Kerosene lantern conversion kits

Disclosed herein are kerosene lantern conversion kits for converting kerosene lanterns to solar light devices. The kerosene lantern conversion kit may comprise a light unit configured to be inserted to the kerosene lantern, the light unit including a light source and a battery electrically coupled to the light source. The kerosene lantern conversion kit may comprise a switch unit configured to be inserted into a kerosene-filling opening of the kerosene lantern, the switch unit including a switch configured to electrically couple to the light source to control the light source. The kerosene lantern conversion kit may comprise a solar panel that can electrically couple to the battery to deliver energy generated by the solar panel to the battery. Using the conversion kits described herein, kerosene lanterns can easily be retrofitted to solar light devices using few tools and with limited basic training.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to solar light kits, and more specifically to solar light kits for converting kerosene lanterns to solar light devices.

BACKGROUND

In developing nations, many communities live without steady access to electricity. As a result, when the sun goes down, families turn to kerosene gas lanterns to light their homes. Kerosene gas lanterns are an expensive and dangerous source of lighting. These lanterns emit dangerous air pollutants such as black carbon, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, all of which are known to be harmful to people and to the environment. Inhaling black carbon or carbon monoxide causes cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and can even lead to death. Black carbon is also a leading contributor to climate change. When kerosene is burned in gas lanterns, the emitted black carbon can remain in the atmosphere for weeks, and long term, can cause lake acidification, acid rain, and can deplete nutrients in the soil, thereby affecting vegetation.

Kerosene lanterns are also a safety hazard. Accidental ingestion of kerosene by children is the leading cause of child poisoning in Africa. Kerosene is typically stored in empty containers and bottles in the home, which makes it easy for children to mistake the kerosene for something else. Ingesting kerosene can cause pneumonia, respiratory illness, and food poisoning. Kerosene is also a common cause of many building fires and human burn accidents. The lanterns are typically used in confined spaces where they can easily be knocked over, which starts a fire. Also, parts of the lantern can heat to a temperature that causes burns if accidentally touched.

Despite these negative environmental and health impacts and risks, people continue to use kerosene because few viable alternatives exist, and kerosene is relatively cheap. Moreover, in instances where alternatives are presented, it can be challenging to convince kerosene lantern users to forfeit the gas lantern they are accustomed to for an unfamiliar alternative. Thus, there remains a need for an alternative lighting source to kerosene gas lanterns that not only negates the negative health and environmental effects associated with kerosene gas lanterns, but also is easily integral to households to create safe, lasting lighting practices.

SUMMARY

Described herein are kits for converting kerosene gas lanterns into solar light sources. The kit may be used to retrofit an existing kerosene gas lantern with an electronic solar energy-powered light device to convert the lantern into a solar light source. The kit can include a light unit that replaces the existing internal components of the kerosene lantern (e.g., the wick and its related components). The light unit can include a light source and a rechargeable battery electrically coupled to the light source. The light unit may be electrically coupled to a switch unit that can be inserted to the existing kerosene-filling opening in the lantern, the switch unit including a switch for turning the light source on and off. The kerosene lantern conversion kit can also include a solar panel configured to electrically couple to the light unit to deliver energy generated by the solar panel to the light source.

The kerosene lantern conversion kit provided herein may be used to convert kerosene lanterns with few tools and limited training. The kit may only necessitate a can/tin opener to remove the base of the lantern and insert the appropriate lighting components of the solar light device described herein. Moreover, converting the kerosene lanterns to solar light devices as described herein may be a simple process with only a few steps, and thus may require little-to-no training. Thus, the kerosene lantern conversion kits may be easily integrated into developing and remote communities that otherwise do not have access to advanced tools and/or training resources. In turn, the community is provided long-lasting, efficient, and eco-friendly solar light sources in place of dangerous kerosene-burning lanterns, and the harmful environmental and health risks of kerosene lanterns are minimized.

