WO2007132140A1

WO2007132140A1 - Dispensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2007132140A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/001052
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hannah Parker; Andrea Szeki; Simon Woolley
Original assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (Uk) Limited
Priority date: 2006-05-17
Filing date: 2007-03-23
Publication date: 2007-11-22
Also published as: WO2007132140A8; GB0609730D0

Abstract

The invention provides a device (2) for dispensing a fluid for fragrancing, deodorising or sanitising air. The device (2) comprises a body (4) for housing at least one cartridge (20) containing a fluid to be dispensed. The device (2) further comprising an actuating lever (60) adapted to move from a first position to a second position; a drive mechanism (38) adapted to move the actuating lever (60) to the first position; and an actuator hat (72()) having a passageway therethrough. The actuator hat (72) is adapted to receive at least a portion of a valve stem (74) of • the cartridge (20). In the first position, the actuating lever (60) is operable to exert a force on the actuator hat (72) to actuate the cartridge (20) and release fluid therefrom. The fluid passes through the passageway of the actuator hat (72) and out of the device (2) in a substantially vertical direction.

Description

Dispensing Device

The invention relates to a device for dispensing a fluid for fragrancing, deodorising or sanitising air. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an automatic air freshening device.

Air freshener devices are commonplace, particularly in domestic environments where they are used to create a pleasant fragrance or mask a bad odour. The devices are generally of two types, a manual type which is actuated solely by the user, or an automatic type which delivers the fragrance with minimal user intervention. Automatic devices may be mains operated or battery powered. Usually, either one of these said types operates in combination with a fragrance refill cartridge., The cartridge may be wick-based, wherein a fragranced liquid is drawn up the wick and evaporates on exposure to the air, or aerosol based. Aerosol based cartridges are most often used in conjunction with automatic type devices.

Automatic devices tend to be large in size due the number and complex nature of the internal components, and the space required to house an aerosol cartridge. The devices are commonly designed to emit aerosol in a horizontal direction into a room but this limits the time available for the aerosol to become dispersed before falling to the ground. Therefore, in order to achieve an improved dispersion, these devices often must be placed in elevated ^' positions in the room.

There is an advantage in producing an automatic air freshener device which is compact in size and which delivers aerosol in a substantially vertical direction. In so doing, the device is discrete and, due to the vertical spray, can be placed on a low table or low surface whilst maintaining an effective aerosol dispersion.

An automatic air freshener device which delivers a vertical spray is known. The device comprises a housing having an aerosol cartridge which is actuated by an actuating arm mounted on the housing. The actuating arm engages with the nozzle or valve stem of the aerosol cartridge to cause the release of aerosol . The aerosol is dispensed upwards through a bore in the actuating arm. Disadvantageously, in this arrangement, the actuating arm is directly attached to the drive mechanism, in particular being fixed to a gear wheel. As a result, the force applied to the nozzle of the cartridge by the actuating arm may be inconsistent due to the meshing action of the gears. Such inconsistency may lead to inaccurate dosing, damage to the valve stem, and damage to the valve gasket .. Additionally, because the actuating arm is directly attached to the gear wheel, the motor is forced to work harder to compensate for the pulling force from the actuating arm. This will result in increased wear on the motor which will lead to a decrease in its expected lifetime. A further disadvantage with this known device, is that because the actuator is an integral part of the device, it operates to actuate every cartridge used over the life of the device. Over a period of time, with such continual use, the actuator will wear and will become damaged. It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for dispensing a fluid for fragrancing, deodorising or sanitising air which attempts to overcome the aforementioned problems.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for dispensing a fluid for fragrancing, deodorising or sanitising air, the device comprising a body for housing at least one cartridge containing a fluid to be dispensed; an actuating lever adapted to move from a first position to a second position; a drive mechanism adapted to move the actuating lever to the first position; an actuator hat having a passageway therethrough and being adapted to receive at least a portion of a valve stem of the cartridge, wherein, in the first position, the actuating lever is operable to exert a force on the actuator hat to actuate the cartridge and release fluid therefrom, to cause the fluid to pass through the passageway of the actuator hat and out of the device in a substantially vertical direction.

In this configuration, the force exerted on the valve stem of the cartridge is evenly distributed due to the arrangement of the actuating lever acting on the actuator hat. In so doing, the wear on a valve gasket of an aerosol cartridge is equally spread, which helps to increase the lifespan of the gasket. Furthermore, because the fluid is released from the device in a substantially vertical direction, the device can be placed on a low surface or, table without hindering aerosol dispersion.

