Scent warmers having non-incandescent heating and light-emitting devices and related methods.

(54) Title: PERFUMING HEATERS WITH NON-INCANDESCENT HEATING AND LIGHT EMITTING DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS.

(54) Title: SCENT WARMERS HAVING NON-INCANDESCENT HEATING AND LIGHT-EMITTING DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS.

(57) Summary

A scented heater is described having a base structure including a lower portion and a scented material carrying portion. The lower portion may include at least one flank and be at least substantially hollow. An electric heat source and a filamentless electric light source can be placed in the lower portion of the base frame. The scented heater may include an electrical supply input element to provide electrical current to the electrical heat source and to the filamentless electrical light source. Also disclosed are methods of the invention which may include methods for heating a scented material and methods for forming a scented heater.

(57) Abstract

A scent warmer has a base structure including a lower portion and a scented material-holding portion. The lower portion may inelude at least one sidewall and be at least substantially hollow. An electrical heat source and af ilamentless electrical light source may be disposed in the base structure lower portion. The scent warmer may inelude a power supply input element for providing electrical power to the electrical heat source and the filamentless electrical light source. Methods of the invention may inelude methods of warming a scented material and methods of forming a scent warmer.

<img file="MX336997B_D0001.tif" />

PATENT TITLE NO. 336997 _SE_

SSCBtWRÍA O * «SOHOMtA

Institute

Mexican Property

Industrial

<img file="MX336997B_D0002.tif" />

Headlines): SCENTSY. INC.

Address: 3698 E. Lanark, Meridian, Idaho, 83642, USA

Name: PERFUMING HEATERS HAVING NON-INCANDESCENT HEATING AND LIGHT EMITTING DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS

Classification:

Inventor (s):

<img file="MX336997B_D0003.tif" />

lnt.CI.8: A61L9 / 03; B65D25 / 20; B65D81 / 18; B65D85 / 00 R. ORVILLE THOMPSON

V jeocia: Twenty s ios

F «ha de Vendí ben chmark is signed with de la presei

Difficulty with artia from the deftchm fechs

Qi n «uscrioe the Pr (Industrial Age (Diario 26 ^ 1/2004,

to). 4 · and 12 ·

<img file="MX336997B_D0004.tif" />

dustriai.

ogables, before the ey of the 05/1999, Action V lulo lo h¡ tficial de / 2006, 0 ^) 5 / 2009,06 / 01/2010, 1 I and III of 72004 and:

Industrial (DOF 12/14/1999, rearmed the Organic of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF 12/27/1999, reformed 10/10/2002, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13 / 2007); 1st, 3rd and 5th paragraph a) of the Agreement that delegates powers to the Deputy Directors General, Coordinator, Divisional Directors, Heads of Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute Industrial property. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

<img file="MX336997B_D0005.tif" />

Issue Date: February 9, 2016

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

<img file="MX336997B_D0006.tif" />

NAHANNY CANAL

<img file="MX336997B_D0007.tif" />

Arenal No. 550, Floor 1,

Coi. Pueblo Santa María Tepepan,

Xochimilco Delegation,

CP 16020, Mexico City

Tel. (55) 53 34 07 00 wwwJrnpi.QOb.mx

MX / 2016/10987

PERFUMING HEATERS THAT HAVE yf ^ PpSITIVdS ^ T ?.

33éW

<img file="MX336997B_D0008.tif" />

INi. 1i. · -! &lt;'. ·. : -&gt; _. ·· - ..

NON-INCANDESCENT HEATERS AND LIGHT EMITTERS ^

RELATED METHODS ......... ._

Cross Reference to Related Application

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of the Serial Number of the North American Provisional Patent Application 61 / 368,181, which was filed on July 27, 2010, with the title “PERFUMED HEATERS THAT

THEY HAVE NON-INCANDESCENT HEATING DEVICES AND LIGHT EMITTERS AND RELATED METHODS. ”

Field of the Invention

The embodiments of the present invention are generally related to perfume heaters, to the methods of forming the perfume heaters, and to the methods of heating a scented material.

Background of the Invention

For many years, candles made from scented wax have been used to create a scent in a surrounding area. Traditionally, candles include a wick that can be lit by a flame. The burning wick melts the wax near the wick and extracts the liquid wax, along with the perfumes included in the wax, which rise to the wick by capillary action or by absorption. The flame burns the scented wax, and a scent is released into the area surrounding the

<img file="MX336997B_D0009.tif" />

candle. The traditional candle flame also produces üña'Tuz

<img file="MX336997B_D0010.tif" />

for example, it is often considered c to create a pleasant environment or to provide energy efficient light. Although light and scent are produced by candles, traditional candles do produce some risks and dangers, including a risk of burns, fire, and smoke.

