Patent Publication Number: US-2009218413-A1

Title: Dispensing Devices

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is based on and claims the benefit of the filing date of Australian patent application no. 2005905887 filed 24 Oct. 2005, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to dispensing devices for dispensing chemical materials into the atmosphere by evaporation or movement of air with respect to the chemical materials, particularly over the surface of the chemical compositions. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various different types of air freshening devices for dispensing a variety of different air freshening compositions or similar compositions are available. One type of air care dispenser relies upon evaporation to dispense the contained air care composition, including the active component or components of the composition. Some of the currently available evaporation type air care containers have a compartment that is open to the atmosphere; the composition in the container is exposed to the atmosphere so that movement of air over the surface of the composition dispenses the composition from the container at a set or constant rate according to the rate of movement of the air. Such devices are not adjustable, so the rate at which the composition is dispensed is determined solely by the rate of air movement with respect to the device. 
     Other air care containers are available with some type of adjustment for selectively adjusting the rate of evaporation of the formulation contained within the device so that the rate at which the active components are dispensed can be varied. However, this is the only adjustability provided by such air care devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a dispenser for dispensing at least first and second compositions stored in the dispenser, the dispenser comprising an adjustable discharging mechanism for discharging the first composition at a first rate and the second composition at a second rate. 
     The dispenser may include a first compartment for containing the first composition and a second compartment for containing the second composition. As will be appreciated, however, the dispenser will typically—but not necessarily—have as many compartments as it has compositions, whether two compositions or more. For example, four compositions might be provided in four compartments but, in other embodiments, two compositions might be provided in four compartments. Alternatively, two or more compositions could share a single compartment, so the number of compositions could in fact exceed the number of compartments. 
     In one embodiment, the discharging mechanism is adapted to permit the first rate and the second rate to be adjusted relative to each other. 
     Thus, the dispenser is controllable to discharge selected amounts of each of the first and second (or more) compositions such that the amount of material being dispensed has a selected composition or is dispensed in selected quantities, concentrations or rates of the compositions. 
     In one particular embodiment, the discharging mechanism includes a first adjustable discharge mechanism for discharging the first composition at a first rate and a second adjustable discharge mechanism for discharging the second composition at a second rate, wherein the first rate and the second rate are at least partially independently adjustable. 
     In one embodiment, the first composition is a first form of a composition and the second composition is a second form of the composition. The first composition (of this and other aspects of the invention) may be either the same as or different from the second composition. 
     The first rate may be either the same as or different from the second rate. It should also be noted that the independent adjustability of the first and second rates may allow either or both of the first and second rates to be reduced to zero. 
     In another embodiment, the discharging mechanism is adapted to expose the first composition and the second composition to different extents as the discharging mechanism is adjusted. For example, the discharging mechanism may comprise a rotatable shutter that in a first position fully covers the first composition, in a second position fully covers the second composition and in a third position covers the first composition partially and the second composition to a greater or lesser extent than the discharging mechanism covers the first composition. Alternatively, the discharging mechanism may comprise a closure for covering a vent from which the first and second compositions are discharged, wherein the closure has a plurality of positions that permit discharging of the first and second compositions at different rates; in one embodiment this is effected by providing a vent that permits more venting by the first composition than by the second composition. 
     Typically the first composition can be of any suitable form or type. More typically the compositions include air care products or compositions, such as for example, air care or air treatment compositions including odour neutralises, fragrances (such as lavender), perfumes, masking agents or the like. Typically the composition in the first compartment can be the same or different to the composition in the second compartment. More typically, the first and second compositions can be different concentrations of the same composition or of different compositions. More typically, the composition contains at least one substance that reacts with the olfactory senses, such as smell. 
     Typically the dispenser contains two or more compartments, typically, two, three, four or more separate compartments. More typically, at least two of the compartments share a common dividing wall. Typically, the compartments are fixed with respect to each other. Even more typically, the two compartments are movable relative to one another, typically about a common axis interconnecting the two parts of the dispenser. 
     Typically the discharging mechanism comprises one or more openings, spaces, gaps, discontinuities or the like allowing movement of air therethrough. Even more typically, the opening is a vent, aperture, port, window, louvre, bore or similar through which the composition is discharged. More typically, there are a multitude of openings or vents, typically arranged in groups of openings or vents, including spaced apart individual openings arranged with respect to each other. More typically, the opening or vent allows movement of air over the surface of the composition. More typically, the opening or vent is adjustable. More typically, the opening or vent is adjustable by being selectively movable between selected ones of multi positions or the vent is associated with a closure that is movable between selected ones of a multitude of positions. Typically, the openings can be selectively adjustable by having a moving adjustor. More typically, the adjustor is a depressible, slidable, rotatable, pivotable, twistable adjustor or the like. Typically the positions range from a fully closed position to a fully opened position. More typically there are multiple positions intermediate the extreme positions, typically from 2 to 10 or more adjustable positions, between fully closed and fully opened for controlling discharge of materials. Typically the discharging mechanism can adopt one of four or five or more separate positions; one being fully closed, one being fully opened, and two or three being intermediate positions that are partially opened positions. More typically, selected ones of the individual groups of vents are adjustably openable or the like. 
     Typically, the composition can be in the form of a viscous liquid, a gel, a solid or a combination of two or more. More typically, the compositions are homogeneous or a mixture. More typically the compositions are layered, laminated, or of a complex structure such as a multi-layered glove, sphere or other three dimensional solid shape or of a simple shape or structure or the like. 
