U.S. patent application number 14/079206 was filed with the patent office on 2014-03-13 for spraying device and method of using same.
This patent application is currently assigned to RECKITT & COLMAN (OVERSEAS) LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is RECKITT & COLMAN (OVERSEAS) LIMITED. Invention is credited to Martin Butler, Steve Walsh.
Application Number | 20140070016 14/079206 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38670307 |
Filed Date | 2014-03-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140070016 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Butler; Martin ; et
al. |
March 13, 2014 |
Spraying Device and Method of Using Same
Abstract
A spraying device is described, the device comprising a housing
adapted to receive a refill of fluid therein and having an aperture
suitable for permitting, in use, the spraying of a fluid
therethrough, the device further comprising actuation means
configured for periodic actuation of the refill, wherein the device
is provided with detection means configured to distinguish between
at least one area of lower reflectance and at least one area of
relatively higher reflectance on a spray head of said refill.
Methods of operation of such a spraying device are also
described.
Inventors: |
Butler; Martin; (Hull,
GB) ; Walsh; Steve; (Hull, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RECKITT & COLMAN (OVERSEAS) LIMITED |
Slough |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
RECKITT & COLMAN (OVERSEAS)
LIMITED
Slough
GB
|
Family ID: |
38670307 |
Appl. No.: |
14/079206 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12513444 |
Dec 22, 2009 |
|
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PCT/GB2008/003212 |
Sep 22, 2008 |
|
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14079206 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/1 ;
239/71 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 83/757 20130101;
B65D 83/75 20130101; B65D 83/262 20130101; B65D 83/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/1 ;
239/71 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/26 20060101
B65D083/26 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 21, 2007 |
GB |
0718458.3 |
Apr 16, 2008 |
EP |
08007448.7 |
Claims
1.-26. (canceled)
27. A spraying device comprising a housing adapted to receive a
refill of pressurized fluid therein wherein the refill comprises a
spray head in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid
contained within the refill, the housing having an aperture adapted
to permit for the spraying of the fluid from the refill
therethrough, the spraying device further comprising actuation
means configured for periodic actuation of the refill, wherein the
device is provided with detection means configured to distinguish
between at least one area of lower reflectance and at least one
area of relatively higher reflectance on the spray head of said
refill, wherein the spraying device operates to dispense the
pressurized fluid as a result of the detection means distinguishing
between the said area of lower reflectance and the area of higher
reflectance during the upward movement of the spray head.
28. A spraying device according to claim 27, wherein upward
movement of the spray head is provided by the inherent resilience
or internal pressure of the refill.
29. A spraying device according to claim 27, wherein the detection
means is configured to interrogate the spray head by emitting, in
use, radiation toward the spray head and collecting radiation
reflected from the spray head, and said means attributing
specifically or approximately or generally the amount of reflected
radiation to the at least one area of lower reflectance or to the
at least one area of relatively higher reflectance on the spray
head
30. A spraying device according to claim 27, wherein the detection
means is adapted to make a determination that there are differing
levels of reflectance between the least one area of lower
reflectance and at least one area of relatively higher reflectance
on the spray head when the difference between the determined
reflectance from the at least one area of relatively higher
reflectance is at least 0.5 times greater than from the at least
one area of relatively lower reflectance of the spray head.
31. A spraying device according to claim 30, wherein the difference
between the determined reflectance from the at least one area of
relatively higher reflectance is at least 2 times greater than from
the at least one area of relatively lower reflectance of the spray
head.
32. A spraying device according to claim 31, wherein the difference
between the determined reflectance from the at least one area of
relatively higher reflectance is at least 5 times greater than from
the at least one area of relatively lower reflectance of the spray
head.
33. A spraying device according to claim 27 wherein the device is
further provided with an end of life indication means in the form
of a counting mechanism.
34. A spraying device according to claim 33, wherein the counting
mechanism is calibrated to allow a pre-determined number of
actuations of the refill which corresponds to the quantity of fluid
stored in the refill.
35. A spraying device according to claim 27, wherein the detection
means is provided at a fixed location within the device and has a
fixed field of view with respect to the spray head or of the area
normally occupied by the spray head when a refill is loaded in the
device.
36. A spraying device according to claim 27, wherein the detection
means is provided in the form of one or more sensors having a
radiation emitter and a collecting portion.
38. A spraying device according to claim 27, wherein the detection
means is configured to interrogate a spray head within a distance
of up to 100 mm from the detection means.
39. A method of spraying a pressurized fluid from a device, the
method comprising the steps of: loading a refill containing a
pressurized fluid in a spraying device according to claim 27, the
refill having a spray head comprising at least one area of lower
reflectance and at least one area of relatively higher reflectance
on the spray head and the refill placing the spraying device in an
operation mode, said operation mode being configured to cause
activation of the actuation means, said actuation means
periodically operating to bear against the spray head of the refill
and causing the movement thereof to release a quantity of fluid
from the refill, said released fluid being sprayed from the device
through an aperture in the housing into the surrounding
environment, wherein the detection means of the spraying device
operate to detect and distinguish between the at least one area of
lower reflectance and the at least one area of relatively higher
reflectance on the spray head of said refill.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the detection means are
operable during the activation of the actuation means and the
movement of the spray head.
41. The method of claim 39, wherein the detection means operate to
detect and distinguish between the at least one area of lower
reflectance and the at least one area of relatively higher
reflectance on the spray head of said refill only during the upward
movement of the spray head upon the refill.
42. A spray head mountable upon a refill containing a pressurized
fluid, the spray head being in fluid communication with the
pressurized fluid contained within the refill, the spray head
comprising an inlet section adapted to connect with a valve stem of
the refill, an exit orifice adapted to directionally dispense the
pressurized fluid in a direction away from the refill, an outer
surface having at least one area of lower reflectance and at least
one area of relatively higher reflectance, wherein the spray head
when mounted upon a refill, is mountable within a spraying device
according to claim 27, and the at least one area of lower
reflectance and at least one area of relatively higher reflectance
of the spray head is adapted to be distinguished by the detection
means of the spraying device, during the upward movement of the
mounted spray head upon the refill.
43. A spray head according to claim 42, wherein the upward movement
of the spray head mounted upon the refill is provided by the
inherent resilience or internal pressure of the refill.
44. A spray head according to claim 42, wherein the difference
between the reflectance determinable by the detection means of the
at least one area of relatively higher reflectance is at least 0.5
times greater than of the at least one area of relatively lower
reflectance of the spray head.
