ODOR TREATMENT DISPENSER

Abstract

An odor treatment dispenser is disclosed for an odor. The device comprises a housing having a canister channel. An aperture traverses the housing. A canister contains an odor treatment substance positioned within the canister channel. An actuator engages the canister for dispensing the odor treatment substance through the aperture for treating the odor.

Claims

1. A dispenser device comprising: a housing; a motion sensor disposed in the housing; a dispenser aperture disposed in the housing, wherein the dispenser aperture is aligned in an approximate direction the motion sensor is facing; and a mounting clip configured to mount the dispenser device.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the mounting clip is removably secured to the housing.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the mounting clip has a grip enhancing surface.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the mounting clip comprises a housing bracket portion, a first clip arm, a second clip arm, and a biasing element for clamping the first clip arm and the second clip arm.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the housing is cylindrical and is secured within the housing bracket portion of the mounting clip.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the housing is secured within the housing bracket portion of the mounting clip by snap fit.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the motion sensor is communicatively coupled to a controller configured to control a motor for actuating a dispenser disposed in the housing.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a battery indicator.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising an aerosol indicator.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein an opening is disposed in the first clip arm.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising a timer for timing actuation of a dispenser after motion detection by the motion sensor.

12. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a dispenser compartment.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the housing further comprises a battery compartment.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the housing comprises removable end caps configured to provide access to the battery compartment and the dispenser compartment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 is an upper front isometric view of a first embodiment for an odor treatment dispenser device of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a top view of FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 3 is a front view of FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 4 is a right side view of FIG. 3;

[0035] FIG. 5 is a sectional view along line 5-5 in FIG. 2;

[0036] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with the odor treatment dispenser device engaging an animal container;

[0037] FIG. 7 is a left side view of FIG. 3 illustrating a spring loaded clip in a non-engaged condition;

[0038] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 illustrating a force applied to the spring loaded clip for creating a container channel between the spring loaded clip and the housing of the odor treatment dispenser device;

[0039] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 illustrating the container channel engaging the animal container for coupling the odor treatment dispenser device to the animal container;

[0040] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating a cat approaching the clean animal container;

[0041] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 illustrating a motion sensor determining the presence of the cat within the animal container;

[0042] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 11 illustrating the cat producing a waste product within the animal container, and thereafter the odor treatment dispenser device dispensing an odor treatment substance for treating the odor;

[0043] FIG. 13 is a sectional view along line 13-13 in FIG. 12;

[0044] FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 13 illustrating the removal of a replaceable battery and a replaceable pressurized aerosol cartridge from the odor treatment dispenser device;

[0045] FIG. 15 is an upper front isometric view of a second embodiment for an odor treatment dispenser device of the present invention;

[0046] FIG. 16 is a top view of FIG. 15;

[0047] FIG. 17 is a front view of FIG. 15;

[0048] FIG. 18 is a right side view of FIG. 17;

[0049] FIG. 19 is a sectional view along line 19-19 in FIG. 17;

[0050] FIG. 20 is a sectional view along line 20-20 in FIG. 18;

[0051] FIG. 21 is a view similar to FIG. 15 with the second embodiment for an odor treatment dispenser device engaging an animal container;

[0052] FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 19 illustrating an actuator empresses upon an aerosol actuator for dispensing the odor treatment substance;

[0053] FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 20 illustrating the actuator empresses upon the aerosol actuator for dispensing the odor treatment substance;

[0054] FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 20 illustrating the removal of the replaceable battery and the replaceable pressurized aerosol cartridge from the odor treatment dispenser device;

[0055] FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of a clip-mounted dispenser device;

[0056] FIG. 26 is a top view thereof;

[0057] FIG. 27 is a right side view thereof in a closed configuration;

[0058] FIG. 28 is a right side view thereof in an open configuration;

[0059] FIG. 29 is an exploded view of a mounting clip;

[0060] FIG. 30 is an exploded view of a dispenser device; and

[0061] FIG. 31 is a front view of a dispenser device with a housing cover removed.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

[0062] FIGS. 1-14 illustrate an odor treatment dispenser device 10. The odor treatment dispenser device 10 dispenses an odor treatment substance 20. The odor treatment dispenser device 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 6, 9-12 for engaging an animal container 30 and treating an odor 50. However, the odor treatment dispenser device 10 may be utilized for other purposes including but not limited to a room deodorizer, a bathroom deodorizer or a trash container deodorizer.

