IL300899A - A system for distributing aromatic oil in a car - Google Patents

Description

DIFFUSER SYSTEM FOR DIFFUSING AN AROMATIC OIL WITHIN A MOVING VEHICLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates generally to accessories for moving vehicles, and more particularly to an electronic diffuser system for dispersing a desired aroma within a vehicle. In one embodiment, the aroma is dispersed via the vehicle’s air-conditioning vents upon operation of the internal airflow system. BACKGROUND The seating area in moving vehicles may require air refreshment, to disperse a pleasant aroma, or to eliminate odors from the enclosed space. One prior art solution is a classic cardboard air-freshener, infused with fragrance, that hangs from the rearview mirror, which is inefficient over time, and may block the view out of the windshield. Another prior art solution is use of an aromatic oil contained in a glass bottle, that is placed in the central console such as in the driver’s cup-holder. This tends towards spills, as wicking is done via wooden diffuser reeds that protrude significantly from the opening of the glass bottle. These diffuser reeds may be unintentionally bumped and can easily become entangled in the driver’s clothing. Additionally, the aromatic oil may produce an overpowering smell. Several types of diffusers are known for dispersal of aromatic oils for use in the home or office. Heating diffusers are relatively economical and use a variety of heat sources to evaporate and thus disperse the aromatic oil. In contrast, ultrasonic diffusers vibrate a ceramic plate at high speeds to generate a room temperature mist containing the aromatic oil. Ultrasonic diffusers typically require more electricity than heating diffusers. Nebulizers blow compressed air through an aromatic oil, and are considered noisier than other types of diffusers. A home diffuser may not readily be used in a moving vehicle, as it typically requires a source of electricity to function, and the vibrations typical in a moving vehicle, may result in tipping and component malfunction or component scattering. It is desirable to provide an air freshening device designed especially for use in a moving vehicle, that is guarded from spillage and that is placed in a location that does not hinder the driver. Preferably, the diffuser device is controllable by the user to set the strength of the aroma dispersal according to the user’s preference. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved air freshener which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. The invention comprises an electronic diffuser device for diffusing an aromatic oil in a moving vehicle. The device is advantageously mounted without obstructing or interfering with the driver’s area. These and other advantages of the invention are enlarged upon in the detailed description hereinbelow. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION There is thus provided, a diffuser device for use in a motor vehicle, comprising: a housing; a mounting suitable for releasably attaching the housing within the cabin of a motor vehicle; wherein the housing holds: a) a dispersal element in fluid communication with an aromatic oil; b) at least one electronic controller card comprising circuitry, memory and a processor programmed to send signals that effect operation of the dispersal element; c) an activation button for user control of the electronic controller card; d) conduits in fluid communication with the aromatic oil, for allowing passage of aromatic droplets within the device; tubing for conveying the aromatic oil via the conduits, from the device to the cabin of a motor vehicle; and a power cable for providing electrical power to the device; wherein in use of the device, electrical power is provided to the electronic controller card and to the dispersal element, activating the dispersal element such that the droplets of the aromatic oil are formed and are conveyed from the device via the tubing into the cabin of a motor vehicle. In some embodiments, the device and the mounting are mountable within the glove compartment of a motor vehicle. Optionally, the tubing exits the device from the rear of the housing.

