Abstract:
A method and apparatus for dispensing of hand lotion and air freshener in a combined unit for home and office. Air freshener may be passively dispersed at a controlled rate from the apparatus, or may be actively dispersed when a user pumps the apparatus to receive a measured quantity of hand lotion. Dispersion may be implemented using a mechanical fan or compression of a sponge, for example.

Description:
PRIORITY INFORMATION  
       [0001]    This application is related to, and claims priority from, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/231,256 filed Sep. 8, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to air fresheners and supply units therefore.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art and Summary of Invention  
           [0005]    Air fresheners are frequently used in home and business to control odors in bathrooms, kitchens, and other enclosed spaces. Generally, commercial dispensers for air fresheners can operate passively through ventilation and diffusion, or actively through electrical heating elements or mechanical fan assemblies. Because air freshener dispensers function by releasing a scent through evaporation or atomization, such dispensers work most effectively when placed in the open on a counter, table, or wall. They are nevertheless often hidden from view due to their odor eliminating purpose, where they are both less effective and more difficult to replace.  
           [0006]    Numerous methods have been developed to improve air freshener dispensers for the home and business. Electrically powered and wall mounted dispensers are common. U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,347 to Dawn discloses an air freshener with a battery powered fan for deodorization of automobiles. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,406 to Steiner et al. describes a self-contained dispenser which uses replaceable cartridges of air freshener, and applies a battery powered fan to actively vent air past the cartridge. Air freshener dispensers have even been applied to common cassette tapes, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,905,112 to Rhodes, in part to deodorize automobiles in a discrete and clever fashion. Unfortunately, none of these solutions provide an ideal solution for the home, office or storefront, as many require electric power, often necessarily with replacement of batteries as well as air freshener. These solutions usually do not suit themselves to placement in visible areas where such air freshener dispensers would be most effective.  
           [0007]    Hand lotion, on the other hand, is commonly provided in home and business environments to moisturize, smooth, and improve the condition of skin. It is often available in disposable consumer pour or pump dispensers, or sometimes in wall units for commercial application. Consumer dispensers are commonly placed on tables, in kitchens, and in bathrooms, and do not have the less desirable appearance and connotation of an air freshener dispenser.  
           [0008]    Applicant is one of the named inventors for U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,826, in which a dual dispenser was disclosed. That dual dispenser was disclosed as being used with soap and air freshener. This combination of soap and air freshener in a single dispenser was highly innovative for soap. When used with standard soap (which is rinsed off), rather than a sanitizer soap (which is not rinsed off), the dispenser is desirably placed reasonably near a source of water to allow washing off the soap after use. As standard soaps are by far the most popular, the placement of standard soap dispenser is limited, as it is impractical in non-washroom settings such as the coffee table, office desk, or the automobile.  
           [0009]    Accordingly, a preferred embodiment is a dispenser that can be placed virtually anywhere in the home or office. Another aspect of a preferred embodiment is a dispenser for both air freshener and a liquid, such as hand lotion or soap, that avoids the difficulties of prior individual and combined dispensers while providing advantageous improvements in both structure and function.  
           [0010]    Most retail, or consumer-oriented, air fresheners operate on an “always on” basis. That is, once the air freshener is initially activated, it dispenses fragrance until its supply is exhausted. Because air freshening is typically only necessary when a person is in the same general area as the air freshener dispenser, the “always on” dispensers may result in a majority of the fragrance being dispensed when it is not necessary or desired.  
           [0011]    Further, the dispensed fragrance, along with most other odors, are only noticeable to a person for a short time after the smell is encountered. After this initial period, the person becomes accustomed to the fragrance and it no longer produces the desired sensory response. More user oriented consumer air fresheners are available, such as spray-type products, for example. However, the necessary mechanisms to propel the air freshener often make spray-type dispensers relatively expensive and difficult to recycle.  
           [0012]    Accordingly, a preferred dispenser dispenses only a small amount of fragrance, if any, until the dispenser is user-actuated. Advantageously, such an arrangement avoids desensitization, thus increasing the perceived effectiveness of the air freshener. In addition, such a dispenser avoids unnecessary dispensing of fragrance, thereby increasing the useful life of the fragrance. Moreover, such a dispenser provides both a pourable compound, such as hand lotion, and air freshener in a single product, which is less costly than purchasing hand lotion and air freshener separately. In addition, less packaging materials are utilized in comparison to separate products, thereby reducing the amount of material disposed of or needing to be recycled at the end of the product life.  