[0063] The animal container 30 as shown in FIGS. 6, 9-12 illustrates a cat litter box 32. The cat litter box 32 has a tray 34 defining a base layer 36 and a perimeter wall 38. The perimeter wall 38 may include an upper lip 40. The cat litter box 32 contains cat litter 42 for treating animal waste 52. The animal waste 52 may include urine 52 and/or feces 54 for an animal 12 including but not limited to a cat 14 or other living organism 16. The urine 52 and feces 54 discharge a cat waste odor 58. The odor treatment dispense device 10 may be utilized for treating the cat waste odor 58 discharged from the urine 52 and/or feces 54 within the animal container 30.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 1-14, the odor treatment dispenser device 10 comprises a housing 60 extending between a primary end 62 and a secondary end 64 and defining a housing chamber 66 within. The primary end 62 has a primary aperture 70. The secondary end 64 has a secondary aperture 72. A canister channel 80 is within the housing chamber 66 and extends between a proximal end 82 and a distal end 84. The proximal end 82 of the canister channel 80 is coupled to the secondary aperture 72. The distal end 84 of the canister channel 80 includes a nozzle aperture 86.

[0065] A manifold channel 90 is within the housing chamber 66 and extends between a proximal end 92 and a distal end 94. A plurality of manifold apertures 96 extend from the manifold channel 90 and traverses the housing 60. The nozzle aperture 86 and the manifold channel 90 are coupled by a coupling channel 98.

[0066] An electronic channel 100 is within the housing chamber 66 and extends between a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104. The proximal end 102 of the electronic channel 100 is coupled to the primary aperture 70. The distal end 104 of the electronic channel 100 includes an actuator aperture 106.

[0067] A canister 110 contains the odor treatment substance 20. The canister 110 is positioned within the canister channel 80. A nozzle 112 is coupled to the canister 110 for dispensing the odor treatment substance 20 from the canister 110. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 13, the nozzle 112 traverses the nozzle aperture 86 and is positioned within the coupling chamber 98. The canister 110 may include a replaceable pressurized aerosol cartridge 114. More specifically, the replaceable pressurized aerosol cartridge 114 may be removably coupled to the canister channel 80 from the secondary aperture 72. The replacement of the canister 110 would be necessary if the canister 110 would become empty. The user may replace the empty canister 110 with a fully filled canister 110 so as to continue used of the odor treatment dispenser device 10.

[0068] The odor treatment substance 20 may include a liquid 22, gas 24 or the combination thereof. The liquid 22 may include but not limited to chlorine dioxide 26. Other suitable odor neutralizing substances may be utilized to eliminating the odor 50.

[0069] An electronic controller 120 is positioned within the electronic channel 100. The electronic controller 120 may include a circuit board 122 including a plurality of electrical components 124 and/or microchips 126. An actuator 130 is coupled to the electronic controller 120 and traverses the actuator aperture 106. The actuator 130 may include a solenoid switch 132 having a linear displacement arm 134. Alternatively, the actuator 130 may include other electrical actuators that include a displaceable mechanism. The electronic controller 120 activates the actuator 130 for depressing the nozzle 112 and dispenses the odor treatment substance 20 through the plurality of manifold apertures 96 and into the animal container 30 for treating the odor 50. More specifically, upon engagement of the solenoid switch 132, the linear displacement arm 134 is extended from the electronic controller 120. The extending linear displacement arm 134 depresses the nozzle 112 of the canister 110 for opening the valve 116 of the canister 110 and dispenses the odor treatment substance 20. Upon disengagement of the solenoid switch 132, the linear displacement arm 134 is retracted towards the electronic controller 120. The retracting linear displacement arm 134 disengages with the nozzle 112 of the canister 110 for closing the valve 116 of the canister 110 and terminating dispensing of the odor treatment substance 20.

[0070] The electronic controller 120 may be supplied with current by direct current or alternating current. For example, the current may include an electrical outlet having 120 volts with or without an electrical transformer. Alternatively, the current may include a replaceable battery 140 positioned through the primary aperture 70 and into the electronic channel 100. The replaceable battery 140 may include a D size dry cell battery 142. The replaceable battery 140 may include other dry cell batteries. The replaceable battery 140 is electrically coupled to the electronic controller 120 for providing an electric current 144 to the electronic controller 120.

[0071] A removable primary closure 150 engages the primary end 62 for covering the primary aperture 70 and enclosing the replaceable battery 140. Similarly, a removable secondary closure 152 engages the secondary end 64 for covering the secondary aperture 72 and enclosing the replaceable pressurized aerosol cartridge 114. More specifically, removable primary closure 150 and the removable secondary closure 152 may include a closure wall 154 having a pivot couple 156 and a battery clip keeper 158.