     Typically the composition in the first compartment evaporates at a first rate which is determined by the position of the first discharge mechanism, that is, the extent of the opening allowing air to circulate or flow through the first compartment. Typically the second composition in the second compartment is discharged at a second rate determined by the position of the second discharge mechanism, being the opening of the second compartment. Typically, there are a multitude of openings and a multitude of flow paths for the air to travel through and around the dispenser. 
     However, the first and second rates may be relatively adjusted by adjusting the discharging mechanism to expose the first composition to a greater extent than the second composition. 
     The compartments may be of the same size or of a different size. More typically, the concentrations of compositions in the different compartments are in accordance with the size of the compartments either directly or indirectly. The compositions may be in the form of refills, inserts, replaceable cartridges, cassettes, packages or the like in which the individual containers can be replenished easily with a custom made replacement that fits easily in the container when it is time to renew the air freshener so that the container can be reused without having to purchase new containers. 
     Typically, the composition includes oils such as artificial fragrances, essential oils, aromatherapy oils or the like. Typically the composition is in the form of a liquid or a gel, typically a slow release gel, more typically a gel which is dispensed by the movement of air over the surface of the gel composition, more typically a variable release gel or the like. More typically, the gel is a volatile gel or is a slow release gel, a controlled release gel or the like or a similar form of a composition. 
     Typically any material that has a volatility can be included in the compositions, preferably a material having volatility at room temperature, preferably having an effective volatility at room temperature sufficient to discharge olfactory effective or responsive amounts of chemicals to atmosphere. 
     In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a removable seal for preserving the first and second compositions prior to use. The seal may be partially removable so control the discharge of one or both of the compositions. 
     The dispenser may include a first removable seal for the first composition and a second removable seal for the second composition, wherein the first removable seal can be partially or fully removed to partially or fully expose the first composition and the second removable seal can be partially or fully removed to partially or fully expose the second composition. The first removable seal may comprises a plurality of seal segments that can be individually removed to expose the first composition by respective different amounts. 
     According to a second broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of dispensing first and second compositions from a dispenser, comprising selectively adjusting a discharging mechanism to dispense the first composition at a first rate and the second composition at a second rate. 
     The dispenser used according to this method may have any of the characteristics of the above-described dispenser in the first aspect. 
     The discharging mechanism may comprise a first discharge mechanism for controlling discharge of the first composition at the first rate and a second discharge mechanism for controlling discharge of the second composition at the second rate, the method comprising independently adjusting the first discharge mechanism and the second discharge mechanism. 
     The first and second rates may be relatively adjusted to select a desired effect (of concentration, etc). 
     In one embodiment, the method includes discharging the first composition from a first compartment of the dispenser, and discharging the second composition from a second compartment of the dispenser. 
     The method may include independently controlling the first rate from a minimum (and possibly zero) rate to a maximum rate and the second rate from a minimum (and possibly zero) rate to a maximum rate. More typically, the minimum rate corresponds to the compartment being substantially fully closed and the maximum rate corresponds to the compartment being fully opened. More typically, the dispenser can adopt a transport configuration in which the dispenser is fully closed, and can adopt one of many in use configurations in which the dispenser is in one of the open conditions ranging from a partially opened configuration to a fully opened configuration. Typically, there is a multitude of partially opened configurations. 
     The method may include dispensing the compositions singly, in combination, simultaneously or sequentially. 
     The method may include combining, blending or mixing the first composition and the second composition as desired so that a selected blend of the first and the second compositions are dispensed from the dispenser, such as according to personal preferences or as desired so that a selected blend of the first and second compositions is dispensed from the dispenser. Typically, the selected blend of composition is selected for serving one or more of a number of different purposes. More typically, more of one composition, such as a fragrance, can be dispensed from one compartment or more of the other composition, such as a odour neutraliser, can be dispensed from the other compartment. More typically, any combination from 0% to 100% of one composition and from 100% to 0% of another composition can be dispensed from the dispenser either simultaneously, separately or sequentially. 
     Typically the dispenser could be heated to increase the discharge rate of the compositions. More typically, each compartment is provided with its own heater. Even more typically, the rate of discharge of any one composition is controlled by the opening of the vent and the amount of heating. More typically, each heater is independently controllable to control the rate of discharge of the individual compositions. Typically, the heat can be derived from solar panels or the like. More typically, the discharging mechanism can be controlled electronically, typically, computer controlled, such as for example by being networked to other appliances or the like, including air conditioners, or other devices. 
     The method may include dispensing one, each or both compositions at a rate of up to 100 g or 100 mL per day, preferably from about 0.01 g per day up to about 50 g or mL per day, preferably from about 0.1 up to about 10 g or mL per day, more preferably from 0.2 to 5 g or mL per day and even more preferably about 3 to about 4 g or mL per day, depending upon the form of the composition, such as for example whether it is liquid, solid, a gel, or the like with gels producing greater discharging rates than liquids or solids. 
     According to a third broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a refill for a dispenser for dispensing at least first and second compositions, comprising:
         a container;   a first composition and a second composition; and   a removable seal for preserving said first and second compositions prior to use;   wherein said removable seal is partially removable, fully removable, or both partially and fully removable.       

     The container may have a first compartment for the first composition and a second compartment for the second composition. 