           [0013]    A preferred embodiment is an assembly including a dispenser. The dispenser includes a container and an actuator, which defines an actuation surface. A pourable compound is held within the container and is dispensible from the container upon manual manipulation of the actuation surface. A base defines a substantially flat mounting surface and an interior surface sized and shaped to receive and retain the dispenser. The base also includes a location sized and shaped to receive a supply of air freshener wherein the supply of air freshener is received by the location.  
           [0014]    A preferred embodiment is an air freshener delivery assembly. The assembly includes a bottle, a hood and a supply of air freshener. The hood includes a wall cooperating with at least a portion of the bottle to form a cavity. The supply of air freshener is positioned within the hood. In addition. the hood is movable with respect to the bottle from a first position, wherein the hood and the bottle cooperate to define a first generally enclosed volume, to a second position wherein the hood defines a second enclosed volume smaller than the first enclosed volume, thereby dispensing air freshener from the supply of air freshener.  
           [0015]    A preferred embodiment is an assembly including a first engagement portion defining a cavity and an actuator defining an actuation surface. A pourable compound is positioned within the first engagement portion, wherein the compound is dispensible from the first engagement portion upon manual manipulation of the actuation surface. The assembly also includes a second engagement portion, which defines an interior surface sized and shaped to receive and retain the first engagement portion. The second engagement portion also defines a location sized and shaped to receive a supply of air freshener, which is positioned at the location.  
           [0016]    A preferred embodiment is an assembly including a first engagement portion defining a cavity and an actuator defining an actuation surface. A supply of hand lotion is placed within the first engagement portion, wherein the supply of hand lotion is dispensible from the first engagement portion upon manual manipulation of the actuation surface. A second engagement portion defines a location sized and shaped to receive a supply of air freshener and a supply of air freshener is positioned at the location.  
           [0017]    A preferred embodiment is a dispenser assembly including a first portion at least partially defining a first enclosure for receiving a supply of hand lotion. A second portion at least partially defines a second enclosure for receiving a supply of air freshener. The second portion has at least one opening and is movable relative to the first portion to a dispensing position for urging the air freshener in a direction from within the second enclosure toward the opening. A pump assembly communicates with the supply of hand lotion and defines an outlet positioned outside of both the first and second enclosures. The hand lotion is urged in a direction from within the first enclosure toward the outlet when the pump assembly is actuated. The second portion is movable to the dispensing position independent of the actuation of the pump assembly.  
           [0018]    A preferred embodiment is a dispenser assembly including a first portion at least partially defining a first enclosure for receiving a supply of hand lotion. A second portion at least partially defines a second enclosure for receiving a supply of air freshener. The second portion has at least one opening. A pump assembly communicates with the supply of hand lotion and defines an outlet positioned outside of both the first and second enclosures. The hand lotion is urged in a direction from within the first enclosure toward the outlet when the pump assembly is actuated. A means is provided for dispensing the air freshener from within the second enclosure through the opening without an external supply of power.  
           [0019]    A preferred embodiment is a dispensing base for use with a liquid dispenser and an air freshener enclosure. The base includes a substantially flat mounting surface and an interior surface sized and shaped to receive the liquid dispenser. The base also includes a location sized and shaped to receive the air freshener enclosure. The base defines at least one hole through which air freshener from the air freshener enclosure can be dispersed.  
           [0020]    Another aspect of a preferred embodiment is a combination air freshener and hand lotion dispenser that permits direct user control of the strength and quantity of scent released in relation to dispensing of hand lotion.  
           [0021]    Yet another aspect of a preferred embodiment is a combination air freshener and hand lotion dispenser in which the supplies of hand lotion and/or air freshener are refillable or replaceable independently or as a unit.  
           [0022]    Still another aspect of a preferred embodiment is a combination air freshener and hand lotion dispenser where the dispensing of hand lotion, for example through a pump, is used to indirectly power the release of air freshener through a mechanically powered or passive ventilation system.  
           [0023]    Finally, yet still another aspect of a preferred embodiment is a combination air freshener and hand lotion dispenser where the release of air freshener and dispensing of hand lotion are independently controllable.  
