Abstract:
A combination lantern and insect repellent dispensing apparatus. Light is produced by light bulbs or LEDs whereas insect repellent is dispensed by heating a volatilizable insecticide The insecticide and portable light may be used either concurrently or independently of each other.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to electric lamps and more particularly to electric lamps that use fossil or hydrocarbon fuels to heat volatile substances so they may be dispensed. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Many people utilize portable devices to heat volatile substances such as mosquito repellents as part of camping gear or for various outdoor activities where there exists a threat of mosquitoes Such volatile substances most commonly are either insect control active ingredients or air treatment materials, such as air fresheners. The mosquito repellent systems are manyfold, and for camping or special uses, it is desirous that the mosquito repellent system be portable. 
         [0005]    An example of a prior art mosquito repellent system is that of U.S. Pat. No. 5,928,605, assigned to the instant assignee. In that device, a butane cartridge supplies fuel to uniformly heat a thermally conductive plate upon which a mat containing volatile insect repellent is positioned. When the plate is sufficiently heated, the insect repellent is volatilized and thereby dispensed The evaporation of the insecticide and its dispersion causes mosquitoes to be repelled for a reasonable space around the portable mosquito repellent device. 
         [0006]    Another prior art product is that identified as OFF sold by SC Johnson (U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,838 and others) In that device, a candle is provided that heats a mat placed in a vertical position atop thereto. The heat from the lighted candle causes insecticide in the mat to evaporate therefrom and be dispersed. 
         [0007]    Both prior art devices lack versatility and have limitations In particular, the prior Thermacell product does not have a light available to illuminate an area, whereas the OFF product has a flame which acts both as a source of light to illuminate an area and as a source of heat to volatilize a substance to be dispensed. The small flame required to volatilize the volatile substance is not very luminous and its intensity cannot be controlled Moreover, a user cannot turn off the light source without terminating the dispersal of insect repellent. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,033,212, assigned to the instant assignee, discloses a lamp which both provides light and also dispenses a volatile substance. The light is produced by burning a hydrocarbon fuel, with the excess heat being harnessed to heat a thermally conductive plate upon which a mat containing the repellant is placed However, this device similarly suffers from a poor quality light and does allow a user to turn off the light source without terminating the dispersal of insect repellent. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention addresses these limitations by providing a device to dispense a volatile substance, which has an independent light source whereby the light source and the dispersal of a volatilizable substance are each individually controllable A thermally conductive heating plate upon which a mat impregnated with a volatilizable substance is placed dispenses the mosquito repellent, and one or more light bulbs or LEDs, which are powered by a portable battery, are provided for emitting light. The light that is generated by the LEDs is consistent, and its brightness can be adjusted according to a user&#39;s preference. The lamp provides bright light when desired, and in contrast with the prior art SC Johnson device, there is no open flame, no match and no lighter needed to operate the device 
         [0010]    The lantern may be utilized solely as a lantern without the operation of the mosquito repellent system, or the mosquito repellent system can operate without the use of the separate lighting system. In some cases, one or other will be desired and yet in other cases both mosquito repellent and suitable local light will be desired. 
         [0011]    The insect repellent is dispensed in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,033,212, 5,928,605 and 5,944,508 all of which are incorporated by reference herein. Those patents all teach the use of a portable source of fuel for sustaining a flame, the heat from which is directed to a thermally conductive plate, which is in contact with a mat containing a volatilizable insecticide When the plate is sufficiently heated, the insecticide is volatilized and thereby dispensed. 
         [0012]    An object of this invention is to provide an improved combination portable lantern and mosquito repellent system 
         [0013]    Yet another object of this invention is to provide a portable device in which each of a lantern and a mosquito repellent system is operated independently of one another 
         [0014]    Yet another object of this invention is to provide the ability to control the amount of light in the lantern/repellent combination device. 