     The container may be adapted to fit a holder having an adjustable discharging mechanism for discharging the first composition at a first rate and the second composition at a second rate. The discharging mechanism may permit the first rate and the second rate to be adjusted relative to each other. 
     In one particular embodiment, the adjustable discharging mechanism includes a first adjustable discharge mechanism for discharging the first composition at a first rate and a second adjustable discharge mechanism for discharging the second composition at a second rate, wherein the first rate and the second rate are at least partially independently adjustable. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       In order that the present invention may be more clearly ascertained, the invention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an air care dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a fully closed configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the lid of one compartment of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the base of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 1  showing the relationship of the two lids to each other and to the base of the air care dispenser; 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 1  showing one lid in place and one lid removed shown in phantom and also showing the direction of air flow or air movement by the use of arrows; 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of an air care dispenser according to another embodiment of the present invention, in a fully closed configuration; 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 6  in one of its in-use configuration; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view showing the assembly of the two movable compartments of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 6  to each other; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 6  when in the fully closed configuration; 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevation view of a dispenser according to still another embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration; 
         FIG. 11  is a longitudinal cross-section taken along the line II to II of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the dispenser of  FIG. 10  showing the individual components forming the dispenser; 
         FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of an air care dispenser according to a further embodiment of the present invention, in a fully closed configuration; 
         FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 13 , with the cap of the dispenser removed from the base of the dispenser; 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded view of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a top perspective view of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 13 , in an opened configuration; 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 13 , in an opened configuration; 
         FIG. 18  is a detail of a cross-sectional view of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 13 , in an opened configuration; 
         FIG. 19  is another detail of a cross-sectional view of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 13 , in an opened configuration; 
         FIG. 20  is a partial bottom perspective view of the upper rim of the cap of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a front perspective view of an air care dispenser according to a further embodiment of the present invention, in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 22  is a rear perspective view of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24  is an exploded rear perspective view of the front cover of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a front perspective view of the air care composition container of the air care dispenser of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 27A  is a top perspective view of a refill according to a further embodiment of the present invention, suitable for use with the dispenser of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 27B  is a top perspective view of the refill of  FIG. 27A , shown in a partially open configuration; 
         FIG. 28  is a top perspective view of a refill according to another embodiment of the present invention, suitable for use with the dispenser of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a top perspective view of a dispenser or refill according to a still further embodiment of the present invention, suitable for use with use with the dispenser of  FIG. 13 ; and 
         FIG. 30  is a top perspective view of a dispenser or refill according to another embodiment of the present invention, suitable for use with the dispenser of  FIG. 13 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1 to 5  are views of an air care dispenser  2  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The dispenser  2  has a base  4  and a discharging mechanism in the form of two rotatably mounted, tiltable lids  22 ; dispenser  2 —apart from its air care composition contents—is of a plastics material (in common with the other embodiments described below). Base  4  takes the form of a generally round open top bowl having a circular cross section with arcuate side wall  6  curving to form a bottom surface having a flattened portion  8  upon which the dispenser  2  can rest or be supported upon a suitable solid substrate such as a shelf, bench or other substantially horizontal surface. The base  4  is divided into two separate compartments  12 ,  14  by substantially sinusoidal central wall  10  extending from one side of the base  4  to a diametrically opposite side in a curved or convolute manner. Although wall  10  is shown as being curved it is to be noted that in other embodiments of the container the wall can adopt different configurations such as for example a straight wall extending from one side of the base to the other along a diameter. 
     First compartment  12  is defined by a first portion of arcuate side wall  6  and central wall  10 . Second compartment  14  is defined by a second portion of arcuate side wall  6  and central wall  10 . A first composition (not shown) can be received and stored in first compartment  12  formed on one side of wall  10  and a second composition (not shown) can be received and stored in second compartment  14  formed on the other side of wall  10 . In one form, both the first and second compositions are gels. However, the compositions can take or be provided in any suitable form including refills, inserts, replaceable packs or the like. 
     It is to be noted that both the first and second compartments  12 ,  14  are—in this embodiment—essentially identical so, for ease of description and clarity of understanding, as far as it is possible only first compartment  12  will be fully described. However, it is to be noted that the two compartments  12 ,  14  may—in other embodiments—be of different sizes or asymmetrical, or otherwise differ. 
     Thus, first compartment  12  is provided with a generally upstanding post  16  located at or towards one end of central wall  10 . A circular aperture  18  is provided at and towards the top of post  16  for receiving spigot  20  of one of lids  22  (forming the top of the dispenser  2  and described in more detail below). Lid  22  is provided with depression  23  for assisting movement of the lid. Rib  24  is provided adjacent to central wall  10  towards the other end of wall  10  from post  16 . Rib  24  can adopt any suitable form. In one form rib  24  is substantially L-shaped in transverse cross section and is provided with a multitude of vertically spaced apart notches  26  located co-linearly with respect to each other or towards the upstanding end of rib  24 . In one embodiment there are four notches as shown in the drawings. However, in other embodiments there may be a different number of notches including fewer notches or more notches depending upon the degree of control and/or adjustability required for dispensing the composition in the compartment. The notches act as detents for complementary features of the lid to allow the lid to be selectively opened with respect to base  4  as will be described in more detail later. 
