

[0246] By throttling the reservoir in this manner, the pump actuator 228 may force at least a portion of the liquid in the reservoir through the second passages 126a, 126b (through the open second valve) and into the porous member 104, causing the liquid to permeate through the walls of the porous member 104. In this manner, the second valve actuator 226 and the pump actuator 228 are operable to pump liquid from the reservoir through the porous member 104.

[0247] Preferably, when pumping liquid from the reservoir to the second (top) end of the porous member 104, the scent dispenser 200 may be operable to first move the second valve actuator 226 to its second (open) position to move the second valve member 172 to the open position, and then move the pump actuator 228 to its second (throttled) position to throttle the reservoir of the cartridge 100 supported by the housing 202. This reduces the amount of pressure on the membrane and avoids rupture of the membrane.

[0248] The scent dispenser 200 may be operable to move the second valve actuator 226 to its first (closed) position so as to move the second valve member 172 to the closed position once a dose of volatile liquid vapor has been delivered to the porous member 104 (e.g., after a suitable period of time).

[0249] The scent dispenser 200 may also be operated to move the pump actuator 228 to a first position (storage position) once a dose of volatile liquid vapor has been delivered to the porous member 104, thereby preventing further throttling of the cartridge 100 reservoir.

[0250] In one embodiment, once a dose of volatile liquid vapor has been delivered to the porous member 104, first the second valve actuator 226 is moved to its first (closed) position to move the second valve member 172 to the closed position, and subsequently the pump actuator 228 is moved to its first (storage) position to no longer throttle the reservoir of the cartridge 100. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other sequences of these steps are possible.

[0251] Next, the outflow of the porous member 104 will be described.

[0252] The scent dispenser 200 may be operable to move the first valve actuator 224 to its second (open) position to move the first valve member 170 to the open position, thereby opening the first passageway and allowing liquid exiting the porous member 104 into the first recess 136 to flow through the first valve and back into the reservoir (defined by the second recess 138).

[0253] In one embodiment, the scent dispenser 200 may be operable to move the first valve actuator 224 to a second position (open position) to move the first valve member 170 to an open position substantially simultaneously with moving the pump actuator 228 to a first position (storage position) to prevent further squeezing of the reservoir of the cartridge 100. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other sequences of these steps are possible.

[0254] The scent dispenser 200 may be operable to move the first valve member 170 to a closed position and move the first valve actuator 224 to its first (closed) position once excess liquid has flowed through the first valve and returned to the reservoir (e.g., after a suitable period of time).

[0255] The scent dispenser 200 may be operable to perform a method including the steps of (a) opening the second passageway (e.g., moving the second valve actuator 226 to the second (open) position); (b) throttling the reservoir to deform the membrane (e.g., moving the pump actuator 228 to the second (throttling) position); (c) closing the second passageway (e.g., moving the second valve actuator 226 to the first (closed) position); (d) ceasing throttling the reservoir (e.g., moving the pump actuator 228 to the first (storage) position); (e) opening the first passageway (e.g., moving the first valve actuator 224 to the second (open) position); and (f) closing the first passageway (e.g., moving the first valve actuator 224 to the first (closed) position). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these steps may be applied in any order, and in one embodiment, the steps may be performed in the following order: steps (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) are performed simultaneously, followed by step (f).

[0256] The first valve actuator 224, the second valve actuator 226 and the pump actuator 228 may comprise separate portions of a common body.

[0257] In this embodiment, first valve actuator 224, second valve actuator 226 and pump actuator 228 are each biased towards their first position by a spring (or other resilient biasing mechanism).

[0258] In this embodiment, the scent dispenser further comprises a camshaft 232 with three cams 234, 236, 238, and a motor 240 arranged to rotate the camshaft 232 about its axis 242. Each of the three cams 234, 236, 238 is arranged to engage and move a different one of the first valve actuator 224, the second valve actuator 226, and the pump actuator 228 as the camshaft 232 rotates about its axis 242. With appropriate design of the camshaft 232, a single full rotation of the camshaft 232 about its axis 242 may actuate the first valve actuator 224, the second valve actuator 226, and the pump actuator 228 in the appropriate sequence to implement the method described above. That is, by rotating the camshaft 232 once about its axis 242, the scent dispenser 200 can (i) dispense liquid into the porous member 104 (i.e., cause liquid to flow from the reservoir of the cartridge 100 through the porous member 104) and (ii) flush the porous member 104 (i.e., cause excess liquid to flow back from the porous member 104 into the reservoir of the cartridge 100).