45. A spray head according to claim 44, wherein the difference
between the reflectance determinable by the detection means of the
at least one area of relatively higher reflectance is at least 2
times greater than of the at least one area of relatively lower
reflectance of the spray head.
46. A spray head according to claim 45, wherein the difference
between the reflectance determinable by the detection means of the
at least one area of relatively higher reflectance is at least 5
times greater than of the at least one area of relatively lower
reflectance of the spray head.
47. A refill containing a pressurized fluid, a valve stem, and
spray head being in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid
contained within the refill, the spray head comprising an inlet
section adapted to connect with a valve stem of the refill, an exit
orifice adapted to directionally dispense the pressurized fluid in
a direction away from the refill, an outer surface having at least
one area of lower reflectance and at least one area of relatively
higher reflectance, wherein the refill is mountable within a
spraying device according to claim 27, and the at least one area of
lower reflectance and at least one area of relatively higher
reflectance of the spray head is adapted to be distinguished by the
detection means of the spraying device during the upward movement
of the mounted spray head upon the refill.
48. A refill according to claim 47, wherein the upward movement of
the spray head mounted upon the refill is provided by the inherent
resilience or internal pressure of the refill.
49. A refill according to claim 47, wherein the difference between
the reflectance determinable by the detection means of the at least
one area of relatively higher reflectance is at least 0.5 times
greater than of the at least one area of relatively lower
reflectance of the spray head.
50. A spray head according to claim 49, wherein the difference
between the reflectance determinable by the detection means of the
at least one area of relatively higher reflectance is at least 2
times greater than of the at least one area of relatively lower
reflectance of the spray head.
51. A spray head according to claim 50, wherein the difference
between the reflectance determinable by the detection means of the
at least one area of relatively higher reflectance is at least 5
times greater than of the at least one area of relatively lower
reflectance of the spray head.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for spraying a
fluid and particularly, but not exclusively to a device for
spraying fluids such as fragrances, deodorizing fluids and/or a
pest control materials or the like. The present invention also
relates to a method of using such a device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Prior art devices for spraying fragrances, deodorising
agents and sanitising fluids into a room generally consist of a
device containing a removable source of fluid. With such an
arrangement once the source of fluid has been completely exhausted,
the source can be replaced rather than replacing the entire device.
Typically such sources come in many forms, including containers,
bottles, cans and cartridges (generically, all such containers,
bottles, cans and cartridges hereinafter will be referred to as
"refills"). Such refills can be pump sprays or aerosols, including
metered and non-metered versions thereof.
[0003] Known prior art devices typically comprise a housing having
an opening through which the fluid is sprayed. A part of the
housing is movable/removable to permit a refill to be introduced
and subsequently removed from the interior of the device. The
device further comprises a mechanically actuated arm or the like
therein which is adapted to periodically activate in order to press
down on a spray head connected to the refill, resulting in fluid
passing from the body of the refill, through the spray head and out
of the opening in the housing into the surrounding environment.
[0004] The shape of a refill is typically standardised to a certain
degree, as such, spraying devices may unwittingly provide an
opportunity to facilitate vandalism or dangerous behaviour.
Specifically, vandals or the like may seek to intentionally insert
a dangerous source of sprayable fluid into a spraying device. For
instance, where the device is for spraying a fragrance and the
refill is an aerosol of a standard size, one form of vandalism
and/or intentional abuse could be the insertion of a paint aerosol
into the device. The resulting damage from such abuse could be
substantial. Such abuse would likely be associated with a
significant health and safety risk. Clearly it would be desirable
from a user's perspective to be protected from such dangerous
behaviour and/or acts of vandalism.
[0005] It is one object of the present invention to address the
above mentioned concerns and disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided therefore a spraying device with a refill of fluid
therein, wherein the refill comprises a body forming a reservoir
for the fluid and a spray head located at the uppermost part of the
refill in fluid communication with the reservoir, and wherein the
device comprises a housing adapted to receive the refill therein
and having an aperture suitable for permitting, in use, the
spraying of the fluid from an exit orifice of the spray head
therethrough, the device further comprising actuation means
configured for periodic actuation of the refill, wherein the device
is provided with detection means configured to distinguish between
at least one area of lower reflectance and at least one area of
relatively higher reflectance on the spray head of said refill.
[0007] Reflectance relates to radiation striking a surface, some of
it is absorbed and some is reflected. Reflectance is expressed as a
unitless proportion. For the avoidance of doubt, the term "lower
reflectance" is used herein as a relative term with reference to
the term "higher reflectance"; "lower" may include areas of zero or
near zero reflectance.
[0008] The body of the refill may be elongate, and the body may be
provided with a valve stem at an upper portion of the body remote
from the base of the body. At least a portion of the valve stem may
be connected to the spray head to permit, in use, fluid to pass
from the body of the refill, through the valve stem and through the
spray head to the exit orifice where the fluid is sprayed into the
surrounding environment.
[0009] Preferably the spray head is provided with one area of lower
reflectance and one area of relatively higher reflectance.
[0010] Preferably the detection means are configured to operate to
distinguish between areas of differing reflectance during movement
of the spray head.
[0011] Advantageously the device according to the present invention
may be able to detect when a user attempts to use the device with a
potentially dangerous refill and, further, the device is preferably
configured to deny the actuation means from activating and/or deny
subsequent activation whilst such a refill is loaded in the device
to prevent and/or limit any damage that could result from actuating
the refill.
[0012] A further advantage of the devices of the present invention
is that they may be able to provide an improved end of life
indication. In use, when a device according to the present
invention detects the at least one area of lower reflectance and at
least one area of relatively higher reflectance on the spray head
of the refill loaded therein, a counting mechanism may be
triggered. The counting mechanism may be calibrated to allow a
pre-determined number of actuations of the refill which corresponds
to the quantity of fluid stored in a refill. The counting mechanism
may be operable in use, and after the pre-determined number of
actuations has been reached, to prevent the device from causing
further actuations of that refill until a user replaces the refill
and/or resets the device. The device may automatically reset every
time a refill is loaded into the device. This end of life
indication may be advantageous as the power consumption of the
device will be minimised, this would be particularly advantageous
where the device is battery powered or the like.
[0013] The counting mechanism may be linked to an indicator that is
adapted to communicate to the user of the device that a used or
spent refill needs to be replaced.