           [0024]    Hand lotion is often dispensed in pour, squeeze, or pump bottles for home and business environments, where those bottles are usually disposable. As is known by those of skill in the art, hand lotion may include various combinations of moisturizers, oils and emollients, and may include nutritive elements such as Vitamin A, Vitamin E or Aloe Vera. While hand lotion may be scented, its primary function is placement directly on the hands to improve the skin&#39;s condition. Hand lotion generally does not have to be washed off the hands after use, as with standard soap. It does not function efficiently as an air freshener, and would be ineffective and messy if used as such. Hand lotion is an emulsion of primarily water and various oils, with lecithin typically being at least one of the emulsifying agents. If skin renewal properties are desired, the lotion may contain 2-8% of an alpha or beta hydroxy ingredient, to promote exfoliation.  
           [0025]    Air freshener means any entity designed for the purpose of masking odors, or freshening, cleaning or deodorizing the air. The main ingredient of most air fresheners is a fragrance. Air fresheners previously had a chemical composition consisting of 10-25% fragrance, although substantially more or less fragrance, between 1-99% would be present depending on the strength of the resulting scent, the placement and purpose of the air freshener and the type of carrier the fragrance is placed within. Carriers for fragrance may include, for example, an odorless mineral spirit to dilute and aid in evaporating the fragrance, polymer gel, or a semisolid wax, which evaporates the fragrance at ambient temperature or upon heating. A porous surface frequently is used to prevent leakage but allow diffusion of fragrance into the surrounding environment, including, for example a polyester matrix in which the fragrance and carrier can be suspended. In 1997, the EPA established Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content limits for air fresheners. Since fragrances very often contain VOC, these limits must be considered in the process of air freshener design. However, VOC content limits do not apply to air fresheners whose VOC constituents consist of 100% fragrance. This latter kind of air freshener can contain any desired amount of fragrance (0-100%).  
           [0026]    Preferred embodiments realize an advantageous combination air freshener dispenser and hand lotion dispenser. A preferred embodiment includes a method for combining a hand lotion dispenser and air freshener dispenser to allow control of air freshener diffusion based on dispensing of hand lotion, or, alternatively, passively diffusing air freshener through controlled continuous ventilation. Both methods may be combined in the same apparatus. This can be accomplished through a number of physical embodiments, the preferred of which are described below.  
           [0027]    A preferred embodiment includes an apparatus for combining a hand lotion dispenser and air freshener dispenser to allow subtle continuous dispensing of air freshener passively through the use of one or more adjustable vents. Thus, within one embodiment of a dispenser, at least two vent units are included where one of the vents is moveable with respect to the other. The vent units may have one or more openings in each which allow communication of fragrance from the air freshener enclosure to the outside environment. For example, the vent units may include surfaces which can be separated on user operation creating an opening for communication of fragrance to the outside environment. By manually adjusting the moveable vent unit, a user can regulate the rate of diffusion of fragrance into the surrounding environment and hence control the strength of scent from the air freshener dispenser.  
           [0028]    Alternatively, at least one vent unit is included in the unit, where at least one vent unit is moveable to create an opening between the surface of the vent unit and the base of the dispenser for ventilation of air freshener. For example, the moveable vent may be automatically adjusted on user pumping of the hand lotion dispenser to dispense hand lotion in additional embodiments of the present invention. A preferred dispenser is particularly convenient for private use, as it can be placed anywhere in the home or office and is fully adjustable with respect to dispensing of hand lotion and release of air freshener.  
           [0029]    A preferred embodiment also includes an apparatus for combining a hand lotion dispenser and air freshener dispenser in such a manner as to allow dispensing of air freshener actively through a number of optionally non-electrified mechanisms initiated by a user&#39;s pump action when dispensing hand lotion. Such an apparatus allows for but removes the need for batteries or electrification of the unit, while providing a controlled, active ability to diffuse fragrance. In one preferred embodiment, depression of the hand lotion pump handle provides a measured quantity of hand lotion as would a standard pump mechanism, but also affects a release of air freshener through compression of a mechanical energy transferring device.  
           [0030]    Preferably, within the vent unit, or alternatively in the vent units or base unit, a resilient sponge and, optionally, a flat plate can be placed beneath the air freshener enclosure, where the plate can be attached to the pump tube such that depression of the pump handle depresses both the pump tube and the flat plate. Depression of the flat plate compresses the resilient sponge, allowing the release of fragrance currently held within the sponge to the outside environment through the opening or openings in or between the vent units. When the pump handle is released, the flat plate releases the sponge, and the sponge expands and draws in more fragrance from the air freshener enclosure. A spring may optionally be used to complement the resilient sponge, such that the spring is placed around the pump tube in a manner that the spring is compressed when the pump handle is depressed, and releases its stored energy when the pump handle is released, thus providing greater expansion and fragrance input into the uncompressed sponge. Alternatively, the flat plate may be omitted by the use of an air freshener enclosure having a surface suitable to adequately compress the sponge.  