     As mentioned above, lids  22  constitute a discharging mechanism for controlling the discharge or dispensing of the first and second compositions; each lid  22  constitutes an independently adjustable discharge mechanism. Each lid  22  is of a generally curved shape having an outer surface  25  corresponding to the radius of curvature of the side wall  6  of base  4  and extending around half of the circumference of wall  6 . Each lid  22  is provided with spigot  20  that is journalled in aperture  18  of post  16  to allow the respective lid  22  to rotate about a centre line or diameter joining one side of base  4  to a diametrically opposite side of base  4  as illustrated between selectively opened positions ranging between the fully closed and fully opened positions. 
     The inner side wall of each lid  22  is provided with arm  28  having an enlarged head  30  located at the distal end of arm  28 . Enlarged head  30  is provided with a generally tapered projection  32  for co-operatively being received in a selected one of the notches  26 . In use, when tapered projection  32  is received in the lowermost notch of rib  24 , lid  22  is in a fully closed position whereas when tapered projection  32  is received in the uppermost notch, the lid  22  is in the fully opened position. 
     An aperture  34  is provided on the side of each lid  22  opposite spigot  20 , so that the spigot  20  of one lid  22  is received through aperture  34  of the other lid  22  and through aperture  18  of post  16  to secure the lids  22  to base  4 , as posts  16  are located diametrically opposite each other with respect to base  4 . 
     In operation of dispenser  2 , a first composition having a first evaporation rate and having a first selected fragrance or similar is introduced into first compartment  12 . A second composition having a second fragrance is introduced into second compartment  14  so that there are two different compositions in the dispenser, one in each compartment. The two lids  22  are assembled into place on base  4  to form dispenser  2 . When the lids  22  are in the fully closed condition as shown in  FIG. 1  the dispenser  2  is in a transport condition, which prevents movement of air from within the dispenser to outside the dispenser so as to prevent evaporation of the two compositions and thus prevents dispensing of the compositions from the air care device. In use, the dispenser  2  is located in the desired location resting upon flat bottom  8 . The first lid  22  is adjusted by selectively moving the flip lid  22  to move arm  30  so that the tapered projection  32  moves into position within the desired notch  26  to allow the lid  22  to adopt a selectively opened position to dispense the composition at the desired rate. It is to be noted that by pushing down on depression  23  of lid  22  on one side of the centre line between posts  16  raises the opposite side of lid  22  on the other side of the centre line so as to partially open the dispenser. In this position the composition is able to be dispensed from the respective compartment, as the opening allows movement of air through this side of the dispenser  2 . As there are two lids, each lid  22  can be opened by pushing down on its respective depression  23  to a different extent so that the other side of the respective lid is opened by a different amount to dispense the contents of the two compartments at different rates from each other. For example, if an odour is to be overcome, first compartment  12  can contain an odour neutraliser and second compartment  14  can contain a fragrance; the odour neutraliser containing compartment  12  could be fully opened and the fragrance containing compartment  14  fully or partially closed. However if it is desired not to release any odour neutraliser, compartment  12  could be fully closed and the fragrance containing compartment  14  partially or fully opened to the desired amount. In other embodiments there can be different types of compositions opened to respective amounts by selectively opening lids  22  to allow greater or lesser amounts of air flow through each compartment  12 ,  14 . Any combination of levels of opening can be selected to adjust the rate of dispensing required to dispense the selected amount of each composition. It is to be noted that the tapered projection  32  of the lid  22  of one compartment on one side of device  2  is located in the selected notch  26  provided within the compartment on the other side of device  2 , and vice versa, so that both lids  22  interact with the other compartment over which it is located to adopted the selected position. 
     Thus, air care dispenser  2  of this embodiment of the present invention allows two different compositions to be dispensed at two different rates by independently selectively adjusting the position of the lids  22  by depressing the lids to different extents with respect to the base  4  by having the respective tapered projections  32  of the respective lids received in the respective notches  26  of the respective other compartment. 
     An air care dispenser  102  according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 6 to 9 . Dispenser  102  is substantially cylindrical, being formed from two semi-cylindrical compartments  104  and  106  interconnected to each other along an axis transverse to a central axis extending between them and forming a diameter wall of the centre line of the cylinder formed from the two semi-cylindrical compartments  104 ,  106 . 
     Each half of this dispenser  102 , that is, compartment  104  or  106 , is a semi-circular hollow body  108  having a generally arcuate side wall  110  and an (otherwise) open central aperture  112  extending along the diameter wall subdividing the two compartments  104 ,  106 . Each central aperture  112  is provided with a respective grille  114   a ,  114   b , located in the respective central aperture  112 . Hence, each compartment  104 ,  106  has its own respective grille  114   a ,  114   b . A suitable fitting, such as a snap lock fitting in the form of a pair of outwardly extending ribs  115 , is provided to enable respective grille  114   a ,  114   b  to be lockingly received in its corresponding central aperture  112 . The distal ends of ribs  115  co-operatively engage with the sides of respective grille  114   a ,  114   b  to snap lock respective grille  114   a ,  114   b  securely in place in central aperture  112 . Grille  114   a  is provided with a central boss  116  which is snap lockingly received in aperture  118  of complementary grille  114   b  when the two halves  104 ,  106  are assembled together. Locking flange  117  keeps boss  116  located in aperture  118  and allows relative twisting movement of the two compartments  104 ,  106  with respect to each other whilst preventing the two compartments  104 ,  106  from separating from each other. Boss  116  forms an axle around which body  106  can rotate with respect to body  104  within aperture  118  in use. Grille  114   a  is provided with a plurality of small indents  120  or depressions or hollows located in spaced apart locations from one another in a circular pattern outwardly around the circumference of boss  116  so as to be coaxial with boss  116 . 