Preferably, the actuating lever is substantially between lcm to 10cm in length, preferably substantially between 3cm and 7cm, most preferably, substantially 5cm. Preferably, a pivot point is located on the actuating lever about which the actuating lever pivots . Preferably, the pivot point is located between a first end and a second end of said lever. Preferably, the pivot point is substantially between lcm and 3cm from the centre of the valve stem, preferably, when the actuating lever is in the first position. In the most preferred arrangement, the actuating lever is substantially 5cm in length and the pivot point is substantially 2cm from the centre of the valve stem, preferably when the actuating lever is in the first position. Preferably, a pivot pin is located in the actuating lever, preferably at the pivot point. Preferably, the pivot pin is mounted transverse to the longitudinal length of the actuating lever.

Advantageously, in this arrangement a substantially optimum operational force is provided by the actuating lever on the actuator hat to cause actuation of the fluid, preferably aerosol, from the cartridge.

Preferably, the first end of the actuating lever comprises exerting means for exerting the force on the actuator hat. Preferably, the exerting means comprises at least two arms. Preferably, each arm extends outwardly from the actuating lever, preferably in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of said lever. Preferably, the arms extend in a direction parallel to each other. Preferably, each arm extends across a portion of the actuator hat, preferably, across a portion of a rim of the actuator hat. Preferably, each arm extends at least half way across the actuator hat, preferably to a point which is co-planar with an exit section in which at least one exit aperture is located. Preferably, each arm comprises a curved end. Preferably, each arm is substantially equal in width to the rim of the actuator hat, preferably being substantially 0.3cm in width.

In an alternative configuration, the exerting means comprises a loop arrangement. In this configuration, the actuator hat is preferably retained in the loop arrangement .

Preferably, a combination of the pressure of the formulation and the strength of a spring in the cartridge, most preferably, the valve spring, creates an actuation force which is operable to force the actuating lever to move to the second position. Preferably, in the second position, the second end is adjacent the drive mechanism. Preferably, the actuation force is substantially between 20 to 25 Newtons (N), most preferably substantially 22.5N.

Advantageously, due to the actuation force, there is no requirement to provide power for moving the actuating lever to the second position. Therefore, power from, for example, batteries, is conserved.

Preferably, the actuating lever tapers towards the second end. Preferably, an upper surface of the second end has a cut-out and preferably a lower surface thereof has a substantially flat face.

Preferably, the actuator hat comprises an upstanding section and the rim. Preferably, the upstanding section comprises an outer wall and an inner wall. The outer wall preferably extends substantially between 0.5cm to 2cm away from the rim, more preferably between 0.5cm and lcm, most preferably substantially 0.7cm. Preferably, the inner wall tapers away from the rim. Preferably, the rim is substantially 0.3cm in width.

Preferably, the passageway of the actuator hat extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof. Preferably, at least one receiving aperture is provided at a proximal end of the passageway. Preferably, the at least one exit aperture is provided at a distal end of the passageway. Preferably, the receiving aperture is located centrally of the actuator hat. Preferably, the receiving aperture has a diameter of substantially 0.3cm and is adapted for receiving a portion of the valve stem. Preferably, the exit aperture is provided centrally of a top surface of the upstanding section, preferably substantially above the receiving aperture. Preferably, the exit aperture has a diameter of substantially 0.03cm. In this configuration, the amount of fall-out from the device is minimised.

Preferably, the drive mechanism comprises a motor, a plurality of gear wheels, preferably meshed gear wheels, and an abutment member. Preferably, the drive mechanism is mounted adjacent the cartridge. Preferably, the abutment member is operable to abut, preferably, the flat face of the actuating lever so as to move said lever to the first position.

Preferably, a jacket is provided for housing the cartridge. Preferably, locking arms are located on the jacket and are dimensioned to be received by receiving apertures in the device. Preferably, the locking arms are resilientIy deformable.

