AU7883898A - An oil diffuser - Google Patents

Description

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AUSTRALIA

Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Application Number: Lodged: Class Int. Class j Complete Specification Lodged: 7 August 1998 Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: Applicant Ms. Victoria Jane Bennett 2/9 Orlando Road CROMER NSW 2099 Address for Service is: PHILLIPS ORMONDE

FITZPATRICK

Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street MELBOURNE 3000 AUSTRALIA Complete Specification for the invention entitled: "AN OIL DIFFUSER" Our Reference: IRN 500210 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant: (41060o 071kN

DOC

2 AN OIL DIFFUSER The present invention relates to a diffuser that has been developed especially, but not exclusively, for diffusing essential oils into the atmosphere for therapeutic effect and the invention is herein described in that context. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention has broader application and is not limited to that particular use. For example, the diffuser could be used for diffusing insect repellent or a deodoriser or the like.

The therapeutic effects of essential oils are well known. To benefit from an essential oil, it is necessary that the oil is absorbed into the body and this may be achieved in a number of methods including applying the oil directly to the skin or using a diffuser to heat the oil so that it diffuses into the surrounding environment where it can be inhaled.

Traditionally, oils are diffused into the surrounding atmosphere using what is commonly referred to as an oil burner. In their simplest form, oil burners include a dish which is adapted to contain a water bath which is heated from underneath using a tea candle or the like. Oil is placed in the water bath which, when heated, diffuses the oil into the surrounding atmosphere. More recently, electric oil burners have been available which operate on the same principal except that an electric heating element is used in place of the candle.

A problem with these previous oil burners is that they are awkward to set i up and need to be used on a stable surface. Accordingly, the previous diffusers i are not suitable to be used in many situations.

An aim of the present invention is to ameliorate this problem and provide a diffuser which is portable and is less prone to liquid spillage. A particular aim of the present invention is to provide an oil diffuser which is ideally suited to be used in a motor vehicle or the like.

According to the present invention, there is provided an oil diffuser including a body including a receptacle for containing oil to be diffused, and an electrical coupling, the electrical coupling being connected to or integrally formed with the receptacle and being configured to be received in a vehicle cigarette lighter socket; C-.XVANMRMIMONE MNEYWW20SP.D

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3 the diffuser further including an electrical heating element operable to heat said receptacle, said element being disposed within said body adjacent said receptacle, wherein said electrical coupling is connected to said heating element and in use is operable to securely retain the diffuser relative to said cigarette lighter socket.

The diffuser of the present invention is ideally suited for use in a motor vehicle as it can be powered by the vehicle battery through the connection with the cigarette lighter and the receptacle can be retained in a generally upright configuration by the connection between the electrical coupling and the lighter socket. Further, the receptacle is securely retained adjacent the socket opening in its generally upright configuration which further minimises the propensity of the diffuser to be bumped or knocked over.

In a preferred form, the body of the diffuser is of compact form with the receptacle being sized so as to hold a small volume of liquid. Preferably, the diffuser is operable to diffuse only one or two drops of oil (that is between 0.1 and 0.3 ml) with the oil being in a concentrated form rather than in a water bath. This S" arrangement lessens the likelihood of oil in the receptacle spilling as compared to existing diffusers which use a water bath. This is because there is a greater tendency for the oil to be held in the receptacle by the surface tension acting on the oil. This occurs not only through the higher viscosity of the oil as compared to an oil water mix, but also because of the relatively larger surface area as compared to the larger quantities involved in an oil water mix.

In a preferred embodiment, the electrical coupling is generally cylindrical and extends along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end.

When in position, the electrical coupling extends coaxially with the centre line of the corresponding socket. Preferably a circumferential wall of the receptacle extends about a centre axis of the receptacle, and in one form, the centre axis of the receptacle is transverse to the axis of the electrical coupling.

A typical vehicle dashboard is arranged such that the centre axis of the vehicle cigarette lighter socket extends substantially horizontally into the dashboard from the dashboard face. In this socket arrangement, when the diffuser is received into the lighter socket, the longitudinal axis of the electrical C.\WINWORDSIMONBE SYDM 210SP.DOC:7F8 4 coupling is orientated coaxially with the centre axis of the socket, and is therefore orientated substantially horizontally. Accordingly, the receptacle will be arranged such that the centre axis of the receptacle is orientated substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the electrical coupling.

However, in some vehicles the centre axis of the vehicle cigarette lighter socket extends substantially vertically into the dashboard, conso. or other interior surface. In this socket arrangement, when the diffuser is received into the lighter socket, the longitudinal axis of the electrical coupling is orientated coaxially with the socket in a substantially vertical orientation. In this arrangement, the receptacle will be orientated such that the centre axis of the receptacle is generally aligned with or parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the electrical coupling.

