WO2004020007A1

WO2004020007A1 - Apparatus for dispensing therapeutic aromas

Info

Publication number: WO2004020007A1
Application number: PCT/GB2003/003678
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Arthur Burgess
Original assignee: John Arthur Burgess
Priority date: 2002-08-27
Filing date: 2003-08-22
Publication date: 2004-03-11
Also published as: AU2003255846A1; GB0219904D0

Abstract

Apparatus (16) for dispensing therapeutic aromas, which apparatus comprises: first air inlet means (18) for admitting room air into the apparatus; first filter means for filtering the room air passing through the apparatus; container means (20) for containing an aromatic liquid; outlet means (26); a fan (28) for drawing the room air into the apparatus via the first air inlet means (18) and for expelling a mixture of the room air and the aroma from the aromatic liquid via the outlet means (26); and control means for controlling the operation of the apparatus for desired periods of time.

Description

APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING THERAPEUTIC AROMAS

This invention relates to apparatus for dispensing therapeutic aromas.

Apparatus for dispensing therapeutic aromas is well known. Examples of such known apparatus are aromatherapy burners and nebulizers. The burners use a candle to heat and vapourise an aromatic liquid having therapeutic effect. The burners can be dangerous insofar as candle flames can cause fires, hot aromatic liquids can scald children, and the aromatic liquids can be swallowed by children when the apparatus is not in use. Still further, the burners are often such that the candle becomes used up too soon, for example midway through a night. Also, the burners cannot be controlled automatically so that they come on and go off at predetermined time intervals. The nebulizers are safer than the burners, but the nebulizers do not have a good facility to distribute therapeutic aromas around a room, and they do not have appropriate controls for controlling the operation of the nebulizers.

It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problems.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for dispensing therapeutic aromas, which apparatus comprises: first air inlet means for admitting room air into the apparatus; first filter means for filtering the room air passing through the apparatus; container means for containing an aromatic liquid; outlet means; a fan for drawing the room air into the apparatus via the first air inlet means and for expelling a mixture of the room air and the aroma from the aromatic liquid via the outlet means; and control means for controlling the operation of the apparatus for desired periods of time.

The apparatus of the present invention is safer than the previous mentioned aromatherapy burners because it does not use candles to heat the aromatic liquid. The apparatus can be such that the aromatic liquid is safely contained in the apparatus than in the known burners, thereby preventing unauthorised access by children who might swallow the aromatic liquid. The apparatus of the present invention is better able to distribute air and the aroma around a room than the above mentioned known nebulizers. The distributed air and aroma can be filtered to a high degree to remove much of the dust and pollen that often causes considerable suffering to persons. The apparatus of the invention has the control means for controlling the operation of the apparatus for desired periods of time. Thus the apparatus can be arranged to operate one or more times during the day and/or one or more times during the night as may be desired. The apparatus of the invention is especially useful for treating a wide range of ailments including, for example, various allergies, stress, hay fever, sinusitis and asthma.

The apparatus of the present invention may include second air inlet means for enabling the apparatus to draw in fresh air from the outside environment and mix it with the room air, and second filter means for filtering the fresh air.

Usually, the apparatus will be such that the fan drawing the room air into the apparatus also draws the fresh air into the apparatus. If desired however separate fans may be employed, one for drawing the room air into the apparatus, and one for drawing the fresh air into the apparatus.

The apparatus may include third filter means for filtering the filtered air from the first and the second filter means.

The fan may be a two speed fan. With a two speed fan, the faster of the two speeds may be for use in providing a boost to the amount of the filtered air and the aroma being dispensed.

The container means may be a wick container means. The container means may alternatively be an absorbent pad and an aromatic liquid- emitting device, the absorbent pad being located beneath the liquid-emitting device, and the absorbent pad being for receiving droplets of the aromatic liquid which are received from the liquid emitting-device. The droplets of the aromatic liquid on the absorbent pad are then ready for mixing with an air draught for subsequent expulsion into an intended environment. The absorbent pad may be replaced after exceeding its useful life, or when a different therapeutic aroma is desired to be dispensed. The container means may alternatively be a plenum that emits droplets of the aromatic liquid. The aromatic liquid may be fed by gravity, suction or pump means under pressure from a container that is replaceable or refillable after being emptied. Other types of container means for the aromatic liquid may be employed if desired.

The control means may be such that it is manually set by knobs, switches, levers or buttons. The control means may control the rate of dispensation of the therapeutic aromas, for example the rate of dispensation of the aromatic liquid, for example dispensed as droplets onto the absorbent pad, and/or the volume of the aromatic liquid being dispensed, for example the size of the droplets. The control means may be programmed, for example to operate in a series of pre-determined intervals that reflect the current needs of the user of the apparatus. Thus, for example, the control means may be arranged to operate the apparatus one or more times during the day and/or one or more times during the night as may be desired.

The aromatic liquid may be, for example, a variety of aromatic oils and essences that are commercially available. The aromatic oils and essences may be extracted from plants, flowers, and wood resins. The apparatus of the invention may be used in a wide variety of environments including domestic households, hospital wards, work places, shops, public places, transport carriages, and aircraft cabins.

The apparatus of the present invention may be such that it includes a storage part for receiving replacement containers, for example bottles, of the same aromatic liquid, or of different aromatic liquids. Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows known apparatus in the form of an aromatherapy burner for dispensing therapeutic aromas;

Figure 2 shows first apparatus of the invention for dispensing therapeutic aromas;

Figure 3 shows second apparatus of the present invention for dispensing therapeutic aromas;

Figure 4 shows third apparatus of the present invention for dispensing therapeutic aromas;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of fourth apparatus of the present invention for dispensing therapeutic aromas;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a back part of the apparatus shown in Figure 5, and illustrates the location of internal components; and

Figure 7 shows in more detail an emitter unit forming part of the apparatus shown in Figure 5.

Referring to Figure 1 , there is shown apparatus 2 in the form of an aromatherapy burner for dispensing therapeutic aromas. The apparatus 2 comprises a body 4 having an open end 6 at its base 8. A candle 10 is able to be placed through the opening 6 so that the candle 10 stands in the middle of the base 8. When the candle is lit, a flame 12 heats up aromatic liquid in a dished part 14 at the top of the body 4. The aromatic liquid may be a mixture of water and one or more aromatic oils. The apparatus 2 can be dangerous to use. If the apparatus 2 is knocked over, the flame 12 from the candle 10 may cause a fire. Also, if the apparatus 2 is knocked over, the heated aromatic liquid may scald somebody. Often the candle 10 will become used up prematurely. It is not possible to stop and start the apparatus 2 on a controlled timer.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown apparatus 16 for dispensing therapeutic aromas. The apparatus 16 comprises first air inlet means 18 for admitting room air into the apparatus 16. The room air will be from a room in which the apparatus 16 is installed. The apparatus 16 is a free standing unit as shown.

The apparatus 16 includes first filter means (not shown) for filtering the room air passing through the apparatus.

The apparatus 16 also includes container means 20 for containing an aromatic liquid.

The apparatus 16 has a square body 22 as shown. A front face 24 of the body 22 has the first air inlet means 18 and also outlet means 26.

A fan 28 is provided inside the body 22 for drawing the room air into the apparatus 2 via the first air inlet means 18. The fan 28 is also provided for expelling a mixture of the room air and the aroma from the aromatic liquid via the outlet means 26. The fan 28 is a two speed fan which is controlled by a control knob 30.

The apparatus 2 has variable control means (not shown) for controlling the operation of the fan 28 so that the apparatus 16 can operate for desired periods of time during the day or during the night. The apparatus 16 is provided with a control 32 for controlling the dispensation of the aromatic liquid. The control 32 may be an aperture which is variable in size, or a grill which can be partially closed. The apparatus 16 also includes a filter indication slide 34 for indicating the condition of the first air filter means for filtering the room air passing through the apparatus.

The apparatus 16 also has a control damper 36 for controlling air admitted to the body 22 of the apparatus 16.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown apparatus 38 for dispensing therapeutic aromas. The apparatus 38 is such that it is mounted adjacent a wall 40.

The apparatus 38 comprises first air inlet means 42 for admitting room air into the apparatus 38. First filter means 44 are provided for filtering the room air passing through the apparatus 38.