In some examples, a kit for converting a kerosene lantern to a solar light device is provided, comprising: a light unit configured to be inserted into the kerosene lantern, comprising: a light source; and a battery electrically coupled to the light source; a switch unit configured to be inserted into a kerosene-filling opening of the kerosene lantern, comprising: a switch configured to electrically couple to the light source to control the light source; and a solar panel configured to electrically couple to the battery to deliver energy generated by the solar panel to the battery. In some examples, the switch unit comprises an electrical port configured to facilitate connection between the battery and the solar panel to deliver the energy generated by the solar panel to the battery. In some examples, the kit comprises a cable configured to connect to the electrical port and to the solar panel to deliver the energy generated by the solar panel to the battery. In some examples, the light unit comprises a light housing configured to enclose the light source and the battery. In some examples, the light unit comprises a collar configured to removably attach the light housing to a wick holder within the kerosene lantern. In some examples, the collar and the light housing are configured to removably attach via a threaded mechanism, snap-fit, or press-fit. In some examples, the light housing comprises a first attachment body configured to removably attach to a second attachment body of the light housing to enclose the light source and the battery. In some examples, the first attachment body is configured to removably attach to the second attachment body without using additional attachment components. In some examples, the light unit comprises a circuit board, and the light source is mounted to the circuit board and the battery is electrically coupled to the circuit board. In some examples, the solar panel is configured to attach to an external surface of the kerosene lantern. In some examples, the light unit is configured to be inserted to a base of the kerosene lantern such that a light-emitting portion of the light unit extends through a wick holder of the kerosene lantern and into a light-emitting portion of the kerosene lantern. In some examples, the switch unit comprises a button molding configured to cover the kerosene-filling opening and comprising a button configured to couple to the switch to control the light source. In some examples, the switch unit comprises a switch housing configured to enclose the switch and the electrical port, the switch housing comprising one or more openings for accessing the switch and the electrical port. In some examples, the switch unit comprises a collar configured to secure the switch housing within the kerosene-filling opening. In some examples, the collar and the switch housing are configured to removably attach via a threaded mechanism, snap-fit, or press-fit.

In some examples, a method for converting a kerosene lantern to a solar light device is provided, comprising: removing a bottom face of the kerosene lantern; inserting a light unit into the kerosene lantern, the light unit comprising a light source and a battery electrically coupled to the light source, the battery configured to receive energy generated by a solar panel; inserting a switch unit into a kerosene-filling opening of the kerosene lantern, the switch unit comprising a switch configured to control the light source; and electrically connecting the switch and the light source. In some examples, the methods comprises removing a wick mechanism from within the kerosene lantern by hand. In some examples, the methods comprises attaching the light unit to a wick holder within the kerosene lantern using a first collar. In some examples, the methods comprises securing the switch unit within the kerosene-filling opening using a second collar. In some examples, a can opener is used to remove the bottom face of the kerosene lantern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein are kits for converting kerosene lanterns to solar light devices. The kerosene lantern conversion kits described herein can include a light unit that replaces the existing wick components within the lantern and includes a light source coupled to a battery. The kit can also include a switch unit configured to be inserted to the kerosene-filling opening in the base of the lanterns and configured to control the light source. The kerosene lantern conversion kit can further include a solar panel that can electrically couple to the light unit to provide solar energy to the battery and power the solar light device. Retrofitting kerosene lanterns into solar light devices as provided herein may be a simple process that requires few machining skills and limited tools. For example, the conversion process may only require one tool—a tin or can opener to remove the base of the kerosene lantern. Moreover, converting the kerosene lanterns to solar light devices may require minimal training. For these reasons, the kerosene lantern conversion kits described herein can be easily integrated into communities using kerosene lanterns, thereby diminishing the use of kerosene lanterns in these communities, and overall improving health and environmental outcomes.

The following disclosure will first describe the kerosene lantern conversion kits, including components of the light unit and switch unit of the conversion kit, followed by an example method of converting a kerosene lantern to a solar light device.

Kerosene Lantern Conversion Kits

In some embodiments, a kit for converting a kerosene lantern to a solar light device may comprise a light unit, a switch unit, and a solar panel.FIG.1illustrates a light unit100and a switch unit120of a kerosene lantern conversion kit150.FIGS.2A-2Billustrate a converted kerosene lantern170comprising the light unit100, switch unit120, and a solar panel130. As will be described in greater detail herein with respect to the method illustrated inFIGS.5A-5D, the light unit100may be configured to be inserted into the kerosene lantern, and the switch unit120may be configured to be inserted into a kerosene-filling opening of the kerosene lantern. The solar panel130may be configured to electrically couple to the light unit100(e.g., a battery and/or light source of the light unit100) to deliver energy generated by the solar panel130to the battery and/or light source of the light unit100.