[0014] Preferably the pre-defined number of actuations is
calculated to correspond to the quantity of fluid in the
refill.
[0015] Preferably the detection means are in direct communication
with the actuation means such that, in use, the detection means may
instruct the actuation means not to activate.
[0016] Alternatively a control means may be provided that is in
direct communication with both the detection means and the
actuation means, said control means being operative to receive an
input from the detection means and being operative to instruct the
actuation means to activate or not depending on the received
input.
[0017] The control means may be provided in the form of a micro
processor, a circuit provided on a PCB or in the form of another
convenient component(s).
[0018] Preferably the actuation means are operable to cause
actuation of the refill spray head by imparting a substantially
downward force on the spray head. Said substantially downward force
is preferably sufficient to cause the spray head to move in a
substantially downward direction to open the fluid pathway between
the body of the refill and the exit orifice of the spray head to
spray a quantity of fluid out of the opening in the housing into
the surrounding environment. Once a quantity of fluid has been
sprayed, the device may be configured such that the refill's
inherent resilience and/or internal pressure is capable of applying
a substantially upward force on the spray head sufficient to return
the actuation means to its starting position without the need for
power to be applied to said means.
[0019] The detection means of the present invention is adapted, in
use, to distinguish between areas of differing reflectance on a
spray head of a refill. Preferably the detection means is capable
of distinguishing as mentioned by interrogating the refill. The
refill spray head may be interrogated by the detection means
emitting radiation toward the spray head and collecting reflected
radiation such that the amount of reflectance can be attributed
specifically or approximately or generally to one or more portions
of the spray head. Such attribution may permit the detection means
to directly, or in combination with a control unit, to determine
whether any areas of differing reflectance are present on the spray
head. If there are no areas of differing reflectance on the spray
head of the refill there should be a substantially constant level
of reflected radiation. Therefore in an alternative arrangement,
the interrogation of the refill by the detection means may permit
the detection means to detect whether at least one differing level
of reflected radiation is detected without attributing the detected
level of reflectance to a specific portion of the spray head. Such
detection may permit the detection means to directly, or in
combination with a control unit, determine whether any areas of
differing reflectance are present on the spray head.
[0020] The detection means may be configured to make a
determination that there are differing levels of reflectance
between at least two separate portions of the spray head when the
reflectance from one portion is at least 0.5 times greater than
from the a separate portion of the spray head, and preferably at
least 2 times greater, and more preferably at least 5 times
greater, and even more preferably at least 10 times greater, and
even more preferably still at least 50 times greater, and most
preferably at least 100 times greater.
[0021] As mentioned, it is preferable for the detection means to be
configured to be operable to distinguish between areas of differing
reflectance during the movement of the spray head. Even more
preferably the detection means is configured to only be so operable
during the movement of the spray head. This may be advantageous
since this would permit the detection means to have a fixed
location within the device and have no moving parts, thus reducing
the cost of the detection means and rendering them less likely to
fail during the life of the device. Additionally, with such an
arrangement the detection means may have a predefined field of view
allowing a refill manufacturer more defined parameters for ensuring
the spray head is suitably detectable by the detection means. A
further advantage exists where the device is to be battery powered
as the detection means will only draw power during the actuation of
the refill.
[0022] Preferably the detection means may be confined to only be
operable to distinguish between areas of differing reflectance
during the substantially upward movement of the spray head, i.e.
the upward movement of the spray head after the downward movement
caused by the actuation means. In this arrangement the inherent
resilience and/or internal pressure of the refill may be sufficient
to return the actuation means to its starting position without
power being applied to said means. Such an arrangement may be
particularly advantageous since the substantially upward movement
of the spray head may be achieved without power being applied to
the activation means, thus reducing or eliminating electrical
noise/interference produced by the device. The reduction in
electrical noise/interference may improve the ability of the
detection means to distinguish areas of differing reflectance on
the spray head, thus improving the reliability of the detection
means whilst allowing a relatively inexpensive detection means to
be used.
[0023] The detection means may be operable to determine whether a
refill is loaded into the device before being operable to
distinguish between areas of differing reflectance. In this
arrangement the detection means may be operable to interrogate the
location within the device normally occupied by a spray head of a
refill when loaded into the device, if the detection means does not
detect any reflectance, or a predetermined level of reflectance,
this situation may be indicative of the absence of a refill in the
device and the detection means will prevent the actuation means
from activating. This arrangement may also be advantageous as it
will prevent the actuation means from periodically activating after
a user has removed a spent refill and before a new refill is loaded
into the device.
[0024] Preferably the detection means are provided with a fixed
location within the device and, preferably, have a fixed field of
view with respect to the spray head of a refill or the area
normally occupied by the spray head when a refill is loaded in the
device.
[0025] Alternatively or additionally the detection means may be
configured to move in order to interrogate the spray head or the
area normally occupied by the spray head. The detection may be
movable in a substantially horizontal direction and/or a
substantially vertical direction and/or in at least two directions.
The detection means may be able to pivot about a single position to
perform the scan. The detection means may be provided with a
wide-angle lens, such as a fish eye lens, to provide a wide field
of view when performing the interrogation of the refill.
[0026] The detection means may be provided in the form of one or
more sensors. The sensor(s) is preferably provided with an
integrated radiation emitter that is adapted to emit radiation and
further provided with a collecting portion that is adapted to
collect any reflected radiation. Alternatively, the sensor may only
comprise the collecting portion, the radiation emitter being a
separate component that is positioned so that it is capable of
emitting radiation toward the spray head such that at least some of
the reflected radiation may be collected by the collecting
portion.
[0027] Preferably the sensor(s) is an optical sensor in the form of
an Infra-Red sensor, more preferably a passive Infra-Red sensor.
Alternatively or additionally, the optical sensor(s) may be
provided in the form of a light sensor or laser sensor.
[0028] The detection means may be configured to interrogate with an
effective range of up to 100 mm, the effective range being the
distance any interrogation must travel once reflected by the spray
head in order to be detected by the detection means, ie, the
distance between the detection means or source of the interrogation
to the spray head in addition to the distance the reflected
interrogation must travel to the detection means to be collected
and detected. Preferably the detection means with an effective
range of up to 50 mm, and more preferably up to 20 mm, and even
more preferably up to 10 mm, and most preferably up to 5 mm.