[0072] A motion sensor 160 maybe coupled to the housing 60 for determining the presence of the animal 12 within the animal container 30. The motion sensor 160 is electrically coupled to the electronic controller 120 for signaling to the electronic controller 120 of the presence of the animal 12 within the animal container 30. The motion sensor 160 may include passive infrared, optical, microwave, acoustic sensor or ultrasonic.

[0073] A timer 170 maybe electrically coupled to the electronic controller 120. The timer 170 has a timer activation point 172. The timer activation point 172 is defined by a time interval after the egress of the animal 12 from the animal container 30. The timer activation point 172 signals to the electronic controller 120 to initiate activation of the actuator 130 for depressing the nozzle 112.

[0074] An electrical switch 180 maybe secured to the housing 60. The electrical switch 180 is electrically coupled to the electronic controller 120 for manually activating and deactivating the electronic controller 120.

[0075] The odor treatment dispenser device 10 may further include a fastener 190 for coupled to the housing 60 to the animal container 30. More specifically, the fastener 190 may include a first mounting bracket 192 and a second mounting bracket 194. The first mounting bracket 192 and the second mounting bracket 194 include a spring loaded clip 196 coupling an operating arm 198 and a hanger arm 200. As best shown in FIG. 7, the spring loaded clip 196 provides a clockwise rotation force 202 to the first mounting bracket 192 and the second mounting bracket 194. An opposing force 204 as shown in FIG. 8 is applied to the operating arm 198 for overcoming the clockwise rotation force 202 for creating a mounting channel 206 between the hanger arm 200 and the housing 60. As shown in FIG. 9, upon the hanger arm 200 positioned over the upper lip 40 of the animal container 30, the opposing force 204 may be removed. Thereafter, the spring loaded clip 196 applies a compressive force against the upper lip 40 of the animal container 30 for preventing inadvertent removal of the housing 60 from the animal container 30.

[0076] As best shown in FIGS. 1, 3-6 and 10-12, the plurality of manifold apertures 96 extend substantially from the primary end 62 to the secondary end 64 of the housing 60 for defining a substantially continuous odor treatment layer 210 being dispensed from the plurality of manifold apertures 96 upon depressing the nozzle 112. The substantially continuous odor treatment layer 210 has a layer width 212, a layer length 241 and a layer depth 216. Preferably the length of the plurality of manifold apertures 96 is commensurate with the length of the animal container 30 such that independent of the location of the animal waste 52 within the animal container 30, the substantially continuous odor treatment layer 210 will contact both the animal waste 52 and the odor 50 for neutralizing the same. More specifically, the layer width 212 and the layer length 241 of the substantially continuous odor treatment layer 210 is preferably commensurate with the container width 44 and the container length 46 of the animal container 30.

[0077] FIGS. 15-24 illustrate a second embodiment 220 of the present invention. A housing aperture 228 traverses the housing 60. The canister 110 is inserted into the secondary aperture 72 for positioning the canister 110 within the housing chamber 66 and aligning the nozzle 112 with the housing aperture 228. The nozzle 112 preferably includes a fan shaped spray pattern have a width of about 16″ and a depth between 8″ to 12″. The housing aperture 228 may include a elliptical shape or a elongated shape to permit the fan shaped spray pattern to exit the housing 60 without contact with the housing 60.

[0078] A motor 230 is positioned in the housing chamber 66 for providing a first rotational force 224 and a second rotational force 226. The motor 230 may include a RS-555PH-3255 with 12-24 VDC operating on 3 VDC. A motor controller circuit 222 is electrically coupled to the motor 234 initiating and terminating the first rotational force 224 and the second rotational force 226. A motor shaft 232 extends from the motor 230 and is coupled to a housing actuator 270. The housing actuator 270 slidably engages within the housing chamber. More specifically, the housing actuator 270 may include an actuator base 272 and an actuator shaft 276. A threaded aperture 274 is within the actuator base to 272 of the housing actuator 270. A shaft coupling 260 couples the motor shaft 232 with a threaded pin 262. The threaded pin 262 threadably engages within the threaded aperture 274.

[0079] The first rotational force 224 which preferably causes a counterclockwise rotation of the threaded pin 262 creates an expanding displacement 290 of the housing actuator 270 relative to the motor 234 for engaging the housing actuator 270 with the nozzle 112 and thereafter dispensing the odor treatment substance 20 from the canister 110 and to the exterior of the housing 60. The second rotational force 226 which preferably causes a clockwise rotation of the threaded pin 262 creates a retracting displacement 292 of the housing actuator 270 relative to the motor 234 for disengaging the housing actuator 270 with the nozzle 112 and terminating the dispensing of the odor treatment substance 20 from the canister 110.

