GB2539956A

GB2539956A - Dual-purpose lamp

Info

Publication number: GB2539956A
Application number: GB1511683.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Robert Arthey Spencer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-07-03
Filing date: 2015-07-03
Publication date: 2017-01-04
Anticipated expiration: 2035-07-03
Also published as: GB201511683D0; WO2017006084A1; GB2539956B

Abstract

A seasoning grinder has a LED light source 3 attached to heat sink 7 for illuminating the surroundings, and includes a receptacle 13 for holding a seasoning material to be ground. A grinding mechanism 15 has a grinding wheel 41 for grinding the seasoning material, and an outlet 17 is provided for dispensing ground seasoning material. The grinder may be motorised. Batteries 11 that are rechargeable via a docking station (Fig. 16) may be provided. The grinder may receive a salt shaker (Fig. 18).

Description

Dual-Purpose Lamp Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lamp. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a lamp which is a dual-purpose lamp comprising a mechanism for grinding seasoning material. The invention also relates to a method of illuminating an environment and grinding a seasoning material.

Background of the Invention A large selection of items is usually required on a dining table, including, for example, multiple plates, bowls, napkins, various glasses, cutlery, lighting, and seasoning dispensers. With so many objects and only limited table surface area, a dining environment is often cluttered. This is not only aesthetically unappealing, but it may also give rise to an increased risk of spillages or breakages. Additionally, the presence of so many objects on a table increases the size of table required for a given number of diners. This is particularly undesirable in a restaurant setting, where larger tables reduce the number of tables, and therefore diners, that can be accommodated within the restaurant.

The increased availability of longer-life and cheaper battery technology, and the use of Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) which have a low energy consumption and small size has led to the development of small, cordless LED table lamps for convenient use at a table setting. Examples of such table lamps are described in US2009303702 and US2012188754. These cordless lamps are attractive for use on dining tables due to their lack of obstructing wires and their ability to be placed anywhere around the other objects on the table. However, even when using such lamps, dining tables still tend to be rather cluttered.

The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problem.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a lamp comprising a light source for illuminating the environment around the lamp, wherein the lamp is a dual-purpose lamp. The lamp further comprises a receptacle for holding a seasoning material to be ground, a grinding mechanism for grinding the seasoning material, and an outlet for dispensing ground seasoning material from the grinding mechanism. The lamp is arranged such that upon actuation of the grinding mechanism, the ground material may be dispensed from the outlet.

The present invention recognises that by providing a dual-purpose lamp (i.e. that incorporates a seasoning grinder), two important table items can be combined into a single article. This removes the need for two separate articles on the table, thereby saving space and reducing clutter.

The receptacle, grinding mechanism and outlet are preferably integrated into the lamp. The lamp may have a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may be vertical when the lamp is upright on a flat surface. The longitudinal axis of the receptacle may be co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the lamp. The longitudinal axis of the grinding mechanism may be co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the lamp. The outlet may be concentric with the longitudinal axis of the lamp. The lamp may be axially symmetric around the longitudinal axis .

The lamp may comprise a base portion for supporting the lamp on a flat surface. The lamp may comprise an upper portion located above the base portion. The base portion may allow the lamp to stand upright on a flat surface when in use, such as a on a table.

The upper portion and base portion may be integral to one another. Alternatively, the upper portion and base portion may be separate from (yet preferably connected to) one another.

The upper portion may be rotatable relative to the base portion.

The outlet may be located in the underside of the base portion. Locating the outlet in the underside of the base portion allows ground seasoning material to be dispended from the outlet whilst keeping the lamp in a generally upright orientation. Thus, there may be no need for the user to manipulate the lamp from its conventional orientation in order to dispense the seasoning material.

The receptacle may be located in the base portion. Placing the receptacle in the base portion tends to provide a particularly stable lamp. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the outlet is located in the underside of the base portion, the presence of the receptacle in the base portion also minimises the complexity required in the construction of the lamp to allow ground seasoning material to travel from the receptacle to the outlet.

The receptacle may be arranged such that it is accessible for refilling with seasoning material. The receptacle may be arranged such that it is accessible for refilling with seasoning material by detachment of the upper portion from base portion. This arrangement has been found to make refilling the receptacle easy. For example, it may remove the need to re-orientate the lamp, or handle the whole of the lamp, whilst refilling the receptacle.

In some embodiments of the invention, the grinding mechanism may be manually operable. Manual operation has the advantage that no additional power source is required, and that the grinding mechanism may be operated at any place or time, even when no power source is available .