The apparatus 38 has container means 46 in the form of a wick dispensing unit for containing an aromatic liquid. A rectangular body 48 of the apparatus 38 is provided with outlet means 50 as shown. A two speed fan 52 is provided in the body 48. The fan 52 is for drawing the room air into the apparatus 38 via the first air inlet means 42. The fan 52 is also for expelling a mixture of the room air and the aroma from the aromatic liquid via the outlet means 50. The mixing of the room air and the aroma from the aromatic liquid is effected in a mixing chamber 54 positioned at a bottom part of the body 48 as shown in Figure 3. The apparatus 38 has variable control means (not shown) for controlling the operation of the apparatus 38 for desired period of time.

A conduit 56 passes from the body 48 through the wall 40 and to the outside of the room in which the apparatus 38 is installed. The conduit 56 may be a telescopic conduit for allowing for different distances of the apparatus 38 from the wall 40. The conduit 56 forms second air inlet means for enabling the apparatus 38 to draw in fresh air from the outside environment and mix it with the room air. The fresh air is filtered by second filter means 58.

The conduit 56 is closed by a wall mounted unit 60 provided with fresh air damper control, a filter and an outside grill.

The apparatus 38 can be wall mounted by wall brackets 62. The second filter means 58 is preferably two filters as shown which may be for filtering dust and pollen.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown apparatus 64 for dispensing therapeutic aromas. The apparatus 64 is such that it is able to be mounted to a wall (not shown) by means of screws passing through four keyhole apertures (not shown) provided in a housing 66 of the apparatus 64.

The apparatus 64 has first air inlet means 68 for admitting room air into the apparatus. The first air inlet means 68 is provided with a heater element (not shown) and a damper (not shown). First filter means (not shown) is provided on a framework 70.

The housing 66 has a door 72. The door 72 has a micro switch (not shown) for inhibiting operation of the apparatus 64 when the door 72 is opened. The housing 66 including the door 72 are insulated with an insulating material (not shown) such for example as neoprene. The door 72 is provided with fixed louvre blades 74 for return air for the apparatus 64.

The door 72 is also provided on its inside with a control switch and an indicator panel 76. Also mounted on the inside of the door 72 is container means 78 for containing an aromatic liquid. The container means 78 is in the form of a fragrance dispenser which is mounted centrally on the inside of the door 72 for ease of access. Control of the fragrance emission may be achieved through a front cover.

As shown in Figure 4, the housing 66 is provided with an auto- swinging discharge louvre arrangement 80. Inside the housing 66 is a two speed fan 82. Casters 84 may be optionally provided on the bottom of the housing 66 if the apparatus 64 is to be floor standing instead of wall mounted. Part of the housing 66 is cut away in the bottom left hand corner to show one of the rear casters 84.

The apparatus 64 is such that it provides a fresh air makeup kit. The two speed fan 82 is for day and/or night operation. The use of high efficiency filters is especially advantageous for filtering dust, pollen and dust mites. The container means 78 for containing the aromatic liquid may dispense the aromatic liquid by means of a wick or a pad. The apparatus 64 may operate in a Summer mode and a Winter mode, giving free cooling in Summer. The door 72 provides convenient front access to the apparatus 64. The control may be remote or static. The control may give a timed control for night and day use. Indicator lights (not shown) may be provided for all operations. The automatic cut-off afforded by the micro switch 70 provides a safety feature. A manual damper control 86 provides control of fresh air, with the fresh air intake 68 advantageously being in the form of a telescopic duct. The heater is an electric heater for heating the air as desired.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown apparatus 100 comprising a housing 110. The housing 110 has a back 111 and a front 112. The front 112 is hinged vertically at one side to the back 111. When the front 112 is open, then access is permitted to internal components of the apparatus 100.

A door 113 is provided centrally in the front 112. The door 113 is hinged downwardly so that it is able to open to a limited angle in order to provide internal access as a convenient means for providing a supply of the aromatic liquid. A hinged door 114 on one side of the front 112 provides access to storage means in the form of an internal cupboard. Replacement bottles or containers of the aromatic liquid may be stored in the cupboard.

