WO1998046280A2

WO1998046280A2 - Apparatus for dispensing a chemical

Info

Publication number: WO1998046280A2
Application number: PCT/GB1998/001032
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Arthur Charles Chown
Original assignee: Chown Peter A C
Priority date: 1997-04-11
Filing date: 1998-04-08
Publication date: 1998-10-22
Also published as: AU6929998A; WO1998046280A3

Abstract

Apparatus (2) for dispensing a chemical into the air, comprising a housing (4), a battery-operated fan (6) in the housing (4), a chamber (8) in the housing (4) for receiving the chemical, dispensing means (10) operable between a first state in which the chemical is dispensed and a second state in which the chemical is not dispensed, and battery-operated control means (12) for controlling the operation of the fan (6) and the dispensing means (10) so that the dispensing means (10) is in the first state for pre-determinable periods and so that the fan (6) operates when the dispensing means (10) is in the first state thereby to maximise dispersal of the chemical in the air (Figure 1). Apparatus (2) for dispensing a chemical into a person's mouth is also disclosed (Figure 6).

Description

APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING A CHEMICAL

This invention relates to apparatus for dispensing a chemical, for example into the air or into a person's mouth .

With regard to dispensing chemicals into the air, chemicals in the form of air fresheners are traditionally used in the form of blocks or gels which vaporise, or in the form of aerosols. The blocks or gels are usually contained in a container which, when opened, constantly releases the air freshening chemical over a period. This type of air freshener is only effective for a few days because the air freshener is constantly being dispensed and the human brain tends to get used to the smell after a few days and then the air freshening smell in no longer noticed and is thus no longer effective. A further problem with the blocks or gels is that air movement is required to spread the air freshener and therefore its aroma effectively around a room. The aerosol sprays do not suffer from the problem of being constantly released because they have to be manually operated. However, it is not always convenient to have to manually operate an aerosol spray. Still further, the spray is effective for a very short period only as the sprayed chemical does not stay airborne for very long. In a first aspect, it is an aim of the present invention to obviate or reduce the above mentioned problems .

Accordingly, to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for dispensing a chemical into the air, which apparatus comprises a housing, a battery-operated fan in the housing, a chamber in the housing for receiving the chemical, dispensing means operable between a first state in which the chemical is dispensed and a second state in which the chemical is not dispensed, and battery-operated control means for controlling the operation of the fan and the dispensing means so that the dispensing means is in the first state for pre-determinable periods and so that the fan operates when the dispensing means is in the first state thereby to maximise dispersal of the chemical into the air.

The apparatus of the invention is advantageous in that the chemical is dispersed only when desired and appropriate. Further, on dispersal, maximum dispersal is achieved due to the use of the fan. Still further, because the apparatus is battery operated, the apparatus can be • constructed to be easily portable for use in a wide variety of places without having to worry about providing mains electricity and the dangers of mains electricity in places such for example as bathrooms. In a first embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is one in which the chemical is in the form of a block or gel, in which the chamber in the housing seals the block or gel thereby to prevent unwanted escape of the chemical from the block or gel, and in which the dispensing means comprises an outlet arrangement which is open when the dispensing means is in the first state and which is closed when the dispensing means is in the second state.

The outlet arrangement may be a door arrangement . Alternatively, the outlet arrangement may be a louvre arrangement .

The fan is preferably positioned such as to force the chemical from the block or gel out of the housing. Thus, for example, the fan may be positioned underneath the block or gel, or behind the block or gel, depending upon the construction of the apparatus.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is one in which the chemical is in the form of an aerosol in an aerosol container, and in which the dispensing means causes the aerosol container to dispense the aerosol into the vicinity of the fan for the dispersal by the fan.

The dispensing means may move the aerosol container to cause the depression of a dispensing nozzle part of the aerosol container. The dispensing means may comprise an arm which moves the aerosol container.

If desired, there may be two of the aerosol containers .