The grinding mechanism may be manually operable by rotation of the base portion relative to the upper portion. This method of operation is advantageous because it tends to be simple to perform and allows the user to easily determine the volume of ground seasoning material to be dispensed.

The grinding mechanism may comprise a drive shaft arranged to drive rotation of a grinding wheel for grinding the seasoning material. The drive shaft may extend from the base portion into the upper portion, such that rotation of the upper portion relative to the lower portion rotates the drive shaft.

The receptacle may contain a seasoning material to be ground. For example, the receptacle may contain salt or pepper.

The light source is suitable for illuminating the environment around the lamp. The lamp may comprise a lamp shade surrounding the light source. The lamp may comprise a diffuser surrounding the light source for providing uniform illumination of the environment around the lamp. The light source is preferably arranged to provide substantially uniform illumination around the lamp.

The lamp may comprise a power source for powering the light source. In some embodiments, the light source may be associated with the upper portion, but the power source may be located in the base portion. In such embodiments, the lamp may further comprise an electrical connector between the upper portion and the base portion for connecting the power source with the light source during relative rotation between the base portion and upper portions. This arrangement tends to facilitate a relatively stable lamp because the weight of the power source is in the base portion, yet it enables the light source to be located at a higher level, in the upper portion, for optimum illumination of the environment around the lamp.

The electrical connector may ensure that the light source is not disconnected during operation of the grinding mechanism by rotation of the base portion relative to the upper portion.

The electrical connector may comprise a perforated element, for example a cruciform element, arranged to intermittently make and break the electrical connection during relative rotation of the portions. This arrangement may cause the light source to flash on and off as the portions are being rotated relative to one another to operate the grinding mechanism, allowing the user to easily recognise when the seasoning material is being ground.

In some embodiments, the lamp may comprise a grinding mechanism which is electrically operable. An electrically operable grinding mechanism has the advantage of requiring little to no exertion by the user, making grinding easier. Preferably, the lamp comprises a motor to drive the electrically operable grinding mechanism.

The electrically operable grinding mechanism may be actuated by actuation of a switch. This provides a means of grinding which is both easy to understand and requires no physical exertion by the user. The switch may be actuated by relative linear displacement between the upper and lower portions of the lamp. This may enable the user to operate the grinding mechanism simply by pushing downwards on the upper portion of the lamp (whilst holding the base portion), which has been found to be a simple and intuitive means of operation.

The motor may be powered by a power source. The power source may be a common power source arranged to supply power to both the motor and the light source. This tends to minimise the weight and size of the lamp, compared to having separate power sources for each of the light source and the motor.

In some embodiments, the lamp itself may not necessarily comprise a power source. For example, the base portion may be arranged to be received in a docking station, the docking station being arranged to provide an electrical connection for powering the light source when the base is received in the docking station. This may facilitate a relatively light-weight lamp making it easier to lift when wishing to grind seasoning material.

In some embodiments, the power source may be one or more rechargeable batteries. The docking station may be arranged such that when the base portion is received in a docking station, the docking station recharges the batteries. This allows convenient recharging of the lamp without the need to remove batteries, and reduces the size and weight of the lamp when in use on the table by allowing the docking station to be stored and used elsewhere .

In some embodiments, the power source may be one or more rechargeable batteries. The upper portion may be arranged to be received in a docking station, such that when the upper portion is received in the docking station the batteries are recharged. Again, this allows convenient recharging of the lamp without the need to remove the batteries, and reduces the size and weight of the lamp when in use on the table by allowing the docking station to be stored and used elsewhere.

In some embodiments, the rechargeable batteries may be located in the upper portion and the upper portion may be removable from the base portion. The upper portion may thus be removed from the base portion and received in a docking station independently from the base portion, such that when the upper portion is received in the docking station the batteries are recharged. This allows the upper portion alone to be transferred to the docking station for recharging, which is lighter and more convenient to transport, and saves space in the area of the docking station when charging the batteries, which is especially useful if charging multiple units on a multiple docking station at once.

In some embodiments, the light source may comprise an integral power source, the light source and integral power source being removable for re-charging. This arrangement is advantageous since the light source may be recharged independently from the remaining elements of the lamp, in which state it is lighter and smaller, and thus easier to handle.

In some embodiments, the light source may have a total luminous flux of equal to or greater than 20 lumens. Light sources having such a luminous flux are advantageous as they provide high levels of illumination around a dining area, and minimise the number of individual lamps needed to effectively illuminate a given area.