           [0031]    A similar result can be achieved by use of a mechanical fan assembly placed above or below the air freshener enclosure within the vent unit or units. When the pump handle is depressed, the downward force is transferred to the pump tube and the mechanical fan assembly, which translates the downward force into a rotational force acting on the fan. The fan then spins for a brief, adjustable time during which fragrance is drawn from the air freshener enclosure, and between or out of the vent unit or vent units, and or base unit, into the outside environment.  
           [0032]    In addition, it is contemplated to substitute a manual pump arrangement for the above-described mechanical fan assembly. In such an arrangement, the vent unit surrounds the upper portion of the base unit and creates a cavity to house the air freshener enclosure. The vent unit is capable of sliding relative to the base unit, so that when the pump handle is depressed, the cavity volume is simultaneously reduced. This forces the air contained therein to be evacuated, and fragrance drawn from the air freshener enclosure to the outside environment, in a manner similar to the mechanical fan assembly. With this arrangement, the vent unit may be depressed individually, thereby releasing fragrance without dispensing hand lotion.  
           [0033]    Alternatively, the vent unit may be placed below, and surround a lower portion of the base unit creating a cavity to house the air freshener enclosure below the base unit. In this arrangement, depression of the pump handle would dispense hand lotion, while depression of the base unit itself would force the evacuation of air from the cavity, and draw fragrance from the air freshener enclosure to the outside environment. Such an apparatus allows for active air freshening without the need for batteries, and at the same time allows for adjustment in the strength of fragrance released. As mentioned previously, the active and passive methods may be combined to allow a combination of continuous and user-initiated fragrance release at varying strengths depending on manual adjustment of the dispenser and environmental need.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0034]    [0034]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a hand lotion and air freshener dispenser that utilizes a passive dispersion of air freshener;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a hand lotion and air freshener dispenser that utilizes an active dispersion of air freshener using a sponge method;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of a hand lotion and air freshener dispenser with active dispersion of air freshener using a fan method;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the fan mechanism of the dispenser of FIG. 3;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a hand lotion and air freshener dispenser with active dispersion of air freshener using a manual pump method;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 6 is a partial cross-section of the dispenser of FIG. 5;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 7 is a partial cross-section of the dispenser of FIG. 5 in a dual dispensing position;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 8 is a partial cross-section of the dispenser of FIG. 5 in an air freshener only dispensing position;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 9 is a partial cross-section of an alternative manual pump dispenser arrangement including support posts having retention heads for retaining carrier pads carrying air freshener;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 10 is an additional embodiment of a dual dispenser, wherein hand lotion and soap are separately dispensable;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIGS. 11 and 12 are front and side views, respectively, of an alternative dispenser similar to the dispenser of FIG. 10;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIGS. 13 and 14 are front and side views, respectively, of another embodiment of a dispenser, which is similar to the dispenser of FIGS. 11 and 12;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 15 is a dual dispenser in which hand lotion and soap are separately dispensable, with the air freshener being passively dispensed.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0047]    With reference to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a combination hand lotion and air freshener dispenser  10  employing passive diffusion is detailed in an exploded view. The combination dispenser  10  comprises a base unit  53 , with a pump handle  11  which defines a spout  1  a for dispensing of hand lotion as well as a surface  11   b  for depression regulating pump action for dispensing of hand lotion. The pump handle  11  is connected to the inner spout tube  12 , which extends from the pump handle  11  to the hand lotion enclosure  50 . The inner spout tube reaches through the hand lotion enclosure opening  51  and then extends into the supply of hand lotion  52  inside the hand lotion enclosure  50 .  
         [0048]    The hand lotion enclosure  50  is defined by at least one distinct wall that creates a separate compartment in which hand lotion  52  may sit. Such a compartment may have any cup or bottle shape convenient to hold the hand lotion within the many possible shapes of the present invention. Such a compartment may be enclosed within or form the base unit  53  of the dispenser.  