Recently, scented warmers have been used, as an alternative to candles, to heat scented wax or scented oil. Perfume heaters are often referred to as flameless or wickless candles. Some perfume heaters release the scent of wax or scented oil without the use of a flame. For example, perfume heaters may include a base that houses an incandescent bulb that acts as a heat source. The incandescent bulb is placed inside the base under a plate containing the scented wax or oil. The incandescent light bulb heats the bottom of the plate mainly through radiation and convection. The plate, in turn, heats the wax or oil, which, therefore, releases perfume into the surrounding area, increasing the rate of evaporation or dissipation of the perfumed material. Such scented heaters are generally safer than traditional candles due to the absence of a flame. However, incandescent bulbs are generally

<img file="MX336997B_D0011.tif" />

They consider ineffective and may have disadvantages. For example, incandescent bulbs may need frequent replacement, which increases the cost of operating the perfuming heater.

Other scent heaters use a resistive heating element, rather than an incandescent bulb, to heat the scented wax or oil. Such perfume heaters can include a plate containing the wax or oil scented with a resistive heating element attached to the bottom of the plate. The heating element heats the plate primarily through the conduit, and the plate transfers heat to the wax or scented oil, thereby releasing a scent in the surrounding area. However, these perfume heaters do not produce light.

It is desirable to create an improved perfume heater that incorporates the benefits of candles and traditional perfume heaters while minimizing the disadvantages of their various designs.

Brief Description of the Invention

In some embodiments, perfume heaters may include a base structure with at least one substantially hollow bottom portion, the bottom portion having at least one flank. A portion carrying scented material s can be placed on the lower portion. An electric heat source can be placed at least partially within the

Τ 7 '., · Τ ϊ Mr ^and

INSTITUTE ·.· /: , . &lt;: -? /: ',^; Lower portion and placed near the portion^!h^LK0ortádór &lt;-die scented material. In addition, a filament-free electric light source can also be placed at least partially within the lower portion. Optionally, the invention may also include additional circuits, a thermal plate placed between the scented material carrying portion and the electrical heat source, structural components, or combinations thereof.

In other embodiments, methods for heating a scented material may include thermally coupling an electric heat source with a plate having the scented material at least partially placed thereon, heating the plate by providing electrical power to the electric heat source, and producing light by providing electrical power to a filamentless electrical light source positioned at least partially within a base structure. Optionally, the invention may further include allowing at least a certain amount of light to pass through the base structure, for example, by forming at least a portion of a flank of the base structure to exhibit less than 100% opacity. , form at least one hole in the flank of the bas structure, or a combination thereof. Such methods may also include flashing light produced with the filamentless electric light source.

In the additional modalities, the methods for forming a

<img file="MX336997B_D0012.tif" />

Perfume heater may include electrically connecting a power supply input element with an electric light source without filament and with an electric heat source, coupling the electric heat source to a plate of a base structure, placing the electric light source without filament so less partially within a lower portion of the base structure, and placing a carrier portion of scented material near the electrical heat source. Modalities may also include forming at least one hole through the bottom portion of the base frame, selecting a material from the bottom portion of the base frame to exhibit less than 100% opacity, or combinations thereof.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a perfume heater in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a base structure of the perfume heater of Figure 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a base structure of a perfuming heater according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a partially cutaway view of one embodiment of the electrical heat source of the perfume heater of Figure 1; and

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view

<img file="MX336997B_D0013.tif" />

of an embodiment of the light source without filament d perfuming heater of figure 1. ___

Detailed description of the invention

The illustrations presented herein are not intended to be the current views of any particular material, apparatus, system, or method, but are merely idealized representations, which are used to describe certain embodiments of the present invention. For clarity of description, various features and elements common among the embodiments of the invention can be referred to with the same reference number or with similar reference numbers.

As used herein, any directional term (eg, high, low, side, top, bottom, etc.) refers to a direction relative to the device when the device is used during normal operation. By way of non-limiting example, an upper portion of a perfuming heater is the upper portion while the perfuming heater is placed on a surface in an orientation for use, and is used to heat the perfumed material.

Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional side view nt of a perfume heater 11 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The perfuming heater 11 may include a base structure 12, which includes a lower portion of the base structure 13 and a portion carrying perfumed material

J Τ ': ~ · ·' / - and coupled to the lower portion of base structure 13. The ^_lower portion of base structure 13 can be — F ^ perH-o- less — substantially hollow, in that a cavity is defined therein. The perfuming heater 11 further includes an electrical heat source 27 and a filamentless electrical light source 29 positioned within the lower portion of base structure 13.