Light Unit

As illustrated inFIGS.3A-3D, the light unit100may comprise a light source102and a battery104electrically coupled to the light source102.

The light source102may comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), light bulbs, etc. For example, the light source102may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more light sources. The one or more light sources may be configured to emit light in one or more colors, such as white, yellow, red, green, blue, etc. In some embodiments, the light source102may be configured to emit light of different intensities (e.g., different levels of brightness, such as low, medium, and high brightness). In some embodiments, the light source102may be configured to emit light in accordance with a pattern (i.e., a flickering or flashing pattern).

The battery104may comprise a rechargeable battery, such as one or more lithium-ion batteries. The battery104may comprise a lithium, alkaline, or nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery. The battery104may comprise a plurality of batteries electrically coupled to the light source102.

In some embodiments, the light unit100may comprise a circuit board106, such as a printed circuit board (PCB). One or more of the light source102and the battery104may be mounted on the circuit board106. In some embodiments, one or more of the light source102and the battery104may be electrically coupled to (e.g., not physically mounted on) the circuit board106. For example, as illustrated inFIGS.3A-3D, the light source102may be mounted on the circuit board106, whereas the battery104may be electrically coupled to the circuit board106. One or more of the light source102and the battery104may be removably attachable to the circuit board106.

The circuit board106may be configured such that it mimics the shape of the wick of the traditional kerosene lantern. In a traditional kerosene lantern, the wick extends from a base of the kerosene lantern into a translucent light-emitting portion of the lantern. Thus, the circuit board106(and more generally, the light unit100) may comprise a base portion configured to be inserted to the base of the lantern, and a light-emitting portion configured to extend into the light-emitting portion of the lantern.FIGS.2A-2Billustrate a converted kerosene lantern170that demonstrates the light-emitting portion of the light unit100extending into the translucent light-emitting portion of the lantern.FIGS.3C-3Dillustrate a T-shaped circuit board106comprising a light-emitting portion on which the light source102may be mounted (or electrically coupled to), and a base portion on which the battery104may be mounted (or electrically coupled to).

It is to be understood that the circuit board106may comprise one or a plurality of circuit boards electrically coupled to one another. For example, the light unit100may comprise a light source102mounted or electrically coupled to a first circuit board106, and a battery104mounted or electrically coupled to a second circuit board106. Moreover, it is to be understood that the light unit100described herein may not comprise a circuit board106. Rather, the light source102and battery104may be electrically coupled and optionally attached, for example, via one or more wires.

The light unit100may comprise a light housing108configured to enclose the light source102and the battery104. In the instance the light source102and battery104are electrically coupled to or mounted on a circuit board106, the light housing108may be configured to enclose the circuit board106. The light housing108may comprise a sleek profile configured to mimic that of the circuit board106, the battery104, and/or the light source102. The profile of the light housing108may enable the light housing108to be easily inserted to existing receptacles and openings in the kerosene lantern. For example, as shown inFIGS.1and3A-3B, the light housing108may comprise a T-shaped body. As described with respect to the circuit board106(and more generally, the light unit100) the base portion of the light housing108may be configured to be housed in the base portion of the kerosene lantern, and the light-emitting portion of the housing108extending from the base portion may be configured to extend into the light-emitting portion of the kerosene lantern. In this manner, the profile of the light unit100may mimic that of the pre-existing wick components of the kerosene lantern.

The light housing108may comprise a translucent or semi-translucent material. For example, the light housing108may comprise a textured surface configured to distribute light emitted from light source102enclosed within the housing108. Example materials for the light housing108may include but are not limited to polycarbonate (PC), acrylic butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene, polystyrene, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, or mixtures thereof.

The light housing108may comprise a first attachment body108aconfigured to removably attach to a second attachment body108bof the light housing to enclose the light source102and the battery104. In some embodiments, the first attachment body108amay enclose a first side of the circuit board106, and the second attachment body108bmay enclose a second side of the circuit board106. In some embodiments, the first attachment body108amay enclose the light source102of the light unit, whereas the second attachment body108bmay enclose the battery104. In some embodiments, the first or second attachment body108a,108bmay be a hollow shell configured to enclose substantially all of the internal components (e.g., light source102, battery104, circuit board106), and the other of the first or second attachment body108a,108bmay be a cap that, when properly attached to the shell, can fully enclose the components into the body.

