Abstract:
An aroma dispenser comprises a flame source for providing heat, an open, porous annular ceramic substrate adapted for absorbing and reversibly retaining a quantity of at least one aromatic fluid therein, a support structure for holding the porous substrate in a coaxial spaced-apart relationship above the flame source, whereby heat generated by the flame source induces the retained aromatic fluid within the substrate to disperse into the ambient air.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to an aroma dispensing device, and more particularly to a device for dispensing aroma by candle heat. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Scented wax candles have been widely used in many places for dispensing aromatic scent into the air. Such candles are typically made by blending melted wax material with an aromatic substance. When thoroughly blended, the resulting aromatic mixture is poured into a mold. The poured wax mixture then cools into a solid form with a fiber wick enclosed therein for a candle. Alternatively, the mixture may be poured into a permanent container or glass holder for forming an enclosed candle. When the wick of the candle is lit for use, the heat gradually melts the wax adjacent to the wick and releases some of the fixed aromatic substance in the form of vapors. The released vapors disperse into the air for furnishing a pleasant aroma within a small, enclosed area. 
     Although scented wax candles are commonly used as aroma dispensers, such candles are generally inefficient and inadequate for such purposes. During use, most of the heat generated by the candle flame travels upwardly away from the wax portion of the candle below. Accordingly, very little of the heat is available to drive the aromatic substances out of the melted wax. Moreover, melted candle wax possesses a tendency to substantially reduce the vapor pressure of the aromatic substances contained therein. Thus, only a minute portion of the aromatic content is actually released from the candle into the air. The vast portion of the aromatic substance remaining is simply carried up the wick with the melted wax and undesirably combusted into non-fragrant by-products. 
     Scented wax candles also possess a limited shelf life. Candle wax is a porous substance with poor fluid retaining attributes. Thus, any aromatic substance contained therein will slowly diffuse out through the wax composition over time. This further reduces the aromatic content of the candle available for dispersing. Significant losses of aromatic substances also may also occur during the manufacturing process. Since the aromatic substance is typically added to the wax in its hot melted form, a considerable amount is vaporized and dispersed during the mixing, pouring, molding and cooling operations before the substance becomes fixed in the cooled solid wax. 
     Another disadvantage observed with scented wax candles is the tendency of the candle wax and the aromatic substance to undesirably interact with each other. For example some candle wax compositions may negatively alter the aromatic substance&#39;s physical and chemical properties. Such undesirable changes may result in the suppression of aromas and/or the output of undesirable odors or vapors. Moreover, some aromatic substances can discolor or adversely affect the structure and other desirable properties of the candle wax composition, thus producing an inferior product. Such undesirable chemical interaction and interference greatly diminishes the aroma dispensing efficacy of the scented wax candles. 
     It is understood that once the aromatic substance is added to the wax composition, the amount and type of the aromatic substance added cannot be easily altered or changed. Individual taste with respect to a particular aroma is often variable and subject to wane during the expected life of a scented wax candle. The rate at which the candle dispenses the aroma is likewise fixed and substantially constant. Thus, if during the course of a candle&#39;s life the user&#39;s tastes change, the only option is to set the old candle aside and acquire a new candle with the new particularly desired aroma. In addition, many users prefer to mix different aromatic substances to form a personalized “aroma recipe.” With scented wax candles, such an option is not available to the user. Accordingly, scented wax candles undesirably lack flexibility and versatility in use as aroma dispensers. 
     One prior art aroma dispenser is a non-candle aroma dispensing device manufactured by “Delightful Scents” under the name of “Light Bulb Fragrance Ring.” The device includes a ceramic annulus with a reservoir extending along a top portion thereof. The ceramic annulus is adapted to receive into the reservoir a quantity of an aromatic substance, and adapted to mount directly on a standard incandescent light bulb. The heat given off by the light bulb causes the aromatic substance to vaporize and diffuse into the air. The device permits the user to select a desired aromatic substance for use. However, such devices poses several hazards and limitations. The temperature of a typical incandescent light bulb can reach to at least 5,400° F. at the filament. Since some aromatic substances may be flammable, direct contact of the hot light bulb with the ceramic annulus and the aromatic substance may ignite the latter, thereby creating a dangerous fire hazard. Typical incandescent lamps are further configured to include an electrical light socket which is located below the light bulb. Since liquid aromatic substances are preferably used, such devices may further pose an electrical shock hazard should some of the substance leak down the bulb and into the socket. There is also the danger that the ceramic annulus may break the glass bulb if their respective thermal expansion coefficients are not closely matched. 
     For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an improved aroma dispenser for use with candles that permits the user to easily change the type and rate or strength of aroma for dispensing as desired. It would be a significant advance in the art of aroma dispensing to develop an aroma dispenser for use with lit candles, which efficiently provides pleasant aromas in a safe manner, while being inexpensive and easy to use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to the combination of an aroma dispenser with a candle for providing light and heat. The aroma dispenser includes means for retaining and dispensing an aromatic fluid in a manner which provides the benefits of an efficient and an effective air freshener with the flexibility and advantages allowing the user to select and change to any desired aroma, and to adjust the aroma delivery rate into the ambient air through use of an associated lit candle. The aroma dispenser generally comprises an open, porous substrate for absorbing and reversibly retaining a quantity of at least one aromatic fluid in a safe and clean manner. The aromatic fluid being retained within the substrate, disperses in a vaporous form into the ambient air when heated by a candle flame. Alternatively, the substrate can be used to efficiently deliver fragrance at lower levels when the candle is not lit. 