In a most preferred arrangement, the jacket, the actuator hat and the cartridge are sold to the user as a single refill assembly.^"

Preferably, the device is operable when the jacket or, most preferably, the refill assembly is in a loaded • position in the device. Preferably, a push member is provided on the jacket. Preferably, the push member is adapted to push against a communication switch on the device, operable to cause the device to be turned on. Preferably, the communication switch is operable to transmit a signal to communication means on said device. Preferably, the communication means is operable to communicate with the drive mechanism to turn the device on or off. Preferably, the communication means is further operable to communicate with a , timer which is preferably adapted to countdown the number of sprays left in the cartridge. Preferably, the timer and/or the communication means is operable to communicate with an indicator on the device, preferably to cause the indicator to operate in a preferred manner.

Advantageously, the device is operable only when the jacket, actuator hat and cartridge assembly is in position in the housing.

Advantageously, because the actuator hat is separate from the housing and the actuating lever, it can be readily replaced if damaged. However, the likelihood of damage is minimal due to a separate actuator hat being used with each cartridge.

Preferably, the indicator is located on the device and is operable to provide a signal to a user. Preferably, • the indicator is a light, preferably at least one LED light, which is adapted to preferably, flash on/off. Most preferably, the indicator is operable when the refill assembly is in the loaded position in .the device. Preferably, the signal is generated when the device is due to emit a dose of fluid. Preferably, the at least one LED light flashes at least every 30 seconds, preferably every 20 seconds, preferably every 10 seconds, most preferably every 5 seconds .

Advantageously, when the cartridge assembly is inserted, the flashing serves to indicate to the user that the device is activated.

Preferably, the flashing follows a flash pattern. Preferably, the flash pattern changes depending on the mode of action of the device. Preferably, the flash pattern changes to indicate that the device is about to spray. Preferably, once the spray has occurred, the at least one LED light returns to a spray pattern which comprises flashing at 5 second intervals.

Preferably, the indicator flashes continuously when the end of life of the cartridge is reached.

Advantageously, the user is able to see that the cartridge is' nearing the end of life due to the high frequency flashing of the LED. Preferably, the fluid is an aerosol, preferably, a fragranced aerosol. Preferably, the aerosol is emitted as a dose of substantially between lOμl to 50μl, more preferably substantially between 20μl to 30μl, most preferably, substantially as a 25μl dose. Preferably, the formulation in the cartridge comprises propellant and fragrance .

Advantageously, there is no requirement for solvents or bulking agents in the cartridge due to the operation of the device. This allows for a small cartridge having a large number of doses .

Preferably, the device is manufactured from plastics materials, preferably polypropylene.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a device for dispensing a fluid for fragrancing, deodorising or sanitising air, the device comprising a body for housing at least one cartridge containing a fluid to be dispensed; an actuating lever adapted to move from a first position to a second position; a drive mechanism adapted to move the actuating lever to the first position, wherein, the actuating lever comprises exerting means, the exerting means comprising at least two arms operable to exert a force to actuate the cartridge .

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

Figures Ia, Ib, Ic and Id show a schematic front view, a schematic side view, a schematic top view and a schematic perspective view respectively .of an air fragrancing device according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional side view of an air fragrancing device incorporating a cartridge, taken along line B-B of figure Ic;

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

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

Figures 5a and 5b show alternative schematic side views of a part of an air fragrancing device;

Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of a part of an air fragrancing device;

Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a part of an air fragrancing device;

Figure 8 shows a schematic plan view of a part of an air fragrancing device;

Figures 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d show a schematic side view, a schematic plan- view, a schematic rear view, and a schematic sectional side view taken along line C-C of Figure 9c, respectively of an air fragrancing device;

Figure 10 shows a schematic plan view of an alternative embodiment of a part of an air fragrancing device; and

Figure 11 shows a schematic sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of a part of an air fragrancing device .

Figures 1 show a fragrancing device 2 according to the invention. The fragrancing device 2 comprises a body 4 which curves gently inwards and outwards from a top part 6 to a base 8. The curving nature of the body 4 enables the user to readily grip the air fragrancing device 2, as well as said device 2 being aesthetically appealing. An exit hole 10 is provided in the top part 6 as will be described in more detail below. A switch 12 is located on the body 4 and is generally tear-drop shaped. The switch 12 is of a push button type which may be depressed by the user to "boost" the fragrance by giving an immediate dose of additional fragrance.

An indicator light 14 is located on the body 4 adjacent the switch 12. The indicator light 14 comprises a light emitting diode which may change in colour, intensity, or flash, for example at a variable speed, to indicate certain operating conditions to the user. For example, the indicator light 14 may flash continually when the fragrance is nearing the end of life, or flash for a set period when a refill assmbely is inserted into the device 2. A period of 5 second pulses is preferred. The indicator light 14 may also flash when the device 2 is about to spray so as to provide a warning to the user.

