A sprayer and a method for tar and hunting scents

Abstract

A new sprayer for tar and hunting scents is provided. It is especially well adapted for spraying the content of a standard necked-in FEA spray can. It is possible to control the sprayer using a mobile app such that when the sprayer is activated by a command send by a SMS and received by the sprayer content flows to a nozzle from which can content is sprayed in a fan of droplets. When the fan is directed towards the surface at which the sprayer is mounted and under the sprayer, the fan of droplets falls on the surface below the sprayer. In this way scent on the surface lure animals without the hunter leaving scent of human in the air or at ground of the hunting area.

Description

A Sprayer and a Method for Tar and Hunting ScentsTechnical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for spraying from a spray can a scent to deter animals or insects, or a scent to lure animals. Specifically, it relates to a sprayer to be installed at an outdoor location for spraying tar or hunting scents. In this context, hunting scents means scents to lure or deter animals. The invention also relates to spraying deterring scents to deter insects or disinfection agents at indoor places. The spray can may be a reusable spray can.Background

[0002] Prior art hunter’s sprayers require that the sprayer has to be actuated by a human, who in so doing will inevitably deposit their own scent on the ground and the area around the sprayer.

[0003] US1 1104504B1 describes a sprayer comprising a lever system to actuate the valve of the spray can by pressing down on the top of the dispensing nozzle that is a part of the can. The lever mechanism is not a durable solution.

[0004] US2010063640A1 describes a sprayer for remote control. Its actuator comprises several cog wheels to apply a pushing force on the top of the dispensing nozzle of the spray can. The device is not durable because of several mechanical parts.

[0005] US6039212 describes a sprayer for spraying scents comprising a housing that has a space to house a spray can, an actuator, a controller to control operation of said actuator wherein said actuator comprises a body having an opening at one end wherein said opening is in fluid communication with a nozzle through which said scent is sprayed at a target area, and wherein said controller comprises a wireless signal receiver to receive wireless command signals for said controller to control operation of said actuator. It further describes a method of spraying scent from a spray can said method comprising: disposing said spray can in a housing of a sprayer mounted on a surface, including an actuator and a controller; sending a command signal to a wireless receiver of the controller for the controller to cause said actuator tomove, to allow scent to flow from said spray can under pressure provided by a propellant in said spray can to a nozzle through which the spray is sprayed at a target area at said outdoor location.

[0006] Prior art on indoor sprayers spraying pleasant scents is known for spraying continuously or upon becoming wet from a container, for single use in a toilet.Technical Problem

[0007] A problem to solve is to provide a reusable and durable sprayer which can spray any spray content from a spray can or at least to provide an alternative to existing products on the market. If the spray content is for luring animals the scent should be sprayed at an outdoor location without depositing human scent that would deter animals from that location and adjacent areas to which the wind would blow the human scent. It is preferable that the sprayer will work with most necked-in FEA standard spray cans and be suitable for mounting on any surface of at least 10 cm2or a pole.

[0008] Solution to Problem

[0009] The sprayer of US6039212 comprises a housing to house a spray can having an outlet valve having a valve stem, at one end. Moreover, the sprayer has an actuator for opening said outlet valve such that compressed scent flows out via the valve stem when it is opened, a controller to operate said actuator, the actuator having a body for pushing the valve stem of the spray can. The sprayer of the invention is characterized by that the body, in addition, has an opening with an inlet and outlet, the inlet fitting at least a free end of the valve stem such that said actuator is configured to push said body against said valve stem to open said outlet valve. The outlet from the body is in fluid communication via tubing with a nozzle to spray next to the sprayer and onto a tree or place where the sprayer is placed.

[0010] Preferably the valve stem is pushed with the centre of said opening of said body aligned with the centre line of said stem. If there is a misalignment,there is a risk of that the pushing force will not be sufficient to activate the spray can.

[0011] The scent may be tar or other luring scents for luring animals such as boar or deer outdoor or deterring scents for deterring unwanted animals. Scents for indoor applications to deter flies or wasp are also a possibility as spray content.

[0012] The sprayer has a wireless signal receiver for at least receiving operating commands to cause said controller to operate said actuator.

[0013] The command signals may be received via a telecommunications network.The controller may also comprise a SIM card holder so that a SIM card may be used to enable the command signals to be received by a mobile telecommunications network.