In some embodiments, the first attachment body108amay be configured to removably attach to the second attachment body108bwithout using additional attachment components, such as screws, nuts, bolts, etc. For example, the first attachment body108aand the second attachment body108bmay be configured to attach using a press-fit, snap-fit, a threaded connection, etc. As shown inFIGS.3C-3D, the first attachment body108aand the second attachment body108bmay comprise attachment portions109a,109bconfigured to connect the attachment bodies108a,108b. For example, the attachment portions may comprise one or more clips, arms, snaps, etc. extending from one of the attachment bodies (e.g., attachment portion109bon attachment body108b) and configured to be received by one or more corresponding slots, receptacles, engravings, etc. on the other attachment body (e.g., attachment portion109aon attachment body108a). In this manner, the first attachment body108aand second attachment body108bmay be configured to removably attach to securely enclose the light source102and battery104within the housing108.

In some embodiments, the light unit100may comprise a sealing body114. The sealing body114may be configured to be disposed between the attachment bodies108a,108bto further secure the connection between the two bodies. In some embodiments, the sealing body114may comprise an external edge for sealing the connection between the two bodies, but may further comprise an internal shell configured to surround at least a portion of the battery104and/or the light source102(e.g., mounted on and/or electrically coupled to a circuit board106). For example, as shown inFIG.3C, the sealing body114may be molded such that the circuit board106(and the battery104) can be at least partially inserted to the sealing body114. The shape of the internal portion of the sealing body114may be such that it can be inserted to at least one of the first attachment body108aor second attachment body108b, as shown. The sealing body114may comprise a silicon or other flexible polymer material. In this manner, the sealing body114may cushion the electronic components enclosed within the housing108, which, as described herein, may comprise a non-flexible polymer.

The light unit100may comprise a collar110configured to removably attach the light housing108to a wick holder within the kerosene lantern. For example, as shown inFIG.1andFIGS.3A-3B, the collar110may be configured to be inserted over a light-emitting portion of the light housing108. The collar110and the light housing108may be configured to removably attach via a threaded mechanism, snap-fit, press-fit, etc. For example, as shown inFIGS.3C-3D, the light housing108(e.g., the first attachment body108aand the second attachment body108bof the light housing108) may comprise a threaded portion107configured to attach to the collar110. In assembling the light unit100within the kerosene lantern, the light-emitting portion of the light unit100may be configured to be inserted into the light-emitting portion of the lantern. The light-emitting portion of the lantern may comprise existing wick components, such as a wick holder. The wick holder may comprise a stand fixture including an annular ring. Thus, the light-emitting portion of the light housing108may be configured such that it can be inserted into the annular portion of the wick holder, and the collar110may be advanced onto the light housing108until it reaches the annular ring. The collar110may be threaded onto the threaded portion107of the light housing108, thereby capturing the annular ring of the wick holder and removably securing the light housing108to the lantern.

As shown inFIG.3B, the light unit100(e.g., the light housing108of light unit100) may comprise one or more openings112configured to facilitate an electrical connection between electrical components enclosed within the housing108(e.g., light source102, battery104) and electrical components external to the housing108(e.g., electrical components of switch unit120, solar panel130). In some embodiments, a portion of sealing body114may be configured to be inserted to the opening112to seal the opening112around a wire/cable connector. The one or more openings112may be disposed on a side of the housing108, a bottom face of the housing108, etc.

Switch Unit

As described herein, the kerosene lantern conversion kit may comprise a switch unit120, illustrated at least inFIGS.1and4. The switch unit120may comprise a switch configured to electrically couple to the light source102to control the light source102.

FIG.4illustrates an exploded view of the switch unit120comprising a switch121. The switch121may be mounted on a circuit board122. The switch121may comprise a toggleable slide or button switch that can be switched between two or more settings (e.g., an on setting and an off setting). As described herein, in some embodiments, the light source102may be configured to emit light in different colors, different light intensities, different lighting patterns, etc. In these instances, the switch121may have a plurality of settings for each setting of the light. In some embodiments, the switch unit120may comprise more than one switch121. For example, the switch unit120may comprise a first switch121configured to power the light source102on and off, and a second switch configured to toggle the settings of the light source102.