In some embodiments, the electrical heat source 27 may be coupled with a heat plate 25. Some embodiments may also include an electrical supply connection 31, an electrical switch (not shown), holes 19 in the lower portion of base structure 13, and the scented material 17 placed at least partially in or on the scented material carrying portion 15. Each of the above components, along with the other components that have the numerical designations shown in Figure 1, will be described in detail below.

In some embodiments, the scented material 17 to be heated by the scented heater 11 may include, for example, a scented wax, a scented oil, a scented water, perfume, potpourri, spices, or a combination thereof. While scented material 17 is generally represented in FIG. 1 as a liquid material, it is contemplated that scented material 17 may be in liquid, gelled, or solid form. Therefore, any scented material 17 that can be made to deliver a perfume or a

<img file="MX336997B_D0014.tif" />

ΚΛ '^r'' more intense aroma η I surrounding area when heated, can be used with perfume heater 11.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the base structure 12 of the perfume heater 11 of FIG. 1. The base structure 12 may include a lower portion of the base structure 13 and a portion carrying perfumed material 15. The lower portion of base structure may be at least substantially hollow, in that a cavity is defined therein, to accommodate electrical heat source 27 (Figure 1) and electrical light source 29 (Figure 1). The lower base frame portion 13 and the scented material carrier portion 15 may be in any desirable shape, such as, for example, generally cylindrical, square, bulbous, irregular, or any combination of such shapes. The shape and size of the base structure 12 of the perfume heater 11 is chosen for a variety of reasons. For example, the size and shape of base structure 12 can be chosen to: enhance the aesthetic appeal of the perfuming heater; reduce manufacturing, packaging, and shipping costs; providing stability for placement of base frame 12 on a horizontal surface, bonding to a vertical surface (eg, plugged into a wall socket), or interfacing with other surface display methods; and allow consumers to choose a variety of shapes and sizes that fit their needs or wishes, among other reasons contemplated.

ΙΜ '

INSTITUV Τ .: '.. -. .

The base structure 12 can be formed, by methods known to those skilled in the art ^ aji &amp; more ^ xLeUoee non-limiting examples, in a ceramic material (for example, porcelain, clay, glass, etc.), a polymer material ( for example, plastic), wood, metal, or any combination thereof. Base structure 12 may optionally include artistic decorations on base structure 12 or on or on any surface of base structure 12. For example, the base structure 12 can be decorated with paint, enamel, or artistic designs, carvings, cuts, images, patterns, inserts, accessories, or any combination thereof.

With continued reference to Figure 2, some modalities

They include a flank 49 of the lower portion of base structure 13 that optionally includes at least one hole 19 formed therethrough. At least one hole 19 can allow light from an interior 51 of the lower portion of base structure 13 to be visible through at least one hole 19. Furthermore, at least one hole 19 can facilitate cooling of the base structure 12 as the heated air accumulates within the lower portion of the base structure 13 while using the perfume heater 11. At least one hole 19 can be any desired shape and size for reasons of aesthetics, cooling, and translucency. For example and without limitation, at least one hole 19 can be circular (as shown in Figure 2), triangular, rectangular,

<img file="MX336997B_D0015.tif" />

INSTI'i ul 3 polygonal, asteroid, crescent, irr guide, floral, etc. - - In addition, in some embodiments, flank 49 may have a plurality of holes 19 therethrough, as shown by way of example in Figure 2. The hole 19 or the plurality of holes 19 can be formed during or after the manufacture of the base structure 12 by stamping, drilling, forming a mold with a complementary feature, or any other convenient method, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The technique.

In some embodiments, the lower base frame portion 13 may optionally include an upper opening 21 and a lower opening 23 through a respective upper part and lower part of the lower base frame portion 13. The upper opening 21 can be configure to allow placement of at least a portion of an electrical heat source 27 (FIG. 1) thereon or through it. The lower opening 23 can be configured to allow at least the partial passage of the electrical and structural components, such as, for example, a light source without filament 29, an electrical heat source 27, a screw 35, an electrical cable 33, and others. components, which are shown in figure 1 and will be fully described later. The upper opening 21 and the lower opening 23 can each be dimensioned and configured to allow access to components for installation, repair, maintenance, iV /, replacement, and so on. In addition, in some slit 43 it may be cut or otherwise formed on flank 49 to allow an electrical cable entry input element 33 to pass through slit 43 (as shown in Figure 1). . Slit 43 may also comprise a hole, slot, or other passage configured to allow electrical cable passage therethrough, and may be placed at any convenient location on flank 49. For example, slit 43 may be placed close from the bottom of flank 49, as shown in Figure 2.