The apparatus of the invention may utilise any suitable and appropriate chemical or combinations of chemicals. Thus, for example, the chemical may be at least one of an air freshener, a medicament, a fly killer, an insecticide and a pesticide. The air freshener may be used for freshening rooms. The medicament may be used in a room such as a bedroom where a person is sleeping at night in order, for example, to assist the person in breathing if the medicament is for being inhaled in order to assist persons breathing. The fly killer may be for killing flies. The insecticide and the pesticide may be for killing insects and pests. Usually the apparatus will only dispense one type of chemical at a time. If the apparatus is desired to dispense two types of chemicals at a time, then the chemicals may be mixed together when they are in block or gel form, or separate blocks or gels may be employed. Similarly, in the case of aerosol containers, each aerosol- container may contain a different type of chemical . The housing will normally include a battery compartment for receiving at least one battery for operating both the fan and the dispensing means.

The control means may comprise timer means for causing the fan and the dispensing means to operate at predetermined times for predetermined periods. The timer means may be adjustable timer means or it may be a pre-set timer means.

The control means may comprise an electronic sensor which causes the control means to operate consequent upon sensing a human. The electronic sensor is preferably an infrared electronic sensor. Other types of electronic sensors may however be employed.

With regard to dispensing a chemical into a person's mouth, inhaler apparatus is known. The inhaler apparatus may be used for enabling persons to inhale a variety of medicaments. For example, persons suffering from asthma often need to inhale a medicament that will assist their breathing, especially during an asthma attack.

The known inhaler apparatus is often in the form of an aerosol which contains a medicament. The medicament is injected substantially directly into a person's mouth. It often happens, especially with elderly persons and young persons, that the person does not have enough strength properly to inhale at the time of injection of the medicament. If this happens, the medicament is not used to its full extent and much of its benefit is lost.

In a second aspect, it is an aim of the present invention to obviate or reduce the above mentioned problem.

According to the second aspect of the present invention there is provided inhaler apparatus comprising a housing, a battery-operated fan in the housing, a chamber in the housing for receiving an aerosol container which contains a medicament, and a collapsible inhalant passage which is able to be stored in a collapsed condition in the inhaler apparatus and which in use provides a path from the housing to a person's mouth, and the inhaler apparatus being such that in use the aerosol container is able to inject a dose of the medicament into the inhaler apparatus for dispersion by the fan into the inhalant passage, whereby the person is able to inhale the medicament from the inhalant passage relatively more slowly and easily than if the medicament were injected straight from the aerosol container into the person's mouth.

The inhaler apparatus can be conveniently sized such that it is able to fit in a person's pocket, bag, briefcase, suitcase or the like. The fan replaces much of the effort that would otherwise be needed by a person in inhaling the apparatus. Because the medicament is able to atomize in the inhalant passage, the medicament stays available for being inhaled by the person over a period of several breaths. There is no need for the person to rush their breathing, or to take unnecessarily large breaths. Thus the combination of the fan and the inhalant passage enables the person to inhale the medicament from the inhalant passage in a controlled and easy manner, whereby the person is able to get the maximum benefit from the medicament.

Preferably, the inhaler apparatus is one in which the housing is disc shaped. Other shapes may be employed and the housing can be of any suitable and appropriate shape and size.

The chamber for receiving the aerosol container will usually be a cylindrical chamber. The aerosol containers may be standard items and they are usually cylindrical. They are such that they are usually pressed at one end in order to inject a single dose of a medicament. The aerosol container will normally be such that it requires to be pressed each time an injection of the medicament is required. This helps to avoid persons receiving excessive doses of medicament.

The collapsing inhalent passage may be a bag or a telescopic conduit. Other types of collapsible inhalent passage may be employed. The inhaler apparatus may be one in which the fan is positioned at a bottom part of the housing, and in which the aerosol container is positioned such that the medicament is injected above the fan. This enables the fan to work with optimum efficiency in circulating the medicament into the inhalant passage.