In some instances, the tubing is attached to convey the aromatic oil to be dispersed, into a vehicle cabin, via the vehicle’s HVAC ducts. In one embodiment, the dispersal element is a vapor pump having a heating element. In such case, the device may further comprise a vapor pump controller card containing circuitry, memory and a processor that command operation of a vapor pump, in response to receipt of a signal from the central electronic controller card. In other embodiments, the dispersal element is ultrasonic, comprising a vibrating plate capable of generating ultrasonic waves for dispersal of the aromatic oil. Further, the device may comprise a snap-connecting grommet for rapid release of a proximal end of the tubing, the grommet providing rapid release of the device from a vehicle. In certain instances, the device includes a power cable comprising a plug that releasably mates with a central fuse-box of the under-dashboard wiring, the plug providing rapid release of the device from a vehicle. In one embodiment, the device is designed to be electrically connected to the ignition switch, such that operation of the engine ignition switch will provide power to the device. Moreover, the device may comprise a light indicating the status of operation of the device. Further, the housing may hold a threaded screw adaptor for mating with the threaded opening of a vial of aromatic oil and holding the aromatic oil in fluid flow with the dispersal element. Still further, the conduits in fluid communication with the aromatic oil comprise: a conduit communication between the dispersal element and in fluid flow with an aromatic oil compartment; an aromatic oil reservoir having a threaded screw adaptor that mates with the threaded opening of a vial of aromatic oil, a cap covering an aromatic oil compartment, and a hose that extends horizontally from the cap towards an aperture in the housing. Optionally, the housing comprises internal slots and dividers that accept and hold the diffuser components. In some cases, an electronic controller card is programmed to select between several repeating preprogrammed timing sequences of operation of the dispersal element, in response to pressing the activation button. Optionally, the timing sequences are: 5 seconds on, followed by 180 seconds off; 10 seconds on, followed by 180 seconds off; and 15 seconds on, followed by 180 seconds off. In some embodiments, the tubing terminates in a pair of connector pieces installable into driver and passenger dashboard HVAC vent boxes, for conveying droplets of aromatic oil into the HVAC vents towards a passenger seat and towards a driver seat. In some instance, the mounting comprises mechanical linear slide guiding elements for mounting the device in the vehicle; wherein the device is removable by exerting a sliding motion upon the device. Optionally, the mechanical linear slide guiding elements comprise: a mounting slider having a projecting rim at its circumference, and an intermediate guiding element surrounded by a rail, that slidably mates with the projecting rim; wherein screw-holes are present in the mounting slider for securing the mounting slider to the ceiling of a glove compartment. In some embodiments, the mounting comprises a snap-fit holder, having terminal snap-fit arms that hold the housing, and wherein the holder comprises screws for securing the mounting to the vehicle cabin. Further, optionally the mounting and the device are sized for mounting in a vehicle cabin location selected from: the central driver’s console; under the dashboard, or in a door panel. The invention also provides a diffuser system comprising the device of claim 1, and further comprising a plasma ionizer mounted adjacent to the vehicle HVAC condenser, such that in operation, ionized air is emitted into the condenser; wherein the ionizer receives electrical power from the vehicle’s electrical wiring. Glossary In the present invention, the terms "vehicle cabin" or "cabin", used in relation to an area in a motor vehicle, refer to the area of the vehicle physically separated from the engine compartment, and from the trunk. This area includes the driver and passenger seating areas. In the present invention, the term "dispersal element" in relation to dispersal of an aromatic oil, refers to components that induce formation of airborne droplets of aromatic oil and generate flow of these droplets out of the device of the invention. Non-limiting examples include: a vapor pump having a heating element; and a vibrating plate that generates ultrasonic waves. A fan may be to improve flow, included as necessary. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESThe present invention is illustrated by way of example in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the diffuser device of the invention. Figs. 2A-2B show the diffuser device 100 in sideview. Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the internal components of the diffuser device. Fig 4 shows flexible tubing that conveys droplets of aromatic oil towards heating/AC vents of vehicle. Fig. 5 illustrates flexible tubing after installation into a vehicle dashboard. Fig. 6 shows two devices prior to installation in a vehicle. Fig. 7 shows device after installation in the glove compartment of a vehicle. Figs. 8-9 illustrates sliding of diffuser device 100 for removal from a glove compartment. Fig. 10 shows device in rearview. Fig. 11, shows device in perspective rearview. Figs. 12-15 show an alternative mounting embodiment, having a snap-fit holder, that includes terminal snap-fit arms. Figs 16-17 show a plasma ionizer, used in addition to the device of the invention, as a diffuser system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. There is no intention to limit the invention to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

