received by the International Bureau on 06 October 2020 (06.10.2020)

The invention claimed is:

1. A component for a vehicle interior configured to dispense scent from scent media into air in a vehicle interior comprising:

a scent-dispensing apparatus comprising a module providing an inlet and an outlet; wherein the module comprises an enclosure configured for at least one scent-dispensing cartridge providing scent media; and

wherein the module comprises an actuator configured to actuate at least one scent dispensing cartridge between a sealed state and an unsealed state.

2. The component of Claim 1 wherein the at least one scent-dispensing cartridge

comprises a first scent-dispensing cartridge and a second scent-dispensing cartridge.

3. The component of Claim 2 wherein the actuator is configured to provide the scent-dispensing apparatus with (a) a bypass state with the first scent-dispensing cartridge in a sealed state and the second scent-dispensing cartridge in a sealed state; (b) a first actuation state actuating the first scent-dispensing cartridge in an unsealed state with the second scent dispensing cartridge in the sealed state; (c) a second actuation state actuating the second scent dispensing cartridge in an unsealed state with the first scent-dispensing cartridge in the sealed state.

4. The component of Claim 3 wherein the actuator comprises an actuation mechanism comprising (a) an actuator for the first scent-dispensing cartridge; (b) an actuator for the second scent-dispensing cartridge.

5. The component of Claim 4 wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a cam shaft configured to (a) actuate the first scent-dispensing cartridge from the sealed state to the unsealed state to allow passage of air through scent media of the first scent-dispensing cartridge toward the outlet; (b) actuate the second scent-dispensing cartridge from the sealed state to the unsealed state to allow passage of air through scent media of the second scent-dispensing cartridge toward the outlet.

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6. The component of Claim 5 wherein the cam shaft is configured for (a) a position to provide the bypass state; (b) a position to provide the first actuation state; (c) a position to provide the second actuation state.

7. The component of Claim 4 wherein the actuation mechanism comprises (a) a cam/follower arrangement to operate a valve arrangement for the first scent-dispensing cartridge;

(b) a cam/follower arrangement to operate a valve arrangement for the second scent-dispensing cartridge.

8. The component of Claim 2 further comprising a latch configured for (a) a latched state to secure the first scent-dispensing cartridge; (b) an unlatched state to present the first scent dispensing cartridge for replacement.

9. The component of Claim 8 further comprising a plunger configured to present the first scent-dispensing cartridge for replacement in response to movement of the latch from the latched state to the unlatched state.

10. The component of Claim 2 further comprising a cover configured for (a) a closed state to conceal the at least one scent-dispensing cartridge; (b) an open state to expose the at least one scent-dispensing cartridge.

11. The component of Claim 10 wherein when the cover is in the open state, the actuator is configured for at least one of (a) an inaccessible state with the first scent-dispensing cartridge in an inaccessible position and the second scent-dispensing cartridge in an inaccessible position; (b) a first accessible state actuating the first scent-dispensing cartridge in an accessible position for replacement with the second scent-dispensing cartridge in the inaccessible position;

(c) a second accessible state actuating the second scent-dispensing cartridge in an accessible position for replacement with the first scent-dispensing cartridge in the inaccessible position.

12. The component of Claim 1 further comprising a cover configured for (a) a closed state to conceal the at least one scent-dispensing cartridge; (b) an open state to expose the at least one scent-dispensing cartridge; wherein the cover comprises the outlet.

13. The component of Claim 1 wherein the apparatus comprises an inlet duct to the inlet and an outlet duct to the outlet; wherein the inlet duct is separated from the outlet duct within the module of the apparatus; wherein a cover is configured to form the outlet duct.

14. The component of Claim 1 further comprising a fan configured to provide air flow between the inlet and the outlet.

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15. The component of Claim 14 further comprising a bypass duct; wherein the fan is configured to direct air (a) to the inlet; (b) through the bypass duct; (c) through the outlet.

16. The component of Claim 14 wherein the fan is configured for a high speed state and a low speed state; wherein the high speed state is configured to provide high intensity scent dispersion; wherein the low speed state is configured to provide low intensity scent dispersion.

