Aromatic substance heating device
An aromatic substance heating device including a base, an integral heating element carried by the base, wherein the aromatic substance heating device is configured to receive and non-combustively heat an aromatic substance that is a solid at room temperature and a liquid at an elevated temperature. An aromatic substance container can be included to contain and transfer heat to the aromatic substance. The aromatic substance can include a candle wax.
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This application is a divisional application of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/158,585, filed May 29, 2002, which claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/374,211, filed Apr. 19, 2002, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/876,606, filed Jun. 7, 2001, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a device for dispersing scent throughout an area. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for heating an aromatic substance to provide the benefits of scented candles without the problems often associated with the use of candles.
2. Related Art
Scented candles have enjoyed increasing popularity in recent years. They are available in a variety of pleasing scents and colors. Many people use scented candles to help mask unpleasant odors or to simply provide a pleasant smell to a room. Some believe that particular scents provide some benefits, such as relieving stress, headaches, allergies, etc. Many people also enjoy the visual ambience, mood creation, and decor provided by a burning candle, as attested to by the continued desire for the time-honored candlelit dinner over more recent lighting innovations.
However, candles require a flame to heat the wax from which the candle is formed. As is known, when the wick of a candle is burned the wax immediately surrounding the wick melts; after which scents contained in the wax pool are released into the atmosphere at an increased rate. However, as a result, conventional candles present a recognized fire danger. Many office buildings, dormitories and even apartment complexes have banned the use of candles due to this recognized fire hazard. Nearly all candle manufacturers advise purchasers to never leave a burning candle unattended.
Burning scented candles can also disperse combustion by-products into the air, some of which may be toxic, such as carbon monoxide, acetone, benzene, hydrocarbons and other noxious substances. In a closed environment, such as a closed room, these combustion by-products can accumulate to hazardous levels; and, with prolonged use, can lead to health problems. Some wicks used in candles today contain lead and/or other metals which, when the wicks are burned, can increase the undesirable combustion by-products. Moreover, a soot by-product, known as black soot deposition, which accumulates with burning candles over time, is unattractive and increases the need for cleaning of walls, ceilings, etc. Nearly all of these undesirable qualities are ultimately caused by the combustion process by which traditional candles are utilized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a device for dispersing scent throughout a room which does not present the fire and pollutant dangers presented by burning scented candles. It has also been recognized that it would be desirable to develop such a device that simulates the visual ambience created by burning candles.
The present invention provides an aromatic substance container, including a bottom surface, configured to be heated by a heat source and an outer perimeter comprising an outer side wall, coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom surface. An inner perimeter can include an inner side wall, coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom surface, the inner perimeter being circumscribed by the outer perimeter and defining an opening in the substance container. Each side wall can be configured to contain and transfer heat to an aromatic substance. An outer retaining lip can extend upwardly and inwardly from the outer side wall. An inner retaining lip can extend upwardly and outwardly from the inner side wall.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an aromatic substance container is provided, including a bottom surface, configured to be heated by a heat source, and an outer perimeter comprising an outer side wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom surface. An inner perimeter can include an inner side wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom surface. The inner perimeter can define an opening in the substance container and can be configured to at least partially enclose a light source. Each side wall can be configured to transfer heat to an aromatic substance.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an aromatic substance container is provided, including a substantially annular bottom surface comprised of a thermally conductive material, having a defined center vertical axis, and being configured to be heated by a heat source. A conductive outer side wall can be comprised of a thermally conductive material, coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom surface and circumscribing the defined center vertical axis of the bottom surface. A conductive inner side wall can be comprised of a thermally conductive material, extending upwardly from the bottom surface and located between the defined center vertical axis of the bottom surface and the outer side wall. An aromatic substance can be contained within a cavity formed by the bottom surface and the conductive outer and inner side walls. An outer retaining lip can extend upwardly from the conductive outer side wall and laterally toward the defined center vertical axis of the bottom surface. An inner retaining lip can extend upwardly from the conductive interior side wall and laterally away from the defined center vertical axis of the bottom surface.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.