The perfumed material-bearing portion 15 of the base structure 12 can be formed to be at least partially concave, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, or configured in another way, to contain the perfumed material 17 therein during use. That is, the scented material carrying portion 15 may be a scented material receptacle 53. The scented material carrying portion 15 may be referred to as a plate. In some embodiments, the scented material carrying portion 15 can be formed separately from the lower base structure portion 13, as shown in FIG. 2. In such embodiments, a lower surface of the scented material carrying portion 15 s may complementary forming and dimensioning in relation to a lower portion of base structure 13, so that the carrier portion of smoked material 15 can be placed and maintained

<img file="MX336997B_D0016.tif" />

on top of the lower portion of base structure 13 in a normal operating orientation. In this way, the scented material carrying portion 15 can be detached, for example, to change the particular scented material 17 that is used or to clean the scented material carrying portion 15. In some embodiments, the scented material-bearing portion 15 can be formed separately, as described, then optionally secured to the lower base frame portion 13, for example, by means of an adhesive, a mechanical fastener, a fit to pressure, which activates the portions together (for example, if the base structure 12 is made of ceramic), etc.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the base structure 12 of the perfume heater 11 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Similar elements between the base structures 12 of Figures 2 and 3 retain the same numerical designation for convenience despite some structural differences, as will be evident. Referring specifically to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the base structure 12 can be formed from a lower portion of base structure 13 and from a scented material carrying portion 15 in a unitary construction. That is, the lower portion of base structure 13 and the perfumed material-bearing portion 15 can be integrally formed of a continuous material. The bas 12 structure can be formed from this

<img file="MX336997B_D0017.tif" />

a way to reduce manufacturing costs, to improve or adjust the aesthetics of the perfume heater 11, or for any other reason, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the unitary base structure 12 may include a bottom opening 23 and optionally a slit 43, as described above.

In some embodiments, flank 49 of the lower portion of base structure 13 may be formed without holes 19 (FIG. 2) therethrough, as shown in FIG. 3. In such embodiments, flank 49 or at least a portion thereof may comprise a material and a structure that allows at least some light to pass through them. That is, flank 49 can exhibit less than 100% opacity to illuminate within visible wavelengths. Or, that is, at least a portion of flank 49 can be at least partially translucent, or even transparent. The opacity of a surface or material can be a function of the type of material used and the geometry (eg thickness) of the formed surface. As used herein, the percentage of opacity refers to the percentage of visible light that is blocked from passing through a surface or material. Therefore, a material that exhibits 100% opacity prevents all visible light from passing through it and does not allow any visible light through the material. Similarly, a material or surface that exhibits 60% opacity blocks 60% light.

<img file="MX336997B_D0018.tif" />

visible and allows the remaining 40% of visible light to pass through it. Light passing through a surface of less than 100% opacity may be, for example, scattered light; Or, that is, light can pass through the surface, but the characteristics of objects or lights on the opposite side of the surface can be obscure or confusing to an observer. In some embodiments, flank 49 may exhibit at most about 95% opacity. More particularly, some embodiments include a flank 49 that can exhibit at most about 90% opacity. Some modalities include a flank 49 that can exhibit between about 40-60% opacity and 80% opacity. Still other modalities include a flank 49 that can exhibit between about 40 and 60% opacity. In other embodiments, a flank 49 of the lower portion of base structure 13 can include areas of relatively higher opacity relative to other areas of flank 49. This can be accomplished, for example, by forming flank 49 to have golden thicknesses of different thicknesses or different materials. By way of non-limiting example, porcelain and glass are the materials that can exhibit a percentage of opacity as described.

In some embodiments, the perfume heater 11 may include a flank 49 where they both have at least one hole 19 (Figure 2) therethrough as at least one portion that includes a material that has an opacity of less than

INST; i.

DE L ... &lt;.

ί, ·.;:.;,.;.: ..... l

100%, as previously described nt. Therefore, a certain amount of light can pass directly through at least one hole 19 and a certain amount of light can pass through a solid material of the flank 49, because at least a portion of the flank 49 exhibits less than 100% opacity.

FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway view of one embodiment of an electrical heat source 27 of the perfume heater 11 of FIG. 1. By way of non-limiting example, the electrical heat source 27 may be a resistance heater. The electric heat source 27 may include a coil 61 of the resistance material that is heated as electricity passes through it. The electrical heat source 27 may optionally include a cladding material 63 that at least partially surrounds the coil 61. The cladding material 63 can protect the coil 61 from damage and provide a safety barrier for those holding the electrical heat source 27. . The liner material 63 can also be configured to provide a surface 65 that can abut against another surface that will be heated by the electrical heat source 27, such as a surface of a heat plate 25 (Figure 1, and which is described in detail). below) or a lower surface of the scented material-bearing portion 15 (Figure 1) to improve thermal transfer. DR DRESSING MATERIAL 63

