Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a novel air freshener device that includes a novel secondary amusement feature that is actuated by moving air in the system.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of U. S. Ser. No. 10/440,901 filed May 19, 2003. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION:  
       [0002]     This invention relates generally to an air freshener device having a secondary novelty feature that is powered by the fresh air exhausted out of the device.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     As the atmosphere in general becomes more polluted and the general population becomes more aware of discomforts associated with dirty air, air filtration devices of all types and sizes have become more popular. One type of air filtration device provides a small fan for use in a smoky environment. These devices typically will include an electric fan contained in a small housing for tabletop use, with a filter through which the air is directed for removal of smoke and other such contaminants.  
         [0004]     The object of conventional air freshening devices is to quietly perform their function while minimizing their intrusion in the room they are running. As a result, air fresheners do not add to the aesthetics of a room. At best, they simply occupy space blending into a room decor. But mostly, air fresheners are unattractive and detract from the decor.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The present invention provides an air freshener apparatus that comprises a secondary amusement or entertainment feature. In an exemplified embodiment, the secondary amusement feature of the subject invention employs the air stream exhausted from the air freshener apparatus to power amusement functions. The amusement function may be tailored for children, but may be equally adapted for more mature entertainment. According to a specific embodiment, the secondary amusement feature is a car replica. The car replica is configured such that the air exhaust of the air freshener powers the wheels, causing the wheels to rotate. Other secondary amusement features will be apparent in light of the teachings herein. The subject invention utilizes an air stream to create an entertaining novelty air freshener apparatus that will bring life to the decor of a room. The subject invention realizes an opportunity to harness the air stream of conventional air fresheners or customized air freshening units to create a novelty that has heretofore not been realized. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0006]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a car shaped embodiment of the subject invention.  
         [0007]      FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of the disassembled embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0008]      FIG. 3  shows a partial cross-sectional side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0009]      FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of a portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0010]      FIG. 5  shows a side/perspective view of a fish shaped embodiment of the subject invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0011]     There are numerous designs of air freshening devices that have been developed over the years. Such devices may be adapted to incorporate the novel features of the subject invention. Examples of known air filtering devices include, but are not limited to, those specifically disclosed in, and cited by reference in, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,508,868; 4,268,285 and 3,936,284. According to the principles of the subject invention, the mechanical aspects of the air freshening devices, such as the fan, motor, and filter components are not critical. What is critical is the housing structure and the way the secondary entertainment feature is attached or integrated to the housing structure. The intake, and especially the exhaust port(s) must be configured properly in order to actuate the secondary entertainment feature.  
         [0012]     Turning to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the subject novelty air freshening apparatus  100  that comprises a car replica  102  as a novel secondary feature which is conjoined to an air freshener housing  104 .  FIG. 2  shows that the air freshening housing  104  comprises two exhaust ports  106  and  108 . Furthermore, the car replica  102  comprises two intake ports  110  and  112  which align with exhaust ports  106  and  108  when the car replica  102  is attached to the air freshening device  104 . When the internal fan motor of the air freshening device is turned on, air is blown out of exhaust ports  106  and  108  and into intake ports  110  and  112 . The car replica  102  is fastened onto the housing by posts  105 ,  107 , which are positioned into holes  109 ,  111 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous other ways to fasten the novelty feature to the housing. The air stream causes the wheels  114  of the car replica  102  to spin, as shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0013]     In an alternative embodiment, the device does not necessarily serve as an air freshener but acts as an air-powered amusement device. For example, a car replica or similar amusement feature is integrated or attached to a housing comprising a fan which blows air out at strategic locations. Such embodiment does not need an air filter or other air freshening means.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  shows a partial cross section of the embodiment  100  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The far wall  118  comprises intake slits (not seen) defined thereon and a filter  120  covering the intake slits. The filter  120  acts to remove pollutants and other undesirable contents in the air. The air is drawn into the air freshener device by the fan motor  122  and pushed out of the exhaust ports  106  and  108 . The wheels  114  are connected onto a rod  124 . Positioned on the rod  124  is a means  126 ,  127  for catching the air, thereby rotating the rod  124  and the wheels  114 .  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of the car replica  102 . Shown are the wheels  114  and rod  124  and a means for catching air  126 .  FIG. 5  shows an alternative embodiment where the secondary novelty feature is a fish. As air is pushed into the fish, the fish flutters, simulating a swimming action. In view of the teachings herein, those skilled in the art will readily configure the fish to move employing gears, rods, tubes and other related mechanistic means. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,092,808; and 4,250,657, whose teachings are incorporated herein in their entirety to the extent not inconsistent with the teachings herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a multitude of novelty features could be employed and conjoined with the air freshener device  104 . Such novelty features include but are in no way limited to various animals (e.g. dog, cat, bird etc.), truck, helicopter, airplane, and train (with or without whistle). In an alternative embodiment, the secondary novelty feature is made of a fabric material. The fabric material may be a flag, or shaped like a car or other shape mentioned above. As air is pushed out of the exhaust ports, the fabric waves or moves providing an entertainment effect.  
         [0016]     The terms “freshener” or “freshening”, as used herein refer to filtering out unwanted components in the air such as dust, smoke, malodorous substances, pollen, cat hair, cat dander, and other like components or pollutants. There are numerous filters known in the art that are adaptable in accordance with the teachings herein to filter one or more undesired components. Furthermore, these terms include release of deodorizers, fragrances, antibacterial substances, etc.  
         [0017]     The secondary amusement features of the subject invention may be made of any suitably rigid and resilient material, including but not limited to metal, wood, fiberglass, plexiglass, glass, plastics, and graphite and/or carbon composites, and combinations thereof.  
         [0018]     In an alternative embodiment, the subject invention relates to a light incorporated into the subject air freshener apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, an air freshener apparatus is incorporated into a pool table light, with or without a secondary amusement feature. For example, the secondary amusement feature may be incorporated into a light/air filtering device such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,443,625, whose teachings are incorporated by reference.  
         [0019]     It is noted that the figures depicting this invention are merely representative of particular embodiments and are not meant to limit the range of possible configurations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope of this invention should be measured by the claims appended hereto, and not merely by the specific embodiments exemplified herein.