In a general overview, the present invention provides a diffuser device for dispersing an aromatic oil within a moving vehicle. In a presently preferred embodiment, the central elements of the diffuser include a vapor pump with a heating element for heating the aromatic oil into a vapor, and at least one electronic controller programmed to operate the heating element based on one of several preprogrammed timing sequences of operation. The controller thus allows a user to select the strength of the fragrance dispersed. The housing of the device accepts and holds all elements securely in place and prevents spillage during use or during storage. In a presently preferred embodiment, the device is slidably mounted within the vehicle’s glove compartment. Flexible tubing extending from the device housing directs the flow of the diffused aromatic oil vapors from the device, into the vehicle’s heating/AC system (HVAC system), for dispersal into the vehicle via the heating/AC vents. Installation of the device in the glove compartment ensures the device does not interfere with the driver’s comfort zone, as the device is not located in his immediate vicinity. The presently preferred slidable mounting allows rapid removal, such as for replacing the aromatic oil. Optionally, a plasma ionizer (ionic air purifier) may be additionally installed in the vehicle, to purify the air flowing into the AC condenser. Referring now in detail to Fig. 1, the diffuser device 100 of the invention is shown in perspective view. The diffuser device 100 comprises housing 10, and mounting slider 12 for mounting the device within a glove compartment. Viewing window 14 is shown, through which a vial 16 of aromatic oil may be viewed, in order to determine the remaining level of aromatic oil in vial 16. Push activation button 18 is shown, which may be pressed to switch device on/off, and to change the timing sequence of operation for various strengths of aroma, as enlarged upon hereinbelow. LED light 20 will light up when the device is operating. During operation of the diffuser device, heated droplets of aromatic oil will exit the device via aperture 22 appearing at the rear of the device, via tubing (not shown), into the vehicle’s heating/AC duct area located behind the vents. When blown by the HVAC fan, droplets will exit via the heating/AC vents, and enter the vehicle cabin. Referring now to Figs. 2A-2B, diffuser device 100 is shown in sideview. A proximal end of a length of flexible tubing 84 (shown in Fig. 2B), will be connected to aperture 22, via snap-connecting grommet 26. Snap-connecting grommet 26 allows rapid release of device 1from within vehicle during maintenance. A distal end of the flexible tubing 84 mates with and is in fluid flow with a connector piece 92 (shown in Fig. 4) installed in heating/AC ducts, for flow of aromatic oil droplets into the vehicle via heating/AC vents. Power cable 24 extends through slit 25 of housing 10. Plug 28 of power cable releasably mates with a central fuse-box of the under-dashboard wiring, to supply electrical power of 12V to the device 100. As the device is electrically connected to the ignition switch (+15 ignition line/-31gound), when the engine ignition switch is operated, power will be supplied to the device, and the last status of the device (on/off) will continue. Plug 28 may be easily disconnected from central fuse-box, for maintenance such as replacement of the aromatic oil. Threaded screw adaptor 30 mates with the threaded opening of a vial 16 of aromatic oil and securely holds vial 16 in place for use, such that aromatic oil is in fluid flow with aromatic oil compartment 36 (shown below in Fig. 3). Referring to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the device is shown respectively, in rearview, and perspective rearview. Slit 25 of housing 10 is shown, from which power cable 24 (not shown) is thread through, to provide electrical power. Snap-connecting grommet 26 is shown, from which flexible tubing 84 (not shown) is connected, and through which aromatic oil droplets will exit the device. Referring to Fig. 3, an exploded view shows the internal components of the diffuser device 100. Vapor pump 32 includes a heating element, and a pump element, for pumping heated air towards the aromatic oil reservoir 36, via conduit 34 that is in fluid flow with aromatic oil compartment 34. The underside of aromatic oil reservoir 36 includes threaded screw adaptor that mates with the threaded opening of vial 16 of aromatic oil. Cap 50 covers aromatic oil compartment 36, and accepts conduit 34 of heating pump 32, and hose 38 that extends horizontally from cap 20 towards aperture 22. In use, hose 38 carries aromatic oil droplets out of the device 100 via aperture 22, from which tubing 84 extends (shown in Fig. 2B), for dispersal into the vehicle cabin. O-rings are used as necessary, to seal flow and secure hose 38 and conduit 34.