<img file="MX336997B_D0019.tif" />

It can be formed, by way of non-limiting example, of a metal, a ceramic material, a polymer material, or a combination thereof.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the electrical heat source 27 may include a cover 67 that at least partially surrounds the coil 61 and the cladding material 63 to allow for safer handling, better heat transfer, structural integrity, and / or appropriate configuration of the electrical heat source 27. The cover 67 can be formed of, for example, at least one of a ceramic material, a metallic material, and a polymeric material. In some embodiments, cover 67 may additionally include one or more features (not shown) to facilitate attachment or coupling with base structure 12 (Figures 1-3). For example, cover 67 may include a indentation or depression to place a tip of screw 35, as shown in Figure 1. In some embodiments, cover 67 may include a threaded portion to receive screw 35 or a bolt. In still other embodiments, cover 67 may include a hole therethrough for securing electrical heat source 27 to base structure 12.

Although coil 61 of the resistance material is shown in FIG. 4 as part of the electrical heat source 27, in some embodiments it is contemplated that the electrical heat source 27 may have, for example, other configurations, sizes,

<img file="MX336997B_D0020.tif" />

compositions, and lengths, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. By way of non-limiting example, the electrical heat source 27 may include two parallel conductive posts (ie, pins) through the cladding material 63. In such embodiments, the cladding material 63 can be selected to allow passage of electricity from one pole to the other pole with a certain resistance, thereby producing heat. For example, the liner material 63 may be a ceramic material. In some embodiments, the electrical heat source 27 may not be an incandescent light bulb. The electric heat source 27, as described herein, can heat the scented material 17 more efficiently than the prior art incandescent bulb by being in closer proximity to scented material 17 and without losing as much energy in the form of light. visible.

The electric heat source 27 can be selected or designed to provide sufficient heat to heat a scented material 17 (FIG. 1) to improve aroma dissipation. For example, in some embodiments, the electrical heat source 27 may be able to heat the scented material 17 to a temperature of at least about 45 ° C. More particularly, the electrical heat source 27 may be able to heat the scented material 17 to a temperature of at least about 65 ° C. The heating capacity of the electric heat source 27 can be chosen according to

<img file="MX336997B_D0021.tif" />

Various factors, including, for example, the composition of the scented material 17, the melting point of the material (eg, wax) used as the scented material 17, safety concerns or standards for electric heaters, heat dissipation desired perfume, etc.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the filamentless electric light source 29 of the perfume heater 11 of FIG. 1. As used herein, the term "filamentless electric light source" refers to any source Electric light that produces light in a way other than heating a filament. By way of non-limiting example, a filament-free electric light source may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), or any other source of light that does not work by heating a filament. By way of further example, an incandescent light bulb is not an electrical light source without filament, according to the term used herein.

In some embodiments, the filament-free electrical light source 29 may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED) 71 mounted on at least one printed circuit board (PCB) 73 with associated circuits, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. In some embodiments, at least one LED 71 may include a plurality of LEDs 71. The circuits therefore

<img file="MX336997B_D0022.tif" />

Unless a PCB 73 can be configured to modify the incoming electrical power to a level and power signal appropriate to operate at least one LED 71. Optionally, the circuits can cause at least one LED 71 to flash when Provides electrical energy, to provide the illusion of a flame. For example, scintillation can be accomplished by circuits that sequentially adjust the electrical power of at least one LED 71 to decrease and increase the power states so that the intensity of the light consequently increases and decreases. At least one PCB 73 and at least one LED 71 can receive power through electrical cable 33. In some embodiments, at least one PCB 73 may not be required, in which case at least one LED 71 receives power directly from an electrical supply without corresponding circuits.

In some embodiments, the filament-free electric light source 29 may also include a base plate 75 on which at least one PCB 73 can be mounted, and a cover 77 surrounding at least substantially at least one LED 71 and at least minus one PCB 73. Cover 77 may Include at least one at least partially transparent cover member 79 placed on at least one LED 71. The at least partially transparent cover member 79 can be at least substantially transparent (ie, it can allow at least substantially all of the light

<img file="MX336997B_D0023.tif" />

visible pass through it), or by egffpAi, it will be colored. In this way, the color of the light emission from at least one LED 71 can be modified and determined by the at least partially transparent cover member 79. In other embodiments, the cover 77 can include the holes through the which portion of at least one LED 71 can protrude. In some embodiments, the color of the light can be determined by the color of at least one LED 71 itself. By way of non-limiting example, the color of light produced by the filament-free electric light source 29 (controlled by the at least partially transparent cover member 79, the color of at least one LED 71 itself, or a combination thereof) may be at least substantially white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, or any other desired color, or multi-colored.