         [0049]    The inner spout tube  12 , below the pump handle  11 , may also be attached to an optional spout seal  13  and optional outer spout tube  14 . When included, the spout seal at least partially surrounds the inner spout tube  12 , and seals the top of the outer spout tube  14 . The outer spout tube  14  surrounds the inner spout tube  12  from the spout seal  13  to some point before or at the end of the inner spout tube  12  in the hand lotion enclosure  50 . As well known in the art, the pump mechanism of  11 ,  12 ,  13  and  14  creates a pressurized pump region on pressing of the pump handle  11   b  by depressing both the inner spout tube  12  which extends all the way to the pump handle  11  and the outer spout tube  14  which is sealed at the spout seal  13 . In this manner hand lotion is dispensed at the pump handle spout  11   a . More generally, any suitable pump mechanism for liquid may be provided.  
         [0050]    Between the pump handle  11  and the hand lotion enclosure  50  and base  53  are an upper vent unit  20  and optional lower vent unit  30 . Preferably, the upper vent unit consists of at least one surface at least partially surrounding the inner spout tube  12  and optional outer spout tube  14 , where the optional spout seal  13  attaches to the upper vent unit  20  via a standard screw top, rubberized seal, or similar method known in the art. One or more ventilation holes  21  may be placed in the upper vent unit  20 . Similarly, the lower vent unit  30  may contain one or a number of ventilation holes  31 , where the optional lower vent unit  30  consists of at least one surface at least partially surrounding the inner and optional outer spout tubes  12  and  14 .  
         [0051]    The upper ventilation unit  20  is preferably capable of rotation with respect to the lower ventilation unit  30 , as indicated by the arrow  22  in FIG. 1. The upper ventilation unit  22  is moveable between a fully closed position, where there is substantially no overlap between the vents  21  of the upper ventilation unit  20  and the vents  31  of the lower ventilation unit  30 , and a fully open position, wherein there is substantially complete overlap of the vents  21  and  31 . Additionally, the upper ventilation unit  20  may be positioned at substantially any desired position between the fully open and fully closed position. In this manner, the rate of passive evaporation of air freshener from the air freshener enclosure  40  may be adjusted. Alternatively, the upper vent unit  20  and lower vent unit  30  may be separable to create a ventilation opening between them.  
         [0052]    The air freshener enclosure  40  at least partially surrounds the inner  12  and optional outer  14  spout tubes, and may lie between the optional lower vent unit  30  and hand lotion enclosure  50  or base  53  such that the upper  20  or optional lower vent unit  30  or base  53  may serve to completely enshroud the air freshener enclosure  40 . The air freshener enclosure  40  may be removable  41 , for example, by lifting the optional lower  30  and upper  20  vent units in order to expose the air freshener enclosure. In one of many variations of this embodiment, the air freshener enclosure  40  may lie between the upper vent unit  20  and optional lower vent unit  30 , or between the upper vent unit  20  and hand lotion enclosure  50  or base  53 .  
         [0053]    The air freshener enclosure  40  may consist of fragrance suspended in a carrier, may expose a polyester matrix on one or more surfaces to allow evaporation of fragrance, and or may itself have one or a number of openings for release of fragrance. The air freshener enclosure  40  is preferably small enough to fit within the vent units  20  or  30 , and base unit  53 , and conform to one of the many shapes possible for the present invention.  
         [0054]    A second embodiment of a dispenser  10  is illustrated in FIG. 2. A standard pump apparatus consisting of a pump handle  11  with pump spout  11   a  and a surface  11   b  for compression to initiate pump action is connected to an inner spout tube  12 . The optional spout seal  13  similarly at least partially surrounds the inner spout tube  12  and seals the end of the optional outer spout tube  14 .  
         [0055]    The upper vent unit  20  and optional lower vent unit  30  may be similar to the first embodiment, except the vent unit or units  20  and  30  serve to enclose the air freshener enclosure  40 , an optional circular plate defining a surface  60 , and a resilient sponge  70 . The three components  40 ,  60  and  70  may be placed in any order between the upper and lower vent units  20  and  30 , but the placement of the air freshener enclosure  40  above the plate surface  60 , with the plate surface  60  itself above the sponge  70 , is preferred. Alternatively, the optional plate surface  60  may be omitted, and substituted with an air freshener enclosure  40  equipped with an appropriate surface to compress the resilient sponge  70 . Thus, when such an arrangement is used, the air freshener enclosure  40  effectively functions as both an air freshening device and as the plate surface  60 .  