[0259] In an alternative embodiment, rather than a single reservoir connected to opposite ends of the porous member 104 by a first passageway and a second passageway, the cartridge may include a second reservoir. The reservoir may be disposed at a first end of the porous member 104, and the reservoir may be in fluid communication with the first end of the porous member 104 via the first passageway. The second reservoir may be disposed at a second end of the porous member 104, and the second reservoir may be in fluid communication with the second end of the porous member 104 via the second passageway.

[0260] In use, the cartridge may be oriented such that the porous member is generally vertical, with one of the reservoir or the second reservoir generally below the porous member and the other of the reservoir or the second reservoir generally above the porous member, It will be appreciated that liquid is disposed in the reservoir at the bottom of the cartridge.

[0261] Advantageously, in this dual reservoir arrangement, by rotating the cartridge 180° about an axis generally perpendicular to the porous members, the reservoir containing the liquid that was at the bottom can be moved to the top and the liquid can be caused to flow by gravity through one or more of the porous members into the other reservoir. Such an arrangement provides a simple alternative mechanism by which liquid can be moved from one of the reservoirs to flow through one or more of the porous members.

[0262] Although specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that the present disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as described. The above description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Thus, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the present disclosure as described without departing from the scope of the claims set forth below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0263] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cartridge for a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B (with or without the transparent flexible member). [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure, in which the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C is received. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 shows a schematic of how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 2 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 shows a schematic of how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 2 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. [Figure 3C]FIG. 2 shows a schematic of how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 2 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. [Figure 3D] FIG. 2 shows a schematic of how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 2 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. [Figure 3E] FIG. 2 shows a schematic of how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 2 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. [Figure 3F] FIG. 2 shows a schematic of how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 2 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. [Figure 3G] FIG. 2 shows a schematic of how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 2 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a cartridge for a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a top view of the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B (with or without the transparent flexible member). [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure receiving the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. [Figure 6A] FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 5 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. [Figure 6B]FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 5 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. [Figure 6C] FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 5 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. [Figure 6D] FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 5 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. [Figure 6E] FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 5 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. [Figure 6F] FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 5 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. [Figure 6G] FIG. 5 shows diagrammatically how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 5 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a cartridge for a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7C is a top view of the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B (with or without the transparent flexible member). [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure, receiving the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. [Figure 9A]FIG. 9 shows a schematic of how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 8 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9 shows a schematic of how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 8 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9 shows a schematic of how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 8 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9 shows a schematic of how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 8 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. [Figure 9E] FIG. 9 shows a schematic of how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 8 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. [Figure 9F] FIG. 9 shows a schematic of how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 8 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. [Figure 9G] FIG. 9 shows a schematic of how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 8 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. [Figure 9H] FIG. 9 shows a schematic of how the scent dispenser shown in FIG. 8 causes liquid to flow from a reservoir in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C through a porous member in the cartridge shown in FIGS. 7A-7C. [Figure 10A] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of parts of a fourth embodiment of a cartridge for a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10B]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of parts of a fourth embodiment of a cartridge for a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10C] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of parts of a fourth embodiment of a cartridge for a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] 11A shows a cross-section of the arrangement shown in FIGS. 10A-10C through line AA with the valve member arranged in a closed configuration (FIG. 11A). [Figure 11B] 11B shows a cross-section of the arrangement shown in FIGS. 10A-10C through line AA with the valve member arranged in an open configuration (FIG. 11B). [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of a cartridge for a scent dispenser according to the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] 12B shows a cross section of the cartridge of FIG. 12A through line BB. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12B is a first perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 12A. [Figure 12D] FIG. 12B is a second perspective view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 12A. [Figure 13A] FIG. 12C is a first perspective view of the rigid body of the cartridge shown in FIGS. 12A-12D (with the valve and porous member removed). [Figure 13B] FIG. 12C is a second perspective view of the rigid body of the cartridge shown in FIGS. 12A-12D (with the valve and porous member removed). [Figure 14A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a scent dispenser according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (with portions of the scent dispenser removed for ease of understanding) viewed generally from a first side (which may be referred to as the front side). [Figure 14B] A perspective view of the scent dispenser shown in Figure 14A (with a portion of the scent dispenser removed for ease of understanding) with a cartridge of the type shown in Figures 12A to 13B received in the scent dispenser, viewed generally from a second side (which side may be referred to as the back side) opposite the first side.