In some embodiments, each of a plurality of LEDs 71 can emit light of different wavelengths, the combination of which can produce a desired color for full effect. For example, a plurality of LEDs may include at least one red, green, and blue LED according to a red-green-blue (RGB) color scheme. For example, the circuit can control the intensity of each of the plurality of LEDs in such a way that different combinations of light can be produced to have a full color or effect. In other modes, the LED 71 can be an LED

<img file="MX336997B_D0024.tif" />

INSTITUTE . .

DELA PROTIECVJ multicolour that can emit the light of different colors in response to a signal received from the circuit. For example, a multi-color Ltu may include a matrix of red, green, and blue in the same optical compartment, which can be controlled and combined to produce a desired color, in a similar way as with a plurality of discrete LEDs of different colors. .

While RGB is a standard combination of primary colors in LEDs, other color combinations are within the scope of the present invention to combine and form a desired color. In conclusion, LED 71 can be a single-color LED, a group of smaller LEDs that sit under a single lens with the intensities of each LED in the group of a smaller LED that is controlled by the circuit to produce a total desired color, or LED 71 may be a multi-color LED which can be controlled by the circuit to produce a total desired color or effect, or any other combination thereof the configuration of which would be obvious to one skilled in the art.

Although Figures 1 and 5 show that the filamentless electric light source 29 comprises a pair of LEDs 71, other embodiments are also contemplated. For example, the filament-free electric light source 29 may include only one LED 71. In other embodiments, the filament-free electric light source 29 may include two or more LEDs 71 that may be the same color with each other, or each may produce dif rent s color s. Ad more,

<img file="MX336997B_D0025.tif" />

institute f /. .; Two or more LEDs can produce the same or different-effects from each other. .. —.......... — ............

In some embodiments, the filament-free electric light source 29 may include a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) (not shown). In such modalities, the associated hardware may be different from that shown in Figure 5 and described above. However, the CFL can provide light in a manner similar to that described and at a higher efficiency than a corresponding prior art incandescent bulb, as described above. As with LEDs, the color output of a CFL can be modified with the use of appropriately colored covers, or with the color of a flank 49 or a portion thereof of the lower portion of base structure 13, by modifying a driving signal to one or more CFLs to generate a desired color, or combinations thereof.

Again referring specifically to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the electrical components described above (eg, the electrical heat source 27 and the filamentless electrical light source 29) may receive electrical power from an electrical supply connection 31 and through of an electric cable 33. The electrical supply connection 31 may include a plug (as shown in Figure 1) configured to obtain electricity from an electrical plug. In some modes, the supply connection

<img file="MX336997B_D0026.tif" />

Electric 31 may comprise a compartment for a battery (not shown). In still other embodiments, the power supply connection 31 may include both a plug and a battery compartment, as well as an embodiment that includes a plug and a spare battery capacity. In addition, the electrical components of the perfume heater 11 may include a switch (not shown) to turn on the electrical heat source 27 and the non-filament electrical light source 29. In the additional embodiments (not shown), a plug can be rigidly attached to the base frame 12 such that the perfume heater 11 can be directly connected to a wall outlet, with the weight of the perfume heater 11 supported by the plug and through the wall socket.

In some embodiments, electrical components may further include at least one AC / DC converter, such as a rectifier (i.e., a component that changes electrical power from alternating current (AC) to direct current. (DC)) or an inverter (i.e., a component that changes electrical power from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC, ) in accordance with the used electrical supply and with the methods by which the electrical heat source 27 and / or the filament-free electrical light source 29 operate.

<img file="MX336997B_D0027.tif" />

Although Figure 1 shows the flow of electrical energy passing from an electrical supply connection 31 through input element 33 to the filament-free electrical light source 29 and then to the electrical heat source 27, other flows of electricity are contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, electricity may first flow from the electrical supply connection 31 to the electrical heat source 27 and then to the filamentless electrical light source 29. In some embodiments, electricity can flow from electrical supply connection 31 to electrical heat source 27 and to filamentless electrical light source 29 in parallel (ie, simultaneously). Furthermore, in some embodiments, additional circuitry and switches (not shown) may optionally be provided to control which elements are receiving power at any given time, to control the intensity of the heat produced by the electrical heat source 27 or the light produced by the filament-free electric light source 29, or a combination thereof.

With continued reference to Figure 1, the electrical components of the perfuming heater 11 described above can be placed at least partially within a hollow portion of the lower portion of base structure 13. In some embodiments, the structural components may hold some multi-component on site. For example, screw 35 can extend through an opening cover.