         [0056]    The air freshener enclosure  40  contains fragrance usually suspended in a carrier, and may be optionally removable. The air freshener enclosure  40  at least partially surrounds the inner  12  and optional outer  14  spout tubes and, in at least one preferred embodiment, does not move when the pump handle  11  is depressed  11   b . It is small enough to fit within the vent unit or units  20  and or  30 , and the base unit  53 , and otherwise conforms to one of the many shapes possible for the current invention. The plate surface  60  is attached to the optional outer  14  and or inner  12  spout tubes such that when the pump handle  11  is depressed, the plate surface  60  is depressed  60   b . The plate surface  60  at least partially surrounds the optional outer  14  and inner  12  spout tubes and when depressed  60   b  compresses the sponge  70   b.    
         [0057]    The resilient sponge  70  at least partially surrounds the optional outer  14  and inner  12  spout tube, and is sufficiently porous to allow air to leave the sponge when compressed and fill the sponge when decompressed. When the pump handle  11  is depressed  11   b , the plate surface  60  compresses the sponge, releasing the air and air freshener stored within it through or between the ventilation unit or units  20  and  30  and/or the base unit  53 , and out into the external environment  5 .  
         [0058]    When the pump handle  11  is released, the plate  60  lifts, the sponge  70  decompresses, and fragrance from the air freshener enclosure  40  is drawn into the sponge  70  from the resulting pump action. This embodiment may also combine the sponge  70  and air freshener enclosure  40  in the base unit  53 , or release fragrance by drawing apart the upper and lower ventilation units  20  and  30  upon pump action  11   b . Alternatively, fragrance may be released by drawing apart the upper ventilation unit  20  from the base unit  53  with or without the use of ventilation holes  21 . Upon pump action  11   b , hand lotion  52  is dispensed through the inner spout tube  12  and out the pump handle spout  11   a.    
         [0059]    Optionally, the hand lotion pump handle  11  may be rotated to turn off dispensing hand lotion  11   a  by use of an optional valve  15  (illustrated schematically in FIG. 2) at the joint of the pump handle  11  and the inner spout tube  12 , as is known in the art. Thus, the pump action of the handle  11   b  can be used to indirectly power air freshener dispersion without dispensing hand lotion. Optionally and similarly, the hand lotion pump handle  11  may be rotated to prevent transfer of mechanical energy from pump action  11   b  to the mechanical energy transfer device to prevent active dispersion of air freshener while dispensing hand lotion.  
         [0060]    In FIGS. 3 and 4, another embodiment of a preferred dispenser  10  is shown. In this embodiment, the lower vent unit  30  may also contain a mechanical fan assembly  55 , which comprises: a spring  32 , a fan  33 , and a helical gear  34  (FIG. 5). The helical gear  34  may be attached to, or defined by the inner spout tube  12  and mates with helical threading of the fan  33  to translate linear motion of the inner spout tube  12  into rotational motion of the fan  33 . As the fan  33  turns  33   a , an air freshener enclosure  40  evaporates more aggressively due to the action of the fan  33  and disperses through or between the optional lower  30  and/or upper  20  vent units, or between the upper vent unit  20  and base unit  53 , into the surrounding environment  5 .  
         [0061]    Upon compression of the pump handle  11 , in addition to turning the fan  33 , the inner spout tube  12  and optional outer spout tube  14  are moved in a manner where the optional outer spout tube  14 , or alternatively the inner spout tube  12 , compresses the spring  32 . Upon release of the pump handle  11 , the spring  32  assists in restoring the dispenser  10  to its original position and prepares it for further use. By adjusting the helical gear  34 , manually adjusting  22  the upper vent, or placing a stronger or weaker air freshener enclosure  40  in the invention, the rate of evaporation and strength of fragrance dispersed into the external environment  5  can be optionally adjusted.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 5 illustrates an additional embodiment of a preferred dispenser in which air freshener is actively dispensed upon user-initiated dispensing of hand lotion. In addition, the dispenser of FIG. 5 is capable of actively dispensing air freshener independently of dispensing hand lotion. This arrangement advantageously permits both simultaneous dispensing of air freshener and hand lotion for convenience, while allowing the same dispenser to be used for active dispensing of air freshener alone, at such times when odor control is desired while the use of hand lotion is not necessary or desired.  
         [0063]    In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the upper vent, or hood,  20  partially covers the base unit  53  so as to create a cavity, or enclosure,  37  between them for placement of an air freshener assembly  60 . Desirably, the base unit  53  includes a recessed upper portion  61  generally corresponding with the coverage of the hood  20 . This allows the outer surface of the hood  20  to be substantially flush with the outer surface of the base unit  53  and provides for an aesthetically pleasing outward appearance.  