Claims

1. A reservoir for containing a liquid and one or more porous members, the reservoir is disposed at a first end of the one or more porous members; the reservoir is in fluid communication with the first ends of the one or more porous members via a first passage; the reservoir is in fluid communication with a second end of the one or more porous members via a second passage; The first passage is provided with a valve mechanism that allows the first passage to be selectively opened and closed.

2. The cartridge of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the reservoir is formed from a flexible material.

3. A reservoir for containing a liquid and one or more porous members, each of the porous members is an elongated hollow porous member; At least one end of each of the porous members is in fluid communication with the reservoir; A cartridge for a scent dispenser, wherein at least a portion of the reservoir is formed from a flexible material.

4. a rigid body, a recess defined in the rigid body, and a flexible membrane sealed to the rigid body; 2. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir is at least partly defined by the recess and the flexible material.

5. the reservoir is disposed at a first end of the one or more porous members; the reservoir is in fluid communication with the first ends of the one or more porous members via a first passage; 4. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, depending directly or indirectly from claim 3, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with a second end of the one or more porous members via a second passageway.

6. 6. A cartridge as claimed in claim 5, depending directly or indirectly from claim 1, any preceding claim or claim 3, wherein the first and second passages are at least partially formed by channels in the rigid body.

7. 7. A cartridge according to claim 5 or 6, not dependent on claim 1, wherein the first passage is provided with a valve mechanism enabling the first passage to be selectively opened and closed.

8. 6. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, depending directly or indirectly from claim 1 or 5, wherein the second passageway is provided with a valve mechanism enabling the second passageway to be selectively opened and closed.

9. 10. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, depending directly or indirectly from any of claims 1 or 5, wherein one or more walls partially divide the reservoir into a first portion adjacent the second passage and a second portion.

10. The second portion of the reservoir a generally straight channel of generally uniform width, the first portion being connected to the second portion only at one end of the generally straight channel; or 10. The cartridge of claim 9, wherein the first portion is connected to the second portion only at one circumferential location of the generally annular channel, and the second passage comprises a channel connected to a different location of the generally annular channel, the first portion being of a generally uniform width.

11. 10. A cartridge according to any preceding claim, further comprising a liquid to be dispensed.

12. a sealing mechanism for preventing the liquid from flowing through the one or more porous members; The cartridge of claim 11, further comprising a seal breaking actuator operable to break the seal mechanism.

13. The liquid is disposed in a sealed capsule; the cartridge further comprising a piercing member movable between an initial stored position and a subsequent activated position, the piercing member extending into the sealed capsule in the activated position to rupture the sealed capsule; Optionally, the reservoir defines a chamber for receiving the sealing capsule; A cartridge according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the chamber has an opening to allow the piercing member to move into the chamber and the liquid to exit the chamber.

14. Further comprising a storage reservoir; The liquid is disposed in the storage reservoir; The cartridge of claim 12 , wherein the sealing mechanism comprises a valve operable to isolate the storage reservoir from the one or more porous members.

15. The cartridge of claim 12 , wherein the sealing mechanism comprises one or more valves operable to isolate the reservoir from the one or more porous members.

16. 10. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more valves arranged to isolate the reservoir from the one or more porous members.

17. 17. A cartridge according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising a biasing member arranged to bias a valve member of the or each valve towards a closed configuration in which the reservoir is isolated from the one or more porous members.

18. 18. The cartridge of claim 17, depending directly or indirectly from claim 4, further comprising a rigid plate coupled to said rigid body to form a two-part housing for said valve member and said biasing member.

19. 19. A cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the or each valve member defines an engagement feature operable, in use, by an actuator of the scent dispenser.