[0080] The replaceable battery 140 is electrically coupled to the motor controller circuit 222 for powering the motor 230. The replaceable battery 140 may include a CR123a Lithium 3 VDC. Similarly, the motion sensor 160 is electrically to the motor controller circuit 222 for activating and deactivating the motor 230. Preferably, the motion sensor 160 provides a 90° motion sensing field. The motion sensor 160 may include passive infer red (PIR) sensor ST-00082 utilizing a AM322 sensor chip. A timer 170 is electrically coupled to the motor controller circuit 222. The timer 170 has a timer activation point 172. The timer activation point 172 is defined by a time interval after the motion sensor 160 senses an object. After the time interval as passed the motor controller circuit 222 activates the motor 230. The electrical switch 180 is electrically coupled motor controller circuit 222 for manually activating and deactivating the motor 230.

[0081] The second embodiment may further include an internal mounting bracket 240 coupled to the housing 60 within the housing chamber 66. The internal mounting bracket 240 including a motor leg 242, a base leg 244, a first leg wall 246 and a second leg wall 248. The motor leg 242, the base leg 244, the first leg wall 246 and the second leg wall 248 may be constructed of a integral one piece metallic plate that is bent into the final configuration. The motor leg 242 and the base leg 244 may be reinforced by side plates wherein a first bracket fastener 256 and a second bracket fastener 258 traverses the side plates for reinforcing the motor leg 242 relative to the base leg 244. The motor 230 is coupled to the motor leg 242 for mounting the motor 230 within the housing chamber 66.

[0082] The first leg wall 246 and the second leg wall 248 define a leg channel 250 therebetween. The actuator shaft 276 extends into the leg channel 250. An actuator wheel 282 encircles the actuator shaft 276. The actuator wheel 282 is positioned within the leg channel 250 and adjacent to the first leg wall 246 and the second leg wall 248 for preventing an angular displacement of the housing actuator 270 relative to the housing 60.

[0083] A first stopping pin 252 is coupled between the first leg wall 246 and the second leg wall 248. The actuator shaft 276 engages the first stopping pin 252 in a terminal retracting position 294 of the housing actuator 270. A second stopping pin 254 is coupled between the first leg wall 246 and the second leg wall 248. The actuator shaft 276 engages the second stopping pin 254 in a terminal expanding position 296 of the housing actuator 270. An actuator bumper 280 may further encircle the actuator shaft 276 for cushioning the contact between the actuator shaft 276 with the first stopping pin 252 in the terminal retracting position 294 and the actuator shaft 276 with the second stopping pin 254 in the terminal expanding position 296. The actuator bumper 280 may include a portion tuber tubing.

[0084] Now referring to exemplary FIGS. 25-35, a clip-mounted deodorizer 2500 may be provided. Clip-mounted deodorizer 2500 may operate in a similar manner to the operations described with regard to other embodiments herein, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, features and components described with respect to other embodiments disclosed herein may be incorporated in or apply to clip-mounted deodorizer 2500 and vice versa. Clip-mounted deodorizer 2500 may include a housing 2510 and mounting clip 2550. Housing 2510 and mounting clip 2550 may optionally be separable pieces or may alternatively be an integrally formed or permanently secured unit. Housing 2510 may have a first end 2512, a second end 2514, and a central body 2516. According to some exemplary embodiments, central body 2516 may be substantially cylindrical, although a variety of shapes may be contemplated. Deodorizer 2500 may have a motion sensor 2520, which may be disposed in central body 2516. Deodorizer 2500 may also have a nozzle 2520 for spraying or dispensing a substance, which may also be disposed in central body 2516.

[0085] Motion sensor 2518 and nozzle 2520 may be disposed such that they are facing in generally the same direction. Therefore, when motion sensor 2518 senses motion, nozzle 2520 may dispense a substance in the general direction of the motion, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. As discussed in various embodiments herein, the dispensing may optionally be timed or delayed so as not to frighten or dispense on the object, animal, or person detected by motion sensor 2518. A power switch 2546, battery indicator 2542 and aerosol or substance indicator 2544 may also be disposed on dispenser 2500, such as on central body 2516.