JX -

Inst: x

D-. Λ ... .

bottom 39, of a support 41, and of the electrical light source stft filament 29 and can abut against the wéelectric thermal source 27. At least one nut 37 can hold the screw 35 and various components in place r. In some embodiments, a lower aperture cover 39, a bracket 41, the filamentless electrical light source 29, the electrical heat source 27, or any combination thereof may include a threaded portion complementary to screw 35, such that the screw 35 can be coupled with the described component or components. Therefore, screw 35, bottom opening cover 39, bracket 41, and nuts 37 can structurally hold the components in place at least partially within the bottom portion of base frame 13. As shown in Figure 1, the electrical heat source

27 it can be placed within the lower portion of the base structure 13 near the upper opening 21 in such a way that the electric heat source 27 can heat the scented material carrying portion 15. In some embodiments, the electric light source 29 can be placed within the lower portion of base structure 13 at a location distant from the electrical heat source 27, such as near the lower opening 23 of the lower portion of base structure 13. In some embodiments, the electric light source 29 can be placed within the lower portion of base structure 13 at a location near the electric heat source 27. As shown

J Μ Τ showed in figure 1, the screw 35 that structurally holds the components in place can be a s oTo ”to r η i IΓ0 Tque ^ se ^“ couples with the electric heat source 27 and with the electric light source 29. Screw 35 can extend from one end of the lower base frame portion 13 to the other end of the lower base frame portion 13. For the modalities which include the electric light source 29 which is placed near the electric heat source 27, the screw 35 can be shortened. Indeed, the screw 35 that is secured to both ends of the lower portion of the base structure 13 can provide additional stability to secure the electric heat source 27 and the electric light source 29. In some embodiments, a plurality of screws can be used to couple each of the electric heat source 27 and the electric light source 29 separately in place. For example, a first screw can be coupled with the electric heat source 27, and a second screw can be coupled with the electric light source 29.

In some embodiments, the perfuming heater 11 includes a thermal plate 25 under the perfumed material carrier portion 15. The thermal plate 25 can be formed of a metal or a metallic material. The electrical heat source 27 may abut against or mate with a surface of the heat plate 25. By way of non-limiting example, the electric heat source 27 can be attached to the heat plate 25 with glue, with a mechanical connection (for example, a clamp, a screw, an adjustment

<td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>j iví ip n</td><td>- '-.FOR</td>

<td colspan="2">of interference,</td><td>etc.), which</td><td>will be pushed</td><td>against the plate</td><td></td>

<td>thermal 25</td><td>with</td><td>screw 35</td><td>(is according</td><td>moslfé), or a</td><td></td>

<td>combination</td><td>of what</td><td>same. In the</td><td>modalities</td><td>in which the</td><td></td>

scented material carrier portion 15 and lower base frame portion 13 are detachable and removable, the heating plate can be attached to one of the scented material carrier portion 15 or lower base frame portion 13. For example, the thermal plate 25 can be attached to the scented material carrying portion 15 and positioned such that the thermal plate 25 abuts the electrical heat source 27 if the scented material carrying portion 15 engages the lower portion of base structure 13 for the operation.

In some embodiments, the perfuming heater 11 may not include the heat plate 25. In such embodiments, the electric heat source 27 may abut directly against a bottom portion of the perfumed material-bearing portion 15 of the base structure 12, in the manner described. . This way of connection (i.e. without the heating plate 25) can, for example, be used in the embodiment of the base structure 12 shown in Figure 3.

Non-limiting exemplary additional modalities are described below.

Mode 1: A perfuming heater, comprising: a base structure, comprising: at least one substantially hollow bottom portion having at least one flank;

institute ... τ '

FROM THE P: ' ^i;’-......... ·.:. .

and a scented material-bearing portion placed on at least the substantially hollow bottom portion; an electrical heat source positioned at least substantially within at least the substantially hollow bottom portion and positioned near the scented material carrying portion; and a filament-free electric light source positioned at least substantially within at least the substantially hollow bottom portion.

Mode 2; The perfuming heater of embodiment 1, wherein at least one flank comprises at least one orifice through it configured to allow at least a certain amount of light to pass through it.

Mode 3; The perfuming heater of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein at least a portion of at least one flank comprises a material and structure that exhibit less than 100% opacity.

Mode 4; The perfuming heater of any of modes 1 to 3, wherein the perfumed material-bearing portion is detached from at least the substantially hollow bottom portion.

Modality 5: The perfuming heater of any of the modalities 1 to 4, which additionally comprises a power supply input element configured and connected to provide the energy to the electric thermal source and to the electric light source without fiiam nto.

INSTITUTE ΜΓ ..; ,.:. ·.