The collapsible inhalant passage may include a tube for placing in the person's mouth. Alternatively, if desired, the collapsible inhalant passage may be provided with an aperture at one end for enabling the medicament to be inhaled by the person.

Preferably, the collapsible inhalant passage is a replaceable inhalant passage. The inhalant passage can then be changed when it becomes dirty or unhygienic . The collapsible inhalant passage may fit over an upstanding flange in the housing. The collapsible inhalent passage may be held on the upstanding flange by releaseable holding means . The releaseable holding means may be an elastic band, for example made of rubber. The housing may include a battery compartment for receiving at least one battery for the battery operated fan.

The inhaler apparatus may include pad means for receiving an inhalant substance that assists breathing and from which the inhalant substance can vaporize. The pad means is preferably a filter pad. Other types of pad means may however be employed.

When the inhaler apparatus includes the pad means, then the inhaler apparatus may include timer means for causing periodic operation of the fan, whereby the fan can be caused to operate at pre-deter ined intervals to assist in the dispersal of the inhalant substance from the pad means. Thus, for example, the timer means may cause operation of the fan at periodic predetermined intervals throughout the night in the bedroom of the person. Thus, whilst the person is asleep, the person may be assisted in their breathing by the repeated predetermined periodic dispersal of the inhalant substance. It will be apparent that the use of the fan will cause a greater dispersion of the inhalant substance than would be the case if the inhalant substance were just left in one place and no attempt was made to circulate the inhalant substance as it vaporizes.

The timer means may be a preset timer means which is not able to be adjusted. Alternatively, the timer means may be adjustable so that the person may adjust the timer means to give required time intervals.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a section through first apparatus for dispensing a chemical into the air;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a section through second apparatus for dispensing a chemical into the air;

Figure 4 is a view from above of the apparatus shown in Figure 3 ;

Figure 5 is a section through third apparatus for dispensing a chemical into the air and which is like the second apparatus shown in Figure 3 ;

Figure 6 is a section through first inhaler apparatus ;

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the inhaler apparatus shown in Figure 6 ;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the inhaler apparatus shown in Figure 6 ;

Figure 9 shows the inhaler apparatus of Figures 6-8 in use;

Figure 10 shows the inhaler apparatus of Figure 9 but in an exploded condition;

Figure 11 shows the inhaler apparatus of Figure 8 in a closed condition;

Figure 12 shows second inhaler apparatus and in a form like that shown in Figure 8; Figure 13 shows the inhaler apparatus of Figure 12 in a closed condition;

Figure 14 shows how. a collapsible inhalant passage used in the apparatus of Figure 12 is able to telescoped to a use condition; and

Figure 15 is an exploded view of two telescoping parts shown in Figure 14 and illustrates how the telescoping parts slide together.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown apparatus 2 for dispensing a chemical into the air. The apparatus 2 comprises a housing 4, a battery-operated fan 6 in the housing 4, and a chamber 8 in the housing 4 for receiving the chemical . The apparatus 2 further comprises dispensing means 10 operable between a first state in which the chemical is dispensed and a second state in which the chemical is not dispensed. In Figure 1, the first state of the dispensing means 10 is shown in solid lines, and the second state of the dispensing means 10 is shown in broken lines.

The apparatus 2 further comprises battery-operated control means 12 for controlling the operation of the fan 6 via leads 14, and for controlling the operation of the dispensing means 10 by any convenient pivoting mechanism (not shown) . The control means 12 causes the dispensing means 10 to be in the first state for pre- determinable periods so that a precise control is achieved on the amount of chemical released from an air freshener block 16 in the chamber 8. The control means 12 also ensures that the fan 6 operates when the dispensing means 10 is in the first state, thereby maximising dispersal of the chemical from the block 16 in the air.

When the dispensing means 10 is in the second state, the dispensing means 10 effectively seals the chamber 8 and the chemical in the block 16 thus cannot escape into the outside air. This saves on the useful life of the block 16, and it also avoids a room or other place becoming saturated with an air freshening chemical and thus becoming not noticeable by persons using the room or other place.

As will be appreciated from Figure 1, the dispensing means 10 is in the form of an outlet arrangement having a pair of opening doors 18, 20. When the doors 18, 20 are open they define an aperture 22 through which the air freshening chemical can escape from the block 16. The doors 18, 20 close over a fine grill 24 which defines an upper part of the chamber 8. The housing 4 has a grill 26 and through which the air freshening chemical escapes to the air.

The grill 26 forms part of a removable lid 28. The lid 28 can be removed to enable the block 16 to be replaced when appropriate. The housing 4 has legs 30 so that the bottom of the fan 6 is spaced apart from a support surface such for example as the top of a table. The base of the fan 6 is provided with a clip 32 for enabling the apparatus 2 to be clipped to a vertical surface if desired. If clipped to a vertical surface, it will be apparent that the apparatus 2 will then be turned through 90° to the position shown in Figure 1, the position shown in Figure 1 being appropriate for when the apparatus 2 is standing on a horizontal surface.

The housing 4 has a battery compartment 34 for receiving a battery 36. The battery 36 is connected via leads 38 to an on/off switch 40. The on/off switch 40 is connected by leads 42 to an electronic sensor in the form of an infrared electronic sensor 44. The sensor 44 forms part of the control means 12 because the sensor 44 is able to sense the presence of a person in a room and thus cause operation of the control means 12.

It will be noticed that the fan 6 has blades 46 which are positioned underneath the block 16 as shown in Figure 1, or which would be positioned behind the block 16 if the apparatus 2 were clipped or hung on a wall. The fan 6 is thus able to act with maximum effect to force the chemical from the block 16 and out of the chamber 8 when the dispensing means 10 is in the first state . As shown in Figure 1, the lid 28 is a clip fit to a body part 48 of the housing 4. More specifically, the lid 28 has a bead 50 which clips into a groove 52 formed in the body part 48. Similarly, the body part 48 has a bead 54 which clips into a corresponding groove 56 in the lid 28.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, there is shown second apparatus 2 for dispensing a chemical into the air. Similar parts as in Figure 1 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. As can be seen from Figures 3 and 4, the housing 4 is of a different shape to the housing 4 in Figures 1 and 2 but it still has a fan 6, a chamber 8, dispensing means 10, control means 12, a grill 26, a switch 40, and a sensor 44.

In Figures 3 and 4, the chamber 8 is formed by a chamber in which the fan 6 operates. The chemical is an aerosol contained in two aerosol containers 58, 60. As shown in Figure 3, the aerosol container 58 has been operated by the dispensing means 10 and is injecting an aerosol 62 into the chamber 8 for maximum dispersal by the fan 6 and its blades 46. The aerosol containers 58, 60 may -contain different chemicals so that, for example, the aerosol container 58 may contain an air freshening chemical whilst the aerosol container 60 may contain a fly killing chemical. The dispensing means 10 comprises an arm 64 which pivots about a pivot 66. The arm 64 has two pairs of contacts 68, 70 forming part of electromagnetic means in the form of a solenoid 71. In the position shown in Figure 3, the contacts 68 have been repelled to pivot the arm 64 to the position shown in Figure 3 in which the aerosol container 58 has been moved forward to cause its nozzle part 72 to get depressed by a recess 74 and thus to inject the aerosol 62 into the chamber 8. When the arm 64 is moved to the reverse position, the aerosol container 58 can retract, for example under the pressure of a spring (not shown) , and the aerosol container 60 can then move forward for the purpose of dispensing its aerosol. The chemicals in the two aerosol 58, 60 will usually be different but they may be the same if desired.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown apparatus 2 which is similar to the apparatus 2 as shown in Figure 3. In Figure 5, the arm 64 is shown at a position of rest in which neither aerosol container 58, 60 is operating. In Figure 5, a keyhole aperture 76 is provided for hanging the apparatus from a nail, hook or the like.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to Figures 1-5 have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the shape of the housing 4 may be different to that shown. Also, the control means 12 could be simply a timer means and one that does not have the sensor 44. The chemical dispensed can be any suitable and appropriate chemical or mixture of chemicals depending upon the intended place and use of the apparatus 2. Thus, for example, the apparatus 2 can be used in a toilet or bathroom area to freshen the air. The sensor may operate to detect the presence of a human and, after a set period, for example 30 seconds, can act to cause the control means 12 to operate the dispensing means 10 and thus to cause the release of an air freshening chemical into the toilet or bathroom area. The fan 6 may be arranged to run for a set period of time, for example 10 seconds, after which the fan 6 will stop and the doors 18, 20 will close, thereby sealing in the chemical in the block 16. If a person were present in the toilet or bathroom for a long period of time, the sensor 14 could continue to monitor the presence of the person and the control means 12 would not reset until after the person had left the toilet or bathroom area. Electronic circuitry in the control means 12 would then go into a stand-by mode for operation when the next person should enter the toilet or bathroom area. The apparatus 2 may, if desired, be placed in a sitting room or other area and operate under an electronic programme via timer means to cause the fan 6 and the dispensing means 10 to operate at predetermined intervals, for example every three or four hours, and for predetermined times.

If desired, the aerosol containers 58, 60 could be such that they do not have any pressure in them. The electromagnet which operates the arm 64 could still operate the nozzle part 72 but then, without the pressure, the containers 58, 60 would be such as to just drip their contents into the path of the fan 6 for being vaporised and dispersed when the fan 6 was operating. If desired, the apparatus 2 could be used in greenhouses to dispense a chemical in the form of an insecticide and/or a pesticide at predetermined intervals. Also if desired, the apparatus 2 could be used in bedrooms, hospitals or nursing homes where desired to dispense chemicals in the form of medicaments for helping people to breathe. Such medicaments may be especially helpful for persons who suffer from asthma. If desired, antiseptics could also be dispensed. The apparatus of the invention may also be used in cars or any other suitable and appropriate place.

Referring now to Figures 6-15, there is shown inhaler apparatus 2 comprising a housing 4 and a battery-operated fan 6 in the housing 4. The housing 4 also has a chamber 8 for receiving an aerosol container 10. The aerosol container 10 contains a medicament. The aerosol container 10 has a nozzle 12 which terminates as shown adjacent an aperture 14 in an inner wall 16 of the housing 4.

The inhaler apparatus 2 also comprises a collapsible inhalant passage 18 which is able to be stored in a collapsed condition in the inhaler apparatus 2, and which in use provides a path from the housing 4 to a person's mouth.

The inhaler apparatus 2 is such that in use the aerosol container 10 is able to inject a dose of the medicament into the inhaler apparatus 2 for dispersion by the fan into the inhalant passage 18. The person is able to inhale the medicament from the inhalant passage 18 relatively more slowly and easily than if the medicament were to be injected straight from the aerosol container 10 into the person's mouth.

As can be seen from Figure 7, the housing 4 is disc shaped. The housing 4 is of such a small size that it is easily able to fit in a person's pocket, bag or briefcase. By way of example, it is mentioned that the housing may be 4" (10cm) in diameter.

The chamber 8 for receiving the aerosol container is a cylindrical chamber as can be appreciated from Figures 6 and 7. The aerosol container 10 is a cylindrical container and it has a press button on its end 20. When the button is pressed, a single injection of medicament occurs for each press of the button.

As shown in Figure 6, the fan 6 is positioned in a bottom part of the housing 4. The aperture 14 is placed above the blades 22 of the fan 6. Thus the medicament from the aerosol container 10 is injected into a chamber 24 in the housing 10 above the fan 6 so that the fan 6 is easily able to circulate the injected medicament upwardly out of the chamber 24, through a gauze 26 and into the inhalant passage 18. The gauze 6 is employed to ensure that persons cannot catch their fingers on the blades 22 of the fan 6 when it is operating.