         [0015]    Yet another object of this invention provides a lightweight, simple to use, and effective combination lantern and mosquito repellent device suitable for widespread outdoor use 
         [0016]    It is still another object of the invention to provide a portable lantern, which dispenses volatilizable substances such as, for example, aromatic substances 
         [0017]    Other objects, advantages and features of this invention will become more apparent from the following description 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective, side view of a lantern according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of a cross section of the roof portion of a lantern according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a perspective, cross sectional view of a heating plate according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective, cross sectional view of a lantern according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective cross-sectional view of a lantern according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective side view of a piezoelectric device that may be used in an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a partial exploded view of the floor surface of the base of the lantern in one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is a perspective cross-sectional view of a lantern having a base with a groove for receiving a candle therein according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a perspective side view of a lantern having solar panels on its upper surface. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the above-identified Drawings. However, the Drawings and the description herein of the invention are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It will be understood that various modifications of the present description of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention Also, features described herein may be omitted, additional features may be included, and/or features described herein may be combined in a manner different from the specific combinations recited herein, all without departing from the spirit of the invention 
         [0028]    As mentioned, insect repellent is volatilized and dispensed according to the teachings of the US patents incorporated by reference herein Below, however, is a description of how those teachings may be incorporated into the present invention Although the current application describes volatilizing insecticide, it will be understood that any volatilizable substance may be dispensed according to the teachings herein. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the housing  12  of lantern  10  includes a base  14 , a globe  16  and a roof portion  18  disposed atop thereto. A pivoting handle  20  is also provided for the ease of handling or hanging the lantern  10 . The bottom surface of base  14  is substantially flat, and preferably comprises small appendages or legs  22  to increase the stability of the unit when it is set down on a table or the like 
         [0030]    Globe  16  is comprised of a translucent or transparent material, such as glass, plastic, Pyrex or any similar substance through which light emitted from LEDs may be radiated. Preferably, globe  16  extends from roof  18  and inserts into a tight-fitting, decorative cage structure  24 . In a preferred embodiment, the cage structure  24  is made of a durable plastic or metallic material and is attached to base  14 . Thus, because globe  16  is attached to roof portion  18  globe  16  may be withdrawn from cage structure  24  by removing roof  18 . As will be described in further detail below, withdrawing the roof/globe from cage structure  24  will provide a user with access to a fuel cartridge that is disposed in the housing  12  of the lantern  10   
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 2  the top surface  26  of roof  18  is provided with a slot  28  for inserting a mat  29 . Slot  28  is defined by at least a bottom surface  32 , an upper surface  36  and two side surfaces  28   a    28   b.  Preferably, the floor of the slot comprises a thermally conductive heating plate  32 , such that when the mat  29  is inserted into slot  28 , it is in physical thermal contact with heating plate  32   FIG. 3  shows an enlarged cross section of the heating plate  32 . A heat source disposed below  34  heating plate  32  supplies sufficient heat, such that volatilizable insect repellent on a mat  29  that is placed on surface  35  is volatized and dispensed. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the mat need not be placed directly on heating plate  32 , rather it need only to be positioned within a close enough proximity to the flame to be sufficiently heated therefrom. Moreover, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the mat  29  may be heated directly from a flame or other heat source without necessitating a heat plate for thermally receiving and releasing heat 
         [0032]    It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that sufficient heat may obtained via a variety of heat sources—all of which are within the scope of the current invention. For example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,928,605—the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein—a heat plate is heated by the flameless combustion of fuel on the surface of a catalytic structure. Such a catalytic system may be used in an embodiment of the current invention. 
         [0033]    Alternatively, a heating plate or a mat may be heated from the flame of a candle burning therebelow Referring to  FIG. 8 , a lantern is shown having a groove  70  in base  14  The groove comprises raised walls  72  having a circumference roughly sized to accommodate a candle or tea-light. It will be understood that a groove or a similar candle-supporting member may be positioned in any of various locations in the housing  12  of a lantern. For example a candle-supporting member may be positioned if the upper portion  74  of the housing and is as such in close proximity to a heating plate or a mat. The candle can be used for heating a volatizible substance simultaneously with or independently of the electric light source and vice versa. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the top surface of slot  28  comprises a grill  36 , which protects mat  29  when inserted into slot  28 , while allowing for volatilized substances to escape through a plurality of vents  39 . Side surfaces  38   a,    38   b  are spaced apart to roughly accommodate the width of a mat and such present a physical barrier for the lateral movement thereof 
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is a vertical cross section of the lantern  10  showing a vertically oriented fuel cartridge  40  in a cavity defined by housing  12 . Fuel cartridge  40  is preferably filled with a gaseous or liquid hydrocarbon fuel such as butane or propane. Fixed to roof portion  18 , for instance, by way of lateral support members  42  is a fuel tank connection assembly  44  In a preferred embodiment, connection assembly  44  is provided with threads  46  for threadably coupling a threaded fuel cartridge therewith. When fuel cartridge  40  is inserted into assembly  44 , a valve activator  49  depresses the fuel cartridge valve  51  releasing gas therefrom A flow control device such as a pressure regulator  48 , is positioned in connection assembly  44  at the site at which the cartridge valve  51  contacts connection assembly  44 . Control device  48  is in fluid communication with cartridge  40  and regulates the flow of fuel therefrom. 
         [0036]    In an embodiment of the invention, instead of a removable cartridge, a refillable reservoir for storing hydrocarbon fuel is disposed inside of the housing  12  of the lantern. The reservoir may be permanently or removeably fixed inside therein. 
         [0037]    Fuel flowing through control device  48  is directed into a venturi tube  50 , which has an opening for the inflow of air thereby allowing for a fuel/air mixture which is necessary for combustion. 
         [0038]    In use, the fuel is accelerated by the venturi tube  50  into a combustion nozzle  52  at which point a spark is supplied to ignite the fuel/air mixture For example, as shown in  FIG. 5  an On/Off switch is provided which comprises a lever  54  extending from a button (button is not shown, but is positioned inside of recess  53 ) When the button is switched to the On position, lever  54 , allows for the flow of fuel to combustion nozzle  52 . Once the fuel/air mixture is in the combustion nozzle, a user presses the Start button  56 , which activates a spark to ignite the fuel In a preferred embodiment, a piezoelectric device (as shown in  FIG. 6 ) is positioned to be in communication with button  56 , and is activated by mechanical stress exerted thereon. 
         [0039]    To replace cartridge  40 , a user will remove roof section  18 , thereby withdrawing globe  16  from cage structure  24  to expose cartridge  40 , which is secured to connection assembly  44 . Cartridge  40  is secured such that it is selectively removable from assembly  44 , for example by way of a threaded connection, snap, bayonet or by similar means which are well known in the art. Preferably, globe  16  is secured to base  14  by way of biasing clips. 
         [0040]    The inside surface  58  of base  14  comprises a plurality of holes or openings  60  (as best seen in  FIG. 7 ). As shown in  FIG. 5 , LEDs  62   a,    62   b  or other light emitting devices are inserted through openings  60 . A battery box  64  is disposed inside of base  14  for holding batteries used for powering the LEDs. Any of a variety of battery types known to one of skill in the art may be utilized. For example, removable disposable batteries, removable re-chargeable batteries or fixed rechargeable batteries all are possible sources of electrical current to supply a light source in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the lantern is provided with one or more solar panels  65  or solar collectors for absorbing solar radiation. Such stored energy is converted into electrical energy, which used to charge a rechargeable battery disposed inside the lantern 
         [0041]    As shown, electrical wires  66   a,    66   b  deliver an electrical current to the LEDs from batteries (not shown) located in battery box  64 . Note that a battery box may be located in any of various locations within housing  12 , such as for example in roof portion  18  (not shown). 
         [0042]    It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that instead of a plurality of light bulbs or LEDs, a singular light bulb or LED may be utilized 
         [0043]    In use, a user activates the LEDs by moving a switch  66  into an On position in order to initiate the flow of electricity. In one embodiment, switch  66  is wired such that there are more than two possible configurations. In one configuration, (e.g. for a “High” setting) all of the LEDs are activated whereas in another configuration (e.g. for a “Low” setting) fewer than all of the LEDs are activated. 
         [0044]    In another embodiment, all of the LEDs or bulbs are activated when the switch is turned on, except that the intensity of the light is controlled by a dimmer or the like which is well know in the art for varying the current flow to a light bulb. 
         [0045]    It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that a single, or plurality light sources may be positioned in any of various locations within the housing  12  of the lantern  10 . For example, in one embodiment, the lantern  10  may be provided with a vertical member having a plurality of LEDs affixed to it, which extends from base  14  and spans the length of globe  16  (i.e. running substantially parallel to fuel cartridge  40 ) Alternatively, a long, slender light bulb (such as, for example, a fluorescent bulb) may be provided which extends vertically from base  14 , and spans the length of globe  16  or a portion thereof. 
         [0046]    It will be further understood that any artificial light source that is powered by an electric current, such as fluorescent/incandescent bulbs or LEDs may be used in connection with this invention. 
         [0047]    Having described this invention with regard to specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation since further modifications and variations may be apparent or may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the present application cover all such modifications and variation as fail within the scope of the appended claims.