The switch unit120may comprise an electrical port123configured to facilitate connection between the battery and the solar panel to deliver the energy generated by the solar panel to the battery. The electrical port123may be electrically coupled to the battery104and/or light source102(e.g., to the circuit board106). The electrical port123may be mounted on the circuit board122, for example, proximate to the switch121. The electrical port123may be configured to receive a cable (e.g., cable132, described in greater detail below with reference to solar panel130). Energy generated by the solar panel130may be delivered to the battery104when the cable132is inserted to the electrical port123and is properly connected to the solar panel130.

The switch unit120may comprise a switch housing124a,124b(collectively referred to herein as switch housing124) configured to enclose the switch121and the electrical port123(e.g., and the circuit board122). The switch housing124may comprise one or more openings for accessing the switch121and the electrical port123, as shown inFIG.4. The switch housing124may comprise one or more bodies, such as first attachment body124aand second attachment body124b. In some embodiments, one the attachment bodies (e.g., first attachment body, as shown) may be a shell configured to enclose substantially all of switch121and electrical port123(and therefore may comprise the one or more openings for accessing the switch121and electrical port123), and the other attachment body (e.g., second attachment body124b) may be a cap that, when properly attached to the shell, can fully enclose the components into the body. In some embodiments, the switch unit120may comprise a seal125, such as an o-ring, configured to secure the connection between the first and second attachment bodies124a,124bof the switch housing124.

In some embodiments, the switch housing124(e.g., second attachment body124bof switch housing124) may comprise a connection portion configured to attach the switch housing124to the kerosene-filling opening. The connection portion of the housing124may be configured to connect to a collar126to secure the switch housing124within the kerosene-filling opening. For example, the collar126may be configured to be inserted to the kerosene-filling opening, such as via a press-fit, snap-fit, etc., and the connection portion of the switch housing124may be inserted to the collar126within the kerosene-filling opening of the lantern. The connection portion of the switch housing124and the collar126may be configured to removably attach via a threaded mechanism, a snap-fit, a press-fit, etc. The attachment between the kerosene-filling opening, the collar126, and the switch housing124may not require the use of any additional attachment/fixation components, such as threads, screws, nuts, bolts, etc.

The switch unit120may comprise a button molding128configured to cover the kerosene-filling opening. The button molding128may comprise a button127configured to couple to the switch121to control the light source102. For example, the button127of the button molding128may comprise an engraving in the molding128that can indicate to the user where to press to engage with the switch121. The button molding128can comprise an opening129configured to facilitate the electrical connection between the electrical port123and the cable132. In some embodiments, the opening129of the button molding128may comprise a removable cap configured to cover the opening when the electrical port123is not in use. The button molding128may comprise a flexible material, such as silicon. The button molding128may be configured to cover the kerosene-filling opening without using additional attachment components or adhesives. For example, the button molding128may be flexible such that it can reversibly stretch and expand to cover different sizes of kerosene-filling openings of lanterns.

The solar panel130may comprise one or more photovoltaic (PV), monocrystalline, and/or thin-film cells electrically connected in series and configured to generate energy to charge battery104. The solar panel130may be removably attachable to the kerosene lantern and/or may stand alone from the lantern. In some embodiments, the solar panel130may be configured to attach to an external surface of the converted kerosene lantern170, as shown inFIG.2B. For example, the solar panel130may be configured to attach to a side, a top surface, etc. of the kerosene lantern. In some embodiments, the solar panel130may comprise a frame and stand configured to prop and/or hang the solar panel130at a desired angle for receiving solar energy, as shown inFIG.2A.

As shown inFIGS.2A-2B, the kerosene lantern conversion kit150may comprise a cable132configured to connect to the light unit100(e.g., via the switch unit120) and the solar panel130. For example, the cable132may be configured to connect to the electrical port123of the switch unit120and to the solar panel130to deliver the energy generated by the solar panel130to the battery104of the light unit100.

Methods for Converting Kerosene Lanterns to Solar Light Devices

FIGS.5A-5Dillustrate a method for converting a kerosene lantern170to a solar light device powered by a solar light panel. As described herein, the kerosene lantern conversion kits may be provided to developing communities that may have limited resources, including tools and machining skills. The process of converting kerosene lanterns to solar light devices using the conversion kits described herein may require only basic training and a simple tool.

As shown inFIG.5A, the method may include removing a portion of the kerosene lantern170. For example, a bottom face of the base172of the lantern may be removed to access the internal space of the lantern. In some embodiments, the bottom face of the lantern may be removed using a tool comprising a mechanically rotating cutting wheel with a counter-rotating cutting wheel, otherwise referred to herein as a can opener or tin opener. The tools for removing the base of the lantern may be easily accessible or provided to users in remote and/or developing communities.