Electronic controller card 40 includes circuitry, memory and a processor that is programmed to operate the device 100, and is programmed to send signals that effect operation of the heating pump 32, based on one of several preprogrammed timing sequences of operation (enlarged upon below). Controller card 40 is connected to on/off button 42; button external cover 18 is shown and can be pressed when held in opening 46 of housing 10. Controller card 40 includes LED light 48 which is lit in use of device 100. Vapor pump controller card 52 contains circuitry, memory and a processor that command operation of the vapor pump, in response to receipt of a signal from the electronic controller card 40. Signals are typically transferred via electrical wiring (not shown) between controller card 40 and vapor card 52, and towards vapor pump 32. One of the many advantages of the invention is its universality, as it does not need to receive instructions from the central computer processors of the vehicle, rather it is standalone, and thus may be readily connected to any type of vehicle. Control of the device is regulated by the electronic controller card 40, and vapor pump controller card 52; which are activated by the on/off button 18 to regulate operation of the device and the strength of the fragrance emitted, as discussed below. Housing 10 has internal slots and dividers 11a, 11b, that accept and hold internal components, such as vapor pump 32, and electronic controller cards 40, 52. Housing 10 includes anchor slits 82a, 82b, that receive and hold tips 78 of ribs 80a, 80b, of viewing window 14 to hold viewing window over vial 16 (tips 78 best shown in Fig. 8). Rear cover 54 snap-fits into housing 10 via protrusions 56, and may be secured in place using a screw in screw-hole 56. In use of the device 100, vapor pump 32 outputs hot air via conduit 34 towards the aromatic oil reservoir 36. Aromatic oil droplets are formed by the heat, and leave reservoir via hose 38, to exit the device via aperture 22, and enter tubing 84 extending towards AC/heating vents, and pass into the vehicle cabin. The strength of fragrance dispersal can be selected by the user, by pressing on the on/off button 18 once or more, to toggle between several preprogrammed timing sequences of operation of the heating element. When the timing sequence is changed, the LED light 20 will be display a different color of light. A lengthy press of the on/off button will turn the device on/off. In one presently preferred embodiment, the memory of vapor pump controller card stores three timing sequences of operation: 1. 5 seconds on, 180 seconds off 2. 10 seconds on, 180 seconds off 3. 15 seconds on, 180 seconds off. Referring now to Fig 4, flexible tubing 84 is shown, that conveys heated droplets of aromatic oil towards heating/AC vents of vehicle. A proximal end 86 of tubing 84 receives heated droplets that enter tubing from device 100. Proximal end 86 connects to aperture 22 of device 100, via snap-connecting grommet 26 (shown in Fig. 2A). Divider support 88 allows conveyance of the heated droplets towards the dashboard mounted central AC/heating vents of both the driver, and the passenger (shown in Fig. 5). Divider support 88 receives and holds end 90 of flexible tubing 84, in fluid flow with tubes 90a, 90b. Each of tubes 90a, 90b terminates respectively in connector pieces 92a, 92b, that are installed in driver or passenger, dashboard AC/heating vents (shown in Fig. 5). Referring to Fig. 5, flexible tubing 84 has been installed into vehicle dashboard. Heating/AC vents have been removed to best show tubing placement in AC/heating vent boxes that hold vents. Connector piece 92a is installed into the driver’s-side AC/Heating vent box 94a, and Connector piece 92b is installed into the passenger’s-side AC/Heating vent box 94b. Referring to Fig. 6, two devices are shown prior to installation in a vehicle. Connector pieces 92a, 92b are shown above each device 100. Fig. 6 illustrates divider support 88, tubing 84, electrical wiring 96 that may optionally be used if needed to extend power cable 24 and provide electrical power to the device. Referring back to Fig. 3, in a presently preferred embodiment, the device is mounted in the glove compartment via simple mechanical linear slide guiding elements, and can be easily removed by a sliding motion. Mounting slider 12 is installed into the glove compartment ceiling, using screw-holes 58a, 58b. Mounting slider 12 includes projecting rim 60 at its circumference. Intermediate guiding element 62 is surrounded by rail 64, that slidably mates with projecting rim 60 of mounting slider 12. Acrylic layer 66 enhances the aesthetics of the device 100.