[0029] According to an alternative aspect of the present invention
there is provided therefore a spraying device with a refill of
fluid therein, wherein the refill comprises a body forming a
reservoir for the fluid and a spray head located at the uppermost
part of the refill in fluid communication with the reservoir, and
wherein the device comprises a housing adapted to receive the
refill therein and having an aperture suitable for permitting, in
use, the spraying of the fluid from an exit orifice of the spray
head therethrough, the device further comprising actuation means
configured for periodic actuation of the refill, wherein the device
is provided with detection means configured, in use, to interrogate
the spray head to distinguish between at least one area of lower
reflectance and at least one area of relatively higher reflectance
on the spray head of said refill, characterised in that the spray
head is provided with at least one portion shaped to substantially
reflect the detection means interrogation back toward said means
and is provided with at least one portion shaped to substantially
deflect the detector means interrogation away from said means.
[0030] In the alternative aspect of the present invention the at
least one area of lower reflectance is provided by the at least one
portion of the spray head that is shaped to deflect the
interrogation from the detection means away from the detection
means such that a lower amount of the interrogation (be it
radiation for example) is detected by said means in comparison to
the amount of interrogation detected by the detection means when
the interrogation of the at least one portion shaped to reflect
said interrogation toward said means, the area of higher
reflectance.
[0031] According to a further alternative aspect of the present
invention there is provided therefore a spraying device with a
refill of fluid therein, wherein the refill comprises a body
forming a reservoir for the fluid and a spray head located at the
uppermost part of the refill in fluid communication with the
reservoir, and wherein the device comprises a housing adapted to
receive the refill therein and having an aperture suitable for
permitting, in use, the spraying of the fluid from an exit orifice
of the spray head therethrough, the device further comprising
actuation means configured for periodic actuation of the refill,
wherein the device is provided with detection means configured, in
use, to interrogate the spray head to distinguish between at least
one area of lower reflectance and at least one area of relatively
higher reflectance on the spray head of said refill, characterised
in that the spray head is provided with at least one portion shaped
to substantially reflect the detection means interrogation back
toward said means and is provided with at least one portion shaped
or cutaway to avoid the interrogation of the detector means.
[0032] In the further alternative aspect of the present invention
the at least one area of lower reflectance is provided by the at
least one portion of the spray head that is shaped or cutaway to
avoid the interrogation from the detection means such that a lower
or zero amount of the interrogation (be it radiation for example)
is detected by said means in comparison to the amount of
interrogation detected by the detection means when the
interrogation of the at least one portion shaped to reflect said
interrogation toward said means, the area of higher
reflectance.
[0033] According to a yet further alternative aspect of the present
invention there is provided therefore a spraying device with a
refill of fluid therein, wherein the refill comprises a body
forming a reservoir for the fluid and a spray head located at the
uppermost part of the refill in fluid communication with the
reservoir, and wherein the device comprises a housing adapted to
receive the refill therein and having an aperture suitable for
permitting, in use, the spraying of the fluid from an exit orifice
of the spray head therethrough, the device further comprising
actuation means configured for periodic actuation of the refill,
wherein the device is provided with detection means configured, in
use, to interrogate the spray head to distinguish between at least
one area of lower reflectance and at least one area of relatively
higher reflectance on the spray head of said refill, characterised
in that the interrogation emitted from detection means is
configured to be detectable over a predefined distance that is
substantially equal to the effective range, and wherein the spray
head is provided with at least one portion shaped to substantially
reflect the detection means interrogation back toward said means
and is provided with at least one portion shaped or cutaway
relative to the location of the detection means.
[0034] As discussed above, the effective range is used herein to
relate to the distance any interrogation must travel in order to be
detected by the detection means, ie, the distance between the
detection means or source of the interrogation to the spray head in
addition to the distance the reflected interrogation must travel
once reflected by the spray head to the detection means to be
collected and detected.
[0035] In this further alternative arrangement, by tuning the
distance the interrogation is able to travel such that it is
capable of travelling the distance between the non-cutaway portion
of the spray head and back again after reflection, it is possible
to distinguish between one area of lower reflection and one area of
higher reflection. Due to the tuning of the interrogation, the
amount of interrogation collected by the detection means would be
less for the interrogation reflected from the cutaway portion than
from the non-cutaway portion of the spray head, this difference in
reflectance being detectable by the detection means, thus
indicating two areas of differing reflectance. The tuning of the
distance or the intensity of the interrogation is capable of
travelling could be made greater or smaller than the abovementioned
distance, what is important is that the interrogation is tuned such
that the cutaway portion of the spray head produces a lesser amount
of reflected interrogation compared with the non-cutaway portion
which is collectable and detectable by the detection means.
[0036] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided therefore a spraying device comprising a housing
adapted to receive a refill of fluid therein and having an aperture
suitable for permitting, in use, the spraying of the fluid from the
refill therethrough, the device further comprising actuation means
configured for periodic actuation of the refill, wherein the device
is provided with detection means configured to distinguish, in use,
between at least one area of lower reflectance and at least one
area of relatively higher reflectance on a spray head of said
refill.
[0037] According to an alternative aspect of the present invention
there is provided therefore a spraying device adapted to receive a
refill of fluid therein and having an aperture suitable for
permitting, in use, the spraying of the fluid from the refill
therethrough, the device further comprising actuation means
configured for periodic actuation of the refill, wherein the device
is provided with detection means configured, in use, to interrogate
a spray head of the refill, characterised in that the device is
configured to interrogate a refill having a spray head wherein at
least one portion of the spray head is shaped to substantially
reflect the detection means interrogation back toward said means
and at least one portion of the spray head is shaped to
substantially deflect the detector means interrogation away from
said means such that, in use, the device can distinguish between at
least one area of lower reflectance and at least one area of
relatively higher reflectance on the spray head of said refill.
[0038] According to a further alternative aspect of the present
invention there is provided therefore a spraying device adapted to
receive a refill of fluid therein and having an aperture suitable
for permitting, in use, the spraying of the fluid from the refill
therethrough, the device further comprising actuation means
configured for periodic actuation of the refill, wherein the device
is provided with detection means configured, in use, to interrogate
a spray head of the refill, characterised in that the device is
configured to interrogate a refill having a spray head wherein at
least one portion of the spray head is shaped to substantially
reflect the detection means interrogation back toward said means
and at least one portion of the spray head is shaped or cutaway to
avoid interrogation by the detector means such that, in use, the
device can distinguish between at least one area of lower
reflectance and at least one area of relatively higher reflectance
on the spray head of said refill.