17. The component of Claim 2 wherein the actuator comprises a mechanism configured to (a) rotate in a first direction to actuate the first scent-dispensing cartridge and (b) rotate in a second direction generally opposite the first direction to actuate the second scent dispensing cartridge.

18. The component of Claim 2 wherein the actuator is configured for (a) a default state with the first scent-dispensing cartridge in a sealed state and the second scent-dispensing cartridge in a sealed state; (b) a first actuation state actuating the first scent-dispensing cartridge in an unsealed state with the second scent-dispensing cartridge in the sealed state; (c) a second actuation state actuating the second scent-dispensing cartridge in an unsealed state with the first scent-dispensing cartridge in the sealed state.

19. The component of Claim 18 wherein the actuator comprises a shaft configured to (a) actuate the first scent-dispensing cartridge from the sealed state to the unsealed state to allow passage of air through scent media of the first scent-dispensing cartridge toward the outlet; (b) actuate the second scent-dispensing cartridge from the sealed state to the unsealed state to allow passage of air through scent media of the second scent-dispensing cartridge toward the outlet.

20. The component of Claim 19 wherein the shaft is configured for (a) a first position to provide the first actuation state; (b) a second position to provide the second actuation state; (c) a third position to provide the default state; wherein the first position comprises an extended position; wherein the second position comprises a retracted position; wherein the third position comprises a middle position.

21. The component of Claim 1 wherein the actuator is configured to compress a spring of the at least one scent-dispensing cartridge to actuate the at least one scent-dispensing cartridge from the sealed state to the unsealed state to allow air flow through scent media toward the outlet.

22. The component of Claim 1 further comprising a motor for the actuator; wherein the actuator comprises an actuation mechanism comprising a shaft; wherein the module is

79 configured to provide (a) a default state with a first scent-dispensing cartridge in a sealed state and a second scent-dispensing cartridge in a sealed state and (b) a first actuation state actuating the first scent-dispensing cartridge in an unsealed state with the second scent-dispensing cartridge in the sealed state and (c) a second actuation state actuating the second scent-dispensing cartridge in an unsealed state with the first scent-dispensing cartridge in the sealed state; wherein the motor is configured to move the shaft between (a) a first position to provide the first actuation state; (b) a second position to provide the second actuation state; (c) a third position to provide the default state; wherein the first position comprises an extended position; wherein the second position comprises a retracted position; wherein the third position comprises a middle position.

23. The component of Claim 22 wherein the shaft is configured to translate to actuate an actuator to rotate to actuate the first scent-dispensing cartridge.

24. The component of Claim 1 wherein the actuator comprises a seesaw mechanism; wherein the seesaw mechanism comprises an arm comprising (a) an actuator for a first scent dispensing cartridge; (b) an actuator for a second scent-dispensing cartridge.

25. The component of Claim 24 wherein the seesaw mechanism further comprises a motor and a shaft; wherein the motor is configured to move the shaft at an end of the arm to rotate the arm.

26. The component of Claim 1 wherein the actuator comprises an arm configured to rotate to actuate the at least one scent-dispensing cartridge; wherein the actuator further comprises a motor configured to pull the arm toward the motor to actuate a first scent-dispensing cartridge; wherein the motor is configured to push the arm to actuate a second scent-dispensing cartridge.

27. The component of Claim 1 wherein the module comprises a cover configured for (a) a closed state to conceal the at least one scent-dispensing cartridge; (b) an open state to expose the at least one scent-dispensing cartridge.

28. The component of Claim 27 wherein the cover comprises at least one of (a) an outlet for the at least one scent-dispensing cartridge or (b) a magnet configured to couple the cover and the module or (c) a mesh configured to conceal the at least one scent-dispensing cartridge and allow air flow to the outlet or (d) a cover structure for the at least one scent-

80 dispensing cartridge configured to form an outlet chamber for the at least one scent-dispensing cartridge.

29. The component of Claim 1 wherein the module comprises an inlet chamber between the inlet and the outlet; wherein the inlet chamber is separated from the outlet within the enclosure of the module; wherein the actuator is adjacent to the inlet.