     Grille  114   b  is provided with a pair of cantilevered arms  122  located in diagonally opposite locations on either side of aperture  118 . Arms  122  are provided with tabs  124  at their distal ends and are biased to be received and retained in the small indents  120  to retain body  104  in a selected position with respect to body  106  depending upon the relative positions required to dispense the compositions from the two compartments  104 ,  106  in use. The location of tabs  124  indents  120  allows one compartment  104  to be selectively rotationally positioned with respect to the other compartment  106 , such as to adopt the position as shown in  FIG. 7  in which compartments  104  and  106  are arranged approximately perpendicularly to each other, that is, the position of potential maximum dispensing. 
     Both grilles  114   a ,  114   b  are provided with a multitude of vents  130  located on either side of central boss  116  or central aperture  118  at or towards their distal ends for allowing movement of air over and through the compartments. In this embodiment each grille  114   a ,  114   b  has five arcuate air vents  130  at each end. However, any number and/or shape of vents can be present in the grilles. Also, the vents  130  can be located at any location over the area of the grilles  114   a ,  114   b  or arranged in any pattern. The closing and opening of the vents  130  adjusts the amount of composition being dispensed from the two compartments  104 ,  106  when the two compartments are rotationally moved with respect to each other, by altering the amount of air flow over the surface of the compositions in compartments  104 ,  106  and through compartments  104 ,  106 . 
     In other embodiments air vents  130  of grilles  114   a ,  114   b  can be provided with removable covers or replaceable covers, in the form of strips of tape, foil or the like to selectively cover selected ones of the vents  130  of the grilles. 
     Optionally, grilles  114   a ,  114   b  may be provided with slide valves  134  in the form of sliding or slidable flaps or similar for covering or closing the vents  130 . Flaps  134  are one example of the closures. Other examples are possible to selectively open or close vents  130 . In one embodiment each cap is provided with two slide flaps  134  or similar that slide in tracks  136  provided along each edge of the caps to extend in the lengthwise extending direction of the caps. By sliding the flaps  134  lengthwise in their tracks  136  the vents  130  are selectively opened or closed to adjust the amount of air entering and flowing through the vents and hence through each body  104 ,  106  to dispense the respective composition therefrom. 
     As there are four separate slide flaps  134 , one for each set of vents, the openings of each set of vents  130  is independently adjustable to dispense the contents in accordance with requirements. It is to be noted that the selective adjustors for adjusting the openings can take any form such as for example, the adjustors can be movable, slidable, rotatable, twistable, pivotable or the like. 
     Operation of air care dispenser  102  of this embodiment will now be described. In use, air care dispenser  102  is provided in a transport configuration as shown in  FIG. 6 , in which all of the four sets of vents are closed by the opposing grilles&#39;  114   a ,  114   b  being in aligned abutting relationship with each other; this substantially prevents air movement around and through the vents  130  so that little or no composition is dispensed. When it is desired to use the dispenser  102  to dispense one or both compositions from the dispenser  102 , the compartments  104 ,  106  are twisted with respect to each other so as to expose the vents  130 . One such configuration is shown in  FIG. 7  which is the fully opened position allowing air to flow through compartments  104 ,  106  to a maximum extent so as to dispense the two compositions at a maximum rate. This is the normal in-use position. By rotating one of compartments  104 ,  106  with respect to the other to a lesser or greater amount the various openings are opened to a greater or lesser amount so as to control the amount of composition being dispensed from each compartment  104 ,  106  in the selected in use positions. 
     With air care dispenser  102  in this configuration, the upper and lower edges of slides  134  are exposed so that they can be moved longitudinally along tracks  136  to adopt a selected position with respect to vents  130  so as to close some of the vents yet allow other of the vents to be opened or to fully close vents  130  or to fully open vents  130 . By judiciously opening the required number of vents  130  of each set of vents to the required amount by independently moving each slide flap  134  the amount of composition in each compartment  104 ,  106  being dispensed can be accurately controlled thereby dispensing an overall composition having the selected composition from the dispenser. In this manner the user has control over how much of each composition can be dispensed. 
       FIGS. 10 to 12  are views of a dispenser  202  according to another embodiment of the present invention. Dispenser  202  is generally in the shape of an hourglass in which one composition is located in a compartment at one end of the dispenser and another composition is located in a compartment at the other end of the dispenser. 
     Dispenser  202  has a first assembly  203  including a substantially circular first end cap  204  for sealing one end of an open ended substantially cylindrical first main housing  206  having a tapered wall  208 . First end cap  204  is provided with a threaded portion  210  for screw threadingly being received in the distal end of first main housing  206 . A first spigot  211  or similar is provided to retain the composition within the main housing  206 . A pair of diagonally oppositely located first openings  212  are provided at or towards the proximal end of first main housing  206 . A first collar  214  having a multiplicity of first vents  216  is received over the proximal end of first main housing  206  to cover openings  212 . Vented collar  214  is free to rotate with respect to main housing  206  to selectively open and close the main housing by either partially or fully covering the openings  212 . Vented collar  214  on the proximal portion of housing  206  is provided with suitable connector for connecting the first assembly to a similar assembly. 