[0039] According to a yet further alternative aspect of the present
invention there is provided therefore a spraying device adapted to
receive a refill of fluid therein and having an aperture suitable
for permitting, in use, the spraying of the fluid from an exit
orifice of the spray head therethrough, the device further
comprising actuation means configured for periodic actuation of the
refill, wherein the device is provided with detection means
configured, in use, to interrogate a spray head on the refill to
distinguish between at least one area of lower reflectance and at
least one area of relatively higher reflectance on the spray head
of said refill, characterised in that the interrogation emitted
from detection means is configured to be detectable over a
predefined distance that is substantially equal to the effective
range, and wherein the spray head for use with the device is
provided with at least one portion shaped to substantially reflect
the detection means interrogation back toward said means and is
provided with at least one portion shaped or cutaway relative to
the location of the detection means.
[0040] According to a third aspect of the present invention there
is provided therefore a method of spraying a fluid from a device,
the method comprising the steps of loading a refill of fluid in a
spray device according to any of the first or second aspects of the
present invention, placing the device in an operation mode, said
mode being configured to cause activation of the actuation means,
said actuation means periodically operating to bear against a spray
head of the refill and causing the movement thereof to release a
quantity of fluid from the refill, said released fluid being
sprayed from the device through an aperture in the housing into the
surrounding environment, characterised in that detection means
provided in the device are operable in the operation mode to detect
and distinguish between at least one area of lower reflectance and
at least one area of relatively higher reflectance on a spray head
of said refill or within the area normally occupied by said spray
head.
[0041] Preferably the detection means are operable during the
activation of the actuation means and the movement of the refill
spray head. Even more preferably the detection means are only
operable during the activation of the actuation means. Most
preferably the detection means are configured to only be operable
during the substantially upward movement of the refill spray head,
i.e. the upward movement of the spray head after the downward
movement caused by the actuation means.
[0042] The method may comprise a preceding step before activation
of the actuation means wherein the detection means performs an
initial interrogation of the area within the housing normally
occupied by the spray head of a refill when a refill is loaded in
the device. In this preceding step if the detection means does not
detect any reflectance, or a predetermined level of reflectance,
this may be indicative of the absence of a refill in the device and
the detection means will prevent the actuation means from
activating.
[0043] The method of the third aspect of the present invention is
preferably operable to prevent the activation of the actuation
means if the detection means is unable to detect and distinguish
between said at least two areas of differing reflectance.
Alternatively the method of the third aspect of the present
invention is preferably operable to prevent the further activation
of the actuation means if the detection means is unable to detect
and distinguish between said at least two areas of differing
reflectance. The prevention of activation or further activation may
be maintained until a user resets the device and/or initiates a
manual override of the ongoing prevention.
[0044] Turning to the refill to be used in the aforementioned
devices or methods, the areas of differing reflectance on the spray
head may be provided by areas of different colours. Preferable
colour combinations providing the required difference of
reflectance are combinations of a light colour with a dark colour,
wherein the light colour provides an area possessing a higher level
of reflectance of radiation than the dark colour which provides a
an area possessing a greater tendency to absorb radiation thus an
area of lower reflectance. A particularly preferable combination is
that of a substantially white colour and a substantially black
colour. Most preferably the spray head is provided in a
substantially white colour with a substantially black colouration
(eg. a mark, a dot, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, or the like)
being provided on the stem of the spray head. For instance, where
the spray head is generally L-shaped, the stem would be the shorter
part of the L-shape which is connected to the valve stem of the
refill body and said shorter part has a single substantially black
mark on a rearward portion thereof.
[0045] The areas of differing reflectance on the spray head may be
provided by areas of different Infra Red (IR) reflectance.
Particularly preferred means of providing areas of differing IR
reflectance include the use of inks/paints/lacquers that are
absorbers or reflectors of IR radiation and, preferably, are
invisible to the naked eye under normal light conditions.
[0046] The sensor may be operable to detect wavelengths in the
range of 700-1350 nm. Preferably the sensor is operable to detect
wavelengths in the range of 800-1100 nm. More preferably the sensor
is operable to detect wavelengths in the range of 850-1000 nm. Most
preferably the sensor is operable to detect wavelengths in the
range of substantially 940 nm.
[0047] The areas of differing reflectance may be applied to, or
incorporated in, the spray head by any suitable means. Particularly
preferred methods include the initial application of the at least
one area of differing reflectance to a label which is subsequently
attached to the spray head. Alternatively, the at least one area of
differing reflectance may be printed, engraved and/or applied
directly on to the spray head. As a further alternative, the spray
head could be manufactured from two or more component parts,
wherein at least two of said parts are provided with external areas
thereof having distinguishable reflective properties with respect
to each other.
[0048] Typically the spray head is opaque, however, in an
alternative arrangement the spray head may be substantially
transparent and the valve stem of the refill could be provided with
the area of differing reflectance. For instance, the valve stem
could have a dark colouration, and this may create a detectable
difference for the detection means. Alternatively, the spray head
may be provided with a substantially transparent window in
registration with the valve stem to permit the valve stem to be
viewed by the detection means to provide the areas of differing
reflectance.
[0049] The spray head of a refill typically has a generally
L-shaped profile, wherein the shorter part of the L-shape engages
with the free end of the valve stem. Preferably the spray head of
the refill for use with the device of the present invention is
generally L-shaped with an angle of substantially 90.degree.
between the part of the spray head connected to the valve stem and
the part of the spray head possessing the exit orifice; this angle
may be between 60-120.degree. however.
[0050] In an alternative arrangement, the spray head could be
shaped to deflect any interrogation away from the detection means
of the device. In the device of the present invention the detection
means may be provided in a fixed position and will, therefore, only
have a limited filed of view of the spray head to interrogate and
will only have a limited field or area in which it will be able to
detect reflected interrogation. Therefore, the spray head may be
shaped such that one portion of the spray head viewable by the
device's detection means is shaped to substantially reflect the
detector means' interrogation (eg. by being generally flat and
substantially parallel with the detection means or curved,
preferably with a gentle curvature) and at least one portion of the
spray head viewable by the device's detection means is shaped to
substantially deflect the detector mean' interrogation (eg. by
being angled relative to the direction of the interrogation and the
location of the detection means such that the reflected
interrogation is reflected away from a collection part of the
detection means thus being substantially non-detectable or less
detectable).