30. The component of Claim 1 wherein the actuator comprises a mechanism configured to actuate a valve arrangement for the at least one scent-dispensing cartridge; wherein the mechanism comprises a slider arrangement configured to provide cam action to open the valve arrangement for the unsealed state and to close the valve arrangement for the sealed state.

31. The component of Claim 1 further comprising a user interface configured to facilitate the selection of scent by selection of at least one scent-dispensing cartridge for actuation and/or for selection of intensity of scent from at least one scent-dispensing cartridge.

32. The component of Claim 1 wherein the at least one scent-dispensing cartridge comprises at least one interchangeable cartridge for use in the module in a vehicle interior; wherein at least one interchangeable cartridge can be removed and replaced in the module; wherein selection of at least one interchangeable cartridge provides selection of scent media; wherein actuation of at least one interchangeable cartridge facilitates the selection of scent from scent media in at least one interchangeable cartridge for the vehicle interior.

33. The component of Claim 1 comprising at least one of: (a) a console; (b) an overhead console; (c) a floor console; (d) a center console.

34. The component of Claim 1 wherein the at least one cartridge comprises a cartridge system comprising a cartridge; wherein the cartridge comprises a body comprising an inlet port and an outlet port and a chamber configured to contain scent media; wherein the valve assembly comprises a flow control element configured to facilitate air flow for the cartridge; wherein the flow control element of the valve assembly is configured to control air flow for the cartridge into the inlet port across scent media in the chamber and from the outlet port; so that the flow control element when open is configured to facilitate air flow across scent media in the chamber of the body and when closed is configured to provide a seal of air flow to scent media in the chamber of the body.

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35. A cartridge system for a scent-dispensing apparatus providing an inlet and an outlet configured to dispense scent from scent media into air in a vehicle interior comprising: a cartridge comprising a body comprising an inlet port and an outlet port and a chamber configured to contain scent media;

a valve assembly comprising a flow control element configured to facilitate air flow for the cartridge;

wherein the flow control element of the valve assembly is configured to control air flow for the cartridge into the inlet port across scent media in the chamber and from the outlet port; so that the flow control element when open is configured to facilitate air flow across scent media in the chamber of the body and when closed is configured to provide a seal of air flow to scent media in the chamber of the body.

36. The cartridge system of Claim 35 wherein the seal comprises an air-tight leak- proof seal.

37. The cartridge system of Claim 35 wherein the cartridge comprises a cap for the body; wherein the cap is configured to be removed to provide scent media into the chamber.

38. The cartridge system of Claim 35 wherein the valve assembly is configured for (1) an enclosed state to provide a seal at the inlet port and a seal at the outlet port and (2) a pass through state to provide flow of air through the inlet port across scent media through the outlet port.

39. The cartridge system of Claim 35 wherein the flow control element of the valve assembly comprises a valve.

40. The cartridge system of Claim 39 wherein the flow control element of the valve assembly comprises the valve and a seal configured for at least one of (1) to prevent air flow through the inlet port and/or (2) to prevent air flow through the outlet port.

41. The cartridge system of Claim 39 wherein the valve comprises a set of valves; wherein the seal comprises a set of seals.

42. The cartridge system of Claim 39 wherein the valve comprises a valve for the inlet port and a valve for the outlet port; wherein the seal comprises a seal for the inlet port and a seal for the outlet port.

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43. The cartridge system of Claim 35 wherein the valve assembly comprises a valve mechanism comprising a valve for the inlet port and a valve for the outlet port.

44. The cartridge system of Claim 43 wherein the valve mechanism comprises a spring configured to facilitate operation of at least one of (a) the valve for the inlet port or (b) the valve for the outlet port.

45. The cartridge system of Claim 43 wherein the valve for the inlet port is configured to move relative to the valve for the outlet port.

46. The cartridge system of Claim 43 wherein the valve mechanism comprises a spring configured to compress to actuate the valve mechanism from a sealed state to prevent air flow across scent media in the cartridge to an open state to allow air flow across scent media in the cartridge.

47. The cartridge system of Claim 35 wherein the valve assembly comprises an inlet valve and an outlet valve.

48. The cartridge system of Claim 47 wherein the inlet valve is configured to move relative to the outlet port (a) to provide air flow from the inlet port across scent media in the chamber to the outlet port when open and (b) to provide a seal of scent media in the chamber of the body when closed.