         [0064]    Preferably, the hood  20  is engaged with the air freshener assembly  60  to substantially seal the cavity  37 , while still allowing relative motion between the hood  20  and air freshener assembly  60 . A spring  62  biases the hood  20  into an uppermost, or non-dispensing position. The illustrated spring  62  is a helical coil spring, however, other suitable types of springs may also be used. Preferably, the spring rate of the spring  62  is selected such that the hood  20  is quickly returned to the uppermost position when the pump handle  11  is released, yet allows the hood  20  to be moved into the dispensing position without requiring excessive downward pressure.  
         [0065]    The air freshener assembly  60  is supported on the upper surface of the base unit  53 . The hand lotion enclosure opening  51  extends upward through a central opening  64  in the air freshener assembly  60 . Preferably, the hand lotion enclosure opening  51  is defined by a substantially cylindrical neck  54  and communicates with the interior space of the base unit  53 . The neck  54  preferably includes external threads  56  that mate with internal threads  75  of a threaded cap  76  of the pump  11 .  
         [0066]    Preferably, the air freshener assembly  60  includes a plurality of tabs  64  extending downward over an upper portion of the base unit  53 . The inner surfaces of each tab  64  defines an abutment surface which contacts the base unit  53  and inhibits the air freshener assembly  60  from rotating relative to the base unit  53 . Preferably, four tabs  64  are provided with two on each side spaced from the central axis of the dispenser. Advantageously, this feature allows a threaded pump assembly to be assembled to the base unit  53  without causing rotation of the air freshener assembly  60 .  
         [0067]    With reference to FIG. 6, the dispenser of FIG. 5 is shown in partial cross-section. The air freshener assembly  60  comprises a tray  66  which supports two carrier pads  68 . The carrier pads  68  are preferably made of a polyester matrix and carry the supply of air freshener. However, other suitable, preferably porous, carrier materials may be used. A pair of projections, or support posts,  70  extend upward from the upper surface of the tray  66 . The support posts  70  pass through an aperture  72  in the carrier pads  68  to position the pads  68  with respect to the tray  66  and prevent the pads  68  from moving during shipment or use of the dispenser  10 . However, the support posts  70  permit the carrier pads  68  to be deliberately removed so that the pads  68  may be replaced. Preferably, the support posts  70  have a generally “X” shaped cross-section (FIG. 5) for ease of manufacturing, however, other suitable configurations may also be utilized.  
         [0068]    A central flange portion  74  of the tray  66  is held between the upper surface of the base assembly  53  and a threaded cap  76  of the pump  11  thereby securing the tray  66  to the base assembly  53 . The tray  66  defines a lip  78  about its periphery. The lip  78  is slideably engaged with the inner surface of the upper vent unit  20  to substantially seal the cavity  37 , as described above. Preferably, the lip  78  is curved to allow easier movement of the hood, or upper vent,  20 .  
         [0069]    With reference to FIG. 7, the dispenser of FIG. 5 is illustrated in a dual dispensing mode. When the pump handle  11  is pressed downward to dispense hand lotion, the upper vent  20  is simultaneously moved downward. As a result, the volume of the cavity  37  is decreased, thereby expelling a portion of air within cavity  37 , which contains fragrance, through the vents  21 . Preferably, the downward travel of the upper vent unit  20  is approximately ¾ inches, however, other suitable travel distances may also be used. Thus, in the dual dispensing mode of FIG. 7, fragrance is actively dispensed simultaneously with the dispensing of hand lotion. Additionally, the fragrance is dispensed by the same downward pressure that dispenses the hand lotion.  
         [0070]    Additionally, when the pump handle  11  and vent unit  20  are moved downward, the spring  62  is compressed. Upon release of the pump handle  11 , the stored energy within the spring  62  is released thereby moving the vent unit  20  relative to the base unit  53  so as to increase the volume of the cavity  37 . A fresh supply of air is drawn into the cavity  37  through the vents  21 . The fresh air drawn into the cavity  37  increases the rate of evaporation of the air freshener supply within the carrier pads  68 , thus increasing the fragrance within the cavity  37  and preparing the dispenser  10  for further use.  