[0051] In this alternative arrangement for the spray head having
reflecting and deflecting portions it may be preferable for the
lower portion of the spray head (the portion of the spray head
connected to the valve stem) to be the reflecting portion by having
a generally flat and parallel or gently curved outer surface
relative to the fixed location of the detection means in the device
of the present invention to reflect, in use, interrogation toward
the detection means. In this arrangement the deflecting portion
would preferably be an upper portion of this spray head having a
generally flat or gently curved outer surface angled away from the
fixed location of the detection means in the device of the present
invention to deflect, in use, interrogation away form the detection
means. For instance, the surface may be shaped to deflect the
interrogation at 90.degree. away from the normal, and preferably to
deflect the interrogation at >90.degree. away from the normal.
The deflection portion may have a V-shaped profile aligned with a
source of interrogation to deflect the interrogation away in two
different directions, neither of those directions being toward the
detection means, preferably being at 90.degree. away from the
normal, or more preferably at >90.degree. away from the normal.
Upper and lower portion of the spray head referred to for this
alternative arrangement of the spray head are used interchangeably,
indeed, the upper portion may be the reflecting portion and the
lower part the deflecting portion and vice versa as described.
[0052] In a further alternative arrangement, the spray head could
be provided with a cutaway to avoid interrogation, in use, by a
detection means. Such a cutaway may be located within the area of
the spray head that is interrogated by the detection means such
that the detection means' may detect the difference in the
reflectance of the interrogation from a portion (eg. a reflecting
portion) of the spray head against the absence of any reflectance
in the cutaway. The cutaway may be provided by the spray head being
shaped to have a non-typical shape (i.e. not an L-shape) in order
to provide the same effect as the cutaway. For instance, the spray
head may comprise a short substantially vertical section for
engaging the free end of the valve stem and have a short
substantially horizontal section for directing the spray of fluid
through the aperture of the device, and the spray head may have a
longer transverse section between said short sections. The result
of this unusual configuration of the spray head may result in the
same effect as the cutaway, such that the detection means' scan of
the spray head detects the difference in the reflectance of the
short substantially vertical section of the spray head against the
absence of any reflectance above the short substantially vertical
section.
[0053] In a yet further alternative arrangement, the spray head
could be provided with a portion cutaway to provide a greater
distance for reflected interrogation to travel, in use, to a
detection means in comparison to the distance for reflected
interrogation to travel from a non-cutaway portion of the spray
head. In this arrangement the interrogation, say by radiation
emitted from the detection means, should be tuned such that it is
capable of travelling the distance between the non-cutaway portion
of the spray head and back again after reflection, however, should
that distance be increased the radiation is less capable of
travelling the increased distance. Due to the tuning of the
radiation, the amount of radiation being collected by the detection
means would be less for the radiation reflected from the cutaway
portion than from the non-cutaway portion of the spray head, this
difference in reflectance being detectable by the detection means,
thus indicating two areas of differing reflectance.
[0054] The areas of differing reflectance on the spray head may be
provided in the form of at least one line of differing reflectance.
Said one or more lines preferably being substantially perpendicular
relative to an inlet section of the spray head; in other words, in
a substantially horizontal direction when the refill is placed on a
flat surface. Such orientation of the lines may be advantageous
since it could improve the likelihood that the detection means
could distinguish between lines having differing reflectance,
particularly where said detection means are operable during the
movement of the spray head.
[0055] The areas of differing reflectance on the spray head may be
provided in the form of two lines of differing reflectance.
Alternatively, the areas of differing reflectance on the spray head
may be provided in the form of a plurality of lines of differing
reflectance. The use of two or a plurality of lines may be
advantageous as these may be able to operate as a code capable of
imparting additional information to the device beyond whether the
refill is a safe refill or not.
[0056] Alternatively the areas of differing reflectance could be
provided in the form of one or more patterns and/or one or more
shapes and/or one or more letters and/or one or more numerals.
[0057] Such further information could include the particular type
of refill to permit the device to alter its mode of operation. For
instance, where the refill contains an insecticide, the spraying
frequency may desirably be different to when the device is spraying
an air freshener or the like.
[0058] As another example, the further information may relate to a
specific end of life period for that particular refill. In this
arrangement the device may be able to adjust the pre-determined
number of actuations depending on the amount of fluid stored in the
refill and the number of actuations that quantity of fluid will
permit, wherein the pre-determined number for that particular type
of refill is stored in said further information.
[0059] Alternatively, areas of reflectance could impart said
further information wherein the detection means is adapted to
recognize the presence of a specific reflective property, said
specific reflective property may be referenced against an internal
memory of such properties in order to permit the device to
recognize the further information.
[0060] The device of any of the above-mentioned aspects may be
provided with an indicator wherein said indicator is operable to
indicate information to a user. Such information may include:
whether the refill loaded in the device is potentially dangerous as
it is not intended for use with the device; whether the refill
needs to be changed; whether the battery or batteries need to be
changed (where the device is to be battery powered); and other
potentially useful information.
[0061] The indicator may be operable to provide a visual indication
and/or provide an audible indication.
[0062] Preferably the indicator is configured to provide a visual
indication by emitting light from one or more light sources,
preferably one or more LEDs. The one or more light sources may be
adapted to emit a different colour of light to indicate the current
function the device is performing. Additionally or alternatively,
the one or more light sources may blink or flash to indicate the
current function the device is performing.
[0063] A visual indicator may be provided in the form of an LCD
screen or the like wherein the screen is adapted to provide a
message to a user, for instance such messages could include "ON",
"DANGEROUS REFILL INSERTED", "CHANGE REFILL", "CHANGE BATTERIES",
"NUMBER OF SPRAYS REMAINING", "LIFE OF REFILL", "OFF".
[0064] The device may be provided with a boost mechanism. The boost
mechanism may be linked to a user operated switch or button or the
like. On operating the boost mechanism the actuation means may
activate to cause the immediate actuation of a refill.
[0065] The device may be power by mains-supplied electricity and/or
be battery powered and/or be powered by solar cells located on the
device. Most preferably the device is battery powered.