Illustrated in
The device 10 can be configured such that the heating element 14 is configured to receive a scented liquid. In this embodiment, the heating element itself can be configured in such a way that a bowl-shaped receiving area 17 is formed. An advantage of this embodiment is that it allows the user to use an aromatic substance that is not in a separate container, if desired. For example, if the user preferred scented oil as the favored aromatic substance, the user could simply pour the oil directly into the heating element receiving area. As the oil dissipates into the atmosphere, the user would simply refill the receiving area to replenish the desired aromatic substance. Additionally, in this embodiment, the user can place one or more conventional scented wax candles that are not confined in a container, such as traditional candles made for use with traditional candle holders, within the bowl shaped receiving area to heat them. This will facilitate emitting an aroma such as conventionally obtained with a conventional scented candle while lessening the combustion dangers inherent in burning conventional candles. This embodiment likewise allows the user to place within the bowl shaped receiving area any scented substance that releases fragrance at moderately elevated temperature; such as palletized wax, fragrance gel beads, and other such substances.
The embodiment of the device 10 shown in
The heating element 14 can be of any type known to those skilled in the art that provides for the necessary heat transfer. Additionally, the heating element can be configured in a variety of embodiments. In one embodiment, the heating element has a generally circular shape as shown in
In one embodiment the heating element is a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heating element. As is known in the art, PTC heating elements generally have a unique resistance to temperature which results in the resistance of the PTC decreasing as heat is drawn from the PTC. PTC heating elements generally have an extreme positive temperature coefficient over a very narrow range of temperatures. PTCs can thus be self-regulated at a preset temperature and can vary wattage automatically in order to maintain the preset temperature. The use of a PTC heating element in the present invention provides a heating device that accurately and efficiently controls temperatures and minimizes energy consumption.
The heating element is similarly not restricted to an electrical heating element. The heating element could, for example, be a solar heating element, or a chemical heating device which produces heat in response to a chemical reaction. The heating element could also be a combustion device, in which a fuel and oxidizer are combusted to produce heat. An example of such a heating element has been developed for portable curling irons. A small supply of propane or butane can be contained within the curling iron and be converted into heat through combustion. More than one heating element can be included in the present invention, and can be located in one or more locations in the base. When a provision for a light source is included (as discussed in further detail below), one or more heating elements can be disposed in one or more locations around and adjacent the provision for a light source.
As illustrated in
The present invention thus provides an aromatic substance heating device that can be used with a variety of aromatic materials to emit a pleasant aroma. The container 18 can be of any shape or substance that provides the desired heat transfer effects and is compatible with the desired heating element configuration. Also, any type of aromatic substance known in the art, including scented wax, oil, or potpourri may be used with the present invention. As discussed above, the present invention can be used with a conventional scented wax candle (not shown) which can be placed on the heating element 14 and warmed to an elevated temperature. As the candle is heated, the aroma from the wax is released at an increased rate. The present device thereby provides a system for enjoying scented candles without requiring that the candle be lit. Because combustion of candles can lead to undesirable combustion byproducts, the device provides a healthier and cleaner alternative to burning scented candles. It is understood that the device is not limited to use with scented candles, but can be used with alternate aromatic materials, as discussed further below.
Because of the relative safety of the heating element, the present invention can be operated for many hours without requiring close supervision. The device can be used in areas where open flames are not allowed, such as office buildings, dormitories and apartment complexes. Because the device does not burn the aromatic substance, when used with a conventional candle, it can dramatically extend the life of the candle. It is also believed that, when used with conventional candles, the present invention extracts a higher degree of aroma from the candle, in contrast to the aroma released when burning the candle.
To further enhance the safety and convenience of the present invention, the device can include a timer (not shown in the FIGs.) that can be operatively coupled to the heating element.