Directly under the indicator light 14 is located a slide switch 16 which is movable to adjust the time or frequency aerosol is released from the device 2. In an uppermost position, the slide switch 16 operates an 11 minute setting, to provide a time delay between each spray. In a middle position, the slide switch 16 operates a 22 minute setting, and in a bottom position, the slide switch 16 operates a 44 minute setting. For example, the user may set the slide switch 16 to the uppermost position such that the device 2 automatically actuates every 11 minutes.

A wing 17 is located on the rear of the device 2 as shown in Figure Id. The wing 17 comprises an angled section so that when the device 2 is placed against a wall, the body of the device 2 is angled. In this position, the spray is directed away from the wall. A hole (not shown) may be incorporated into the device 2 tb allow the device 2 to be hung from a hook or similar attachment means.

The internal components of the air fragrancing device 2 are shown most clearly in Figures 2 to 5. A housing 18 is moulded to receive an aerosol cartridge 20 seated in a jacket 22. The jacket 22 has an extended shoulder 23 and resiliently deformable locking arms 24 for locating in receiving apertures 26 in the housing 18. The locking arms 24 are held in the receiving apertures 26 by locking pins 28 which abut against the surface of the, housing to hold the jacket 22 in a fixed position. Figure 4 shows an underside view of the device 2 with the jacket 22 in a loaded position in the air fragancing device 2. It can be seen that a lip 30 is provided on the locking arms 24. The lip 30 abuts against the under surface of the housing 18 to help hold the jacket 22 in the loaded position.

Figures 5a and 5b show a refill assembly which comprises, the jacket 22, the cartridge 20 and an actuator hat 72. The jacket 22 has a push member 31 located at an end of the extended shoulder 23. The push member 31 is adapted to push against a push switch within the device 2 which results in the device 2 being switched on. Once the push switch is depressed, a signal is sent to the electronic communication means to acknowledge that, the refill assembly has been inserted. In so doing, a timer is triggered which begins a count of the number of sprays to the end of life of the cartridge 20. The end of life is communicated by a rapid flashing pattern of the LED 14. The cartridge 20 cannot be removed from the jacket 22 once it is empty. The device 2 will not function without the jacket 22. In so doing, the refill assembly functions as a technical lockout mechanism.

Figure 4 shows a battery compartment 32 provided adjacent the jacket 22. The battery compartment 32 is opened by a latch 34. Batteries (not shown) are located in the battery compartment 32 to supply power to drive a drive mechanism 36. The batteries extend upwards from the base 8 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device 2.

The drive mechanism comprises a motor 38, a first meshed gear wheel 40 mounted on a first axle 42, a second meshed gear wheel 44 mounted on a second axle 46, a third meshed gear wheel 48 mounted on a third axle 50. An abutment member 52 is mounted on a fourth axle 54 and is located adjacent the third meshed gear wheel . The arrangement of the drive mechanism 36 adjacent the housing 18 allows for a device which is smaller and more easily handled by a user than other known devices on the market .

The abutment member 52 comprises a head portion 56 which has an inclined surface, and has a peak 58 which abuts against an ^' actuating lever 60, in a first position of the actuating lever 60. The abutment member 52 further comprises a meshed surface 59 which engages with the third meshed gear wheel 44 to move the . abutment member 52 about the fourth axle 54.

Figures 7 and 8 show the actuating lever 60 in greater detail. The actuating lever 60 is approximately 5cm in length and comprises a first end 62 and a second end 64. A pivot pin 66 passes through the actuating lever 60, to enable the actuating lever 60 to pivot about a point marked X ■ in Figure 7. The pivot point X is located at least half way along the length of the actuating lever 60, towards the first end 62. In particular, the pivot point X is approximately 2cm from a valve stem centre.

A pair of arms 68 extends from the first end 62. The arms 68 extend parallel to each other and in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuating lever 60. The arms 68 are approximately 0.3cm in width and extend to approximately half way across a rim 70 of the actuator hat 72 located on a valve stem 74 of the aerosol cartridge 20. The arms 68 have curved tips 75 which bear down on the rim 70 when the actuating lever 60 is in the first position, as shown in Figure 7. At the second end 64 of the actuating lever 60, a top surface 76 thereof is cut away and tapers to a rounded end. The underneath surface 78 of the second end 64 comprises a smooth and flat contour.