[0066] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there
is provided therefore a spray head for a refill of fluid for use
with a device or method according to any preceding aspect of the
present invention wherein the spray head comprises an inlet section
and an exit orifice, wherein the inlet section is adapted to
connect with a valve stem of a refill and the exit orifice is
capable of directing a spray of fluid away from the refill body,
characterised in that the spray head has an external surface having
at least one area of lower reflectance and at least one area of
relatively higher reflectance.
[0067] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there
is provided therefore a refill of fluid for use with a device or
method according to any preceding aspect of the present invention
wherein the refill comprises a body for containing a quantity of
fluid and a valve stem with a spray head connected thereto, the
spray head comprising an inlet section and an exit orifice defining
a fluid pathway from the body to the exit orifice, characterised in
that the spray head has an external surface having at least one
area of lower reflectance and at least one area of relatively
higher reflectance.
[0068] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention there
is provided therefore a device according to the first or second
aspect of the present invention configured to operate in accordance
with the method of the second aspect of the present invention.
[0069] For the avoidance of doubt, all of the features disclosed in
this specification 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
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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0070] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example only, with reference to the following drawings in
which:
[0071] FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation of a device of the
present invention with a refill loaded therein;
[0072] FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation of a device of the
present invention with a refill loaded therein; and
[0073] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment
of a refill spray head;
[0074] FIG. 3B illustrates a rear elevation of a spray head of FIG.
3A;
[0075] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a second
embodiment of a refill spray head;
[0076] FIG. 4B illustrates a plan view of a spray head of FIG.
4A;
[0077] FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment
of a refill spray head;
[0078] FIG. 5B illustrates a rear elevation of a spray head of FIG.
5A;
[0079] FIG. 6A illustrates a perspective view of a fourth
embodiment of a refill spray head; and
[0080] FIG. 6B illustrates a side elevation of a spray head of FIG.
6A.
DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT
[0081] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 a fragrance spraying device 10
comprises a housing 12 with a removable front section 12a through
which there is an opening 14. The front section 12a may be hinged
to permit access to the interior of the device 10. A refill 16, in
this example an aerosol spray canister, is held within the housing
12 on a platform 18. An outlet stem 20 of the spray canister 16 is
received in a lower opening of a spray head 22. An actuation means
24 is located above the refill 16 and possesses an arm 24 that is
moveable to apply substantially downward pressure on the spray head
22 and cause actuation of the refill 16. During actuation of the
refill, fluid held within the body 26 of the refill 16 is forced
through the valve stem 20, into the spray head, exiting the spray
head via an exit orifice in the form of a nozzle 28 into the
external environment. The actuation means 26 is powered by
batteries 30.
[0082] The device is further provided with a detection means 38
located substantially adjacent to the normal location of a spray
head when a refill is loaded into the device 10.
[0083] Although not shown, the detection means 38 includes a sensor
configured to face the spray head 22, the sensor being adapted to
emit radiation in this embodiment, preferably IR radiation, toward
the spray head 22 to interrogate it. The sensor is also capable of
collecting reflected radiation in order to distinguish between
different areas of reflectance on the spray head 22 with the
sensor's field of view.
[0084] The detection means 38 can be in direct communication with
the actuation means 26 or, alternatively, in communication with a
control unit (not shown) which is in communication with the
actuation means 26. The communication between the detection means
38 and the actuation means 26, whether directly or indirectly via
the control unit, being essential to permit the device to be
capable of producing a response when a dangerous and/or abusive
refill is loaded into the device 10.
[0085] In use, the refill 16 is placed on the platform 18 and the
valve stem 20 is engaged in an inlet 34 of the spray head 22. The
refill 16 is a replaceable item and the spray head 22 is typically
supplied with the refill 16.
[0086] When the refill 16 is placed in position a fluid path for
fragrance (or other material, such as sterilising
material/insecticide material/bactericide material or the like) for
spraying is formed from the refill 16 through the spray head 22 and
past the opening 14 in the front section of the housing 12a and out
into the surrounding environment.
[0087] In order to cause spraying of the fluid from the refill 16,
the actuation means is activated causing the arm 24 to move down
onto the spray head 22 and pushing the spray head in a
substantially downward direction. The downward movement of the
spray head 22 effects corresponding downward movement of the valve
stem 20 which opens the valve and permits fluid to flow through the
valve stem, spray head and out of opening 14 into the surrounding
environment.
[0088] The actuation means 26 has numerous selectable settings
which a user may select via a user input means 32. The user input
means 32 can be operable to allow a user to select whether the
device is turned on or off, the specific operation mode of the
device such as its spray frequency, timer delay or other such
feature. Preferred frequency settings would be the option of the
fluid being sprayed from the refill every nine minutes, or every
eighteen minutes, or every thirty-six minutes.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 3, the areas of differing reflectance on
the spray head 22 can be seen. Specifically, a portion of the neck
34 of the spray head 22 is coated with a layer of dark
ink/paint/lacquer 35 which is of a lower reflectance than the
remainder of the neck 34 which is uncoated.
[0090] In one embodiment of the invention, the detection means 38
can be operable to detect the presence of the spray head 22 and,
further, detect whether there is at least one area of low
reflectance and at least one area of higher reflectance on the
spray head 22.
[0091] Firstly the detection means 38 may be operable to detect
whether a refill 16 is loaded in the device by interrogating the
area normally occupied by a spray head 22 when a refill is loaded
therein. Prior to permitting the actuation means 24 to activate,
the detection means 38 may perform an initial interrogation of the
location within the device normally occupied by a spray head of a
refill when loaded into the device, if the detection means does not
detect any reflectance, or a predetermined level of reflectance,
this situation may be indicative of the absence of a refill in the
device and the detection means 38 will prevent the actuation means
from activating, either directly by communicating therewith or
indirectly via a control unit. Preferably the detection means would
interrogate an area normally occupied by lower portion of the neck
of the spray head, as indicated by arrow 40 on FIG. 3B.
[0092] Should the presence of a refill 16 be detected, the
detection means is further configured to interrogate further
portions of the spray head 22. The detection means 38 may be
capable of interrogating the spray head 22 by emitting radiation
toward the spray head, such as IR radiation, across one or more
portions thereof, such as across a field of view as indicated by
arrow 42. The detection means is capable of collecting reflected
radiation such that the amount of reflectance collected can be
attributed specifically or approximately or generally to a portion
or portions of the spray head 22. Such attribution may permit the
detection means 38 to directly, or in combination with the control
unit (not shown), determine whether any areas of differing
reflectance are present on the spray head 22.