20. 20. A cartridge as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19, depending directly or indirectly from claim 4, wherein the rigid body defines a groove for receiving an actuator of a scent dispenser for acting on the valve member.

21. 2. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a rack gear.

22. 2. A cartridge according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more porous members are formed from polypropylene.

23. A support for supporting a cartridge according to any preceding claim; and an actuation mechanism operable to interact with a cartridge supported by said support such that liquid is caused to flow from said reservoir through said one or more porous members.

24. 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises one or more actuators operable to squeeze the reservoir of a cartridge supported by the support.

25. 25. Apparatus according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the reservoir of the cartridge is located below the one or more porous members when supported by the support.

26. 26. An apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a valve actuator operable to move between a first position in which a first passage of a cartridge supported by the support is open and a second position in which the first passage of a cartridge supported by the support is closed.

27. 27. The device of claim 26, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a pump actuator operable to throttle the reservoir of a cartridge supported by the support when the valve actuator is disposed in the second position.

28. the actuation mechanism comprises one or more actuators; The actuator comprises: engaging a cartridge supported by the support to generally isolate a second portion of the reservoir from a first portion of the reservoir; 28. A device according to any one of claims 23 to 27, operable to move liquid while engaged with the cartridge through a second passageway of the cartridge and to push liquid to the second end of the one or more porous members of the cartridge.

29. 29. An apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 28, further comprising a liquid ejection actuator operable to engage and actuate a seal breaking actuator of a cartridge supported by the support to eject liquid so as to enable it to flow through the one or more porous members of the cartridge.

30. 30. The device of claim 29, wherein the liquid ejection actuator is operable to actuate a valve of a cartridge supported by the support to place a reservoir of the cartridge in fluid communication with the one or more porous members of the cartridge.

31. a pinion gear operable to engage a rack gear defined on a cartridge to move the cartridge into or out of the device; 31. The device of claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the liquid ejection actuator operates to actuate a valve of the cartridge as a result of such movement of the cartridge, thereby placing a reservoir of the cartridge in fluid communication with the one or more porous members of the cartridge.

32. 32. Apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the support defines a volume for receiving the cartridge.

33. 33. Apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 32, further comprising a fan operable to provide an air flow adjacent the porous member of each cartridge supported by the support.

34. a housing disposed to at least partially surround the support and the cartridge supported by the support; 34. Apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 33, optionally wherein the body of the housing defines one or more vents.

35. 35. The apparatus of any one of claims 23 to 34, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a first valve actuator, a second valve actuator, and a pump actuator.

36. The apparatus comprises: (i) permitting liquid to flow from the reservoir of a cartridge supported by the housing through the porous member; 36. An apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 35, operable to: (ii) cause liquid to flow back from the porous member into the reservoir of the cartridge.

37. Step (i) (a) moving the second valve actuator to its second (open) position so as to move a second valve member of the cartridge to an open position; 37. An apparatus according to claim 36 when dependent on claim 35, further comprising: (b) moving the pump actuator to the second (throttling) position to throttle the reservoir of a cartridge supported in the housing.

38. Step (ii) is 38. Apparatus according to claim 36 or claim 37 when dependent on claim 35, including the step of moving the first valve actuator to its second (open) position so as to move a first valve member of the cartridge to an open position.

39. The scent dispenser comprises: (a) opening a second passageway of a cartridge supported in the housing; (b) squeezing the reservoir of the cartridge to deform the membrane; (c) closing the second passageway; (d) ceasing throttling of the reservoir; (e) opening a first passageway of the cartridge; 29. The apparatus of any one of claims 23 to 28, operable to carry out a method comprising the step of: (f) closing the first passageway.

40. 36. The apparatus of any preceding claim, depending directly or indirectly from claim 35, wherein the first valve actuator, the second valve actuator, and the pump actuator are each biased toward their first positions by a biasing mechanism.

41. 41. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 40, further comprising a camshaft comprising a plurality of cams and a motor arranged to rotate the camshaft about an axis.

42. 42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein each of the plurality of cams is arranged to engage and move a different actuator of the apparatus.

43. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 22; A system comprising an apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 42.

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