FROM THE PRO'ri:; ·:, · .;

INDUSTRIAL

Mode 6: The perfuming heater of mode 5, which additionally comprises the circuit configured to control at least one of the twinkling and light intensity of the electric light source without filament.

Modality 7: The perfuming heater of any of modalities 1 to 6, which additionally comprises a thermal plate placed between the portion carrying perfumed material and the electrical thermal source.

Mode 8: The perfuming heater of any of modes 1 to 7, additionally comprising the structural components sized and configured to hold the filament-free electric light source and the electrical heat source in place within at least the substantially hollow bottom portion .

Mode 9: The perfuming heater of mode 8, where the structural components comprise:

at least one screw;

at least one bracket attached to the screw;

a Lower opening cover through which the screw passes; and at least one complementary nut and coupled with I screw.

Mode 10: The perfuming heater of mode 9, where at least one screw is coupled with the electric heat source and with the electric light source without filament.

<img file="MX336997B_D0028.tif" />

Modality 11: The smoking heater of modality 9, where at least one screw is coupled with an electrical light without filament, and additionally comprises at least one other screw that is coupled with the electrical thermal source.

Mode 12: The perfuming heater of any of modalities 1 to 3, where the perfumed material-bearing portion and at least the substantially hollow bottom portion are rigidly coupled together.

Modality 13: The perfuming heater of modality 12, where the perfumed material-bearing portion and the lower base structure portion comprise a unitary structure.

Mode 14: The perfuming heater of mode 11, where the electric heat source is placed near the scented material-bearing portion, and the filament-free electric light source is placed near an opposite end of at least the substantially hollow bottom portion .

Modality 15: A method of heating the scented material, comprising: coupling an electric heat source placed at least partially within a base structure with a plate having the scented material placed at least partially thereon; heating the plate that has the scented material placed at least partially on it by providing electrical energy to the electrical heat source; and produce light by supplying electrical power to an electrically illuminating source with no filament placed at least

INSTiTUT · '.'. &lt;

of u ·. ; 'rl ;; ·. .......

partially within the base structure.

Mode 16: The method of mode 15, which additionally comprises allowing at least part of the light produced by supplying the electrical energy to an electrical light source without filament, to pass through the base structure.

Mode 17: The method of mode 16, where allowing at least part of the light to pass through the base structure, comprises the formation of at least a portion of a flank of the base structure to comprise a material that exhibits less than 100% opacity.

Mode 18: The method of mode 16 or mode 17, where allowing at least part of the light to pass through the base structure comprises the formation of at least one hole in a flank of the base structure.

Modality 19: The method of any of modalities 16 to 18, which additionally comprises varying the intensity of the light produced by supplying the electric power to a filament-free electric light source placed at least partially within the base structure.

Mode 20: A method of forming a perfuming heater, comprising: electrically connecting an electrical supply with an electrical light source without filament and with an electrical thermal source; coupling the electrical heat source to a surface of a structure plate

<img file="MX336997B_D0029.tif" />

base, the electric heat source s places at least substantially within a lower portion of the base structure; placing the filament-free electric light source at least partially within the lower portion of the base structure; and placing a carrier portion of scented material near the electrical heat source.

Mode 21: The method of mode 20, where electrically connecting an electrical supply to an electrical light source without filament comprises electrically connecting an electrical supply with at least one of a light emitting diode (LED) and a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL).

Modality 22: The method of modality 20 or modality 21, which additionally comprises forming at least one hole through the lower portion of the base structure.

Modality 23: The method of any of the modalities 20 to 22, which additionally comprises selecting a material of at least a portion of the lower portion of the base structure so that it exhibits less than 100% opacity.

Modality 24: The method of any of the modalities s 20 to 23, where the coupling of the electrical thermal source with a surface of a plate of a base structure comprises the coupling of the electrical thermal source with a surface of a thermal plate comprising a metal or a metallic material.

<img file="MX336997B_D0030.tif" />

INSTITUTO MEXICAN j '·

DELA PROPÜTJ / .D &lt;'“' '&gt;'

INDUSTRIAL

Modality 25: The method of any of the modalities 20 to 24, where the coupling of the electrical thermal source to a surface of a plate of a base structure comprises the coupling of the electrical thermal source with a surface of the portion carrying perfumed material of the base structure.

Although the present invention has been described herein with respect to certain embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that it is not limited thereto.

Rather, many additions, deletions, and modifications to the embodiments depicted and described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below, and in accordance with legal equivalents. Furthermore, features of one embodiment may be combined with features of another embodiment while still being within the scope of the invention as contemplated by the inventor. Furthermore, the invention has utility in perfume heaters having different designs and configurations from those shown and described herein.

MEXICAN INSTITUTE L = PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL