Patent Publication Number: US-2006002102-A1

Title: Volatile material dispensing system with illuminating device

Description:
REFERENCES TO OTHER PENDING APPLICATIONS  
      This is related to the following co-pending applications filed concurrently herewith: Volatile Material Expiration Indicating System, Ser. No. ______ Attorney Docket Number J-4023 and Volatile Material Dispensing System, Ser. No. ______ Attorney Docket Number J-4030. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The invention generally relates to volatile material dispensers. More specifically, the invention relates to a volatile material dispenser that utilizes a decorative display frame in conjunction with an illuminating device.  
     BACKGROUND  
      A variety of methods have been utilized to contain volatile materials and permit the controlled dispensing of these materials as vapors into the ambient air. The prior art describes in detail the use of permeable membranes, as well as other manners to dispense volatile material from a given dispenser. A variety of volatile material dispensers have been designed to be positioned in various open and closed areas, dependent upon the particular need for the dispenser. Furthermore, the prior art describes manners and devices for displaying the dispensers.  
      Specific to personal living spaces and professional office settings, there is a desire to make the ambient air more pleasing. Additionally, there is a desire for insect and pest control in these spaces and is an ongoing need. The prior art describes many such devices that may be employed for use in these spaces for both air freshening and insect control.  
      Due to the nature of the problem that is being combated, air treatment/freshening and insect control, there is a societal stigma associated with the presence of such noticeable devices within the personal living spaces and professional office settings where the devices may be employed. An unsightly and clearly identified device is not desirable in such settings. Furthermore, it is preferable to have such a device that can be displayed in sensitive settings, as described above, that would not only prevent a negative social stigma, but would act in a decorative manner and provide aesthetic appeal to the user. It is desired to have a decorative container for dispensing fragrances and other volatile materials while adding the ambiance enhancing features of light, most desirable through candle light. Furthermore, it is desirable to utilize the heat generated from such a light source to assist in disseminating the fragrance throughout a living or working space.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,714,984 discloses a night light assembly. The night light assembly, when switched on, produces a low-level illumination and at the same time exudes an aromatic vapor. The assembly includes a reflector shell having housed therein a low-wattage bulb.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,838 discloses a heated volatile dispenser. The dispenser has a closed heating chamber having ceiling and exit vents. Included is a candle and a volatile carrier that are designed to be exhausted at the same time so that the candle&#39;s consumption serves as a use-cue for the volatile carrier.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 4,695,435 discloses a light-activated aroma generator. The aroma generator is rendered operative only when one turns on an electric light bulb in the room in which the generator is installed.  
      U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,801 discloses a perfume diffuser. The perfume diffuser uses a perfume burner as a source of heat and is a small candle which is placed under the container, which generally contains a liquid adapted to evaporate a perfume, and which heats the container to heat said substance so that it evaporates.  
      The problem with the prior art is that it does not describe a decorative volatile material dispenser that may be displayed and prominently positioned so that the dispenser may be pleasing to the eye and add ambiance to a plurality of settings. Furthermore, there is not such a dispenser that may be enhanced through the use of an illuminating means, whether it be electrically configured, a candle, or some other illuminating means. Furthermore, there is not such a device that provides a reflective device to enhance convective flow and concentration of emanating light upon the dispenser.  
      The invention solves a problem that is necessary to provide ambiance and enhance fragrance release into the atmosphere than would otherwise occur with out light or heat.  
      The present invention solves this problem by providing for a decorative volatile material dispenser that provides a pleasing ambiance and improves the ambient atmosphere.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a volatile material dispensing system includes a volatile material dispenser configured to dispense a volatile material into an ambient atmosphere and a volatile material contained within the dispenser. The volatile material is selected from a group consisting of air fresheners, perfumes and insecticides. Additionally, a base member is provided that includes a dispenser detaining means and an extension surface attached to the detaining means, wherein the base member is configured to releasably attach to the dispenser. Also provided is an illuminating device configured to illuminate the dispenser. Also the extension surface is configured to support the illuminating device.  
      In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a volatile material dispensing system includes a volatile material dispensing means for dispensing a volatile material into an ambient atmosphere and a planar frame having a front face and a rear face, and the dispensing means is affixed to the frame. Also provided is an illuminating device configured to illuminate the frame and positioned upon an extension surface and a reflective device configured to reflect heat and light emanating from the illuminating device. Also the illuminating device is positioned substantially between the frame and the reflective device.  
      In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, an illuminated volatile material dispenser includes a dispensing apparatus configured to support a reservoir containing a volatile material enclosed by a vapor permeable membrane having a surface coplanar with a face of said dispensing apparatus and an illuminating device configured to illuminate the frame and positioned upon an extension surface. Also including a reflective device configured to reflect heat and light emanating from said illuminating device, wherein said illuminating device is positioned substantially between said frame and said reflective device, wherein said illuminating device is proximal to said face.  
      Other features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims. While the disclosed dispenser is susceptible of embodiments in various forms, described below are specific embodiments that are intended as illustrative (and not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments described herein). 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is an exploded back perspective view of the system.  
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the dispenser shown in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the assembled system shown in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 4  is an exploded front perspective view of the system.  
       FIG. 5  is a back face view of the system with a dispenser in the first filled condition.  
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the system taken substantially along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 .  
       FIG. 7  is a partial enlarged sectional view of the dispenser shown in  FIG. 6 .  
       FIG. 8  is a front face view of the system with a partially evacuated dispenser.  
       FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the system taken substantially along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 10  is a partially enlarged sectional view of the system shown in  FIG. 9 .  
       FIG. 11  is a partially enlarged sectional view of the dispenser taken substantially along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 12  is a front face perspective view of the first embodiment of the system.  
       FIG. 13  is a sectional view of the system taken substantially along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 .  
       FIG. 14  is a front face perspective view of the second embodiment of the system.  
       FIG. 15  is a sectional view of the system taken substantially along line  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a volatile material dispensing system  10  is illustrated, the system  10  having an evacuatable material dispenser  12 , a decorative image  14 , and a display frame  16  for holding the dispenser  12 . The decorative image  14  is attached to the frame  16 . The image  14  may be printed, formed or etched onto the frame. Additionally, a silk screen image  14  may be used.  
      The dispenser  12  includes a blister  18 , a peripheral flange  20 , and an impermeable laminate  22  releasably adhered to said blister  18 . The blister  18  includes a non-porous permeable membrane  24  comprised of low density polyethylene (LDPE), and a cup-shaped structure  26 . Cup  26  includes a recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) layer adhesively bonded to a nylon laminate. The nylon laminate includes a layer of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) coextruded to each side of a middle nylon layer. The cup  26  includes a bottom wall  28  and four side walls  30 , that in conjunction with the membrane  24  acts as a sealed reservoir to contain the volatile material  32  ( FIG. 7 ).  
      The laminate  22  includes a layer of polypropylene, aluminum foil, and polyester. The polypropylene is adhesively bonded to the aluminum foil layer, which is adhesively bonded to the polyester layer. An extrusion bonding material is used to bond the layers together. Laminate  22  preferably has a thickness of between 0.1 to 0.2 mm. The polyester layer is suitable for printing and is the outer surface of laminate  22 . Preferably the membrane  24  and polypropylene layer of laminate  22  are coextruded when the blister is manufactured. The coextrusion permits for the laminate  22  to be peelably removed from the blister  18  while avoiding unnecessary reactions between an adhesive and the volatile material  32  during diffusion.  
      Cup  26  preferably has a thickness between 0.3 to 0.4 mm. The cup  26  is generally rectangular and preferably square with overall dimensions of about 3-5 mm thick, 50-60 mm long and 50-60 mm wide. Each of its four sidewalls  30  has a corresponding width of 3-5 mm and a length of 50-60 mm. Sidewalls  30  taper slightly outward as one moves from the bottom wall to the flange  20 . Bottom wall  28  is also generally rectangular and has width of 48-58 mm and a height of 48-58 mm. The sidewalls  30  and bottom wall  28  of cup  26  are preferably thermoformed from a single sheet of the RPET and nylon laminate that is heated, then either blown or pressed into the flange-and-cup arrangement shown in the FIGURES. Preferably the cup  26  is clear and translucent, allowing for the visibility of the volatile material  32  contained within the blister  18 .  
      The cup  26  contains relatively shallow side walls  30 , as stated above. The shallow nature of the blister  18  allows for the membrane  24  to collapse upon the bottom wall  28 . Diffusion of the volatile material  32  through the membrane  24  creates collapsing of membrane  24  upon wall  28  that maintains contact between the volatile material  32  and the membrane  24 . The contact allows for a greater percentage of overall volatile material  32  diffusion and allows for indication of volatile material  32  expiration.  
      Peripheral flange  20  is preferably planar. It is coupled to and extends outward from the top edges of the cup  26  (e.g. the upper edges of sidewalls  30 ). Flange  20  is integrally formed with the cup  26  in a thermoforming process, as described in the preceding paragraph.  
      Following placement of the volatile material  32  into the cup  26 , a seal is made between the flange  20  and the permeable membrane  24  thereby forming the dispenser  12 . At the same time laminate  22  may be attached to the blister  18  by having already been adhered to the membrane  24 . The membrane  24  and laminate  22  may be attached to the flange  20  of the blister  18  using any conventional means, such as an adhesive, heat sealing, crimping, or the like. The seal must be air-tight so as to prevent leakage of air or volatile material  32 . Most preferably the membrane  24  and the laminate  22  are sealed to the cup  26  in a single step. The volatile material  32  does not completely fill the void within the blister  18 . A relatively small amount of air can be tolerated in dispenser  12  following the creation of blister  18 . Preferably the air in the sealed blister is no more than 3-6% of the overall volume of the blister  18 . As the volatile material diffuses out of dispenser  12  no air enters the blister  18  through the permeable membrane  24 . The membrane  24  is configured to distend and collapse without the formation of gas bubbles.  
      Preferably, the removal process will occur by a user grasping an end of the laminate  22  and peeling it off the blister  18 . A tab, extension, or other means for grasping (not shown) may be included as an extension of the laminate  22  to aid in removal of the laminate  22 . The extension may be at the corners, ends, or on the surface of the laminate  22 .  
      Permeable membrane  24  has a thickness of about 0.05 to 0.15 mm and has a density preferably between 0.88 and 0.95 grams/cubic centimeter. It is formed integrally with laminate  22  and is heat fused to flange  20  such that membrane  24  extends across the entire cup  26 . Membrane  24  encloses and seals the cup  26  with the volatile material  32  stored inside thereby forming a thin sealed container impermeable to the volatile material  32  stored inside. This container remains impermeable until the user grasps a corner of laminate  22  and peels laminate  22  from the membrane  24 , thereby exposing permeable membrane  24  and permitting the volatile material  32  to migrate through the permeable membrane  24  and diffuse into the ambient air. The membrane  24  is preferably comprised of LDPE and is clear and translucent, allowing for visibility of the volatile material contained within the blister  18 .  
      Frame  16  is a rectangular structure, preferably square, with four substantially equal-sized side walls  34 , a front face  36  ( FIG. 4 ) and a rear face  38 . Frame  16  preferably has a thickness of between 12 and 22 mm and a height and width of between 70 and 90 mm. More preferably frame  16  has a width of approximately 15 mm and height of approximately 80 mm. Preferably the front face  36  of frame  16  will have a surface area greater than 3000 mm 2 .  
      Front face  36  has a stepped recess  40  ( FIG. 4 ). Recess  40  gives frame  16  the appearance of a picture frame surrounding and framing the bottom (or back) wall  42  ( FIG. 4 ) of the recess  40 . In the preferred embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 6 and 9 , the walls of recess  40  appear in cross section to have steps or curves  44  in the manner of an ornate picture frame. The recess  40  preferably centered in the front face  36  and is disposed away from the side walls  34 . The recess  40  does not extend to the edge of the front face  36 . Instead, front face  36  appears as a border extending around the edges of the recess  40 , having a constant width between 2 and 4 mm.  
      Wall  42  is preferably transparent or translucent to permit light to pass through. Wall  42 , in that regard, may function as a window that permits the viewer (from the front) to visually perceive what is directly behind wall  42 .  
      Rear face  38  of frame  16  also is recessed. This recess is similarly stepped, and is configured to completely receive dispenser  12 , with dispenser  12  positioned so that the membrane  24  surface is substantially flush with rear face  38 . The recess is also preferably stepped, having a shallower peripheral recess  46  extending all the way around rear face  38  and a deeper central recess  48 . The deeper central recess  48  is configured and dimensioned to receive cup  26 , and the peripheral recess  46  is configured and dimensioned to receive and support flange  20 . In short, the central recess  48  and peripheral recess  46  combined have a negative shape that is the same as that of dispenser  12 .  
      Peripheral recess  46  preferably has an adhesive, spring clip, or other mechanical or adhesive retaining means that is configured to hold flange  20  in place. Flange  20  and peripheral recess  46  may be adhered to one another through the use of any adhesive, or alternatively though a mechanical means, such as interference fit, or separate mechanical fastener, such as a spring clip. When an adhesive  49  is used (as shown herein), a flange-to-frame adhesive may be chosen to either permanently adhere the flange  12  to the display frame  16  or, alternatively, be releasably adhered N for easy removal. In this manner, frame  16  can be a permanent and reusable item to which a succession of replacement dispensers  12  are affixed and later removed and replaced. Preferably an ultra violet (UV) cured adhesive is used. In this manner, frame  16  can be a permanent and reusable item to which a succession of replacement dispensers  12  are affixed and later removed and replaced.  
      Central recess  48  is deeper than peripheral recess  46  since it must accommodate the greater combined thickness of cup  26 , flange  20  and membrane  24 . The bottom of cup  26  is adjacent to and preferably slightly spaced apart from the bottom  50  of central recess  46 . Central recess  48  and peripheral recess  46  are preferably centrally spaced from the internal edges of rear face  38 .  
      The distance between the bottom  50  ( FIG. 1 ) of central recess  48  and the bottom  52  ( FIG. 4 ) of recess  40  on the front face  36  of frame  16  (i.e. the thickness of wall  44 ), is preferably between 2 and 5 mm. Wall  42  may be transparent or translucent. The translucent properties of wall  42  enables the user to easily identify when the volatile material  32  has nearly all diffused through membrane  24 . Additionally, the translucent properties of wall  42  have a decorative function. The frame is best shown ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) to represent the translucent properties of wall  42 .  
      The display frame  16  may be constructed from a variety of compositions, including glass, injection-molded plastic, or copolyester resin. In the preferred embodiment, the display frame  16  is constructed from molded glass that is clear and transparent. Alternatively, frame  16  may be constructed from a variety of solid colors or color combinations in either the plastic or glass construction. Pigmented frames provide an aesthetic value to the system  10 , particularly when light is concentrated through the frame  16  or reflected and refracted through the frame  16 .  
      Blister  18  of the dispenser  12  is filled with a volatile material  32 . It is particularly suited for use in holding a volatile material  32  comprising an active ingredient, which is to be slowly diffused into the surrounding atmosphere, such as a fragrance, air freshener, insect repellant insecticide. In addition to the active ingredient the preferred embodiment includes a dye and thickening agent that color and thicken the volatile material  32 . The dye and thickening agent most preferably comprise less than 2% of the overall composition.  
      Insecticides and other related chemicals may also be utilized as the volatile material  32 . Where the user does not wish to have an unsightly insect repellant device, but requires the utility of a repellant, the decorative system is advantageous and blends in with the surrounding decor. The indicator system  10  allows for such a volatile material  32  to be released while having a decorative appearance.  
      When volatile material  32  is a fragrance, the fragrance can be relatively simple in composition, or can be a complex mixture of natural and/or synthetic chemical compounds. Various mixtures of volatile materials for use in the indicator system may comprise as few as two chemicals and as many as over one hundred. Most conventional fragrance materials are synthetic or naturally derived volatile essential oils, such as, for example, lemon, mandarin, caraway, cedar leaf, clove leaf, cedar wood, oil of bergamot, bitter orange, geranium, lavender, orange, origanum, lavandin, neroli, rose absolute, cinnamon, and the like. Many of these materials may adversely affect treated surfaces on furniture. Synthetic types of fragrance composition, either alone or in combination with natural oils, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,314,915; 4,411,829; and 4,434,306, which are incorporated herein by reference. The image  14  ( FIGS. 1 and 8 ) may be graphic or textual. It may read, for example, “Please Replace.” The image may be positioned in a plurality of positions, including but not limited to the following: front face  36  of frame, rear face  38  of frame, upon the permeable membrane  24 , or upon the bottom wall  28  ( FIG. 4 ). The image may be printed upon a layer of primed polyester that is adhesively adhered to the system  10 , as described above. Alternatively, the image may be thermoformed into the bottom wall  28 , molded into the decorative frame  16 , or etched onto the frame  16 .  
      The image  14  is shown in the shape of a tree, but may also be chosen from festive images used during various holiday seasons, such as a Christmas tree, menorah, Easter egg, valentine heart, pumpkin, and the like. Additionally, the color of the volatile material may be chosen in conjunction with such images to aid in celebration of the respective holidays. Multiple color combinations may be utilized in accordance to the decorative tastes of the user. The image  14  may be a plurality of other images that may include flowers, wildlife, cosmic displays, sporting related, and the like.  
      Depending upon the type and amount of dye utilized in conjunction with the volatile material  32  and the positioning of the image  14 , either in front of or behind volatile material  32 , the image  14  may or may not be viewable when the blister  18  is filled. Preferably the image is not viewable until a majority of the volatile material  32  has been released, and the dispenser  12  nears an empty or second condition, so as to more clearly indicate use-up of the volatile material  32 . Most preferably, the image  14  is viewable when the dispenser  12  is full, empty, and at any point in between. However, the image  14  would be more readily viewable when the dispenser  12  is empty, in order to enhance the decorative nature in conjunction with dispenser  12  use-up. For purposes of the present invention, expiration of the volatile material  32  or system  10  refers to use-up of the volatile material  32 .  
      When packaged the dispenser  12  is filled ( FIG. 7 ) with volatile material  32  and laminate  22  is adhered to the permeable membrane  24 . There is virtually no diffusion of volatile material  32  when the dispenser is filled and laminate  22  covers membrane  24 . Following removal of laminate  22 , the system  10  begins to transition towards an empty or second condition. Of course, there may be a small amount of volatile material  32  that remains and the dispenser  12  will be considered to have reached the second condition. As the volatile material  32  diffuses through the membrane  24 , the membrane  24  slowly collapses upon the bottom wall  28 . Following diffusion of the volatile material  32  across the membrane  24  there is less material  32  contained within dispenser  12 . Virtually no new air enters the dispenser  12  subsequent to diffusion of volatile material  32 . The result of this is a pressure gradient across the membrane  24 , with a higher pressure existing in the ambient air than the pressure in dispenser  12 . The pressure gradient causes the ambient air to exert a net positive pressure upon the dispenser, which presses the membrane  24  against the remaining volatile material  32  and ultimately the bottom wall  28 . Continued diffusion of the volatile material  32  increases the force exerted upon the membrane  24 , which causes the remaining volatile material to migrate from a center of wall  28  towards the periphery of wall  28 . Continued migration and diffusion of the volatile material  32  results in an increasing surface area contact between membrane  24  and wall  28  until dispenser  12  is empty, or nearly empty. Increasing contact between the membrane  24  and the wall  28  allows for the image  14  to be more readily viewable. The pressure gradient ultimately resulting in migration of the volatile material  32  may also be viewed as occurring due to an increasing compressed vacuum presence within dispenser  12  as the volatile material continues to diffuse across membrane  24 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 8-11 , a small amount of volatile material  32  remains within the dispenser  12  when it is nearly empty, and is present in the form of a ring-like appearance towards the periphery of the bottom wall  28 . A dye and thickener combine to comprise approximately 2% of the overall volatile material composition of the system  10  at the first condition. Preferably a higher concentration of dye is present in the volatile material  32  when the dispenser  12  is nearly empty, as the dye utilized does not easily diffuse across membrane  24 . This results in a more readily viewable ring-like appearance. The color of the ring-like image is more intense in color than the coloration of the first condition because of the increased concentration of dye material. In the second condition the thickener and dye comprise nearly all of the material left within the dispenser  12 . Of course, this may change dependant upon the particular dye composition and thickening agent utilized in the volatile material  32 . As the system  10  approaches and is in a second condition, the nearly expired dispenser  12  can be seen so as to indicate its end of life.  
      When the dispenser  12  is full, or in the first condition, a decorative image may not be seen through the colored or opaque volatile material  32 . As the dispenser  12  empties, or reaches the second condition, the decorative image  14  becomes viewable indicating a level of expiration or use-up. Alternatively, the decorative image  14  may be viewable while the dispenser  12  is both full and empty. Indication of volatile material  32  use-up may be achieved by more readily viewing image  14  as a result of the absence of colored volatile material within the dispenser  12 . Dependent upon the specific volatile material composition, there may be numerous chemicals that either do not diffuse through the permeable membrane  24  or diffuse slower than the designed active ingredients or fragrances. Active ingredients may include chemicals such as esters, aldehydes, ketones, terpenes, alcohols, and aromatic compounds. As a result, material may be left within the blister  18  as it is nearly at or reaches a level of expiration in which replacement is necessary.  
       FIGS. 12-15  illustrate two material dispensing systems  10  that are alike in all respects but one to the system of the foregoing FIGURES. The only difference between the systems of  FIGS. 12-15  and the foregoing FIGURES are certain added elements to the system  10  in each embodiment.  
      An illuminating device and base member have been added to the system  10  in one embodiment; a second embodiment further includes a reflective device. These added elements enhance the ambiance and visual effects of the system  10 . The frame  16  is firmly fixed in an upright or substantially vertical position and the system  10  is configured to be placed upon a table top or other like surface. Additionally, the base member adds a stable surface for placing an illuminating device such as a candle or light bulb. The reflective device increases refractive light through the frame  16  and concentration of the light emanating from the illuminating device to further enhance the ambiance of the surroundings.  
      Additionally the reflective device increases the convective air flow close to the membrane  10  surface. This increases the release and diffusion of the volatile material  32  into the ambient atmosphere. The reflective device additionally reflects heat back in the direction towards the membrane  24 . This volatizes the volatile material  32  more effectively due to the heat build-up.  
      While it is preferred that the illuminating device, base member, and reflective device are releasably attached to the frame  16  as shown in  FIGS. 12-15 , they may also be formed integral with the frame  16 .  
      A base member and an illuminating device have been added to the frame  16  to enhance the decorative nature of the system  10  and provide a means for illuminating the frame whereby ambiance and aesthetic appeal to the user is provided. Without the base and illuminating device the system would not be as pleasant. As a result of the refractive and reflective materials the light rays emanating from the illuminating device add to the mood and ambiance of the ambient atmosphere.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the system  10  includes a base member  54  that is positioned flat upon a support surface and is configured to hold frame  16 . The base member  54  includes a support extension  56 , a C-shaped clip  58 , a base member extension  60  and a base extension support  62 . The C-shaped clip  58  includes a pair of internal side walls  64 ,  66  and a bottom wall  68 . Base member extension  60  includes an extension surface  70  and a protuberance  72 .  
      C-shaped clip  58  attaches to and supports the frame  16  in an upright position and is a means for detaining frame  16 . The side walls  64 ,  66  are in close communication with front face  36  and rear face  38  respectively. The bottom wall  68  is substantially flat and is in tight communication with a side wall  34  of the frame  16 . The distance between the side walls  64 ,  66  is slightly wider than the width of the side walls  34 . The orientation of the frame  16  and the extension surface may be altered to suit the user&#39;s personal preference. Alternatively, the C-shaped clip  58  is a spring clip, or other mechanical or adhesive retaining means that is configured to hold frame  16  in place.  
      Support extension  56  has a flat surface and an extension tip  74 . The support extension  56  extends from side walls  64  to the tip  74 . Tip  74  touches a supporting surface and thereby provides support and decorative design to the system  10 . The extension  56  preferably has a length of between 5-10 mm and a width of between 30-50 mm.  
      Base member extension  60  is substantially rectangular, flat, and made of a thin piece of metal. Alternatively, the extension  60  may be made from injection molded plastic or molded glass. Extension  60  is preferably between 60 and 80 mm in length and approximately the same width as the frame  16 . Extension  60  includes an extension surface  70  and a protuberance  72 . The extension surface  70  is a substantially flat surface that is particularly suited for retaining an illuminating device  76 . Surface  70  includes a protuberance  72  that extends perpendicularly from surface  70 , and is positioned in the center of surface  70 . Protuberance  72  is preferably between 10 and 20 mm in height. The base member support  62  is attached to and is positioned perpendicular to the extension surface  70 . Support  62  props the surface  70  above a supporting surface or countertop. Support  62  is preferably between 20 and 30 mm in height.  
      Illuminating device  76  is preferably a candle that includes a cylindrical reservoir  78 , wick  80 , and fuel  82 . Once lit, candle  76  maintains a flame  84  until the fuel  82  has been exhausted or the flame  84  has been otherwise extinguished. Reservoir  78  includes a center recess  86  at an opposite end from the wick  80 . Reservoir  78  is preferably made of plastic or pressed metal and contains the fuel  82 . Alternatively, reservoir  80  may be made of glass. Fuel  82  preferably is common candle wax that burns as the wick  80  is lit. Wick  80  is primarily surrounded by the fuel  82  and extends above the fuel  84 . Candle  76  is preferably positioned proximal to the rear face  38 . Placement of the illuminating device  76  behind the frame  16  permits the light to shine through and be refracted by the frame  16 , thereby producing a pleasing ambiance in addition to volatile material diffusion.  
      When candle  76  is placed upon surface  70 , the protuberance  72  extends into recess  86  and maintains the relative position of the candle  76  to frame  16 . Illuminating device  76  is positioned upon extension surface  70  and proximal to the rear face  38 . Reservoir  78  is preferably between 20 and 40 mm in height and has a diameter between 25 and 45 mm. Candle  76  is preferably viewed through wall  42 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the system  10  includes a reflective device  88  fixedly attached to the base member  54 . Member  54  has an arciform shape that is similar to that of the reflective device and does not have a protuberance ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ) but otherwise is the same as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . Device  88  is attached to the member  54  by metal clips  98 . Clips  98  are fixedly attached to the base member  56  and releasably attached to the exterior surface  96 . Clips  98  may be welded, riveted, adhesively or attached in some other like manner.  
      The reflective device  88  is a thin planar wall that is easily flexed to form an arciform configuration. Device  88  in conjunction with frame  16  nearly surround candle  76  on all sides with the exception of two air vents  90 ,  92 . Device  88  has an interior surface  94  and an exterior surface  96 . Interior surface  94  has a mirrored and highly reflective coating. Surface  94  reflects heat and light from the candle  76 . Alternatively, the reflective device  88  may be rigidly configured into an arciform shape.  
      A convective flow is created subsequent to the lighting of candle  76 . Air flows into the air vents  92 ,  94  proximal to extension  56 . After entering through the air vents  92 ,  94  air flows past the membrane  24  and upward out of the system  10 . This convection better diffuses the volatile material  32  into the ambient atmosphere.  
      The reflective device has a mirrored face fronting the candle  56 .  
      The illuminating device  76  may be formed integral to the dispenser  12  or as a separate apparatus attached to the device. Illumination can be achieved through a variety of devices. These include but are not limited to lighting devices that are LED&#39;s, incandescent, fluorescent, neon, HID, and chemo-luminescent.  
      It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated herein, but encompasses any and all variations falling within the scope of the appended claims.  
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY  
      The invention provides an improved volatile material dispenser with an illuminating device that enhances the ambiance of the ambient atmosphere.