     A similar construction is provided on the other side of dispenser  202  arranged as a mirror image to the first end or side of the dispenser. This other side includes a second assembly  220 . The second assembly  220  which comprises second end cap  222 , second main housing  224 , and second vented collar  226  is rotationally connected to the first assembly  203  by a suitable connector such as retainers  232  provided on the inboard surface of the main housings allowing independent adjustment of the vents of either assembly. 
     In use, a first composition is located within the first compartment formed within the first main housing  206  of the first assembly  203 . First end cap  204  seals the first main housing  206 . A second composition is located within the compartment formed within second main housing  224  and this compartment is sealed with the second end cap  222 . 
     To dispense the first composition, first vented collar  214  is rotated so that the first set of vents  216  move to at least be partially in register with the first openings  212  to allow air to circulate through the two pairs of aligned openings  212  and vents  216  to dispense the composition in first main housing  206  at a first rate. 
     Similarly, to dispense the second composition, the second vented collar  226  is rotated to align the second openings  228  of the second main housing  224  with the second vents  230  of the second vented collar  226  to allow air to circulate through and around the inside of the second main housing  224  to dispense the second composition at a second rate from the dispenser  202 . 
     As rotation of the two vented collars  214  and  226  is independent of each other, the positions adopted by the two sets of vents  216 ,  230  can be independently determined so that the openings of either compartment within the respective main housings can be independently adjusted to change the rate of dispensing of the two compositions so as to dispense the two compositions independently of each other at the same rate or at different rates in accordance with requirements. 
       FIGS. 13 to 20  are views of an air care dispenser  240  according to another embodiment of the present invention. Dispenser  240  is similar in many respects to dispenser  2  of  FIG. 1 ; dispenser  240  includes a base  242  and a cap  244  with two discharge mechanisms in the form of rotatably mounted, tiltable lids  246 . However, unlike base  4  of dispenser  2 , base  242  of dispenser  240  is not divided into two compartments by a central wall. Rather, base  242  of dispenser  240  includes a shell  248  and a container  250  of first and second air care compositions  252 ,  254  in respective compartments  256 ,  258  separated by a generally sinusoidal central wall  260 ; the container  250  is locatable in and removable from shell  248 . This allows a user to replace container  250 , such as when either or both first and second compositions  252 ,  254  have been exhausted, without replacing the base shell  248  or cap  244 . 
     Cap  244  has a rim  262  provided with a downwardly projecting skirt  264 , and—as mentioned above—two lids  246  rotatably mounted in rim  262 . The outer periphery of skirt  264  is provided with multiple, outwardly directed thread portions  266  for engaging corresponding, inwardly directed thread portions  268  provided around the upper periphery of the inner surface of base shell  248 . By this mechanism, cap  244  can be threadingly engaged with base  242 . The thread portions  266 ,  268  of the cap  244  and base shell  248  are provided in this manner (rather than as a continuous thread) so that the thread portions  266  of cap  244  can be received between the thread portions  268  of base shell  248 , and the cap  244  fully threadingly engaged with base  242  with only a partial rotation. Once secured to one another in this manner, cap  244  and base  242  cooperate to retain container  250 . 
     Rim  262  is perforated by multiple (optional) peripheral vents  270  for allowing the contents of container  250  (i.e. compositions  252 ,  254 ) to be released; as a result, even when lids  246  are closed compositions  252 ,  254  will be dispensed at a minimal rate. This is made practical by the use—unlike in dispenser  2  of FIG.  1 —of removable container  250 . Dispenser  240  can be provided with container  250  in a sealed state, such as by being fitted with a removable plastic film covering compartments  256 ,  258  and adhered to the upper edge  272  of container  250 . While being transported prior to sale, therefore, compositions  252 ,  254  will not be released and therefore wasted, notwithstanding the provision of vents  270 . Refill containers  250  are provided in a similar manner, fitted with a removable plastic film covering compartments  256 ,  258  and adhered to upper edge  272 . 
     Lids  246  are similar in many respects to lids  22  of dispenser  2  of  FIG. 1 . They are rotatably mounted (though in rim  262 ) to be capable of independent movement so that the extent to which each is opened can be separately controlled. This allows separate rates of release or dispensing of the two compositions  252 ,  254 . It will be appreciated that, in use, cap  244  should be located on base  242  such that each lid  246  is located as fully over a single compartment  256 ,  258  (and hence a single composition  252 ,  254 ) as possible. This maximizes the extent to which the user can most fully discriminate between and independently control the release of the two compositions  252 ,  254 . 
     Also, like lids  22  of dispenser  2  of  FIG. 1 , each of lids  246  has a depression  274  at its broader end for assisting movement of the lid by guiding the user to depress the lid at the depression  274 . Lids  246  also each have an outwardly directed spigot  276  at its other, narrower end. These spigots  276  are received by a pair of blind bores  278  (particularly evident in the view of  FIG. 20 ) provided diametrically opposite each other in inner face of upper rim  262 . Each of lids  246  also has an inwardly directed spigot  280  in essentially the same location as outwardly directed spigot  276 , but extending inwardly and each received by an aperture  282  (see  FIGS. 18 and 19 ) in the other lid  246  at its broader end. 
     Thus, lids  246  are rotatably mounted in upper rim  246  and to each other. This is particularly evident in the views of  FIGS. 16 and 17 , which show the lids  246  in typical in-use configurations. 