As can be seen from Figures 8, 9 and 10, the inhalant passage 18 is in the form of a bag. The inhalant passage 18 includes a tube 28 for placing in the person's mouth.

The inhalant passage 18 in the form of the bag is a replaceable inhalant passage 18. More specifically, the inhalant passage 18 fits over an upstanding flange 30 formed as part of the housing 4. The flange 30 has a peripheral groove 32 for receiving a rubber band 34 which forms releaseable holding means for releaseably holding the bottom end of the inhalent passage 18 in position on the flange 30. The inhalant passage 18 can then easily be changed if it becomes dirty or unhygienic. Packets of bags forming the inhalant passage 18 can be provided with the inhaler apparatus 2 or can be separately purchased.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7 , the inhaler apparatus 2 is such that the housing 4 includes a battery compartment 36 for receiving a battery for the fan 6.

The housing 4 has an upstanding flange 38. This flange 38 has a peripheral groove 40 receives an inwardly projecting bead 42 on the inside of a press fit cap 44. The cap 44 is thus a press fit on the housing 4 and it will be seen from Figure 11 that the entire inhaler apparatus 2 forms a very compact disc device.

As shown in Figure 6, the inhaler apparatus 2 includes pad means in the form of a filter pad 46 for receiving an inhalant substance that assists breathing from which the inhalant substance can vaporize. Thus, for example, the inhalant substance may be eucalyptus oil which could be dabbed on the pad. The inhalant substance on the pad 46 is able to vaporize upwardly through a filter grill 48 and into the chamber 24. In the chamber 24, when the fan 6 is operating, the vaporized inhalant substance can then be propelled out of the chamber 24.

The inhaler apparatus 2 includes timer means 50 connected by leads 52 to the battery in the battery compartment 36, and by leads 54 to the fan 6. When the timer means 50 is operated, it causes the fan 6 to operate at predetermined time intervals, for example every hour or every two hours. As the fan operates, it will cause the inhalant substance from the filter pad 46 to circulate out of the chamber 24. The timer means 50 can thus be used, for example, to cause periodic predetermined circulation of the inhalant substance throughout the night, for example in a person's bedroom in order to assist the person in breathing while the person is asleep. For the purpose of circulating the inhalant substance from the filter pad 46, the inhalant passage 18 in the form of the bag can be removed or can be simply extended outwardly to its use position in order to enable the inhalant substance to exit via the tube 28.

Referring now to Figures 12-15, there is shown second inhaler apparatus 56. Similar parts as in the inhaler apparatus 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

In the inhaler apparatus 56 shown in Figures 12-15, it will be seen that the inhalant passage 18 in the form of the bag has been replaced by an inhalant passage 18 in the form of a telescopic inhalant passage. As can best be seen from Figures 12, 14 and 15, the inhalant passage 18 comprises a plurality of telescoping sections 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e. The various sections have four internal grooves 58 as shown and four external ball members 60. The ball members 60 slide in the grooves 58 to provide location means for the various sections 18a - I8e. The section 18a does not need the internal grooves 58 because it is the first section.

The section 18a is provided with a tube 28 which is foldable in a slot 62 as shown in order to enable the cap 44 to close the housing 4 as shown in Figures 12, 13 and 15.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to Figures 6-15 have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the timer means 50 may be an adjustable timer means which can be adjusted by a user to give operation of the fan 6 at required intervals. The shape of the housing 4 can be different from that shown. The inhaler apparatus 2 can be used for inhaling a wide variety of medicaments.