     In particular, one aspect of the present invention is directed to an aroma dispenser which comprises: 
     a) a flame source consisting of a candle; 
     b) an open, porous substrate adapted for absorbing and reversibly retaining a quantity of at least one aromatic fluid therein; and 
     c) a support structure for holding the porous substrate in a spaced-apart relationship above from the candle, whereby heat generated by the lit candle induces the retained aromatic fluid within the substrate to disperse into the ambient air. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Various embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings, in which like items are identified by the same reference designation, wherein: 
     FIG. 1A is an exploded assembly diagram of an aroma dispenser for one embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 1B is a pictorial view of the aroma dispenser of the FIG. 1A with a lit wick; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional elevational view of the aroma dispenser of FIG. 1A; 
     FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the aroma dispenser of FIG. 1B; 
     FIG. 4A is an exploded assembly diagram of a substrate shown in FIG. 1A disposed in a lid; 
     FIG. 4B is a cross sectional view of the substrate and lid shown in FIG. 4A; 
     FIG. 5A is an exploded assembly diagram of an aroma dispenser for another embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 5B is a cross sectional view of the aroma dispenser shown in FIG.  5 A. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to an aroma dispenser constructed in a manner to provide a simple and inexpensive arrangement for dispersing a quantity of an aromatic or scent-producing fluid into ambient air. The aroma dispenser provides for a candle with a wick and a support structure for supporting a porous substrate. The support structure retains the porous substrate in a position above and in close proximity to the candle wick. The porous substrate is configured to absorb and reversibly retain a quantity of an aromatic fluid therein. Through evaporative effects induced by ambient heat and/or heat generated by the lit candle for accelerating evaporation, the aromatic fluid is converted into vapors which diffuse into the ambient air for a pleasant aroma. 
     The aroma dispenser is constructed with the advantage of permitting the user to change or modify aromas as desired, mix one or more aromatic substances depending on the user&#39;s preferences and/or to adjust the rate of aroma delivery into the ambient air by controlling the amount or concentration of the aromatic fluid furnished to the substrate, and heat generated by a lit candle associated therewith. In addition, the aroma dispenser is adaptable for use with various types of candles scented or non-scented, and allows for easy replacement of the candle upon exhaustion. The cost effective and efficient manner by which these dispensers are constructed and implemented, makes such dispensers especially suitable for household use. 
     Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, one embodiment of an aroma dispenser  10  of the present invention is shown. The aroma dispenser  10  generally includes a support structure in the form of a container  12 , a candle  14  with a centrally located wick  16 , an annular, porous substrate  18 , and optionally, a lid  20 . The container  12  comprises a tubular sidewall  22  with a closed bottom  24  and an opening  26  at a top end  28 . The lid  20  is adapted to fit over the container opening  26  to enclose and seal the contents therein. During use, the lid  20  may be used as a candle flame snuffer which is the preferred method of extinguishing the candle  14 . It is noted that the shape of the container  12  and the corresponding lid  20  is not limited to the cylindrical configuration shown and may include other shapes and configurations as desired. 
     A ridge  30  projecting circumferentially around the container  12  is provided for sealing engagement with the lid  20 . The container  12  and the lid  20  are composed of a rigid, durable material, preferably having refractory and flame resistant properties including, but not limited to, ceramic, metal, glass, stone, and alumina. The candle  14  is housed within an interior volume  32  formed between the circular sidewall  22  and closed bottom  24 , in this example. 
     The container  12  further includes a radial projection  34  extending along an interior portion of the container sidewall  22  above the candle  14 . The radial projection  34  supports and coaxially positions the annular substrate  18  above the candle  14 . Alternatively, the container may include a plurality of inwardly extending tabs  35  (shown in FIG. 1A in phantom), preferably three spaced apart tabs  35  for supporting the substrate  18  above the candle  14 . The center of the substrate  18  is circular and open, and is coaxially aligned with the wick  16  of the candle  14 . The annular substrate  18  includes a top end  36 , a bottom end  38 , and a relatively large centrally located circular hole  40 . A circumferential channel  42  extends along the top end  36  of the substrate  18  for captively retaining a quantity of an aromatic fluid, wherein the substrate  18  effectively absorbs and retains the fluid therein. The substrate  18  is preferably consists of a porous, refractory material including, but not limited to, ceramic, volcanic rock, and earthenware. 
     The candle  14  is composed of a scented or non-scented wax or paraffin material  44  enclosing a centrally located wick  16  therein. The candle  14  resides within the interior volume of the container  12 , in this example. Note that the candle  14  may include other forms such as freestanding candles centrally located within the container  12  and away from the tubular sidewall  22 . 