49. The cartridge system of Claim 47 wherein the inlet valve is configured to move the outlet valve to provide flow of air across scent media through the outlet port.

50. The cartridge system of Claim 47 wherein the inlet valve is configured to provide the inlet port and the outlet valve is configured to provide the outlet port.

51. The cartridge system of Claim 50 wherein the cartridge comprises the valve assembly; wherein the valve assembly comprises the inlet valve and the outlet valve; and wherein the valve assembly is configured to be actuated to an unsealed state for air flow from the inlet to the outlet; wherein scent is dispensed from the cartridge by air flow through the inlet valve and across scent media in the chamber and through the outlet valve when the valve assembly is in the unsealed state.

52. The cartridge system of Claim 35 wherein the cartridge comprises a tag for data; wherein data comprises information.

53. A system configured to dispense scent by air flow across scent media into a vehicle interior comprising:

a module comprising an inlet and an outlet and configured to dispense scent through actuation of a valve mechanism;

wherein the module is configured to contain at least one cartridge comprising scent media;

wherein the valve mechanism comprises a flow control element between the inlet and the outlet and configured to control air flow across scent media in at least one cartridge;

so that the module is configured to dispense scent by air flow into the inlet and across scent media in at least one cartridge and from the outlet into the vehicle interior.

54. The system of Claim 53 further comprising at least one cartridge and an actuation mechanism configured to actuate the valve mechanism; wherein the at least one cartridge comprises a valve configured to be actuated by the valve mechanism.

55. The system of Claim 53 wherein the valve mechanism comprises a set of valves.

56. The system of Claim 53 wherein the at least one cartridge is removable from the module; wherein the at least one cartridge is replaceable within the module.

57. The system of Claim 53 wherein the at least one cartridge comprises a set of cartridges; wherein the set of cartridges comprises a first scent cartridge comprising first scent media to provide a first scent and a second scent cartridge comprising second scent media to provide a second scent; wherein the valve mechanism comprises a first valve assembly for the first scent cartridge and a second valve assembly for the second scent cartridge.

58. The system of Claim 57 further comprising an actuation mechanism for the valve mechanism; wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to actuate a valve of the first valve assembly for the first scent cartridge and a valve of the second valve assembly for the second scent cartridge.

59. The system of Claim 54 wherein the actuation mechanism comprises at least one of (a) a cam mechanism; (b) a cam mechanism operated by a controller.

60. The system of Claim 54 further comprising an actuation mechanism for the valve mechanism; wherein the at least one cartridge comprises a first scent cartridge comprising first scent media and a first valve assembly and a second scent cartridge comprising second scent media and a second valve assembly; wherein the valve mechanism comprises the first valve assembly and the second valve assembly; wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a cam mechanism configured to actuate the valve mechanism.

61. The system of Claim 60 wherein the cam mechanism is configured to selectively open and close a valve of the first valve assembly for the first scent cartridge and to selectively open and close a valve of the second valve assembly of the second scent cartridge.

62. The system of Claim 60 wherein the cam mechanism is configured to selectively open and close a set of valves of the first valve assembly for the first scent cartridge and to selectively open and close a set of valves of the second valve assembly of the second scent cartridge.

63. The system of Claim 60 wherein the actuation mechanism is operated by a controller and configured to selectively operate the valve mechanism to open and close a valve of the first valve assembly for the first scent cartridge and to open and close a valve of the second valve assembly of the second scent cartridge.

64. The system of Claim 54 further comprising a fan configured to provide air flow through the module; wherein the valve mechanism comprises at least one valve; wherein the fan is configured to provide air flow through the at least one valve.

65. The system of Claim 54 further comprising a set of cartridges comprising a first scent cartridge comprising first scent media to provide a first scent and a second scent cartridge comprising second scent media to provide a second scent; wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to selectively operate the valve mechanism to open and close a valve of a first valve assembly for the first scent cartridge and to open and close a valve of a second valve assembly for the second scent cartridge; wherein a fan is configured to provide air flow for the module; wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to direct air flow through the valve of the first valve assembly into the first scent cartridge and/or through the valve of the second valve assembly into the second scent cartridge.