Vehicle lighter sockets may also extend at an angle between the horizontal and vertical planes, in these arrangements it is understood that the centre axis of the receptacle may be orientated relative to the longitudinal axis of the electrical coupling to ensure that the centre axis of the receptacle is orientated substantially vertically. In one form, the receptacle may be movable relative to the coupling so that the orientation of the axis of the receptacle relative to the coupling may be changed.

I In one form, the diffuser body includes a ring which includes the receptacle and which is adapted to extend about the longitudinal axis of the electrical coupling. The advantage of this arrangement is that it provides a good bonding surface between the electrical coupling and the ring. Moreover, the lower part of the ring, which is angularly spaced from an upper side of the ring which contains the receptacle, acts as a ballast to assist in maintaining the receptacle in its upright orientation. Furthermore, forming the receptacle in a ring shape gives an -aesthetic appearance to the diffuser as the ring can encompass the majority of the exposed part of the plug.

Preferably, the ring is made of a heat resistant material such as ceramic or other stoneware. This material enables the ring to expand without cracking, provides good heat conduct to the receptacle and gives the diffuser a natural look. However, it is to be appreciated that other materials such as heat resistant plastics or the like may be used if necessary.

r; I I '.r In a preferred form, the heating element is in the form of a resistor. The heating element may be placed in any suitable location within the ring, so long as it is capable of heating the oil within the receptacle. In a preferred form, the heating element is located immediately below the receptacle.

In one form, a cavity is provided in the body in which the heating element is adapted to be placed. This has the advantage that the body prevents a person directly contacting the resistor as well as concealing the heating element from view, thereby improving the appearance of the diffuser.

In one form, the cavity includes an opening which enables the heating element to be located in place- Preferably the heating element is secured in place by the use of a epoxy resin or the like which bonds the resistor to the body as well as covers the opening to the cavity. This provides a convenient, inexpensive form of assembly for the diffuser. However, it is to be appreciated that other arrangements could be provided, such as forming the heating element within the electrical coupling of the diffuser.

In one form, a switch is included to activate the diffuser. The switch is ideally positioned to be easily aiccessed. In one form, the switch is mounted on the exposed face of the diffuser such as on the second or outer) end of the electrical coupling or elsewhere on the diffuser body. This arrangement has particular advantage when used in a vehicle as the diffuser only needs to be operated for relatively short periods of time in view of the confined space within the vehicle. The switch provides a simple manner to disconnect the diffuser from the power supply. Furthermore, the diffuser can be easily switched on and off without requiring the driver to take his or her eyes from the road.

In one form, diTfuser also includes an indicator to indicate when it is operational. The indi. may be in the form of an LED light display or the like.

In one form, the heating-element is limited to dissipate power of less than 2 watts, and preferably less than 1 watt. In this way, low operating temperatures can be maintained.

In one form, the heating element is adapted to operate in the range of between 50°C and 70C. Furthermore, in a preferred form, the heating element is -7 adapted to heat the receptacle in the range of 40 0 C to 60 0 C. In a particularly C;\VAVOFlSUONEtS4NS5MNlSP.DCP7.O:fS 6 preferred form the heating element is adapted to heat the receptacle in the range of 40 0 C to 50C. The advantage of this arrangement is that it enables the diffuser ring to be touched in use without causing scalding or burns. Furthermore, it has been found that a temperature of 40 0 C is sufficient to enable diffusion of concentrated forms of essential oil.

In one form, the heating element is a resistor. Preferably, a 220 ohm resistor is used.

In one form, the diffuser includes a circuit board to provide power and control between the various elements of the diffuser, such as the heating element, on/off switch and indicator. In the arrangement where the diffuser is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle cigarette lighter socket, preferably the circuit board is located within the body of the electrical coupling.

It will be convenient to hereinafter describe an embodin-.i it of the invention in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The particularity of these drawings and the related description is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding broad description of the invention.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a top view of the diffuser; Figure 2 is a cross secticnal side view of the diffuser of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an end view of the diffuser of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an end view of the diffuser of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the diffuser of Figure 1i and Figure 5 is a perspective view of the diffuser showing the electrical coupling and receptacle body portions separated.

The embodiment illustrated pertains to a diffuser 10 for diffusing oil into the atmosphere. The diffuser is designed to be connected to a vehicle cigarette lighter socket, and to be operated in the confined space generally provided on a vehicle dashboard.