[0014] One or more sprayers may be placed at the hunting area, and each sprayer may be activated to spray on a defined day e.g. in a week and at a specific point in time with tar or hunting scents for luring and keeping in the nearness the wild animals.

[0015] The actuator may comprise a positioning motor such as a servo motor having a drive shaft connected with a gear mechanism so that rotation of said drive shaft a predetermined distance in one direction causes said body to push against said valve stem to cause said opening of said outlet valve. A servo motor has proved to provide sufficient power to actuate FEA standard neck spray cans.

[0016] The controller may be configured to cause the positioning motor to rotate the drive shaft in the opposite direction to reduce the pressure on said valve stem allowing the outlet valve to close.

[0017] The gear mechanism may comprise a pinion provided on said drive shaft and a rack provided on said body.

[0018] A rack may be defined by a set of apertures on said body.

[0019] The body may be a polygonal body and the set of apertures may extend along a line at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the polygonal body.

[0020] The sprayer is suitable to spray scent on the trunk of a tree on which it is mounted or fixed. The fan of sprayed droplets will in this situation fall on the trunk and the droplets will also be able to run down the trunk. Preferably, the body of the actuator manage to apply a force of at least 2,7 kg, preferably of at least 3,4 kg, to the valve stem to open the outlet valve of the spray can. A maximal applied force is obtained if the body is centred on the centre line of the valve stem. FEA standard spray cans are designed to be actuated by a single finger press, which is of the magnitude 2,7 to 3,4. Kg. Accordingly, the actuator of a sprayer intended for use with an FEA standard spray can should be able to deliver a force of at least that magnitude to the valve stem of the spray can.

[0021] The nozzle may have an outlet aperture which allows a fan of droplets falling on said surface, when said nozzle is placed at the bottom for the fan of droplets the fan will be sprayed below the spraye.

[0022] The outlet aperture may be a slot having lengthways extending sides defined by respective surfaces provided adjacent the downstream end of the feed passage for spraying scent at an angle having a component away from said body, and a component parallel with the longitudinal axis of said body

[0023] Respective surfaces of said slot of said nozzle are disposed each at an angle of 3 to 7 degrees to said longitudinal axis.

[0024] Said body may comprise a passage with an opening at a first end and a second end downstream said passage.

[0025] Tubing may be used to provide the connection between a tubular member at said downstream end of said passage at a first end of said tubing and a first end of said nozzle.

[0026] The tubing may be flexible tubing.

[0027] The nozzle may be releasably fitted to said housing and said tubing releasably fitted to said body.

[0028] Further said tubing may be made from silicone.

[0029] The tubing routed through a relatively small space between a concave inside rear surface that defines the space for the spray can and the rear wall of a rear body member of said housing. Further, the tubing may in this way run from the fitting on the outlet of said passage of said body and end at the inlet of said nozzle in said space at the bottom of the housing.

[0030] The sprayer may comprise a heater for heating the spray can and its content when the weather is cold to facilitate spraying when the sprayer is activated. The heater may heat the content of the spray can and heat the content present in said tubing as required when the outside temperature is below 5 degrees Celsius.

[0031] The sprayer may also comprise a battery power supply or a line to permanent electric supply.

[0032] The body may have a protruding portion with a passage aligned with said passage of the body the passage centrally placed above said valve can opening. The length and inner diameter of said protruding portion and the length and diameter of its passage configured to enter the opening of said valve of said spray can and to provide a push on said valve stem allowing spray content to be propelled out.

[0033] A spraying method according to the invention may comprise using said sprayer disposing said spray can in said housing, on a surface outdoor, preferably vertical surface, send one or more command signals to said wireless receiver of the controller to move said actuator from a rest position to apply a force to said body to move said valve stem depressing it into said spray can under pressure provided by a propellant of said spray can, to open said outlet valve generating a flow of content towards the nozzle for spraying on a target to apply a force.

[0034] In this method prior to use fitting said wireless receiver with a SIM card and sending signals via a mobile network. The method may comprise that said command signal causes said actuator to apply said force for a certain time and then removing it whereby said outlet valve closes in response to this.

[0035] In some embodiments, when in its rest position, the actuator does not contact to said valve stem.Advantageous Effects of Embodiments of the Invention

[0036] Embodiments of the sprayer are more effective than prior art sprayers. All prior art sprayers must be activated with a technique which requires more space for the setup, a nozzle spreads the fan of droplets in open air and the sprayer need to be consulted often by a human who deposits scent of human at the place deterring the animals for a long time

[0037] The sprayer of the invention may be used for many different purposes; for example, indoor scents for deterring flies, mosquitoes or wasps, or sprayable disinfection agents, and outdoor tar and scents for luring boars and deer or deterring scents for unwanted animals.

[0038] Usually, several sprayers are set up in larger hunting areas, all signals will then be received by every connected app, sometimes only a single app.

[0039] The sprayer may also be controlled through an existing camera app. A camera usually detects animals and alert the user. A signal may then be sent by the user to a sprayer with a deterring scent if for example a bear is detected near a house.

[0040] The sprayer may send return information such as remaining battery, power, temperature and remaining content in spray can.

[0041] The command signals may be received by the sprayer as a SMS text messages which the user has sent from an app on for example the person’s mobile phone.

[0042] The sprayer may be user configured to spray at weekly or daily patterns for many weeks or months without human interference. A sprayer may spray immediately upon receiving a signal.

[0043] The sprayer may send return information such as remaining battery, power, temperature and remaining content in spray can.

[0044] Several sprayers may be linked together for generating a better receiving signal. Linked signals may also be from a camera which are often placed at hunting area.Brief Description of Drawings

[0045] [Fig.1 ] is an exploded view of an embodiment of a sprayer according to the invention.

[0046] [Fig .2] is an exploded view of the details of the sprayer of Fig. 1 except that the view is from a different angle.

[0047] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of an actuator body shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0048] [Fig.4] is a vertical cross-section of the body shown in Fig. 3.

[0049] [Fig.5] is another perspective view of the body of Figs. 3 and 4 showing openings that define a rack.

[0050] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a pinion having two separate sets of teeth.

[0051] [Fig.7] is a side view of a nozzle of the sprayer.

[0052] [Fig. 8] is a section on A-A in Fig. 7.

[0053] [Fig. 9] is section on B-B in Fig. 7.

[0054] [Fig. 10] is a schematic representation of a sprayer having the features illustrated in Figs 1 to 9.

[0055] [Fig. 11] is a schematic representation showing an end of the body shown in Figs. 2 to 5 and the free end of a valve stem of a spray can.Description of the drawings

[0056] The drawings are discussed to describe the invention in further details. Therefore, the word positioning motor is used. The positioning motor may be a servo motor which has been proved to work in the disclosed embodiment of the invention in Figs. 1 to 9. Thus, in the schematic drawings Fig. 10 and 11 the positioning motor is referred to as a servo motor.

[0057] Figs. 1 and 2 are exploded views of a preferred sprayer (1 ) for spraying scents. The sprayer (1) has a housing (2A, 2B) enclosing a space (3) for a spray can. The housing (2A, 2B) may fully or partially enclose the spray can.Above the space (3) there is an actuator (4) and a can holder (5) that is configured to hold a spray can in a generally upright position in the space (3). The can holder (5) is preferably configured to fit most necked-in spray cans. The actuator (4) comprises a body (6) which is configured to be pressed down and onto the valve stem of a spray can located in the space (3) to allow the scents in the spray can to be ejected from the spray can under the pressure of the propellant contained in the can.

[0058] The housing may comprise a rear body member (2A) configured to be secured to any suitable surface of an outdoor location, such as the trunk of a tree, and a front body member (2B) that is removably secured to the rear body member to allow spray cans to be inserted into the space (3).An actuator cover (2C) may be provided and sit above and be secured to the housing (2A, 2B) so that the actuator (4) is covered and protected from the elements. The actuator cover (2C) may be secured to the housing (2A, 2B) by any suitable means, for example snap or push-fit connections or by screws.The rear body member (2A) may be provided with oppositely disposed slots (2S) to allow the housing (2A, 2B) to be secured to a post or tree using flexible cable ties, string or the like.