Intermediate guiding element 62 is fixed to acrylic layer 66 and to snap-cover 68, using any type of fastening, or adhesive. Snap-cover 68 includes snap-fit projections 70a, 70b that mate with cavities 72 in the upper circumference of housing 10, to cover all internal components shown in Fig. 3 within the housing 10. Referring now to Fig. 7, device 100 is shown after installation in glove compartment of a vehicle. Mounting slider 12 holds device 100 to the ceiling 102 of the glove compartment 98, via screws present in screw-holes 58a, 58b (shown in Figs. 3,8). Referring to Figs. 8-9, replacement of the vial 16 of aromatic oil is shown. Mounting slider 12 remains installed in the glove compartment ceiling 102, attached by screws in screw-holes 58a, 58b. In Fig. 9, proximal end 86 of tubing 84 is shown, as well as plug 28 of power cable 24. In Fig. 8, user applies force in the direction of Arrow 74, to cause diffuser device 100 to slide out of the glove compartment towards the user, with travel of device along rail 64, until rail 64 disengages from projecting rim 60 of mounting slider 12. Force is applied to viewing window 14 in the direction of arrow 76, to disengage tips 78a, 78b, 78c of ribs 80a, 80b, 80c from within their respective anchor slits 82a, 82b, 82c. Aromatic oil vial 16 can then be unscrewed from threaded screw adaptor 30 (not shown) and replaced with a full vial. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, vapor pump and heating element are replaced by ultrasonic diffuser components, in which a small ceramic plate vibrating at high speeds, creates ultrasonic waves that result in dispersal of the aromatic oil (or aromatic oil and water droplets). The remainder of the device components are essentially unchanged from those shown in Fig. 3. Referring now to Figs. 12-15, an alternative mounting embodiment is shown, in which mounting to a sidewall of the glove compartment is accomplished, via a snap-fit holder 104, that includes terminal snap-fit arms 106a, 106b. As shown in Fig. 14-15, when device 100 is introduced into shelf 108 of snap-fit holder 104, arms 106a, 106b will snap around and hold housing 10 of device 100.

As best shown in Figs. 12-13, screw holes 158a, 158b are utilized to accept screws for mounting the snap-fit holder 104 into the sidewall of the glove compartment of a vehicle. Referring to Fig. 15, to remove device 100 from snap-fit holder 104 after installation, user may apply force in the direction of arrow 110, which will cause snap-fit arms 106a, 106b to momentarily open to release device 100 from holder 104. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the snap-fit holder 104, including terminal snap-fit arms 106a, 106b, may be designed to grasp the device housing from any direction in the XYZ axis (e.g. the mounting holder 104 is located below the housing, above the housing, from the right side or the left side of the housing, etc.). This will allow placement of the device in a preferred location in the vehicle cabin. In one embodiment of the invention (not shown), the device is mounted in the vehicle cabin in a location other than the glove compartment. One example for a mounting location is the central driver’s console (which typically includes cup-holders, a coin compartment, cigarette lighters or USB plugs). An alternative location is adjacent to the driver or front passenger, such as under the dashboard, or in a door panel area. Flexible tubing 84 may be lengthier than described above, to reach the AC/heating vents for dispersal. Mounting may be accomplished using the snap-fit holder 104, or via mounting slider 12, based on the location of the device and user preference. Referring now to Figs 16-17, optionally, a plasma ionizer 112 (ionic air purifier) may additionally be installed in the vehicle, to purify the air flowing into the AC condenser of the vehicle. Referring to Fig. 16, plasma ionizer 112 is supplied with electrical power using power cord 114 which is connected to the vehicle’s electrical wiring. Mountings 116a, 116b are used to mount ionizer 112 in the vicinity of the AC condenser. Referring to Fig. 17, ionizer 112 is shown mounted upon dashboard support strut 1adjacent to the vehicle condenser 114. Air enters the ionizer 112 and after ionization, air is emitted into the condenser 114, from where it passes into the vehicle cabin. 30 ExampleIn one embodiment, the vapor pump having a heating element, has the following specifications: operating voltage is 2.7-3.5V; airflow is higher than 1.2 L/min; noise is lower than 45 DB; pressure is over 60 KPa for a 100 CC tank. The plasma ionizer has the following specifications: output is -5.5±0.5KV; negative ion output is ≥1 million particles; ozone capacity is ≤ 0.05 ppm. Tubing is silicone. Having described the invention with regard to certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation, as further modifications will now become apparent to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover such modifications as are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (22)