As shown inFIG.5B, the method may comprise removing wick components (e.g., wick174) from within the kerosene lantern170. The wick174may be removed by hand. The wick174may be removably inserted to an opening in the base172of the lantern170, as shown in the Figure. By removing the wick174, a space within the lantern170for securing the replacement light fixture, light unit100, can be created.

As shown inFIG.5B, the method may further comprise removing a cap from a kerosene-filling opening176of the lantern170. As described herein, the kerosene-filling opening176of the lantern170may be repurposed for housing a switch unit120of the kerosene lantern conversion kit.

As shown inFIG.5C, the method may include inserting a light unit (e.g., light unit100) into the kerosene lantern170. For example, one or more components of the light unit100(e.g., the base portion of the light housing108of light unit100, which may enclose the battery104) may be inserted to the base172of the lantern170. As described herein, a light-emitting portion of the light housing108may extend from the base portion of the housing108, out of the base172of the lantern. Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG.5C, the light unit100may not comprise a housing that encloses the lighting components, and one or more of the components (e.g., battery104) may be disposed within the hollow base172. One or more of the lighting components (e.g., a circuit board106) may be attached to an external surface of the base172such that a light source102mounted on the circuit board106can extend from the base172and into a light-emitting portion of the lantern170, as described herein with respect toFIG.5D.

In some embodiments, inserting the light unit into the kerosene lantern170may comprise inserting a light-emitting portion of the light unit through a wick holder of the kerosene lantern170. The wick holder may comprise an annular ring typically configured to support the wick in the kerosene lantern. In some embodiments, the wick holder may comprise the opening in the base172of the lantern170described herein with respect toFIG.5B. The light-emitting portion of the light unit may be inserted from the base172into and through the wick holder. The light unit (e.g., the housing108of the light unit100) may be configured to removably attach to the lantern170, such as to the wick holder of the base172of the lantern170, using a first collar (e.g., collar110). As described herein, the collar may be inserted over the light-emitting portion of the light unit and the wick holder and secured to the light unit (e.g., via a threaded mechanism, press-fit, snap-fit, etc.).

In some embodiments, the method for converting the kerosene lantern to a solar light device may comprise electrically connecting the light unit and the switch unit of the conversion kit. For example, the units may be electrically connected prior to inserting the switch unit into the kerosene-filling opening, and thus the user may utilize the opening to electrically connect the components. The components may be connected by one or more electrical wires. Electrically connecting the light unit and the switch unit may comprise at least electrically connecting the switch (e.g., switch121) and the light source (e.g., light source102). In some embodiments, electrically connecting the light unit and the switch unit may comprise electrically connecting a battery of the light unit (e.g., battery104) and an electrical port of the switch unit (e.g., electrical port123). In some embodiments, the battery and the light source may be mounted on and/or electrically coupled to a circuit board (e.g., circuit board106). Likewise, the electrical port and the switch may be mounted on a circuit board (e.g., circuit board122). The circuit boards of the light unit100and the switch unit120may be configured to electrically connect via one or more electrical wires.

As shown inFIG.5D, the method may include inserting a switch unit (e.g., switch unit120) into the kerosene-filling opening176of the kerosene lantern170. Inserting the switch unit into the opening176may comprise securing a housing of the switch unit within the kerosene-filling opening176using a second collar (e.g., collar126). For example, the collar may be inserted to and removably secured within the kerosene-filling opening176(e.g., via a press-fit, snap-fit, threaded mechanism, etc.). The collar may be configured to receive and removably connect to the switch unit (e.g., switch housing124of switch unit120). For example, the collar and the housing may be configured to removably attach via a press-fit, snap-fit, threaded mechanism, etc.

In the instance the switch unit comprises a button molding (e.g., button molding128of switch unit120), the method may comprise covering the kerosene-filling opening with the button molding. In some embodiments, the button molding may comprise a flexible material configured to reversibly expand to cover the opening without the use of any additional adhesives, attachment mechanisms, etc.

The numerical ranges disclosed inherently support any range or value within the disclosed numerical ranges, including the endpoints, even though a precise range limitation is not stated verbatim in the specification because this disclosure can be practiced throughout the disclosed numerical ranges.