Referring to the drawings, the diffuser 10 includes a body 20 incorporating an electrical coupling 11. The electrical coupling 11 is of cylindrical shape, and is made of a thermosetting plastic. The outer cylindrical diameter of the electrical coupling 11 is of a size to allow for a relatively snug fit in a lighter socket (not C: 'A!MNORrBMOBS,'E-YNEY5O02ISF .OO C:7FJBB C ~Fnomrrr~i~s clNnxrp 7 shown), but still enabling the diffuser to be inserted into and removed from the socket when desired.

A first end 12 of the electrical coupling 11 is adapted for at least partial insertion into a vehicle cigarette lighter socket. The first end 12 is illustrated with a tapered portion 13 to assist in insertion and correct location of the first end 12 into the lighter socket. The tapered portion 13 may be curved or frusto-conical in cross-section.

The tapered portion 13 of the first end 12 includes a first terminal 14. The first terminal 14 is pin-shaped and lies generally concentric with the axis of electrical coupling 11, although it is to be appreciated that other terminal shapes and locations are also possible. The first terminal 14 is a conductive material, ideally metal.

Preferably the first terminal 14 is axially biased, and extends axially from the first end 12 when at rest to a greater distance than required when fully inserted into the socket, to ensure a greater likelihood of contact occurring between the first terminal 14 and the mating surface provided within the socket when the diffuser 10 is plugged in.

I The electrical coupling 11 also includes second terminal 15a and 15b. The S' second terminal 15a and 15b is formed from a single curved flexible metal strip which extends from apertures 16 provided in the cylindrical wall of electrical coupling 11. The second terminal 15a and 15b is wider than the inner diameter of the lighter socket, maximising the likelihood that the second terminal 15a and will contact the inner wall of the socket upon insertion of the first end 12 into the I socket. Upon insertion of the first end 12 into the lighter socket, the second terminal 15a and 15b contacts with the electrically conductive inner wall of the lighter socket. While the metal strips of the second terminal 15a and 15b are integrally formed in the embodiment shown, each may be formed separately.

The second terminal 15a and 15b also functions to assist in retaining the first end 12 in the socket. This occurs due to the resilient nature of the second terminal 15a and 15b which is caused to be biased inwardly when inserted into the socket. In this way, the second terminal 15a and 15b resiliently engages the inner wall of the socket. The greater the stiffness of the second terminal 15a C\WINRDlSIM O SYoHs52G'.

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~aBrPri~-iMvmul3- 1 =-~iiil~ 8 and 15b, and the greater the deflection of the second terminal 15a and required upon inserting the first end 12 into the socket, the gre.. the retaining force provided.

The body of the diffuser 10 further includes a ring 17 secured to at a second end 18 of the electrical coupling 11 The ring 17 is adapted to be located outside the vehicle cigarette lighter socket and is secured in place by the retaining force holding the first end 12 within the socket.

Preferably, the overall width and height of the ring 17 is kept to a minimum to enable the diffuser 10 to be inserted into a vehicle cigarette lighter socket in the often cluttered environs of a vehicle dashboard (not shown). The ring 17 is adapted to locate around the second end 18 of the electrical coupling 11. The upper portion of the ring 17 includes a receptacle 19 which is adapted to contain the oil to be heated, while the lower portion of the ring 17 acts as a ballast so as to assist in retaining the receptacle body 17 and, more particularly, the receptacle 19 in the desired orientation so as to minimise the likelihood of spillage i of oil from the receptacle 19.

.It is desirable that the ring 17 remains in secure engagement with the i electrical coupling 11, otherwise undesirable spillage of the oil may occur- In the present case, engagement between the ring 17 and the electrical coupling 11 is by a temperature resistant adhesive21, although an interference fit, clip arrangement or a combination of these, may be provided.

The receptacle 19 is sized so as to hold a small volume of oil. Preferably, the receptacle 19 has a curved bowl-shaped inner surface 22. As shown, the receptacle lip 23 is also curved. When viewed from above, the receptacle 19 can be seen to be of generally rectangular shape, although other shapes can be used if desired- To enable the oil to be diffused, it is necessary to heat the receptacle 19.

To accommodate this heat the receptacle body 17 is formed from a heat-resistant material which, in the illustrated form, is ceramic.

The receptacle body 17 can be constructed from conventional ceramic construction methods, wherein the receptacle body 17 is formed from pouring the ceramic material into a mould, and allowing it to set in the mould. Upon removing CAW. NWOlRMuOS NBESYEW0210SF.DOC 7MZa 9 the receptacle body 17 from the mould, it is cleaned to remove any rough edges and the like caused by imperfections in the moulding process, and can then be fired, glazed and then retired. To enhance the appearance of the receptacle body 17, the mould may provide a patterned or ornamental finish to the receptacle body 17.