[0059] Referring to Fig. 10, the actuator (4) comprises a positioning motor (30) and a gear mechanism (7, 9) connecting the positioning motor with the body (6) of the actuator (4). Although not limited to this option, the positioning motor may comprise a servo motor (30). The gear mechanism may comprise a series of depressions on one side of the body (6) that defines a rack (9) and a pinion (7) that has teeth configured to complementarily engage the teeth of the rack (9).The pinion (7) has a centrally disposed hole provided with teeth (10) (Fig. 6) which match teeth provided on a drive shaft (28) of the servo motor (30) to secure the pinion against rotation relative to the drive shaft. The hole may be a blind hole or a through-hole as shown in Fig. 6. The teeth provided on the drive shaft (28) may be integral to the drive shaft or a part of a smaller pinion gear secured to the drive shaft. In other embodiments, the centrally disposed hole of the pinion (7) may be provided with an axially extending slot configured to engage an axially extending protrusion, or key, provided on the drive shaft (28).

[0060] Fig. 3 is a transparent view of the body (6). The body (6) has an opening (8) at one end to at least partially receive a free end of the valve stem (26). The body (6) defines an internal passage (8P) having a first end at the opening (8) and a second end formed in a side of the body. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal passage (8P) has a first portion including the first end and a second portion including the second end, with the second portion extending at a right angle to the first portion. The opening (8) and first portion of the internal passage (8P) may be coaxial. The internal passage (8P) may have a diameter corresponding to an FEA standard valve stem (26) opening. In the illustrated example, the opening (8) has a diameter greater than the diameter of the valve stems it is intended to receive. As illustrated by Fig. 11 , this results in the only contact between the valve stem and the body (6) being between the end face of the valve stem (26) and the inner end surface (8S) of the opening (8).

[0061] As shown in Fig. 5 the rack (9) extends at least substantially vertically on a side surface of the body (6) at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 6, the pinion (7) has a centrally disposed through-hole and a set of teeth that form the outer periphery of the pinion and match the teeth of the rack (9) on the body (6).

[0063] Figs. 7 to 9 show a nozzle (11 ) of the sprayer. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle (11) is a separate component that is connected with the body (6) by tubing (2E), which is shown in Fig. 1 . The body (6) may be provided with a tube connector in the form of a tubular member (8H) that projects from aside of the body (6) onto which an end of the tubing (2E) is push-fitted. The tube connector (8H) is a cylindrical element that is integral with body (6) and defines the second end of the passage (8P). The tube connector (8H) may be provided with projections, such as circumferentially extending ribs (8G) to aid in retaining the tubing (2E) on the tube connector. The nozzle (11) is a cylindrical body defining a feed passage (12F) that extends from an inlet end (12IN) to an end wall (12E) of the nozzle. The nozzle (11) may be provided with a reduced diameter end that is configured to be inserted in the second end of the tubing (2E). The reduced diameter end of the nozzle (11 ) may be provided with projections, for example circumferentially extending ribs (12R) to aid in retaining the tubing (2E) on the reduced diameter

[0064] As illustrated by Fig. 1 , the nozzle (11 ) may be mounted to the underside of the housing (2A, 2B). The nozzle may be secured to the underside of the housing (2A, 2B) by a retention plate or cover (2P) that may be a snap or sliding fit to the underside of the rear body member (2A). Optimally, the tubing (2E) may pass from the body (6) to the nozzle (11) through the smaller space between the outer wall and wall between the space (3) and outer wall of rear body member (2A) and, optionally, slots or passages may be formed in the housing (2A, 2B).

[0065] The nozzle (11) has an outlet aperture (12) through which scent received in the feed passage (12F) is sprayed. The outlet aperture (12) is a circumferentially extending slot that is disposed adjacent the end wall (12E). Although not essential, in the illustrated embodiment, the lengthways extending sides of the slot are defined by respective surfaces (12C) that are angled such that spray is sprayed in a direction having a component towards the housing (2A, 2B). The surfaces (12C) are preferably disposed in respective planes that are at an angle between 3 to 7 degrees to the longitudinal axis (12L) of the feed passage (12F). As shown in Fig. 1 , the nozzle (11) extends laterally with respect to the spray can (24). If the sprayer (1 ) is mounted on a tree with the housing (2A, 2B) with spray can (24) disposed generally vertically, the angling of the surfaces (12C) is such that a fan of spray droplets will be sprayed against a target area on the tree below the sprayer. It will be understood that the outlet aperture (12) is configured such that the spray exiting the outlet aperture isdirected generally downwardly and with a component towards the rear of the housing (2A, 2B). Most of the spray material will deposit on the tree even when the weather is windy. The respective ends (arched surfaces 13) of the outlet aperture (12) may be curved between the inner side of the surfaces (12S) towards the outer side. This configuration may act to stop the fan of spray droplets from spreading too widely so that the fan is focused on the target area.

[0066] Fig. 10 shows the sprayer (1) fitted with a spray can (24). The spray can (24) is shown suspended by a can holder (5) by which it would be held generally upright in the space provided in the housing (2A, 2B). For ease of representation of other features of the sprayer (1), the housing (2A, 2B) and actuator cover (2C) and part of the tubing (2E) are omitted from Fig. 10. The valve stem (26) of the spray can (24) is shown received in the opening (8) in the body (6) of the actuator and the pinion (7) is shown engaging the rack (9) provided on the body. The pinion (7) is fitted on and secured against rotation on the drive shaft (28) of the servo motor (30). The servo motor (30) is connected with a controller (32) that is powered by a battery power supply (34), which also powers the servo motor (30). The battery power supply (34) comprises a power regulator (36) for distributing electrical power to those components of the controller (32) that require electrical power and to the servo motor (30). The controller (32) further comprises a processor (38) with associated memory (40) and a wireless communications unit (42). The processor (38) is configured to operate in response to software saved in the memory (40) to control the actuation of the actuator (4). The wireless communications unit (42) is configured to receive wireless command signals from a remote source. The wireless communications unit (42) may be provided with a SIM card holder (27) to allow the command signals to be sent via a mobile telecommunications network, such as a 4G or 5G telecommunications network. The controller (32) and battery power supply (34) may be housed within the actuator cover (2C).

[0067] Optionally, the sprayer (1) may be provided with a heater (44) and a temperature sensor (46) positioned to sense ambient temperature. The temperature sensor (46) may be disposed within the housing (2A, 2B) or externally. Signal conditioning circuitry may be provided to enable the processor (38) to receive temperature indicating signals from the temperaturesensor (46) and determine whether the sensed temperature is below a predetermined threshold value. If the temperature is below the threshold value the processor (38) may cause the heater (44) to be activated to raise the temperature of the spray can (3) and by extension the gaseous scent it contains. Preferably, the heater (44) is positioned to heat the surface of a spray can (24) within the space (3) in the housing (2A, 2B). The heater (44) is powered by the battery power supply (34) via the power regulator (36). The heater (44) may comprise one or more heat pads or one or more elongate heating elements such as carbon fibre heating elements or tapes known for use in heating clothing. These forms of heater can be connected with the power regulator (36) via a USB connection system. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of elongate heating elements may extend longitudinally on the concave inner surface of the rear body member (2A) facing into the space (3Further, an elongate heater may be placed alongside the tubing (2E) in the space (3). Additionally, in some embodiments, a heater or an additional heater may be provided adjacent the nozzle (11).

[0068] With reference to Fig. 11 , in use the free end of the valve stem (26) is spaced from the body (6) by a distance (D) so that the outlet valve (25) will be reliably held closed by its internal biasing spring. When it is desired to dispense spray from the spray can (24), a user wirelessly sends a command signal to the wireless receiver (42). Typically, the sprayer (1) is supplied with an app that can be loaded onto an electronic device such as a smartphone. The app can generate a suitable command signal in response to user input. On receiving the command signal, the processor (38) causes the servo motor (30) to drive the body (6) towards the valve stem (26) so that the inner end surface (8S) of the body (6) pushes against the facing end face of the valve stem, thereby depressing the valve stem sufficiently to open the outlet valve (25). This allows the scent to flow out of the spray can (24) under the internal pressure provided by a propellant contained in the spray can. The scent flows into the internal passage (8P) in the body (6) and into the feed passage (12F) in the nozzle (11) via the tubing (2E). The spray is output via the outlet aperture (12) as a fan of droplets of scent. The processor (38) is configured to run a process by which it causes the servo motor (30) to reverse after a predetermined interval todisengage the body (6) from the end of the valve stem (26) so that the outlet valve (25) can close under the influence of the internal biasing spring.Examples

[0069] The actuator of the sprayer is preferably designed to fit all (European Aerosol Federation) FEA standard necked-in spray cans. It should only be necessary to remove the spray nozzle provided by the manufacturer before placing the spray can inside the sprayer. The can holder preferably holds the spray can in a generally upright position. The actuator is placed above the spray can and has a body which is configured to push on the valve stem of the spray can to open the outlet valve of the spray can and allow the scent contained in the spray can to flow from the valve stem to a nozzle from which it is sprayed at a target area, which may be a surface of a tree trunk.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the sprayer sprays a fan of droplets through a nozzle located at the bottom of the sprayer (see Fig. 1). The nozzle is designed to spray a fan of scent, for example onto a surface of a body on which the sprayer is mounted, such as a post or tree. In the illustrated embodiment, the spray can is held in a generally upright position and the tubing extends from the outlet of the passage of the actuator body that engages the valve stem to the nozzle at the bottom of the housing. The tubing may extend through the space that houses the spray can as shown or be routed outside of the space for example in a passage behind the concave surface element of the rear body member. The nozzle may be fixed in a generally horizontal orientation at the bottom of the housing adjacent the front body member.

[0071] The unique design of the actuator and can holder make the sprayer usable to all FEA standard necked in spray cans, which makes the sprayer usable for many different types of scents. Non-limiting examples of the scents that may be dispensed using the sprayer are tar for wild boars, scents for luring deer and scents for deterring bears. A compressed scent to be propelled from a sprayer may even be an insect killing scent.

[0072] Having the body of the actuator that moves to engage the valve stem connected with the nozzle by flexible tubing has the advantage that the nozzle is disconnected from the movement of the body. In some embodiments, anozzle may be directly connected to the body and the tube omitted. For example, a nozzle could be push-fit connected with a tubular member on the side of the body. This is not currently preferred as it would require providing an opening in the housing or actuator cover sufficient to accommodate the movement of the body and the connection with the tubing allows considerable freedom in selecting the position of the nozzle and so in determining where the output spray will be directed relative to the housing. However, a moving nozzle might be arranged to spray over a greater area than a fixed nozzle, which might be considered advantageous, at least for some applications.

[0073] Selecting silicone as the tubing material should ensure flexibility and expansion / contraction due to changes in temperature of the scent due to the weather. Also, the tubing may capture dirt or larger particles from the still compressed spray en route to the nozzle. The sprayer may be fitted with heating elements on the back panel alongside the wall of the spray can fitted inside the sprayer and in addition alongside the silicone tube running from the actuator to the spray nozzle, ensuring the sprayer will work in cold environments. A temperature sensor inside the sprayer registers the outside temperature. When the temperature drops below 0* Celsius the controller will cause heat to be applied for a specified time to match a specific degree Celsius defined by the required viscosity of the pressurized gaseous material of the sprayer before the sprayer runs a spraying cycle and as commanded by a user. Thus, the controller may be configured such that on receiving a spray command, it runs a temperature check and heating cycle before commencing spraying.

[0074] Providing the wireless receiver with a SIM card holder allows the reception of command signals over a wireless telecommunications network, which ensures that the sprayer can be operated in remote areas, for example, using a smart phone provided with an app configured to generate suitable command signals for transmission to the sprayer. An app is developed for the sprayer. One can set a weekly day and time where the sprayer will then run its cycle. One can also chose to start a cycle if one is on the way to the hunting ground / feeding area and want to boost the amount of scent deposited at the outdoor location at which the sprayer is located.

[0075] The sprayer can be used for any known scent such as tar to lure, for example: all huntable animals, to control rodents, pests and insects.

[0076] The actuator, tube, and nozzle are designed to apply any substance from any FEA standard necked-in spray cans onto the location / place / subject in which the device is mounted on, such as a tree where the sprayer may be placed.

[0077] The body of the actuator of a sprayer as corresponding at least generally to the illustrated embodiment is configured to be disposed directly over the centre of any FEA standards necked-in spray can that is inserted into the housing and the can holder is configured to hold any size FEA standards necked-in spray can in the centered place. The body of the actuator is configured to operate with a spray can that has a valve stem that protrudes from the can. The protruding end of the valve stem may protrude beyond the end of the spray can or be disposed in a depression defined by the valve cup.

[0078] In the illustrated example, the positioning motor is described as being a servo motor. A servo motor has been found to be particularly suitable for use with conventional FEA standard spray cans. However, in some embodiments, other forms of positioning motor such as a stepper motor may be used. For example, a stepper motor may be used with non-standard spray cans that may be configured such that less torque is required to open the outlet valve.

[0079] The wireless signal receiver of the sprayer shown in Fig. 10 is configured to receive wireless command signals for controlling the operation of the positioning motor. The wireless receiver may be a receiver only or a transceiver operable to transmit status signals from the sprayer. The status signals may provide an indication of the fill status of the spray can. This may be determined by configuring the processor of the controller to count the number of times the actuator operates to cause a discharge from the spray can and the time the body is pressed against the valve stem to hold the outlet valve open.

[0080] The controller has control circuitry to control operation of the positioning motor. The control circuitry and wireless receiver may be embodied in a chip.

[0081] The drive shaft of the positioning motor may be fitted with a relatively small gear that is received in and engages an internal gear defined by the pinion to prevent rotation of the pinion relative to the drive shaft. Alternatively, the drive shaft may be provided with a key that engages a slot provided in the pinion or splines that engage splines provided in the pinion.

[0082] The processor may be configured to control the operation of the sprayer by means of firmware, software stored in associated memory or a combination of the two.

[0083] Reference Signs List

[0084] 1 Sprayer

[0085] 2 Housing

[0086] 2A Rear body member

[0087] 2B Front body member

[0088] 2C Actuator cover

[0089] 2E Tubing

[0090] 2P Retaining plate

[0091] 2S Slot

[0092] 3 Space for a spray can

[0093] 4 Actuator

[0094] 5 Can holder

[0095] 6 Body

[0096] 7 Pinion

[0097] 8 Opening

[0098] 8H Tube connector

[0099] 8P Passage of said body

[0100] 9 Rack on said body

[0101] 10 Centre hole of said pinion with a rim of teeth on the inner periphery

[0102] 11 Nozzle

[0103] 12 Outlet aperture

[0104] 12C Surface of outlet aperture

[0105] 12E End wall

[0106] 12F Feed passage

[0107] 12IN Inlet end of nozzle

[0108] 12L Feed passage longitudinal axis

[0109] 12P Feed passage at the bottom

[0110] 12R Extending ribs

[0111] 12S Inner side of surfaces

[0112] 13 Arched surface

[0113] 24 Spray can

[0114] 25 Outlet valve

[0115] 26 Valve stem

[0116] 27 SIM card holder

[0117] 28 Servo motor drive shaft

[0118] 30 Servo motor

[0119] 32 Controller

[0120] 34 Battery power supply

[0121] 36 Power regulator

[0122] 38 Processor

[0123] 40 Memory

[0124] 42 Wireless communication unit

[0125] 44 Heater

[0126] 46 Temperature sensor

Claims

Claims1 . A sprayer (1 ) for spraying scents comprising: a housing (2) that has a space (3) to at least partially house a spray can (24) an actuator (4); and a controller (32) to control operation of said actuator (4), wherein said actuator (4) comprises a body (6) having an opening (8) at one end wherein said opening (8) is in fluid communication with a nozzle (11) through which said scent is sprayed at a target area, and wherein said controller (32) comprises a wireless signal receiver (42) to receive wireless command signals for said controller to control operation of said actuator (4) characterized by that said spray can has an outlet valve (25) at one end that comprises a valve stem (26) and wherein the actuator is configured to open said outlet valve to allow compressed scent to flow from said spray can (24) via said valve stem (26); and the actuator is operable to push said body (6) against said valve stem (26) to cause said outlet valve (25) to open to allow said scent to flow into said opening (8).2 A sprayer according to claim 1 wherein said body (6) is positioned such that the valve stem of said spray can (24) is aligned said opening (8) of said body.

3. A sprayer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said wireless signal receiver (42) is configured to receive said wireless command signals via a telecommunications network.4 A sprayer according to claim 3, wherein said controller (32) is provided with a SIM card holder (27) to hold a SIM card so that said wireless receiver (42) can receive said wireless command signals via a mobile telecommunications network.

5. A sprayer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said actuator (4) further comprises a positioning motor (30) having a drive shaft (28) connected with said body (6) by a gear mechanism (7, 9) so that rotation of said drive shaft (28) a predetermined distance in a first direction causes said body (6) to move in a first direction to push against said valve stem (26) to cause said opening of said outlet valve (25).

6. A sprayer according to claim 5, wherein rotation of said drive shaft (28) a predetermined distance in a direction opposite to said first direction causes said body (6) to be moved in a second direction that is opposite said first direction to reduce the pressure on said valve stem (26) to allow closure of said outlet valve (25).

7. A sprayer according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said gear mechanism (7, 9) comprises a pinion (7) provided on said drive shaft (28) and a rack (9) provided on said body (6).

8. A sprayer as claimed to claim 7, wherein said rack (9) is defined by a plurality of spaced apart openings provided along a side of said body (6).

9. A sprayer as claimed in claim 8, wherein said body (6) is a polygonal body and said spaced apart openings are provided on a side of said polygonal body and extend along a line parallel to a longitudinal axis of said polygonal body.

10. A sprayer according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein said positioning motor (30) and gear mechanism (7, 9) are configured to exert a pushing force of at least 2,7 kg, preferably 3,4 kg, on said body (6) when said drive shaft (28) has rotated said predetermined distance in the first direction.

11. A sprayer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said nozzle (11 ) has a feed passage (12F) having a longitudinal axis (12L) to receive said scent from said passage (8P) of said body (6), and an outlet aperture (12) from which scent received in said feed passage (12F) is sprayed,said outlet aperture (12) being a slot having lengthways extending sides defined by respective surfaces (12C) that are angled such that said scent is sprayed in a spray direction that is inclined with respect to said longitudinal axis (12L).

12. A sprayer according to claim 11, wherein said nozzle (11) is disposed at a lower end region of said housing (2A, 2B) and said respective surfaces (12C) are angled such that said spray direction has a component towards rear of said housing.

13. A sprayer according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said respective surfaces (12C) are disposed in respective planes that are each at an angle of between 3 to 7 degrees to said longitudinal axis.

14. A sprayer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said body (6) comprises a passage (8P) having a first end at said opening (8) and a second end downstream of said first end and said nozzle (11) is in fluid connection with said second end by tubing (2E).

15. A sprayer according to claim 14, wherein said tubing (2E) is a flexible tubing connected with a tubular member (8H) projecting from said body (6) that defines said second end of said passage (8P).

16. A sprayer according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said tubing (2E) is silicone tubing.

17. A sprayer according to claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein said tubing (2E) extends at least partially through a smaller space between the wall closer to the rear of said housing (2A) next to said space (3) and the rear wall of rear body member (2A).

18. A sprayer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said nozzle (11) is releasably connected with said body (6).

19. A sprayer according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a heater fitted (44) to said housing (2A, 2B) to heat said scents.

20. A sprayer according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a battery power supply (34) or a line to permanent electric supply.21 . A sprayer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said opening (8) is configured to receive at least a free end of said valve stem (26).

22. A sprayer as claimed in claim 21 , wherein said opening (8) is configured such that said at least a free end of said valve stem (26) is engaged by said body (6) only on an end face of said valve stem (26).

23. A method of spraying scent from a spray can (24), said method comprising: disposing said spray can in a housing (2A, 2B) of a sprayer (1) mounted on a surface at an outdoor location, said sprayer including an actuator (4) and a controller (32); sending a command signal to a wireless receiver (42) of the controller (32) for the controller to cause said actuator (4) to move to allow scent to flow from said spray can (24) under pressure provided by a propellant in said spray can (24) to a nozzle (11) through which the spray is sprayed at a target area at said outdoor location characterized by that said spray can has an outlet valve (25) having a valve stem (26) and wherein said actuator move from a rest condition to apply a force to said valve stem (26) to depress the valve stem into said spray can (24) to open the outlet valve (25).

24. A method according to claim 23, comprising fitting said wireless receiver with a SIM card and sending said command signals via a mobile telecommunications network.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein said command signal causes said actuator (4) to apply said force for a predetermined time and then remove said force whereby said outlet valve (25) closes in response to an internal biasing force.

26. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 25 wherein in said actuator (4) comprises an actuator body (6) movable into engagement with said valve stem (26) to depress said valve stem (26) into said spray can (24), wherein when said actuator is in said rest condition said actuator body (6) does not contact said valve stem (26).

27. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein said actuator (4) is connected with said nozzle by flexible tubing (2E).

28. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein said nozzle (11) sprays said scent at a target area that is below and rearwards with respect to with respect to a front side of said housing (2A, 2B).

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