1.CLAIMS1. A diffuser device for use in a motor vehicle, comprising: a housing; a mounting suitable for releasably attaching said housing within the cabin of a motor vehicle; wherein said housing holds: a) a dispersal element in fluid communication with an aromatic oil; b) at least one electronic controller card comprising circuitry, memory and a processor programmed to send signals that effect operation of said dispersal element; c) an activation button for user control of said electronic controller card; d) conduits in fluid communication with said aromatic oil, for allowing passage of aromatic droplets within said device; tubing for conveying said aromatic oil from said conduits, to the cabin of a motor vehicle; and a power cable for providing electrical power to said device; wherein in use of said device, electrical power is provided to said electronic controller card and to said dispersal element, activating said dispersal element such that said droplets of said aromatic oil are formed and are conveyed from said device via said tubing into the cabin of a motor vehicle.

2. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein said device and said mounting are mountable within the glove compartment of a motor vehicle.

3. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein said tubing exits said device from the rear of said housing.

4. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein said tubing is attached to convey said aromatic oil to be dispersed, into a vehicle cabin, via said vehicle’s HVAC ducts.

5. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein said dispersal element is a vapor pump having a heating element.

6. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein said dispersal element is ultrasonic, comprising a vibrating plate capable of generating ultrasonic waves for dispersal of said aromatic oil.

7. The diffuser device of claim 1, comprising a snap-connecting grommet for rapid release of a proximal end of said tubing, said grommet providing rapid release of said device from a vehicle.

8. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein power cable comprises a plug that releasably mates with a central fuse-box of the under-dashboard wiring, said plug providing rapid release of said device from a vehicle.

9. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein said device is designed to be electrically connected to the ignition switch, such that operation of the engine ignition switch will provide power to the device.

10. The diffuser device of claim 1, comprising a light indicating the status of operation of said device.

11. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein said housing holds a threaded screw adaptor for mating with the threaded opening of a vial of aromatic oil and holding said aromatic oil in fluid flow with said dispersal element.

12. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein said conduits in fluid communication with said aromatic oil comprise: a conduit communication between said dispersal element and in fluid flow with an aromatic oil compartment; an aromatic oil reservoir having a threaded screw adaptor that mates with the threaded opening of a vial of aromatic oil, a cap covering an aromatic oil compartment, and a hose that extends horizontally from said cap towards an aperture in said housing.

13. The diffuser device of claim 5, further comprising a vapor pump controller card containing circuitry, memory and a processor that command operation of a vapor pump, in response to receipt of a signal from said central electronic controller card.

14. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein said housing comprises internal slots and dividers that accept and hold said diffuser components.

15. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein said electronic controller card is programmed to select between several repeating preprogrammed timing sequences of operation of said dispersal element, in response to pressing said activation button. 4. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein said timing sequences are: 5 seconds on, followed by 180 seconds off; 10 seconds on, followed by 180 seconds off; and seconds on, followed by 180 seconds off.

16. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein said tubing terminates in a pair of connector pieces installable into driver and passenger dashboard HVAC vent boxes, for conveying droplets of aromatic oil into said HVAC vents towards a passenger seat and towards a driver seat.

17. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein said mounting comprises mechanical linear slide guiding elements for mounting said device in said vehicle; wherein said device is removable by exerting a sliding motion upon said device.

18. The diffuser device of claim 17, wherein said mechanical linear slide guiding elements comprise: a mounting slider having a projecting rim at its circumference, and an intermediate guiding element surrounded by a rail, that slidably mates with said projecting rim; wherein screw-holes are present in said mounting slider for securing said mounting slider to the ceiling of a glove compartment.

19. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein said mounting comprises a snap-fit holder, having terminal snap-fit arms that hold said housing, and wherein said holder comprises screws for securing said mounting to said vehicle cabin.

20. The diffuser device of claim 19, wherein said snap-fit holder grasps said housing from a direction selected from: above the housing; below the housing; and from a side of said housing.

21. The diffuser device of claim 1, wherein said mounting and said device are sized for mounting in a vehicle cabin location selected from: the central driver’s console; under the dashboard, or in a door panel.

22. A diffuser system comprising the device of claim 1, and further comprising a plasma ionizer mounted adjacent to the vehicle HVAC condenser, such that in operation, ionized air is emitted into said condenser; wherein said ionizer receives electrical power from said vehicle’s electrical wiring.