     Thus, in dispenser  240  cap  244  and base shell  248  act as a housing for replaceable container  250  of first and second compositions  252 ,  254 . In other embodiments, however, the replaceable container does not require a housing. For example,  FIGS. 21 to 26  are views of an air care dispenser  300  according to another embodiment of the present invention. Dispenser  300  comprises a container  302  (for first and second air care compositions), and a front cover  304 . Front cover  304  has multiple functions: it allows the user to control the dispensing of the first and second compositions, it has a base  306  so that cover  304  can act as a stand for container  302 , and it has a loop  308  at its top periphery  310  so that dispenser  300  can be hung (such as from a hook). 
     As may be seen most clearly in the rear perspective view of  FIG. 22 , container  302  has two compartments  312 ,  314  (for, respectively, the first and second compositions), one beside the other in the view of  FIG. 22 . In one variation of this embodiment, the compartments  312 ,  314  are disposed one above the other the view of  FIG. 22 , and other variations are possible. 
     As may be seen most clearly in the rear, exploded perspective view of  FIG. 23 , container  302  has a peripheral lip  316 ; the rear of cover  304  has multiple clips  318  for engaging peripheral lip  316  to retain container  302  in place behind cover  304 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , front cover  304  has a series of vents in the form of slits  320  for dispensing the contents of container  302  (i.e. the two air care compositions) at a minimal rate. Front cover  304  also has a discharging mechanism in the form of closable main vent  322  and adjustable closure  324  (cf.  FIG. 23 ). Closure  324  is located over vent  322 . For decorative purposes vent  322  and closure  324  are formed to suggest a cluster of leaves. Front cover  304  has a mounting ring  326  located within vent  322 , and supported by three support elements  328  extending from ring  326  to the edges of vent  322 . Closure  324  has three rearwardly extending prongs  330  that define a partial cylinder locatable within ring  326 . By this mechanism, closure  324  is supported over vent  322 , and slidable forwardly and rearwardly to, respectively, open and close the vent  322 . Each prong  330  has a tooth  332  at its rearmost end to engage ring  326  as closure  324  is drawn forward (to open vent  322 ), and thereby prevent prongs  330  from progressing further and disengaging ring  326 . As a result, closure  324  is retained by ring  326  and hence the rest of dispenser  300 . 
     The prongs  330  also have an outwardly directed low flange  334  at approximately half the prongs&#39; length forward of teeth  332 . Flange  334  resists but does not prevent closure  324  from being drawn forwardly, but provides a midway stop point for closure  324  between fully closed and fully open. Closure  324  can thus be conveniently located in three clearly defined stop positions: fully closed (as shown in  FIG. 1 ), half open, and fully open. However, the resilience of the plastics material of front cover  304  (including of ring  326  and of prongs  330 ) allows the user to locate closure  324  at essentially any position between fully closed and fully open. 
     The interaction of vent  322 , closure  324 , ring  326  and prongs  330  are also evident from the cross-sectional view of this mechanism of  FIG. 25 . 
     It should be noted that, because vent  322  is not symmetrical, it tends to dispense one of the two compositions more than the other when closure  324  is in a partially or fully open configuration. The effect of this asymmetry will vary depending on the extent to which vent  322  is closed by closure  324 , so—by varying the position of closure  324 —the user can change the relative rate at which the two air care compositions are released from container  302 . 
     Closure  324  also has three rearwardly directed guide pins  336 , and front cover  304  has three corresponding apertures  338  located adjacent to vent  322  for receiving the guide pins  336 . Guide pins  336  and apertures  338  cooperate to prevent closure  324  from rotating about prongs  330 , so that closure  324  remains properly aligned over vent  322 . 
     The combination of vent  322  and closure  324  thus allow the user to control the amount of the air care compositions to be dispensed, including relative to each other. A minimal amount is dispensed (through slits  320 ) when the closure  324  is in the fully closed configuration. A maximum amount is dispensed (through slits  320  and vent  322 ) when the closure  324  is in the fully opened configuration. 
       FIG. 26  is a front perspective view of container  302  of dispenser  300 . As is apparent from this view, container  302  has a retaining lid  340  provided with vents  342  to allow the dispensing of the air care composition contents (not shown) of the container  302 . Retaining lid  340  can alternatively comprise a permeable film, perforated lid, or a perforated film. As with dispenser  240  of  FIG. 13 , dispenser  300  can be provided with container  302  in a sealed state, such as by being fitted with a removable plastic film covering its two compartments  312 ,  314  and adhered to peripheral lip  316  (and hence over retaining lid  340 ). While being transported, therefore, the contents of container  302  will not be released, notwithstanding the provision of vents  342 . Refill containers  302  are provided in a similar manner. 
     As has been discussed above, the first and second compositions of the above-described embodiments may be provided in a replaceable refill. Such refills (for, for example, container  250  of dispenser  240  of  FIGS. 13 to 20  or container  302  of dispenser  300  of  FIGS. 21 to 26 ) would typically be provided with a removable film seal for preserving the first and second compositions prior to use. 
     If the first or second compositions are provided in liquid form, a secondary film may be provided under the removable film seal. This secondary film would be sufficiently permeable that the active constituents of the first or second compositions can escape (such as through microscopic perforations), but nonetheless retain the remainder of the (liquid) first and second compositions. 