Claims

1. Apparatus for dispensing a chemical into the air, which apparatus comprises a housing, a battery-operated fan in the housing, a chamber in the housing for receiving the chemical, dispensing means operable between a first state in which the chemical is dispensed and a second state in which the chemical is not dispensed, and battery-operated control means for controlling the operation of the fan and the dispensing means so that the dispensing means is in the first state for pre-determinable periods and so that the fan operates when the dispensing means is in the first state thereby to maximise dispersal of the chemical into the air.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the chemical is in the form a block or gel, in which the chamber in the housing seals the block or gel thereby to prevent unwanted escape of the chemical from the block or gel, and in which the dispensing means comprises an outlet arrangement which is open when the dispensing means i-s in the first state and which is closed when the dispensing means is in the second state.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the outlet arrangement is a door arrangement.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the outlet arrangement is a louvre arrangement .

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2-4 in which the fan is positioned such as to force the chemical from the block or gel out of the housing.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the chemical is in the form of an aerosol in an aerosol container, and in which the dispensing means causes the aerosol container to dispense the aerosol into the vicinity of the fan for the dispersal by the fan.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 in which the dispensing means moves the aerosol container to cause the depression of a dispensing nozzle part of the aerosol container.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 in which the dispensing means comprises an arm which moves the aerosol container.

9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 6-8 in which there are two of the aerosol containers.

10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the chemical is at least one of an air freshener, a medicament, a fly killer, an insecticide, and a pesticide.

11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the housing includes a battery compartment for receiving at least one battery for operating both the fan and the dispensing means.

12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the control means comprises timer means for causing the fan and the dispensing means to operate at predetermined times for predetermined periods.

13. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the control means comprises an electronic sensor which causes the control means to operate consequent upon sensing a human.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13 in which the electronic sensor is an infrared electronic sensor.

15. Inhaler apparatus comprising a housing, a battery- operated fan in the housing, a chamber in the housing for receiving an aerosol container which contains a medicament, and a collapsible inhalant passage which is able to be stored in a collapsed condition in the inhaler apparatus and which in use provides a path from the housing to a person's mouth, and the inhaler apparatus being such that in use the aerosol container is able to inject a dose of the medicament into the inhaler apparatus for dispersion by the fan into the inhalant passage, whereby the person is able to inhale the medicament from the inhalant passage relatively more slowly and easily than if the medicament were injected straight from the aerosol container into the person's mouth .

16. Inhaler apparatus according to claim 15 in which the housing is disc shaped.

17. Inhaler apparatus according to claim 15 or claim 16 in which the chamber for receiving the aerosol container is a cylindrical chamber.

18. Inhaler apparatus according to any one of claims 15-17 in which the inhalant passage is a bag.

19. Inhaler apparatus according to any one of claims 15-17 in which the inhalant passage is a telescopic conduit .

20. Inhaler apparatus according to any one of claims 15-19 in which the fan is positioned at a bottom part of the housing, and in which the container is positioned such that the medicament is injected above the fan.

21. Inhaler apparatus according to any one of claims 15-20 in which the inhalant passage includes a tube for placing in the person's mouth.

22. Inhaler apparatus according to any one of claims 15-21 in which the inhalent passage is a replaceable inhalant passage.

23. Inhaler apparatus according to claim 22 in which the replaceable inhalant passage fits over an upstanding flange in the housing.

24. Inhaler apparatus according to claim 23 in which the replaceable inhalant passage is held on the outstanding flange by releaseable holding means.

25. Inhaler apparatus according to claim 24 in which the releaseable holding means is an elastic band.

26. Inhaler apparatus according to any one of claims 15-25 in which the housing includes a battery compartment for receiving at least one battery for the battery-operated fan.

27. Inhaler apparatus according to any one of claims 15-26 and including pad means for receiving an inhalant substance that assist breathing and from which the inhalant substance can vaporize.

28. Inhaler apparatus according to claim 27 in which the pad means is a filter pad.

29. Inhaler apparatus according to claim 27 or claim 28 and including timer means for causing periodic operation of the fan, whereby the fan can be caused to operate at predetermined intervals to assist in the dispersal of the inhalant substance from the pad means.

30. Inhaler apparatus according to claim 29 in which the timer means is a preset timer means.

31. Inhaler apparatus according to claim 29 in which the timer means is an adjustable timer means which is adjustable by the person to give required time intervals .