To one side of the front 112 are mounted control buttons 115. The control buttons 115 form part of control means for the apparatus 100. The control buttons 115 are connected to internal operation control components.

An inlet ducting and grill arrangement 116 is provided at an upper part of the front 112 as shown. The inlet ducting and grill arrangement 116 allows air from the immediate environment to be drawn into the housing 110. An outlet ducting and grill arrangement 117 is provided at a lower part of the front 112. The outlet ducting and grill arrangement 117 allows a mixture of therapeutic aromas and air from inside the housing 10 to be expelled into the immediate environment. An inlet ducting 118 is fitted to the rear of the back 111. The inlet ducting 118 allows fresh air from the outside environment to be drawn into the housing 10.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown the back 111 of the housing 110. This has been done by removing the front 112 of the housing 110. As can be seen from Figure 6, cupboard shelves 119 are provided for receiving replacement bottles or containers of one or more different types of aromatic liquids. Also shown in Figure 6 is a powered fan 120 that draws air from the immediate environment. Still further shown in Figure 6 are a filter 122 that interrupts the flow of fresh air from the outside environment, and a filter 123 that interrupts the flow of air mixed with therapeutic aromas from a plenum of the housing 10 to the immediate environment. Still further shown in Figure 6 is an electrical and electronic component 124 that acts as part of the control means and that controls operation of a dispenser unit. The dispenser unit is in the form of an oil droplet emitter 125 that provides a feed of aromatic liquid, for example an aromatic oil, from a container 126 onto a pad 127. The container may be a bottle or other type of container as may be desired. The feed of the aromatic liquid can be at a variable and controlled rate.

Referring now to Figure 7, the emitter 125 is shown in more detail. More specifically, the emitter 125 comprises a block 128 which is formed to receive the container 126. An interface at the container 126 is sealed with a ferrule 129 as shown. A passage 130 extends vertically through the block 128. This passage 130 allows the aromatic liquid to feed by gravity and drip onto the absorbent pad 127. An electrically operated solenoid 131 is provided. The solenoid 131 has an armature rod 132 at its central axis. The armature rod 132 is connected to a plunger rod 133 fitted to prevent leakage of oil when the plunger rod 133 is caused to slide in a mating hole passing through the block 128. The aromatic liquid is allowed to drip when the solenoid 131 is momentarily operated to cause a cross-drilled hole 134 to align with the vertical passage 130. A stem tube 135 having a graduated bore, together with the speed of operation of the solenoid 131, control the size of each droplet of the aromatic liquid, for example the aromatic oil.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the shape of the apparatus 16, 38, 64 shown in Figures 2 and 3 may be varied as may be desired. The apparatus 16, 38, 64 can be used with various types of aromatic liquids. The aromatic liquids may be for treating a wide variety of ailments including, for example, hay fever, stress, sinusitis, and various allergies. The apparatus of the invention may include a flap valve that enables a partition of the air drawn from the inside environment so as to achieve a mixing with outside fresh air. Such a partition flow of air may be drawn by an existing inlet ducting fan, or with the assistance of a second powered fan mounted in a housing of the apparatus.

The apparatus of the present invention also extends to the above described features of the invention when taken singly or in any combination whatsoever. Thus, for example, one or more components may be omitted from the following claim 1 , and one or more components described herein may be added to claim 1. The features shown in the drawings are applicable to the invention generally.

Claims

1. Apparatus for dispensing therapeutic aromas, which apparatus comprises: first air inlet means for admitting room air into the apparatus; first filter means for filtering the room air passing through the apparatus; container means for containing an aromatic liquid; outlet means; a fan for drawing the room air into the apparatus via the first air inlet means and for expelling a mixture of the room air and the aroma from the aromatic liquid via the outlet means; and control means for controlling the^" operation of the apparatus for desired periods of time.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 and including second air inlet means for enabling the apparatus to draw in fresh air from the outside environment and mix it with the room air, and second filter means for filtering the fresh air.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the fan drawing the room air into the apparatus also draws the fresh air into the apparatus.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 and including third filter means for further filtering the filtered air from the first and the second filter means.

5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the fan is a two speed fan.

6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the container means is a wick.

7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the control means is able to vary the rate of dispensation of the therapeutic aromas.