US20070204388A1 - Automated remote bathroom air freshener - Google Patents
Automated remote bathroom air freshener Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070204388A1 US20070204388A1 US11/368,104 US36810406A US2007204388A1 US 20070204388 A1 US20070204388 A1 US 20070204388A1 US 36810406 A US36810406 A US 36810406A US 2007204388 A1 US2007204388 A1 US 2007204388A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- air freshener
- housing
- spray
- toilet
- odor control
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
- E03D9/007—Devices for eliminating smells by diffusing deodorants in lavatories
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/14—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using sprayed or atomised substances including air-liquid contact processes
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an automated remote bathroom air freshener. More particularly, the present invention relates to a remotely located bathroom air freshener dispenser that can be triggered automatically.
- U.S. Design Pat. No. 293,366 shows the ornamental appearance of a scent dispenser that has a roughly cylindrical shape.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,230 (Taylor, et al) teaches the use of a scent dispenser that is integrally installed into a ceiling fan. While there is a radial component to the distribution of the scent it is a constant distribution and not keyed to any particular operation. In addition, the device could not reasonably be used in the bathroom owing to the limited space constraints in the average bathroom.
- the odor control chemistry merely masks the odor with a stronger scent, in other cases it may contain chemistry designed to combat bacteria, and lastly, combinations of chemistry may be used. In any event, the need is to distribute the chemistry as much as possible in as short as time as possible in order to defeat the odors.
- the present invention accomplishes the objectives of remote dispensing that is reactive to the use of the toilet. This novel approach results in a more efficient distribution of the odor control chemistry and an enhancement in the environment in the bathroom
- a new air freshener for a bathroom is disclosed and is comprised of a remote dispenser unit and a sending unit, where the sending unit senses the usage of the toilet and then wirelessly sends a signal to the remote dispenser thereby activating a broadcast spray of air freshener.
- the remote dispenser further includes a receiver for receiving the signal, a reservoir for holding the air freshener chemistry, a spray pump and a spray nozzle for pumping the air freshener chemistry from the reservoir and then through the spray nozzle.
- the remote dispenser Contemporaneous to the spraying of the air freshener chemistry, the remote dispenser also includes a drive for rotating that portion of the remote dispenser that includes the spray nozzle in order to provide radial distribution of the air freshener chemistry.
- the remote dispenser of the present invention is preferably mounted to the ceiling of the area to be treated with air freshener, in such a manner as to maximize the broadcast of the chemistry.
- the sending unit of the present invention is installed in the tank of the subject toilet and includes a level sensing portion that is reactive to the flushing of the toilet.
- the sending unit includes a transmitter capable of transmitting a signal to the receiver of the remote dispenser and the signal is transmitted in response to the reaction of the level sensing portion whenever the toilet is flushed
- the sending unit is integrated with level sensing portion and transmitter portion into a compact package that can be covertly installed within the tank of the toilet.
- the air freshener system of the present invention is powered by batteries.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a toilet with a tank and bowl all shown in phantom, disclosing the sending unit of the present invention as installed in the toilet tank and also disclosing the remote dispenser of the present invention in an installed position within a bathroom space.
- FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the sending unit of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the sending unit of FIG. 2 , taken along Section Lines 3 - 3 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the remote dispenser of FIG. 1 disclosing the housing and the base.
- a novel air-freshener system for use in maximizing odor control in spaces such as a bathroom the air freshener system shown generally in FIG. 1 in association with the toilet assembly 10 , the toilet bowl 12 , the toilet tank 14 , and the toilet tank top 16 .
- the toilet tank 14 also includes the flush handle 18 .
- Water supply to the toilet assembly 10 is accomplished by the supply line 20 which includes the shut-off valve 22 .
- the toilet assembly 10 represents a conventional flush toilet and the references herein to the toilet assembly 10 are meant to generally apply to toilets of all kinds where the teachings of the present invention would apply.
- the components of the air freshener system of the present invention are disclosed as the remote dispenser portion 30 and the sending unit portion 40 .
- the remote dispenser 30 includes the spray head 32 , the housing 34 , the base 36 and spray 38 is shown as emanating from the spray head 32 .
- the sending unit 40 includes the activation module 42 , and the antenna portion 44 . Although not labeled, the signal from the antenna portion 44 to the remote dispenser 30 is shown as a jagged line between the two.
- FIG. 2 More detail is revealed about the sending unit 40 including the power module 50 and the float 52 , which together comprise the activation module 42 . Further, the module shaft 54 is shown with shaft end 56 and shaft top 58 . Lastly, the battery access 59 is shown. More detail relating to the sending unit 40 is shown in the cross sectional view in FIG. 3 , which includes the antenna wire 60 , the battery 62 , the CPU/transmitter 64 , the level sensor 66 and the proximity detector 68 .