     According to the present invention, however, such refills can be provided in a number of forms.  FIG. 27A  is a top perspective view of a refill  350  for dispenser  240  of  FIG. 13 . In size and general design, refill  350  is identical with container  250  of dispenser  240  (and like reference numerals have been used to indicate like features). It may optionally have a retaining lid comparable to retaining lid  340  of container  302  of dispenser  300  of  FIG. 21  over its contents. However, rather than a single removable film seal, refill  350  has separate removable first and second film seals  352  and  354  for respective first and second compartments  256  and  258 . This allows a user to, if desired, expose only one of the first and second compositions. For example, the first composition (in first compartment  256 ) may be an odour neutraliser, while the second composition (in second compartment  258 ) may be a fragrance. Some users may prefer to use either the fragrance or the odour neutraliser exclusively, or sequentially, and can do so by selectively removing one of the film seals  352 ,  354 . If the other of the fragrance and odour neutraliser is required after the first is exhausted, the other film seal can then be removed. Referring to  FIG. 27B , the user can also use this mechanism to control the quantity of fragrance or odour neutraliser that is released (in addition to the control provided in this regard by dispenser  240 ). Thus, second film seal  354  may be partially removed by lifting one end  356  of film seal  354  without entirely removing the film seal  354 . In this example, a small quantity of fragrance would thereby be released. If first film seal  352  is then entirely removed, the user can obtain the full odour neutralising effect with only a limited release of fragrance. This can be then further fine-tuned by using the adjustable discharge mechanisms (i.e. lids  246 ) of dispenser  240 . 
     It should be noted, in addition, that the adjustability provided by film seals  352 ,  354  allows refill  350  to provide independent, controlled release of its two compositions without employing dispenser  240 . Thus, refill  350  may be regarded both as a refill for container  240  and also as a dispenser according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 
     An alternative refill for dispenser  240  of  FIG. 13  is shown in top perspective view at  370  in  FIG. 28 . Refill  370  is similar to refill  350  of  FIG. 27A , and like reference numerals have been used to indicate like features. Refill  370  differs from refill  350 , however, in that each of first and second film seals  352 ,  354  of refill  370  is divided into three segments. Hence, first film seal  352  comprises first, second and third segments  354   a ,  354   b ,  354   c , separable from each other along score lines  374 ,  376 . Second film seal  354  comprises first, second and third segments  378   a ,  378   b ,  378   c  separable from each other along score lines  380 ,  382 . The score lines  374 ,  376 ,  380 ,  382  both identify the segments  354   a ,  354   b ,  354   c ,  378   a ,  378   b ,  378   c  to the user and facilitate the independent removal of any of the segments. 
     Thus, first and second film seals  352 ,  354  remain integral during transport but, in use, the user can choose to remove any number of the individual segments according to the amount of respective first and second compositions the user wishes to release. The user may, for example, wish to release a large quantity of odour neutraliser and a small quantity of fragrance: this can be achieved by removing the largest segment  372   a  of first film seal  352  and the smallest segment  378   c  of second film seal  354 ; a large number of other permutations are possible. 
     This technique can be combined with the adjustability provided by lids  246  of dispenser  240  or, in common with refill  350 , refill  370  can itself be used as a dispenser with adjustable discharge rates according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     The containers and refills described thus far have identically sized first and second compartments. However, is not so in all embodiments.  FIG. 29 , for example, is a top perspective view of a container or refill  390  for use with a dispenser (such as dispenser  240  of  FIG. 13 ), having first and second compartments  392 ,  394 , where the first compartment  392  has approximately twice the volume of second compartment  394 . Container or refill  390  thus can hold approximately twice the quantity of a first composition (by volume) than of a second composition. Such a container or refill would be desirable for those users who prefer, for example, a large quantity of odour neutraliser and a smaller quantity of fragrance (or vice versa). In addition, container/refill  390 —in common with refill  350  of FIG.  27 A—has two removable film seals, a first film seal  398  for sealing first compartment  392  prior to use and a second film seal  400  for sealing second compartment  394  prior to use. First and second film seals  398 ,  400  can be removed partially or fully in the manner described above by reference to  FIGS. 27A and 27B . 
     Furthermore, the individual film seals can be provided in segmented form (cf. with refill  370  of  FIG. 28 ).  FIG. 30  is a top perspective view of a container or refill  410  (suitable also for dispenser  240  of  FIG. 13 ), which is identical in most respects with container/refill  390  of  FIG. 29 . However, first film seal  398  of container/refill  410  comprises three separable segments  412   a ,  412   b ,  412   c  defined by score lines  414  and  416 . Similarly, second film seal  400  comprises separable segments  418   a ,  418   b ,  418   c , defined by score lines  420 ,  422 . As in the case of refill  370  of  FIG. 28 , container/refill  410  of  FIG. 30  allows the user to remove one or more segments of either or both film seals  398 ,  400  to control the rate of discharge of the first composition (in compartment  392 ) and the second composition (in compartment  394 ). 
     Containers or refills  390  and  410  are thus also further embodiments of dispensers according to the present invention. 
     It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although the present invention has been described with particular reference to one or more embodiments of the present invention, each dispenser having at least two independently adjustable compartments, the scope of the present invention is not restricted to the described embodiments but rather the scope of the present invention is more extensive so as to encompass other embodiments and arrangements of the dispenser, refills for the dispenser, and the use of dispensers for dispensing a range of different materials in a variety of circumstances using different dispensing or delivery systems including different forms and arrangements of the dispensing mechanism and the adjustable discharging mechanism for controlling the amount of materials being dispensed. 
     In the claims that follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise owing to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, that is, to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 
     Further, any reference herein to prior art is not intended to imply that such prior art forms or formed a part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other country.