[0093] Alternatively, the interrogation of the refill by the
detection means 38 may permit the detection means to detect whether
at least one differing level of reflected radiation is detected
without attributing the detected level of reflectance to a specific
section of the spray head. Any such detection may permit the
detection means 38 to directly, or in combination with the control
unit (not shown), determine whether any areas of differing
reflectance are present on the spray head or in the area normally
occupied thereby.
[0094] With either form of interrogation, if differing areas of
reflectance are detected the detection means 38 will communicate
directly with the actuation means 26, or indirectly via a control
unit (not shown), to permit the actuation means 26 to operate in
accordance with the user input command to cause the spraying of
fluid.
[0095] Conversely, if differing areas of reflectance are not
detected, i.e. a potentially dangerous refill has been loaded into
the device, the direct or indirect communication from the detection
means 38 will call for the actuation means 26 to enter a dormant
mode. During the dormant mode the actuation means 26 will not
activate and not cause the spraying of fluid. The dormant mode will
be maintained until a user initiates a resetting of the device. The
resetting may be facilitated by the user loading a new refill into
the device and/or the user operating a reset button or the like.
However, if a vandal has intentionally loaded a potentially
dangerous refill and has reset the device, once the detection means
38 scans the spray head 22 and fails to find the required
reflectance, the actuation means 26 will again be placed in the
dormant mode.
[0096] In an alternative embodiment, the detection means can be
operable to detect the presence of the spray head 22 and detect
whether there is at least one area of low reflectance and at least
one area of higher reflectance on the spray head 22 only during the
movement of the spray head 22 following activation by the actuation
means 26. This movement permits the detection means 38 the
opportunity to view a defined proportion of the spray head 22, thus
fixing the field of view of the detection means (eg. as defined by
arrow 42 in FIG. 3B). If during the interrogation of the spray head
22 differing areas of reflectance are detected by the detection
means 38, these means will communicate with the actuation means 26,
either directly or indirectly, to permit the actuation means 26 to
operate in accordance with the user input command to cause the
spraying of fluid. Conversely, if differing areas of reflectance
are not detected, i.e. a potentially dangerous refill has been
loaded into the device, potentially to effect vandalism, the
communication from the detection means 38 will call for the
actuation means 26 to enter a dormant mode, as discussed above.
[0097] When a refill 16 has been loaded in the device 10 and the
detection means 38 has been able to distinguish between one area of
lower reflectance and once area of higher reflectance, the control
means or the like may initiate a counting mechanism. The counting
mechanism may be calibrated to permit a pre-determined number of
actuations of the refill which corresponds to the quantity of fluid
stored in a refill. The counting mechanism can be operable in use,
and after the pre-determined number of actuations has been reached,
to cause the device 10 to enter the dormant mode, thus prevent
further actuations of that refill, until a user replaces the refill
and/or resets the device. The counting mechanism may automatically
reset every time a refill is loaded into the device.
[0098] FIGS. 3-6 illustrate various embodiments of refill spray
heads. As mentioned, FIG. 3 illustrates a first embodiment wherein
spray head has a generally L-shaped profile, wherein the shorter
part of the L-shape, the neck portion 34, engages with the free end
of the valve stem. The angle between the part of the spray head
connected to the valve stem and the part of the spray head
possessing the exit orifice is illustrated as being substantially
90.degree., however this angle may be between 60-120.degree., the
key aspect is that the exit orifice directs the spray of fluid
through the opening 14 and away from the housing of the device. The
neck portion 34 of the spray head 22 is coated with a layer of dark
ink/paint/lacquer 35 which is of a lower reflectance than the
remainder of the neck 34 which is uncoated. Ideally the layer of
dark is substantially black and the rest of the spray head,
including the remainder of the neck portion 34, is substantially
white.
[0099] In FIG. 3 the layer of dark ink/paint/lacquer is coated on
to the spray head but this may be applied or incorporated by any
suitable means, such as by application of a label, printing,
engraving or the spray head could be manufactured from two or more
component parts which are fixed together.
[0100] In FIGS. 4 & 5 the spray head 22 is shaped to deflect
any interrogation away from the detection means 38 of the device.
The detection means for use with the spray head shown in FIG. 4
will have a fixed position and a limited filed of view of the spray
head to interrogate as indicated by arrow 46. Arrow 48 shows the
field of view detection means may detect to determine whether a
refill 16 is loaded in the device by interrogating the area
normally occupied by a spray head 22 when a refill is loaded
therein.
[0101] The detection means is operable to emit interrogation in the
direction of arrow 44 and a V-shaped portion 50 of the spray head
is shaped to substantially deflect the detector means'
interrogation not back toward the detection means but away
therefrom in the direction of arrows 44'. In contrast the neck
portion 4 of the spray head is shaped to substantially reflect the
interrogation back toward the detection means to be collected
thereby. The deflection of interrogation 44 by the V-shaped portion
50 may be shaped to deflect the interrogation at 90.degree. away
from the normal or >90.degree. away from the normal.
[0102] The spray head illustrated in FIG. 5 is similar to that as
shown in FIG. 4 save for the 90.degree. orientation of the V-shaped
potion 54, thus causing, in use, a different direction of
deflection of interrogation 52 in the direction of arrows 52'.
[0103] In FIG. 6 a yet further alternative arrangement of the spray
head is illustrated could be provided with a portion cutaway to
provide a greater distance for reflected interrogation to travel,
in use, to a detection means in comparison to the distance for
reflected interrogation to travel from a non-cutaway portion of the
spray head. The detection means for use with the spray head shown
in FIG. 6 will have a fixed position and a limited filed of view of
the spray head to interrogate as indicated by arrow 60. Arrow 58
shows the field of view detection means may detect to determine
whether a refill is loaded in the device by interrogating the area
normally occupied by a spray head 22 when a refill is loaded
therein. In this arrangement the interrogation, shown byarrows
62,62', emitted from the detection means should be tuned such that
it is capable of travelling the distance between the non-cutaway
portion of the spray head and back again after reflection, however,
should that distance be increased the radiation is less capable of
travelling the increased distance. Due to the tuning of the
radiation, the amount of radiation being collected by the detection
means along arrow 62 would be less than from the radiation
travelling along arrow 62', this difference in reflectance being
detectable by the detection means, thus indicating two areas of
differing reflectance.
[0104] 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.
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