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66. The system of Claim 65 wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a cam mechanism configured to selectively operate the valve mechanism to open and close a valve of the first valve assembly for the first scent cartridge and to open and close a valve of the second valve assembly of the second scent cartridge.

67. The system of Claim 65 wherein the module is configured to provide the first scent during air flow through the first scent cartridge and the second scent during air flow through the second scent cartridge.

68. The system of Claim 65 wherein the first scent cartridge is sealed from air flow during air flow through the second scent cartridge and wherein the second scent cartridge is sealed from air flow during air flow through the first scent cartridge.

69. The system of Claim 65 wherein the first valve assembly comprises a set of valves; wherein the second valve assembly comprises a set of valves.

70. The system of Claim 54 further comprising a control system for the module; wherein the control system comprises a controller for the module; wherein the controller is configured to operate at least one of the actuation mechanism and/or a fan.

71. The system of Claim 70 wherein the controller is operated through a user interface.

72. The system of Claim 53 operated in a vehicle by a process comprising the steps of: (a) activating a user interface for the module; (b) detecting a cartridge in the module;

wherein the user interface of the module comprises control of at least one of (1) selection of scent; (2) operation of a fan; (3) display of information; (4) replacement of a cartridge; (5) cancel of a command; (6) shut off of the module.

73. The system of Claim 72 further comprising at least one cartridge; wherein the at least one cartridge comprises a first scent cartridge comprising first scent media and a first valve assembly and a second scent cartridge comprising second scent media and a second valve assembly; wherein the valve mechanism comprises the first valve assembly and the second valve assembly; wherein the actuation mechanism is configured to actuate the valve mechanism.

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74. The system of Claim 73 wherein the system is configured to provide the first scent during air flow through the first scent cartridge and the second scent during air flow through the second scent cartridge; wherein the first scent cartridge is sealed from air flow during air flow through the second scent cartridge and wherein the second scent cartridge is sealed from air flow during air flow through the first scent cartridge.

75. The system of Claim 72 operated by a process further comprising the step of obtaining data from the vehicle for a controller of the module; wherein the data comprises data from the vehicle interior; and the step of detecting a cartridge comprises obtaining data from an identification tag on the at least one cartridge.

76. The system of Claim 53 further comprising an interface; wherein the interface comprises at least one of a data/network interface and a mechanical interface.

77. The system of Claim 53 comprising a vehicle interior component comprising the module.

78. A cartridge for a component for a vehicle interior configured to dispense scent from scent media into air in a vehicle interior comprising:

(a) a body providing a chamber configured to contain scent media; and

(b) a valve mechanism;

wherein the body comprises an inlet port and an outlet port to facilitate air flow across scent media in the chamber;

wherein the valve mechanism is configured to be actuated between a sealed position to prevent air flow for scent media in the chamber and an open position to facilitate air flow for scent media in the chamber.

79. The cartridge of Claim 78 configured for installation into a scent-dispensing apparatus for the vehicle interior comprising a module providing an inlet and an outlet and an actuator for the valve mechanism; so that when the valve mechanism is actuated to the open position by the actuator of the module scent is dispensed by air flow into the inlet of the module across scent media in the chamber from the outlet of the module into the vehicle interior.

80. The cartridge of Claim 79 wherein the actuator of the module is configured to actuate the valve mechanism to the sealed position to prevent scent from being dispensed from the chamber into the vehicle interior.

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81. The cartridge of Claim 78 wherein the body comprises a cap and a bottom;

wherein the cap and the bottom comprise an outlet port and an inlet port.

82. The cartridge of Claim 78 wherein the valve mechanism comprises a valve and a seal between the inlet port and the outlet port; wherein at least one of the valve or the seal is configured to seal at least one of (1) the inlet port to prevent passage of air through the inlet port; (2) the outlet port to prevent passage of air through the outlet port.

83. The cartridge of Claim 82 wherein the valve comprises a valve for the inlet port and a valve for the outlet port; wherein the seal comprises a seal for the inlet port and a seal for the outlet port.

84. The cartridge of Claim 83 wherein the valve mechanism further comprises a member to couple the valve for the inlet port to the valve for the outlet port.

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