In this manner, an operator can pre-set a time for which the device will be operated. Once the pre-set time has elapsed, the timer can initiate a controller by which the heating element would cease operation. This feature can be used to ensure that the device is not left on for extended periods of time. An additional feature that can be included with the present invention is a pressure switch (not shown in the FIGs.) which can be operatively coupled to the heating element. The pressure switch can be configured to automatically initiate the heating element when a container is placed on the heating element. For example, the pressure switch can be configured to initiate the heating device upon sensing a weight of 2 to 3 ounces. In this manner, a conventional aromatic substance container, which can typically weigh more than 4 ounces, can be placed upon the heating element and thereby initiate the heating element.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the heating device includes an air circulating fan to disperse the aroma released from the aromatic material into the atmosphere. In the embodiment in
In one embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a chimney 24 for channeling the aroma in an upward direction. In
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
An annular aromatic container 33 having a center region that corresponds to the center region 29 of the heating element can be placed on the annular heating element. Additional description of the annular aromatic container is provided below. In this annular configuration, a light source 32 can be inserted into the socket 30. The light source can be of any type, but in one embodiment is a “flickering” light bulb, which simulates a flame. In this manner, as the heating element 28 heats the aromatic material and releases aroma, thereby simulating the smell of a burning candle, the flickering light simulates the look and ambience of a burning candle. In one embodiment, an intensity of illumination from the light source can vary, so as to emulate an appearance of a burning candle. By utilizing a chimney 24, the simulation is further enhanced. A translucent chimney can enhance the visual simulation by hiding the appearance of the bulb while allowing the light to pass through, which increases the look of a burning candle. The light source may include a variety of styles and types, such as a bulb, a tube, a flex-tube, an LED, a series of LEDs, etc., and may be situated at various locations upon or within the base for any desired optical effect.
In one embodiment, the socket 30 is disposed in the center region 29 such that the top end of the socket 30 is below the plane formed by the heating element 28. In this embodiment, the device can be used with a light bulb or without depending on the configuration of the aromatic container. If the container is configured in an annular shape, a light source can be inserted in the socket 30 to provide the visual effect of a candle. If the container is not in an annular shape then the light source can be omitted and the container can rest on the annular heating element. Alternatively, the light source 32 can be removed and a container of alternate shape (not shown) can be placed upon and heated by the annular heating element. For example, conventional scented wax candles come in a cylindrically shaped glass container. This type of candle does not have an open center region that would permit use of a light source 32. However, when the light source 32 is removed, a cylindrically shaped container would be able to rest on the annular shaped heating element. Thus, the present invention allows the versatile use of specialized containers and conventional containers, as the situation allows.
To facilitate heating of an annular container, more than one heating side wall can extend upwardly from the heating element. As illustrated in the embodiment in
The terms “annular” and “substantially annular” as used herein are meant to describe the geometry of an element of the present invention in which an interior and exterior edge of the element generally correspond with an annular path circumscribing a center of the element. As an example, shown in
Thus, an “annular” element discussed herein is not limited to a geometry which includes an outer and inner edge which are circular. The outer and inner edges can be formed of many facets which can form an organized pattern, as illustrated in
An alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
One embodiment of the aromatic container is illustrated in
It will be appreciated that the container discussed above can be formed in two pieces as illustrated in
The retaining lip can be comprised of any material, but in one embodiment is comprised of a material that inhibits thermal conduction. It will be appreciated that a conductive side wall 40 may become hot after being heated by a heating element. By forming the retaining lip of a thermal insulator, it will not become as hot as the conductive side walls and can be more comfortably grasped by an operator.
In the embodiment illustrated in
As illustrated in
In one embodiment, the aromatic substance 46 can be candle wax, as is commonly known to those skilled in the art. Candle waxes are often produced from paraffin, which can be obtained from petroleum byproducts. Beeswax can also be used in candle wax, which is naturally produced by bees. Microcrystallines, which differ from paraffin, can also be used, as can polythylene waxes, all natural wax and soy-based wax. The candle wax can also include scents, colorings or other additives. It is to be understood that the aromatic substance is not limited to candle waxes, and can include scented oils, scented gels, and solids, such as “potpourri” combinations.
An alternate embodiment of the aromatic cover is illustrated in
In one embodiment, an outer retaining lip 56 extends upwardly from the outer side wall 52 and laterally toward the defined center vertical axis 50a of the annular bottom surface. An inner retaining lip 58 extends upwardly from the inner side wall 54 and laterally away from the defined center vertical axis 50 of the annular bottom surface.
The embodiment illustrated in
An alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
It is to be understood that the above-referenced arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the following example combinations:
Claims
1. An aromatic substance container, comprising:
- a) a bottom surface, configured to be heated by a heat source;
- b) i) an outer perimeter comprising an outer side wall, coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom surface, and ii) an inner perimeter comprising an inner side wall, coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom surface, the inner perimeter being circumscribed by the outer perimeter and defining an opening in the substance container;
- each side wall being configured to contain and transfer heat to an aromatic substance;
- c) an outer retaining lip extending upwardly and inwardly from the outer side wall; and
- d) an inner retaining lip extending upwardly and outwardly from the inner side wall.