Figures 9 show the actuator hat 72 in greater detail . In particular, Figure 9a shows the actuator hat 72 comprising the rim 70 and an upstanding body portion 80. A receiving aperture 82 is located in a bottom surface 84 of the actuator hat 72. The receiving aperture 82 is dimensioned to receive ^■ a portion of the valve stem 74 in a snug or tight fitting manner. As shown in Figure 9d, an inner wall 86 is provided on the upstanding body portion 80. The inner wall 86 tapers inwardly towards an exit aperture 88. The exit aperture 88 is approximately ten times smaller in diameter than the receiving aperture 82 and is located above the receiving aperture 82. The exit aperture 88 has a diameter of substantially 0.3cm.

The actuator hat 72 is received by a moulding 90 in the top part 6 of the air fragrancing device 2. In so doing, when the device 2 is in an operating position, aerosol released by the cartridge 20 is sprayed vertically upwards through the passageway and out of the device 2.

In use, the user inserts the refill assembly into the device 2. The extended shoulder 23 of the jacket 22 pushes against the push switch in the housing 18 to cause the device 2 to be turned on. The motor 38 operates to cause rotation and engagement of the meshed gear wheels 40, 44, 48. The first meshed gear wheel 40 rotates in a clockwise direction and interengages with the second meshed gear wheel 44. The second meshed gear wheel 44 rotates in an anticlockwise direction which causes clockwise rotation of the third meshed gear wheel 48. As the third meshed gear wheel 48 rotates, the meshed surface 59 of the abutment . member 52 rotates in an anticlockwise direction which causes the head portion 56 to move upwards and abut the under surface 78 of the actuating lever 60. In so doing, the actuating lever 60 moves into the first position ^' whereby said lever pivots in a forwards direction, about pivot point X and the arms 66 push down on the rim 70 of the actuator hat 72. The arms 66 exert a substantially equal force on either side of the rim 70. This provides an even downwards force on the valve stem 74 which causes actuation of the cartridge 20. Aerosol from the cartridge 20 is released through the valve stem 74 and through the tapered passageway of the actuator hat 72, and out of the exit aperture 88.

After a dose of aerosol has been released from the cartridge 20, the force of the valve spring in the aerosol cartridge 20, together with the pressure of the formulation, pushes the first end 62 of the actuating lever 60 so that said lever 60 pivots about point X and moves to a second position. In the second position, no force is exerted by the arms 68 on the actuator hat 72.

The actuation of the air freshener • device 2 may be performed in a cycle. The cycle may begin when a timing sequence activates the motor 37 to power the gear wheels' 40,44,48 to begin rotation. The time sequences include 11 minute, 22 minute and 44 minute sequences but it will be appreciated that any suitable time sequence may be employed. The invention provides an automatic battery powered small and discreet air fragrancing device 2. The ability to spray air fragrance in a vertical direction enables the device 2 to be placed on a low table or surface instead of been hung high on a wall, as required by other devices currently available on the market . In achieving a vertical spray, the arrangement of the drive mechanism alongside the aerosol cartridge 20, minimises the space required for housing the component parts, and allows for the manufacturing of a small device. Further, the device has the flexibility to be placed on a surface or wall mounted.

The design of the actuating lever 60, including the position of the pivot point X, is critical in achieving the force required to open and close the aerosol valve. It has been found that an actuating lever 60 having a total length of substantially 5cm, with a pivot centre of 2cm from the aerosol stem centre, gives the ideal operational force required to open the valve. Further, provision of a pair of arms 68 on the actuating lever 60 ensures that the downwards force acting on the actuator hat 72 is equally distributed. Advantageously, when an equal force is applied to the valve stem 74, the wear on the gasket in the valve stem 74 is even. This helps to extend the lifespan of the gasket.

An alternative embodiment of the actuating lever 160 is^' shown in Figure 10. The actuating lever 160 comprises a looped first end 162 which fits around the actuator hat 72. In use, said lever 160 exerts a force on the rim 70 of said hat 72 to cause actuation of the aerosol cartridge 120.

Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the actuator hat 172. Said hat 172 comprises an inner wall 186 which extends downwardly from the exit aperture 188 to a distance approximately 0.3cm from the rim 170. In so doing, a top portion of the valve stem 174 abuts against a part 190 of the wall 186. In this position, the valve stem 174 is seated to encourage minimum aerosol impaction on the inner wall 186 and maximum aerosol dispersion from the device 2.

The formulation used in the device allows for a smaller aerosol cartridge than current known automatic aerosol devices utilise. Further, a small volume dose is metered from the cartridge having similar fragrance intensity to larger volume doses required in known devices. Advantageously, the effect of this is that a large number of sprays are obtained from a small volume cartridge.

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

All of the features disclosed in this specification

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

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

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment (s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

^• disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A device for dispensing a fluid for fragrancing, deodorising or sanitising air, the device comprising a body for housing at least one cartridge containing a fluid to be dispensed; an actuating lever adapted to move from a first position to a second position; a drive mechanism adapted to move the actuating lever to the first position; an actuator hat having a passageway therethrough and being adapted to receive at least a portion of a valve stem of the cartridge, wherein, in the first position, the actuating lever is operable to exert a force on . the actuator hat to actuate the cartridge and release fluid therefrom, to cause the fluid to pass through the passageway of the actuator hat and out of the device in a substantially vertical direction.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuating lever is substantially 5cm in length.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , wherein a pivot point is located on the actuating lever about which the actuating lever pivots.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the pivot point is located between a first end and a second end of said lever.

5. A device as claimed in claims 3 or 4, wherein the pivot point is substantially 2cm from the centre of the valve stem when the actuating lever is in the first position, and the actuating lever is substantially 5cm in length.

6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end of the actuating lever comprises exerting means for exerting the force on the actuator hat .

7. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the exerting means comprises at least two arms.

8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein each arm extends outwardly from the actuating lever in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of said lever.

9. A device as claimed in claims 7 or 8, wherein the arms extend in a direction parallel to each other.

10. A device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein each arm extends across a portion of the actuator hat.

11. A device as claimed in claim 10, wherein each arm extends at least half way across the actuator hat, to a point which is co-planar with an exit section in which at least one exit aperture is located.

12. A device as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein each arm is substantially equal in width to the rim of the actuator hat.

13. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating lever tapers towards the second end, and a lower surface thereof has a substantially flat face.

14. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator hat comprises an upstanding section and the rim.

15. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the upstanding section comprises an outer wall and an inner wall.

16. A device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the outer wall extends substantially 0.7cm away from the rim.

17. A device as claimed in claims 15 or 16, wherein the inner wall tapers away from the rim.

18. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the passageway of the actuator hat extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof.

19. A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least one receiving aperture is provided at a proximal end of the passageway and at least one exit aperture is provided at a distal end of the passageway.

20. A device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the receiving aperture has a diameter of substantially 0.3cm and is adapted for receiving a portion of the valve stem.

21. A device as claimed in claims 19 or 20, wherein the exit aperture is provided centrally of a top surface of the upstanding section, and has a diameter of substantially 0.03cm.

22. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a motor, a plurality of gear wheels and an abutment member.

23. A device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the abutment member is operable to abut the flat face of the actuating lever so as to move said lever to the first position.

24. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an indicator is located on the device and is operable to provide a signal to a user.

25. A device for dispensing a fluid for fragrancing, deodorising or sanitising air, the device comprising a body for housing at least one cartridge containing a fluid to be dispensed; an actuating lever adapted to move from a first position to a second position; a drive mechanism adapted to move the actuating lever to the first position, wherein, the actuating lever comprises exerting means, the exerting means comprising at least two arms operable to exert a force to actuate the 'cartridge .

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

27. An assembly comprising a device for dispensing a fluid for fragrancing, deodorising or sanitising air, the device comprising a body for housing at least one cartridge containing a fluid to be dispensed; ^■ an actuating lever adapted to move from a first position to a second position; a drive mechanism adapted to move the actuating lever to the first position; an actuator hat having a passageway therethrough and being adapted to receive at least a portion of a valve stem of the cartridge, wherein, in the first position, the actuating lever is operable to exert a force on the actuator hat to actuate the cartridge and release fluid therefrom, to cause the fluid to pass through the passageway of the actuator hat and out of the device in a substantially vertical direction.

28. A refill assembly for use with the device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, said assembly comprising a jacket dimensioned to be received by the device, a cartridge for housing a fluid, and an actuator hat adapted to fit the valve stem of the cartridge.