[0086] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, housing 2510 may be secured within a housing bracket portion 2554 of clip 2550. Housing 2510 may be secured to clip 2550 in a clearance fit, location or transition fit, or interference fit, force fit, shrink fit, snap fit, or any comparable fit arrangement, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

[0087] Mounting clip 2550 may have a housing bracket portion 2554, a first clip arm 2556, a second clip arm 2580, and a biasing member 2570. First clip arm 2556 may have at least one opening or hole 2557 disposed through first clip arm 2556, which may reduce weight of the device. According to one exemplary embodiment, first clip arm 2556 may protrude or extend integrally from housing bracket portion 2554 and second clip arm 2580 may be pivotably secured to one or both of housing bracket portion 2554 and first clip arm 2556. Second clip arm 2580 may be pivotably mounted by a mounting pin 2572, which may pass through at least second clip arm mounting hole 2588 and at least one first mounting hole 2558 disposed on one or more of first clip arm 2556 or housing bracket portion 2554, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. According to some exemplary embodiments, mounting pin 2572 may also pass through a hole in biasing member 2570. Biasing member 2570 may optionally be one or more springs, such as a torsion spring. First clip arm 2556 and second clip arm 2580 may pivot to create a clamping effect. Biasing member 2570 may bias first clip arm 2556 and second clip arm 2580 to a closed orientation in order to create a clamping effect. Second clip arm 2580 may have an elongated arm portion 2582 and a clamp portion 2586. A grip enhancing surface or material may be applied to at least one of the first clip arm 2556 or the second clip arm 2580 to improve gripping of a surface, object, or element disposed between clip arms 2556, 2580, such as a litter box 2600. The grip enhancing surface or material may for example be a rubber grip element or other material as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. In at least one exemplary embodiment, a rubber grip element or surface may be disposed on an inner surface of clamp portion 2586, the inner surface facing first clip arm 2556. Similarly, a rubber grip element or surface may be disposed on an inner surface of first clip arm 2556 in order to contact or grip against a clamped surface, object, or element.

[0088] Dispenser 2500 may have an arrangement of internal components for operation of the dispenser. According to an exemplary embodiment, dispenser housing 2510 may have a first side end cap 2522, a second side end cap 2524, a first central portion piece 2540 and a second central portion piece 2542, which may be secured together to form housing 2510. Pieces may be secured together using assembly screws 2528. End caps 2522, 2524 may optionally be removably fit within open ends of the central portion. End caps 2522, 2524 may secure to seal the housing, such as by snap fit, friction fit, threaded connection, or other existing or future connections as would be understood in the art.

[0089] Inside of housing 2510 may be a battery, battery pack or battery holder 2526, which may be electrically coupled to other components of dispenser 2500 in order to supply power to all electrical components. Battery 2526 may optionally be a lithium ion battery. According to some embodiments the battery may produce voltage of at least 3.0V. Furthermore, battery 2526 may optionally have a minimum estimated life of at least 1 year. Motion sensor 2518 may be disposed within housing 2510 and may align with a sensor opening 2546 in housing 2510. A circuit board 2530 for controlling dispenser 2500 may be disposed within housing 2510 and may be in communication with a motor 2532, which may be a geared motor. Motor 2532 may move an actuator device 2536, which may actuate or engage a spray nozzle 2520 of a substance container 2534. Actuator device 2536 may be rotated and have intermittent projections for depressing a dispenser nozzle during its rotation, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. According to an exemplary embodiment a substance container or canister 2534 may be an aerosol container. Canister 2534 may be any desired size, including an approximately 1 oz to 20 oz container, such as a 1.5 oz aerosol container. In a 1.5 oz aerosol container embodiment, the canister may have a volume of approximately 45 ml of substance and may spray approximately 0.2 ml of substance per spray. The canister may achieve approximately 225 sprays per aerosol. Assuming an estimated 3 cycles per day, a canister may last approximately 75 days or 2.5 months. Nozzle 2520 may align with nozzle opening 2544 when in an actuated or depressed orientation, such that the substance is dispensed through nozzle opening 2544, as would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

[0090] According to some exemplary embodiments, housing 2510 and clip 2550 may be any desired size or shape. Housing may, for example, be a cylinder between approximately 5 and approximately 20 inches in length and between approximately 0.5 inches and approximately 5 inches in diameter. In other embodiments, housing may be approximately 11 to approximately 14 inches in length and approximately 1.5 to approximately 1.75 inches in diameter. Clip 2550 may optionally be approximately 1 inch to approximately 5 inches in width and approximately 1 inch to approximately 10 inches in height. More specifically, housing 2510 and clip 2550 may have dimensions as shown in FIGS. 32 and 33.

[0091] The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.