2. A container in accordance with claim 1, wherein:
- a) the bottom surface is substantially annular and has a defined center vertical axis;
- b) i) the outer side wall circumscribes the defined center vertical axis of the bottom surface, and ii) the inner side wall is located between the defined center vertical axis of the bottom surface and the outer side wall,
- c) the outer retaining lip extends i) upwardly from the outer side wall and ii) laterally toward the defined center vertical axis of the annular bottom surface; and
- d) the inner retaining lip extends i) upwardly from the inner side wall and ii) laterally away from the defined center vertical axis of the annular bottom surface.
3. A container in accordance with claim 1, wherein the bottom surface and outer and inner side walls are comprised of a thermally conductive material.
4. A container in accordance with claim 3, wherein the outer and inner retaining lips are comprised of a material that inhibits thermal conduction.
5. A container in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a cover removably coupled to a top of each of the inner and outer retaining lips, the cover being configured to cover and protect contents of the aromatic substance container.
6. A container in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a cover removably coupled to a top of each of the outer and inner side walls, the cover being configured to cover and protect contents of the aromatic substance container.
7. A container in accordance with claim 1, wherein the aromatic substance includes a substance that is a solid having a lower vapor pressure at a lower temperature, and that is a liquid having a higher vapor pressure at an elevated temperature.
8. A container in accordance with claim 1, wherein the aromatic substance includes a candle wax.
9. An aromatic substance container, comprising:
- a) a bottom surface, configured to be heated by a heat source;
- b) i) an outer perimeter comprising an outer side wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom surface; and ii) an inner perimeter comprising an inner side wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom surface, the inner perimeter defining an opening in the substance container being configured to at least partially enclose a light source;
- each side wall being configured to transfer heat to an aromatic substance;
10. A container in accordance with claim 9, wherein the bottom surface and outer and inner side walls are comprised of a thermally conductive material.
11. A container in accordance with claim 9, further comprising:
- a) an outer retaining lip extending upwardly and inwardly from the outer side wall; and
- b) an inner retaining lip extending upwardly and outwardly from the inner side wall.
12. A container in accordance with claim 11, wherein the outer and inner retaining lips are comprised of a material that inhibits thermal conduction.
13. A container in accordance with claim 11, further comprising a cover removably coupled to a top of each of the inner and outer retaining lips, the cover being configured to cover and protect contents of the aromatic substance container.
14. A container in accordance with claim 9, further comprising a cover removably coupled to a top of each of the outer and inner side walls, the cover being configured to cover and protect contents of the aromatic substance container.
15. A container in accordance with claim 9, wherein the aromatic substance includes a substance that is a solid having a lower vapor pressure at a lower temperature, and that is a liquid having a higher vapor pressure at an elevated temperature.
16. A container in accordance with claim 9, wherein the aromatic substance includes a candle wax.
17. An aromatic substance container, comprising:
- a) a substantially annular bottom surface comprised of a thermally conductive material, having a defined center vertical axis, and being configured to be heated by a heat source;
- b) a conductive outer side wall comprised of a thermally conductive material, coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom surface and circumscribing the defined center vertical axis of the bottom surface, and a conductive inner side wall comprised of a thermally conductive material, extending upwardly from the bottom surface and located between the defined center vertical axis of the bottom surface and the outer side wall;
- c) an aromatic substance, contained within a cavity formed by the bottom surface and the conductive outer and inner side walls;
- d) an outer retaining lip extending i) upwardly from the conductive outer side wall and ii) laterally toward the defined center vertical axis of the bottom surface; and
- e) an inner retaining lip extending i) upwardly from the conductive interior side wall and ii) laterally away from the defined center vertical axis of the bottom surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 16, 2006
Publication Date: Feb 8, 2007
Applicant:
Inventors: Deno Roumpos (Murray, UT), George Roumpos (Murray, UT), Mark Smith (Salt Lake City, UT)
Application Number: 11/506,213
International Classification: A61L 9/03 (20070101);