         [0071]    With reference to FIG. 8, the dispenser of FIG. 5 is illustrated in an air freshener dispensing mode. In this mode, a downward pressure is applied to the upper vent unit  20  thereby moving the vent unit  20  in a downward direction while the pump handle  11  remains in an uppermost, or non-dispensing position. Air freshener is dispensed from the cavity  37  in a manner substantially as described above, without dispensing hand lotion.  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 9 is a dispenser substantially identical to the dispenser of FIG. 5, except that the support posts  70  originate from the base unit  53 , rather than being connected to the tray  66 . The support posts  70  pass through corresponding apertures  80  in the tray  66 . In addition, a retention head  82  is provided on the upper end of each support post  70 . Each retention head  82  defines a retention surface  84  for retaining the carrier pad  68  onto the support post  70 .  
         [0073]    The retention heads  82  are preferably sized slightly larger than the apertures  72  of the carrier pads  68  such that the carrier pads  68  can be assembled onto the support posts  70  over the retention heads  82 , while the retention surfaces  84  provide resistance against the carrier pads  68  being removed from the support posts  70 . Advantageously, with such an arrangement, accidental removal of the carrier pads  68  by young children is inhibited.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 10 is an additional embodiment of an active air freshener dispenser  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, a vent unit  20  is constructed to slidingly receive the base unit  53  of the dispenser  10 . Preferably, an air freshener enclosure  40 , as described above, is placed within a cavity  37  defined between the vent unit  20  and the base unit  53 . A spring  32  is operably positioned between the vent unit  20  and the base unit  53  to bias the base unit  53  into an upward position. The pump handle  11  may be depressed to dispense hand lotion in a known manner. The base unit  53  may be pressed downward to actively dispense air freshener in a manner substantially as described above. The spring  32  advantageously assist the base unit  53  in moving to an upward position, thus preparing the dispenser  10  for further use.  
         [0075]    Advantageously, the vent unit  20  may be configured to receive a standard, commercially available hand lotion dispenser. Thus, the standard dispenser would serve as the base unit  53 . Such an arrangement would allow convenient replacement of the base unit  53  with a variety of products that are commercially available in a standard pump dispenser, such as hand soap or hand sanitizer, for example.  
         [0076]    The vent unit  20  may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate front and side views, respectively, of a vent unit  20  having a substantially trapezoidal shape in both the front and side views. In addition, the upper end of the vent unit  20  comprises a curvilinear shape for aesthetic appeal.  
         [0077]    [0077]FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate front and side views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a vent unit  20  for receiving a standard pump dispenser. The vent unit  20  of FIGS. 13 and 14 comprise a generally rounded shape in both the front and side views. In addition, the vent unit  20  includes a generally triangular central cutout in both the front and side of its upper end. Preferably, the triangular cutout is also provided in the back and hidden side.  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 15 illustrates a passive embodiment of a vent unit  20  for receiving a standard pump dispenser. The standard dispenser is received in the vent unit  20  in a fixed manner. That is, the cavity  37  defined therebetween is not variable in volume. However, an adjuster ring  86  is positioned over the vents  21  provided in the vent unit  20  to allow adjustment of the rate of air freshener dispensing. The adjuster ring  86  is rotatably engaged on the vent unit  20  and provided with a plurality of vents  88 , which preferably correspond in size, shape and placement with the vents  21 . The adjuster ring  86  can be moved from a fully closed position, in which the vents  21  are fully closed, to a fully open position, wherein the vents  21  and vents  88  are substantially aligned.  
         [0079]    Preferred embodiments may take any shape practical for dispensing of hand lotion, soap or other personal care products. Thus, it is foreseen that the present invention could take the shape of any generally available consumer pump unit, a wall or table mounted unit, a portable unit for purse or automobile, or permanent unit with replaceable enclosures for air freshener and hand lotion. Such permanent units can be, for example, ceramic, glass, stone or plastic home design units with varying themes, pictures, or sculpted in any shape, or an ordinary commercial unit.  
         [0080]    A preferred embodiment uses air freshener and hand lotion. Any commercially available hand lotion may be used. One preferred air freshener enclosure may contain a fragrance manufactured by Premier Specialties, Inc. of Middlesex, N.J. and may be fragrance #PSI-01842. If necessary, fragrance can be mixed with a volatile carrier such as an odorless hydrocarbon solvent (e.g., ISOPAR G manufactured by the Exxon Corp). As discussed above, however, in the United States limits are placed on Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content in consumer products, including air fresheners. Therefore, an air freshener used in the United States must be designed and formulated to obey VOC limits.  
         [0081]    Although this invention has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this invention. For example, the dispensing of other liquids, the electrification of the current invention, application to a vertical wall or horizontal countertop mountable unit, and use of other dispensing methods besides a pump are considered part of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the claims that follow.