     Referring specifically to FIG. 1B, the substrate  18  is shown mounted on the radial projection  34  within the container  12 . The top end  36  of the substrate  18  is flush with the opening  26  of the container  12 . A flame  46  burning at the end of the wick  16  provides heat to the nearby substrate  18  for retaining a quantity of aromatic fluid. Through the heating effect generated by the surrounding ambient air and/or the flame  46  of the candle  14  when lit, portions of the furnished aromatic fluid become vaporized and are released from substrate  18  into the air for dispensing aroma. It is noted that the substrate  18  may include other shapes and configurations which permit the substrate  18  to be retained within the associated container  12 , and allows for uniform heating thereof by the centrally located candle flame  46  with the wick  16  lit. 
     Referring to FIG. 2, a cross sectional view of the aroma dispenser  10  is shown with the lid  22  placed over the opening  26  for a sealing the container  12 . It is preferred, although not necessary to have a tight frictional fit therebetween via appropriate dimensioning. However, the fit should be such that the lid  20  may facilitatively be removed or changed, if desired. 
     Referring to FIG. 3, a top plan view of the aroma dispenser  10  is shown. The wick  16  is located centrally from the substrate  18 . The throughhole  40  of the substrate  18  allows the oxygen to reach the flame  46  of lit wick  16 , and the combustion products to escape unimpeded. As heat generated by the flame  46  radiates and heats the substrate  18 , the inside and bottom surfaces are heated to a temperature which is sufficient to efficiently drive the aromatic fluid out of the substrate  18  in a vaporous form without being consumed or ignited by the flame  46 . The substrate  18  is sufficiently spaced away from the flame  46  to provide a safe and clean operation. Moreover, the convective current generated by the flame  46  of the candle  14  further acts to carry the aroma vapors away from the aroma dispenser  10  for desirable diffusion. Under this arrangement, most of the aromatic fluid is efficiently utilized for producing aroma. As noted above, the size and shape of the container  12  may vary according to the user&#39;s desire, and the size and shape of the substrate  18  may accordingly be configured to accommodate within the corresponding container&#39;s dimensions. 
     With reference generally to FIGS. 1A through 3, a quantity of a desired aromatic fluid is placed into the channel  42  of the substrate  18 . The porous substrate  18  absorbs and retains the aromatic fluid placed therein. Since the aromatic fluid is interspersed within the substrate  18 , the danger of the fluid being ignited by the flame is greatly reduced. Heat from the lit wick  16  of the candle  14  causes the retained aromatic fluid to evaporate and diffuse into the ambient air in a safe and efficient manner. Advantageously, the rate of dispersion may be controlled by the user by simply adjusting the concentration of the aromatic fluid or the amount of the aromatic fluid deposited on the substrate  18 . When the aromatic fluid in the substrate  18  is exhausted, the user may recharge the substrate  18  with the same aromatic fluid or utilize one or more different aromatic substances in accordance with the user&#39;s tastes and desires at the time for flexibility and versatility. 
     When the wick  16  of candle  14  is lit, the lid  20  may be used as a candle snuffer to put out the flame  46 . Once the flame  46  is extinguished the lid  20  may be left on the container  12  to seal the aroma within the substrate  18 , or subsequently removed for passively dispensing the aroma into the ambient air for a slower rate of dispersion. 
     Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the aroma dispenser  10  may be arranged for passive diffusion of the aromatic fluid by placing the substrate  18  on an inside surface  48  of the upturned lid  20 . In this manner of operation, heat from the ambient air and the vapor pressure of the aromatic fluid in combination, induce slow release and diffusion of the aroma from the substrate  18 . 
     In another embodiment of the invention, an aroma dispenser  50  of the present invention includes a free-standing candle  52  and a support structure  54  for holding the annular substrate  18  over the candle  52 . The candle  52  includes a wick  56  embedded in a paraffin-like wax material  58 , in this example. The support structure  54  includes a ring portion  60 , and a plurality of legs  62  extending downwardly from a bottom surface  64  of the ring portion  60 . The bottom end  38  of substrate  18  is supported by a circumferential ledge  66  extending along an inside surface  68  of the ring portion  60 . The plurality of legs  62  serve to permit manual positioning of the substrate  18  in a horizontal manner over the candle  52  in proximity to and concentric with the wick  56 . The plurality of legs  62  are each telescopically configured to permit adjustment of the height of substrate  18  in relation to the height of the candle  52 . A tightening screw  70  is provided on each leg  62  to securely fix the adjusted height of the support structure  54 . The support structure  54  further includes a circular rib  72  connecting the lower ends of the legs  62  for structural reinforcement and rigidity. The support structure  54  is preferably consists of a rigid, durable material which is fireproof, such as a metallic material or inflammable plastic, for example. It is further noted that the shape and size of the support structure  54  and the substrate  18  may be varied as desired, and in accordance with a given application or candle size. 
     Although various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, they are not meant to be limiting. Those of skill in the art may recognize various modifications to these embodiments, which modifications are meant to be covered by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, the candles and associated substrates  18  can be of any desired and practical shape, including rectangular, polygonal, and so forth or the lid of the container may include other configurations such as including vents for permitting continuous aroma dispensing.