To heat the oil in the receptacle 20 a heating element in the form of a resistor 24 is provided, which is located immediately below the receptacle 19. A cavity 25 is formed in the receptacle body 17 immediately below the receptacle 19 to receive the resistor 24. An opening 26 to the cavity 25 is provided in one side of the receptacle body 17 to enable location of the resistor 24 in place. To secure the resistor 24 in place and improve the resistor's efficiency, the cavity opening 26 is covered with a heat-resistant material 27, such as epoxy resin.

The resistor 24 is connected to the terminals 14 and 15a and 15b so that, when connected to the vehicle cigarette lighter socket, the resistor can draw power from the vehicle battery.

Rather than unplug the diffuser 10 when not required, and correspondingly plug the diffuser 10 back in when required, a switch is provided to turn the S:diffuser 10 on and off as required. In the present embodiment, an on/off 1 flick-switch 28 is provided on the second end 18 of the electrical coupling 11. By 20 so placing the on/off switch 28, it is readily accessible for vehicle passengers to activateldeactivate the diffuser 10 when desired.

S. It is also desirable to provide some means that indicates when the diffuser 10 is active. In this respect, an onloff indicator in the form of an LED light 29 is provided, so that the vehicle passengers can clearly see when the diffuser 10 is active.

A circuit board 30 is provided to enable the various electrical components to be connected quickly and accurately. The circuit board 30 is placed within the electrical coupling 11.

To provide access to the circuit board 30, the electrical coupling 11 is formed in two parts which are releasably engageable through a screw thread arrangement or the like.

A; In operation, the diffuser-10 is plugged into a vehicle cigarette lighter socket. The desired volume of oil, which is typically a few drops, is added to the receptacle 19, and then the diffuser 10 is activated by turning the flick switch 28 to the "on" position, at which time the current is drawn by the diffuser 10 from the vehicle battery which heats the resistor 24 and which subsequently heats the oil.

The oil is then slowly evaporated into the surrounding atmosphere. Because of the confined space within a vehicle, the diffuser 10 will generally only need to be operable for relatively short time intervals, such as ten minutes or the like. When it is desired to turn the diffuser 10 off, the switch 29 can simply be turned to the "off" position. Once the diffused oil dissipates, the diffuser 10 can then be simply turned on to increase the concentration of the diffused oil in the vehicle interior space.

An advantage of the diffuser 10 is that, as it is of compact form, it can be easily fitted into a dashboard. The diffuser 10 is able to be used whilst the vehicle is in motion in view of it being held firmly in place through engagement of the electrical coupling within the vehicle socket. In addition, the oil does not tend to I spill whilst the vehicle is in motion because of the surface tension acting on the oil I "within the receptacle. Furthermore, the concentration of the diffused oil within the vehicle is able to be easily regulated by switching the diffuser on and off as I. 20 required.

|I Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts- J previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

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Claims (7)

1. An oil diffuser including a body including a receptacle for containing oil to be diffused, and an electrical coupling, the electrical coupling being connected to or integrally formed with the receptacle and being configured to be received in a vehicle cigarette lighter socket; the diffuser further including an electrical heating element operable to heat said receptacle, said element being disposed within said body adjacent said receptacle, wherein said electrical coupling is connected to said heating element and in use is operable to securely, retain the diffuser relative to said cigarette lighter socket. i. An oil diffuser according to claim 1, wherein the heating element is adapted to heat the receptacle in the range of 4000C to 65 0 C-

3. An oil diffuser according to claim 2, wherein the heating element is adapted to heat the receptacle in the range of 40 0 C to 50 0 C.

4. An oil diffuser according to any one of claims to 3, wherein the diffuser is operable to diffuse volumes of oil in the range of 0.1 ml to 0.3 ml of liquid- An oil diffuser according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electrical Scoupling is generally cylindrical and extends along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end, the first end of the electrical coupling being adapted to be received in said vehicle cigarette lighter socket and the receptacle being located at or adjacent the second end.

6. An oil diffuser according to claim 5 wherein the second end includes a switch for activating the diffuser.

7. An oil diffuser according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the body includes a Sring ma de of ceramic or other stoneware which is adapted to extend about the longitudinal axis of the electrical coupling, at or adjacent the second end of the electrical coupling, and wherein the ring includes the receptacle formed in an outer surface thereof.

8. An oil diffuser according to claim 7, wherein the heating element includes a resistor and is located immediately below the receptacle in a cavity provided in said ring. C.WiNV-RSIOPI~MSOBTOi"PCC,t. S d

9. An oil diffuser substantially as herein described an illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED: 7 August, 1998 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for VICTORIA JANE BENNETT 1' C 11,MXMRMSM0ONEWMNEYL'0021G5P-GG 7MM h I~ i. 1 I T~ C