- the proximity lead 70 is shown running between the proximity detector 68 and the CPU/transmitter 64
- the antenna lead 72 is shown as running between the antenna wire 60 and the CPU/transmitter 64
- the battery lead 74 is shown as running between the battery 62 and the CPU/transmitter 64 .
- the remote dispenser 30 is disclosed and includes the odor control chemistry reservoir 80 , the spray pump and drive motor 8 Z, the pump intake 84 , the spray line 86 and the spray nozzle 88 .
- the remote dispenser 30 also includes the receiver 90 , the battery 92 , the receiver power lead 94 , the receiver output lead 96 , the pump power lead 98 .
- the housing fitting 100 is shown as interconnected with the base fitting 102 . In the cross sectional view it is understood that the housing fitting 100 and the base fitting 102 are disk-like components and are slideably engaged to allow for rotation.
- the drive 104 is connected to the spray pump drive motor 82 by means of the drive shaft 106 .
- the drive flange 108 Located on the base 36 is the drive flange 108 which contacts and is engaged by the drive 104 .
- the mounting flange 110 extends out from the drive flange 108 and allows the base portion 34 to be mounted to a surface such as the ceiling in a bathroom. This can be achieved by using mounting screws (not shown) which can be inserted into through-holes that are formed or drilled into the mounting flange 110 .
- the spray head 32 includes the nozzle skirt 112 and the nozzle sheath 114 .
- the present invention allows the remote dispenser 30 and the sending unit 40 to be placed at a distance from each other. This is advantageous for the reason the odor control chemistries (whether these are fragrances, or antimicrobials, or combinations of each) can be dispersed from the remote dispenser 30 from a height above the toilet assembly 10 allowing for a more generalized broadcast of the chemistry.
- the remoter dispenser 30 includes a housing portion 34 that rotates independently from the base portion 36 by means of the drive 104 which engages the drive flange 108 .
- the drive 104 receives its power from the spray pump and driver motor 82 which does double service in order to conserve space.
- the base 36 and the housing 34 are coupled together by the housing fitting 100 and the base fitting 102 , and this coupling can be improved through the use of bearings and/or lubrication in order to reduce the frictional load on the drive 104 .
- the spray pump and drive motor 82 is actuated by the receipt of a signal by the receiver 90 which then opens a timed switch energizing the spray pump and motor drive 82 .
- the preferred method of use is to have the actuation persist for a time equal to at least one complete rotation of the housing 34 about the base 36 . While so doing, the spray pump portion of the spray pump and drive motor 82 is drawing up odor control chemistry from the reservoir 80 and ejecting it out through the spray nozzle 88 where it is atomized Thus a spray is emitted in a radial pattern about the housing 34 . Inasmuch as the remote dispenser 30 is mounted on the ceiling, the distribution of the spray will fall from the radial pattern downwardly.
- the odor control chemistry will be broadcast over a very large area as compared to prior art devices that eject spray from a stationery point location.
- the pattern of the broadcast can be adjusted somewhat by positioning the spray nozzle 88 on the spray head 32 .
- the spray nozzle 88 is molded as one piece with the nozzle skirt 112 which fits into a corresponding sleeve within the spray head 32 that is identified as the nozzle skirt sheath 114 .
- the nozzle skirt 112 does not completely take up the clearance within the sheath 114 thus allowing the nozzle 88 some adjustability.
- the redirection of the nozzle 88 by the user can therefore optimize the broadcast of the odor control chemistry.
- the float module 52 is free to slide up and down the module shaft 54 until it meets the shaft end 56 which is represented in the drawings as a capped end, on the down stroke, and until it contacts the power module 50 on the upstroke.
- the float module 52 will react to the water level in the toilet tank 14 thus when the toilet 10 is flushed, the water level will decrease and the float module 52 will move from its normally close proximity to the power module 50 to a lower level as indicated in FIG. 3 . This action has the effect of moving the level sensor 66 in and out of range of the proximity detector 68 .
- these two components may be merely a magnet and a proximity switch respectively, but the function that is achieved in any event is the generation of a signal by the proximity detector 68 that then causes the CPU/transmitter 64 to emit a wireless signal for transmission to the remote dispenser 30 .
- the signal that is generated is typically a low energy radio signal that will be compatible for receipt by a unit that is calibrated to the same frequency and which is relatively close by. Other types of signals could be generated, such as an infared signal, but in some cases this would require a line-of-sight connection between the sending unit 40 and the remote dispenser 30 .
- the signal is imparted to the antenna 60 which is housed within the antenna portion 44 which is generally an extension of the module shaft 54 .
- the module shaft 54 turns into the shaft end 58 -and-then, the antenna portion 60 is bent to roughly correspond to the rear wall of the toilet tank 14 from which it can be hung. This results in a single unit that is autonomous and out of sight when installed. Except for the occasional battery change, the sending unit 40 will be out of mind,
- the present invention reacts to the flushing of the toilet by emitting a signal from the sending unit 40 which is received by the remote dispenser 30 which then reacts by spraying an odor control chemistry in a radial pattern.
- the synchronization of the two components achieves an end result that is far superior to the results of devices known in the prior art
- the preferred embodiment utilizes an odor control chemistry that can be replenished when needed by the user Access to the interior of the housing 34 can be gained by any number of methods including sliding panels or access doors, or provisions can be made to allow for the disengagement of the housing 34 from the base 36 altogether. These aspects of the present invention are well known in the art and do not specifically form a part of the present invention.
- the odor control chemistry can be substituted for any type of chemistry that is desired to be distributed in this fashion. For instance, in some locations such as in a hospital surgery room, it may be advisable to have a device that lays down a spray of antibiotic chemistry.
- the spray can be coordinated with the generation of a signal whenever a door is opened, for instance, which would require only very little modification of the preferred embodiment.
- the housing 34 and base 36 of the air freshener system of the present invention can be fabricated from plastic resin that is formed through an injection molded process.
- the bulk of the structure of the sending unit 40 can similarly be fabricated from plastic components. The balance of those components is typically purchased as individual parts and brought together to form the assembly.
- the mounting of the remote dispenser 30 on the ceiling in a bathroom may not always be possible or advisable.
- the remote dispenser 30 can be mounted onto a wall and the spray nozzle 88 be adjusted accordingly for maximum broadcast of the spray.
Abstract
A novel air freshener for use in a bathroom is disclosed and comprises a sending unit that is mounted in the tank of a toiler assembly, and a remote dispenser comprised of housing and a base and that is preferably mounted onto the ceiling of the bathroom. The sending unit includes level sensing module that generates a signal whenever the toilet is, flushed (thereby lowering the water level in the toilet tank) and the same signal is received by the remote dispenser. The remote dispenser then reacts by activating for a set period of time a spray pump and drive motor which causes the housing of the remote dispenser to simultaneously rotate while an odor control chemistry is atomized through a spray nozzle located on the housing of the remote dispenser, thereby broadcasting an effective measure of odor control chemistry into the bathroom space.
Description
- Not applicable.
- Not applicable.
- The present invention relates to an automated remote bathroom air freshener. More particularly, the present invention relates to a remotely located bathroom air freshener dispenser that can be triggered automatically.
- Advancements in the field of indoor plumbing have been readily apparent over time, especially with the introduction of the modern flush toilet. There has been a constant state of evolution since this particular advancement resulting in numerous accessories and devices that are intended to make the use of the flush toilet more efficient, more convenient or to make the experience of using the flush toilet more pleasant for the user. This latter motivation has led to some products that are directed towards the masking or elimination of odors.
- Devices known in the prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,001 (Hitzler, et al) which relates to a fragrance dispenser that can be actuated by a signal and which dispenses a quantifiable amount of fragrance at that time. The device does not teach the use of a remote spray nor does it teach the use of a spray that is atomized in a radial manner for maximum distribution. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,327 (Palamand, et al) a scent dispenser is disclosed that include a wheel that can be positioned to allow the scent/fragrance to emanate there from. While this device is compact and can be used in small spaces, it does not teach the use of an automatically sequenced dispensing of fragrance that is synchronized with the use of a toilet.
- The use of a remote control to program a dispenser is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,297 (Contadini, et al) where the actuation of the dispenser relies on a programmable controller. There are no inputs to the controller that rely upon the actuation of the toilet; the invention in this case is capable of reacting to a set schedule for the dispensing of a fragrance.
- U.S. Design Pat. No. 293,366 (O'Neill, Jr., et al) shows the ornamental appearance of a scent dispenser that has a roughly cylindrical shape. U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,230 (Taylor, et al) teaches the use of a scent dispenser that is integrally installed into a ceiling fan. While there is a radial component to the distribution of the scent it is a constant distribution and not keyed to any particular operation. In addition, the device could not reasonably be used in the bathroom owing to the limited space constraints in the average bathroom.
- Lastly, a prior art device of some interest is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,500 (Sollami) where the toilet seat forms part of a forced air ventilation system. In
FIG. 1 , anexhaust fan 14 is disclosed that is connected by ducting to the toilet seat and allows for the remote exhausting of odors and the like. This device does not teach the use of an odor dispenser or the means to remotely trip the scent dispenser. - The problem has persisted where the need for odor control is substantially contemporaneous with the use of the toilet Many prior art devices do not show this relationship between the need and the activation of a scent dispenser. In addition, some prior art devices rely on being in close proximity with the scent dispenser, in part to allow the device to be synchronized with toilet fiction. A simple natural fact though defeats this approach since most odors arise from volatiles (gases) that quickly become distributed above and about the area of the toilet thus scent dispensing immediately in the area of the toilet is not effective in knocking down or masking the odors that proliferate throughout the bathroom (and other similar types of spaces). Ideally the dispensing of the odor control is done in a way to maximize the broadcast of the chemistry. In some cases the odor control chemistry merely masks the odor with a stronger scent, in other cases it may contain chemistry designed to combat bacteria, and lastly, combinations of chemistry may be used. In any event, the need is to distribute the chemistry as much as possible in as short as time as possible in order to defeat the odors.
- The need to distribute the odor control chemistry over a fairly large broadcast area is at odds with the strategies that would place the odor control near the toilet itself. Whether such systems are programmable or whether they work from some reaction to the use of the toilet, the placement near the toilet is done for the convenience of the person(s) who service the odor control device and also to reduce the need for hard wiring or the like if the dispenser is to be located at distances away from the toilet. Thus the use of a strategy for remote dispensing that is reactive to toilet use is something that has been avoided in the prior art because it represented a logic fault when trying to render the scent dispenser functional.
- The present invention, as will be seen below, accomplishes the objectives of remote dispensing that is reactive to the use of the toilet. This novel approach results in a more efficient distribution of the odor control chemistry and an enhancement in the environment in the bathroom
- A new air freshener for a bathroom is disclosed and is comprised of a remote dispenser unit and a sending unit, where the sending unit senses the usage of the toilet and then wirelessly sends a signal to the remote dispenser thereby activating a broadcast spray of air freshener. The remote dispenser further includes a receiver for receiving the signal, a reservoir for holding the air freshener chemistry, a spray pump and a spray nozzle for pumping the air freshener chemistry from the reservoir and then through the spray nozzle. Contemporaneous to the spraying of the air freshener chemistry, the remote dispenser also includes a drive for rotating that portion of the remote dispenser that includes the spray nozzle in order to provide radial distribution of the air freshener chemistry.
- The remote dispenser of the present invention is preferably mounted to the ceiling of the area to be treated with air freshener, in such a manner as to maximize the broadcast of the chemistry.
- The sending unit of the present invention is installed in the tank of the subject toilet and includes a level sensing portion that is reactive to the flushing of the toilet. The sending unit includes a transmitter capable of transmitting a signal to the receiver of the remote dispenser and the signal is transmitted in response to the reaction of the level sensing portion whenever the toilet is flushed Preferably the sending unit is integrated with level sensing portion and transmitter portion into a compact package that can be covertly installed within the tank of the toilet.
- Preferably the air freshener system of the present invention is powered by batteries.
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a toilet with a tank and bowl all shown in phantom, disclosing the sending unit of the present invention as installed in the toilet tank and also disclosing the remote dispenser of the present invention in an installed position within a bathroom space. -
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the sending unit ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the sending unit ofFIG. 2 , taken along Section Lines 3-3. -
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the remote dispenser ofFIG. 1 disclosing the housing and the base. - A novel air-freshener system for use in maximizing odor control in spaces such as a bathroom, the air freshener system shown generally in
FIG. 1 in association with thetoilet assembly 10, thetoilet bowl 12, thetoilet tank 14, and thetoilet tank top 16. Thetoilet tank 14 also includes theflush handle 18. Water supply to thetoilet assembly 10 is accomplished by thesupply line 20 which includes the shut-offvalve 22. All in all, thetoilet assembly 10 represents a conventional flush toilet and the references herein to thetoilet assembly 10 are meant to generally apply to toilets of all kinds where the teachings of the present invention would apply. - The components of the air freshener system of the present invention are disclosed as the
remote dispenser portion 30 and thesending unit portion 40. Theremote dispenser 30 includes thespray head 32, thehousing 34, thebase 36 andspray 38 is shown as emanating from thespray head 32. The sendingunit 40 includes theactivation module 42, and theantenna portion 44. Although not labeled, the signal from theantenna portion 44 to theremote dispenser 30 is shown as a jagged line between the two. - Turning now to
FIG. 2 more detail is revealed about the sendingunit 40 including thepower module 50 and thefloat 52, which together comprise theactivation module 42. Further, themodule shaft 54 is shown withshaft end 56 andshaft top 58. Lastly, thebattery access 59 is shown. More detail relating to the sendingunit 40 is shown in the cross sectional view inFIG. 3 , which includes theantenna wire 60, thebattery 62, the CPU/transmitter 64, thelevel sensor 66 and theproximity detector 68. In addition, theproximity lead 70 is shown running between theproximity detector 68 and the CPU/transmitter 64, theantenna lead 72 is shown as running between theantenna wire 60 and the CPU/transmitter 64, and thebattery lead 74 is shown as running between thebattery 62 and the CPU/transmitter 64. - In
FIG. 4 , theremote dispenser 30 is disclosed and includes the odorcontrol chemistry reservoir 80, the spray pump and drive motor 8Z, thepump intake 84, thespray line 86 and thespray nozzle 88. Theremote dispenser 30 also includes thereceiver 90, thebattery 92, thereceiver power lead 94, thereceiver output lead 96, thepump power lead 98. Thehousing fitting 100 is shown as interconnected with thebase fitting 102. In the cross sectional view it is understood that thehousing fitting 100 and the base fitting 102 are disk-like components and are slideably engaged to allow for rotation. Thedrive 104 is connected to the spraypump drive motor 82 by means of thedrive shaft 106. Located on thebase 36 is thedrive flange 108 which contacts and is engaged by thedrive 104. The mountingflange 110 extends out from thedrive flange 108 and allows thebase portion 34 to be mounted to a surface such as the ceiling in a bathroom. This can be achieved by using mounting screws (not shown) which can be inserted into through-holes that are formed or drilled into the mountingflange 110. Lastly, thespray head 32 includes thenozzle skirt 112 and thenozzle sheath 114. - As may be appreciated from
FIG. 1 , the present invention allows theremote dispenser 30 and the sendingunit 40 to be placed at a distance from each other. This is advantageous for the reason the odor control chemistries (whether these are fragrances, or antimicrobials, or combinations of each) can be dispersed from theremote dispenser 30 from a height above thetoilet assembly 10 allowing for a more generalized broadcast of the chemistry. In addition, theremoter dispenser 30 includes ahousing portion 34 that rotates independently from thebase portion 36 by means of thedrive 104 which engages thedrive flange 108. Thedrive 104 receives its power from the spray pump anddriver motor 82 which does double service in order to conserve space. Thebase 36 and thehousing 34 are coupled together by thehousing fitting 100 and the base fitting 102, and this coupling can be improved through the use of bearings and/or lubrication in order to reduce the frictional load on thedrive 104. - The spray pump and drive
motor 82 is actuated by the receipt of a signal by thereceiver 90 which then opens a timed switch energizing the spray pump andmotor drive 82. The preferred method of use is to have the actuation persist for a time equal to at least one complete rotation of thehousing 34 about thebase 36. While so doing, the spray pump portion of the spray pump and drivemotor 82 is drawing up odor control chemistry from thereservoir 80 and ejecting it out through thespray nozzle 88 where it is atomized Thus a spray is emitted in a radial pattern about thehousing 34. Inasmuch as theremote dispenser 30 is mounted on the ceiling, the distribution of the spray will fall from the radial pattern downwardly. If there are no obstructions, the odor control chemistry will be broadcast over a very large area as compared to prior art devices that eject spray from a stationery point location. The pattern of the broadcast can be adjusted somewhat by positioning thespray nozzle 88 on thespray head 32. Thespray nozzle 88 is molded as one piece with thenozzle skirt 112 which fits into a corresponding sleeve within thespray head 32 that is identified as thenozzle skirt sheath 114. Thenozzle skirt 112 does not completely take up the clearance within thesheath 114 thus allowing thenozzle 88 some adjustability. The redirection of thenozzle 88 by the user can therefore optimize the broadcast of the odor control chemistry. - Turning now to the sending
unit 40, thefloat module 52 is free to slide up and down themodule shaft 54 until it meets theshaft end 56 which is represented in the drawings as a capped end, on the down stroke, and until it contacts thepower module 50 on the upstroke. Thefloat module 52 will react to the water level in thetoilet tank 14 thus when thetoilet 10 is flushed, the water level will decrease and thefloat module 52 will move from its normally close proximity to thepower module 50 to a lower level as indicated inFIG. 3 . This action has the effect of moving thelevel sensor 66 in and out of range of theproximity detector 68. In actuality, these two components may be merely a magnet and a proximity switch respectively, but the function that is achieved in any event is the generation of a signal by theproximity detector 68 that then causes the CPU/transmitter 64 to emit a wireless signal for transmission to theremote dispenser 30. The signal that is generated is typically a low energy radio signal that will be compatible for receipt by a unit that is calibrated to the same frequency and which is relatively close by. Other types of signals could be generated, such as an infared signal, but in some cases this would require a line-of-sight connection between the sendingunit 40 and theremote dispenser 30. The signal is imparted to theantenna 60 which is housed within theantenna portion 44 which is generally an extension of themodule shaft 54. Themodule shaft 54 turns into the shaft end 58-and-then, theantenna portion 60 is bent to roughly correspond to the rear wall of thetoilet tank 14 from which it can be hung. This results in a single unit that is autonomous and out of sight when installed. Except for the occasional battery change, the sendingunit 40 will be out of mind, - As is apparent from the foregoing, the present invention reacts to the flushing of the toilet by emitting a signal from the sending
unit 40 which is received by theremote dispenser 30 which then reacts by spraying an odor control chemistry in a radial pattern. The synchronization of the two components achieves an end result that is far superior to the results of devices known in the prior art - The preferred embodiment utilizes an odor control chemistry that can be replenished when needed by the user Access to the interior of the
housing 34 can be gained by any number of methods including sliding panels or access doors, or provisions can be made to allow for the disengagement of thehousing 34 from thebase 36 altogether. These aspects of the present invention are well known in the art and do not specifically form a part of the present invention. The odor control chemistry can be substituted for any type of chemistry that is desired to be distributed in this fashion. For instance, in some locations such as in a hospital surgery room, it may be advisable to have a device that lays down a spray of antibiotic chemistry. The spray can be coordinated with the generation of a signal whenever a door is opened, for instance, which would require only very little modification of the preferred embodiment. - Typically the
housing 34 andbase 36 of the air freshener system of the present invention can be fabricated from plastic resin that is formed through an injection molded process. The bulk of the structure of the sendingunit 40 can similarly be fabricated from plastic components. The balance of those components is typically purchased as individual parts and brought together to form the assembly. - It is noted that the mounting of the
remote dispenser 30 on the ceiling in a bathroom may not always be possible or advisable. In that event, theremote dispenser 30 can be mounted onto a wall and thespray nozzle 88 be adjusted accordingly for maximum broadcast of the spray. - These and other attributes and benefits of the present invention can be practiced by one skilled in the art with such modifications and variations as may be logically advanced, and no limitation on the scope of the present invention is intended by the teachings herein.
Claims (13)
1. An air freshener system for use in a space, from which an odor control chemistry is dispensed, the air freshener system comprising:
A sending unit portion for sending a wireless signal upon the occurrence of an event that is to coincide with the emission of an odor control chemistry; and,
A remote dispenser that retains an odor control chemistry and that is capable of receiving said wireless signal and which further comprises a housing and a base, where the base is mounted within the space, and where the housing is coupled to and rotatable about the base, and where the remote dispenser upon receipt of the signal, emits a timed spray of the odor control chemistry from the housing as the housing is simultaneously caused to rotate for a set period of time thereby radially ejecting the spray of the odor control chemistry within the space.
2. The air freshener system of claim Number 1, where sending unit and the remote dispenser are each independently battery operated.
3. A new air freshener system for a bathroom, where the bathroom includes a toilet with a tank, from which an odor control chemistry can be dispensed, the new air freshener system is comprised of:
A remote dispenser unit with a housing coupleable to a base, where the remote dispenser is mounted to a surface in the bathroom by attachment of the base to the surface;
A sending unit mounted onto a toilet where the sending unit senses the usage of the toilet and then sends a wireless signal to the remote dispenser thereby activating a radially broadcast spray of the odor control chemistry;
Where the housing of the remote dispenser further includes a receiver for receiving the wireless signal, a reservoir for holding the odor control chemistry, a spray pump and a spray nozzle for pumping the air freshener chemistry from the reservoir and then through the spray nozzle, and a drive for rotating the housing in relation to the base; and,
Where the signal actuates the spray pump and the drive for a set period of time for the emission of the spray of the odor control chemistry from the housing and for a set period of time for the rotation of the housing about the base, the combination being activated substantially simultaneously and resulting in a radially broadcast spray of the odor control chemistry.
4. The air freshener system of claim Number 3, where the surface on which the remote dispenser of the present invention is preferably mounted is the ceiling of the bathroom.
5. The air freshener system of claim Number 3, where the sending unit is installed inside the toilet tank.
6. The air freshener system of claim Number 5, where the sending unit further includes a level sensing portion that is reactive to the flushing of the toilet and where the sending unit further includes a transmitter capable of transmitting the wireless signal from the level sensing portion to the receiver of the remote dispenser when the toilet is flushed.
7. The air freshener system of claim Number 3, where sending unit and the remote dispenser are each independently battery operated.
8. The air freshener system of claim Number 3, where the direction of the spray nozzle emanating from the housing can be adjusted for corresponding adjustment of the spray.
9. The air freshener system of claim Number 6, where the transmitter is further connected to an antenna that is enclosed within the sending unit.
10. A new air freshener system for a bathroom, where the bathroom includes a toilet with a tank, from which an odor control chemistry can be dispensed, the new air freshener system is comprised of:
A battery powered remote dispenser unit with a housing coupleable to a base, where the remote dispenser is mounted to by attachment of the base to the ceiling of the bathroom;
A battery powered sending unit mounted inside the toilet tank where the sending unit senses the usage of the toilet and then sends a wireless signal to the remote dispenser thereby activating a radially broadcast spray of the odor control chemistry;
Where the housing of the remote dispenser further includes a receiver for receiving the wireless signal, a reservoir for holding the odor control chemistry, a spray pump and a spray nozzle for pumping the air freshener chemistry from the reservoir and then through the spray nozzle, and a drive for rotating the housing in relation to the base; and,
Where the signal actuates the spray pump and the drive for a set period of time for the emission of the spray of the odor control chemistry from the housing and for a set period of time for the rotation of the housing about the base, the combination being activated substantially simultaneously and resulting in a radially broadcast spray of the odor control chemistry.
11. The air freshener system of claim Number 10, where the sending unit further includes a level sensing portion that is reactive to the flushing of the toilet and where the sending unit further includes a transmitter capable of transmitting the wireless signal from the level sensing portion to the receiver of the remote dispenser when the toilet is flushed.
12. The air freshener system of claim Number 10, where the direction of the spray nozzle emanating from the housing can be adjusted for corresponding adjustment of the spray.
13. The air freshener system of claim Number 11, where the transmitter is further connected to an antenna that is enclosed within the sending unit.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/368,104 US20070204388A1 (en) | 2006-03-06 | 2006-03-06 | Automated remote bathroom air freshener |
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US11/368,104 US20070204388A1 (en) | 2006-03-06 | 2006-03-06 | Automated remote bathroom air freshener |
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US20070204388A1 true US20070204388A1 (en) | 2007-09-06 |
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US11/368,104 Abandoned US20070204388A1 (en) | 2006-03-06 | 2006-03-06 | Automated remote bathroom air freshener |
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US20070136937A1 (en) * | 2005-12-20 | 2007-06-21 | Sawalski Michael M | Toilet bowl cleaning and/or deodorizing device |
US20080017762A1 (en) * | 2005-12-20 | 2008-01-24 | Leonard Stephen B | Clip for Mounting a Fluid Delivery Device |
US20080272200A1 (en) * | 2007-05-04 | 2008-11-06 | Ordiway Timothy R | Rotary sprayer for a fluid delivery device |
US20080283624A1 (en) * | 2007-05-04 | 2008-11-20 | Sawalski Michael M | Multiple nozzle differential fluid delivery head |
US20090249533A1 (en) * | 2005-12-20 | 2009-10-08 | Sawalski Michael M | Toilet Bowl Cleaning and/or Deodorizing Device |
US20100071121A1 (en) * | 2005-12-20 | 2010-03-25 | Kissner William R | Toilet Bowl Cleaning and/or Deodorizing Device |
US20110259973A1 (en) * | 2010-04-26 | 2011-10-27 | Pedicano Ernest A | Toilet flush activated air freshener |
US20130026250A1 (en) * | 2009-11-18 | 2013-01-31 | Reckitt Benckiser Center Iv | Lavatory Treatment Device and Method |
US8549675B2 (en) | 2010-11-26 | 2013-10-08 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Toilet bowl cleaning device including dual activation mechanism |
US20140076991A1 (en) * | 2012-09-14 | 2014-03-20 | Impact Products, Llc | Solid state fragrancing |
US20140076984A1 (en) * | 2012-09-14 | 2014-03-20 | Impact Products, Llc | Solid state fragrancing |
US20140115765A1 (en) * | 2011-05-13 | 2014-05-01 | Matthew Chace Carpenter | Spraying Device |
US8820664B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2014-09-02 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Multiple nozzle differential fluid delivery head |
US9392915B1 (en) * | 2014-01-24 | 2016-07-19 | Emmanuel Jones | Air freshening toilet seat device |
CN107899049A (en) * | 2017-11-30 | 2018-04-13 | 中山市兆普科生物科技研究院有限公司 | One kind disinfection water injection system |
US9976292B1 (en) * | 2010-11-11 | 2018-05-22 | Danco, Inc. | Flush activated air freshener |
US20190296931A1 (en) * | 2012-07-17 | 2019-09-26 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Home network of connected consumer devices |
US10493177B2 (en) | 2017-01-12 | 2019-12-03 | Impact Products, Llc | Solid state fragrancing |
US20210060588A1 (en) * | 2019-09-03 | 2021-03-04 | Keith Wootan | Rotatable diffuser device |
US11351562B2 (en) | 2015-12-23 | 2022-06-07 | Zobele Holding Spa | Device and method for the automated diffusion of volatile substances comprising a photovoltaic cell |
US11636870B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-04-25 | Denso International America, Inc. | Smoking cessation systems and methods |
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US11760170B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-09-19 | Denso International America, Inc. | Olfaction sensor preservation systems and methods |
US11813926B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-11-14 | Denso International America, Inc. | Binding agent and olfaction sensor |
US11828210B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-11-28 | Denso International America, Inc. | Diagnostic systems and methods of vehicles using olfaction |
US11881093B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2024-01-23 | Denso International America, Inc. | Systems and methods for identifying smoking in vehicles |
US11932080B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2024-03-19 | Denso International America, Inc. | Diagnostic and recirculation control systems and methods |
US11944241B1 (en) * | 2022-01-04 | 2024-04-02 | Kristen Thelander | Hands-free toilet paper dispenser |
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US8220080B2 (en) | 2005-12-20 | 2012-07-17 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Toilet bowl cleaning and/or deodorizing device |
US8291524B2 (en) | 2005-12-20 | 2012-10-23 | S.C, Johnson & Son, Inc. | Clip for mounting a fluid delivery device |
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US20070136937A1 (en) * | 2005-12-20 | 2007-06-21 | Sawalski Michael M | Toilet bowl cleaning and/or deodorizing device |
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US20090249533A1 (en) * | 2005-12-20 | 2009-10-08 | Sawalski Michael M | Toilet Bowl Cleaning and/or Deodorizing Device |
US7603726B2 (en) | 2005-12-20 | 2009-10-20 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Toilet bowl cleaning and/or deodorizing device |
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US20080017762A1 (en) * | 2005-12-20 | 2008-01-24 | Leonard Stephen B | Clip for Mounting a Fluid Delivery Device |
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US20080283624A1 (en) * | 2007-05-04 | 2008-11-20 | Sawalski Michael M | Multiple nozzle differential fluid delivery head |
US8500044B2 (en) | 2007-05-04 | 2013-08-06 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Multiple nozzle differential fluid delivery head |
US20080272200A1 (en) * | 2007-05-04 | 2008-11-06 | Ordiway Timothy R | Rotary sprayer for a fluid delivery device |
US8820664B2 (en) | 2007-05-16 | 2014-09-02 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Multiple nozzle differential fluid delivery head |
US20130026250A1 (en) * | 2009-11-18 | 2013-01-31 | Reckitt Benckiser Center Iv | Lavatory Treatment Device and Method |
US20110259973A1 (en) * | 2010-04-26 | 2011-10-27 | Pedicano Ernest A | Toilet flush activated air freshener |
US9976292B1 (en) * | 2010-11-11 | 2018-05-22 | Danco, Inc. | Flush activated air freshener |
US8549675B2 (en) | 2010-11-26 | 2013-10-08 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Toilet bowl cleaning device including dual activation mechanism |
US9458615B2 (en) * | 2011-05-13 | 2016-10-04 | Conopco, Inc. | Spraying device |
US20140115765A1 (en) * | 2011-05-13 | 2014-05-01 | Matthew Chace Carpenter | Spraying Device |
US20190296931A1 (en) * | 2012-07-17 | 2019-09-26 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Home network of connected consumer devices |
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US9422697B2 (en) * | 2012-09-14 | 2016-08-23 | Impact Products, Llc | Solid state fragrancing |
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US20140076984A1 (en) * | 2012-09-14 | 2014-03-20 | Impact Products, Llc | Solid state fragrancing |
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US11351562B2 (en) | 2015-12-23 | 2022-06-07 | Zobele Holding Spa | Device and method for the automated diffusion of volatile substances comprising a photovoltaic cell |
US10493177B2 (en) | 2017-01-12 | 2019-12-03 | Impact Products, Llc | Solid state fragrancing |
CN107899049A (en) * | 2017-11-30 | 2018-04-13 | 中山市兆普科生物科技研究院有限公司 | One kind disinfection water injection system |
US20210060588A1 (en) * | 2019-09-03 | 2021-03-04 | Keith Wootan | Rotatable diffuser device |
US11636870B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-04-25 | Denso International America, Inc. | Smoking cessation systems and methods |
US11760169B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-09-19 | Denso International America, Inc. | Particulate control systems and methods for olfaction sensors |
US11760170B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-09-19 | Denso International America, Inc. | Olfaction sensor preservation systems and methods |
US11813926B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-11-14 | Denso International America, Inc. | Binding agent and olfaction sensor |
US11828210B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2023-11-28 | Denso International America, Inc. | Diagnostic systems and methods of vehicles using olfaction |
US11881093B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2024-01-23 | Denso International America, Inc. | Systems and methods for identifying smoking in vehicles |
US11932080B2 (en) | 2020-08-20 | 2024-03-19 | Denso International America, Inc. | Diagnostic and recirculation control systems and methods |
US11944241B1 (en) * | 2022-01-04 | 2024-04-02 | Kristen Thelander | Hands-free toilet paper dispenser |
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Legal Events
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