In some embodiments, the lamp further comprises a heat sink attached to the light source. The heat sink transfers thermal energy away from the light source, to the ambient air. This arrangement is advantageous as it prevents heat generated by the light source from damaging the light source or causing it to become less efficient.

In some embodiments of the invention, the on/off state of the light source is controlled by a dedicated user operable switch. This allows the user control over when to use the lighting function of the lamp to illuminate a dining area, and to use the lamp function independently from the seasoning grinding function.

In some embodiments, the on/off state of the light source is controlled by an inclination sensor. This allows the user to turn the lamp on or off by simply tilting the lamp, which requires less precision and attention than operating the light source by means of a switch.

In some embodiments of the invention, the on/off state of the light source is controlled by an ambient light sensor. This minimises effort required by the user, by causing the lamp to turn on when is it dark enough that lighting is required, and turn off when the environment is sufficiently bright. This also prevents the lamp from being accidentally left on when it is no longer dark enough to require the additional lighting.

In some embodiments, the intensity of the light source may be controlled by the user. This allows various intensities of light to be chosen between by the user, to tailor the lighting of the environment to the mood or atmosphere desired, or to the amount of light required depending on the ambient light level.

In some embodiments, the colour of the light emitted by the light source may be controlled by the user. This allows the user to tailor the illumination of the environment to the desired mood or atmosphere.

In some embodiments of the invention, the light source exhibits a candle flickering effect, which may be desirable when a softer, calmer lighting effect is desired. This effect may also allow the lamp to replace traditional candles on a table top, which constitute a fire hazard and produce unwanted melted wax.

Some embodiments of the invention may further comprise a holding unit, which is arranged to receive a seasoning dispenser. This would allow another seasoning dispenser, such as a salt shaker, to be kept in proximity to a pepper grinding lamp of the invention, which is convenient for a diner who will often wish to use more than one seasoning together.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a lamp comprising a fitting for a light source, wherein the lamp is a dual-purpose lamp. The lamp further comprises a receptacle for holding a seasoning material to be ground, a grinding mechanism for grinding the seasoning material, and an outlet for dispensing ground seasoning material from the grinding mechanism.

The lamp is arranged such that upon actuation of the grinding mechanism, the ground material may be dispensed from the outlet. Such a lamp may be provided independently from the light source with which it is to be used, allowing a user to use their preferred light source, or use existing light sources in their possession which are complementary to the light source fitting.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of illuminating an environment and grinding a seasoning material. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing seasoning material to be ground in a receptacle that is within a dual-purpose lamp; b) operating a grinding mechanism in the dual-purpose lamp such that ground seasoning material is dispensed from an outlet in the lamp; and c) operating a light source in the lamp to illuminate the environment around the lamp.

Step (c) may occur before step (b). Step (c) may occur after step (b). Step (c) may occur before and after step (b). It will be appreciated that step (c) may, in some embodiments, also occur simultaneously with step (b).

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the invention. For example, the first aspect of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the second or third aspects of the invention and vice versa.

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a lamp according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a cross-section of a lamp according to a second embodiment of the invention, wherein the lamp comprises a removable lamp shade;

Figure 3 shows a cross-section of a lamp according to a third embodiment of the invention, wherein the upper portion has an open upper face;

Figure 4 shows a cross-section of a lamp according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 shows three cross-sections of a lamp according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, wherein the upper portion comprises an outer element and an inner element. Figure 5a) shows the upper portion attached to the base portion. Figure 5b) shows the outer element of the upper portion detached from the inner element and the base portion. Figure 5c) shows the inner element also detached from the base portion;

Figure 6 shows a cross-section of a lamp according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 shows a cross-section of a lamp according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 shows a cross-section of a lamp according to an eighth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 shows a cross-section of a lamp according to a ninth embodiment of the invention, wherein the upper portion is the shape of a frustum of a cone;

Figure 10 shows two cross-sections of a lamp according to a tenth embodiment of the invention, wherein the upper portion is removable from the base portion, and wherein a motor for driving the grinding mechanism is located in the upper portion. Figure 10a) shows the upper portion attached to the base portion. Figure 10b) shows the upper portion detached from the base portion;

Figure 11 shows two cross-sections of a lamp according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention, wherein the motor is located in the base portion. Figure 11a) shows the upper portion attached to the base portion. Figure 11b) shows the upper portion detached from the base portion;

Figure 12 shows two cross-sections according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention, wherein the motor is located in the base portion. Figure 12a) shows the upper portion attached to the base portion. Figure 12b) shows the upper portion detached from the base portion;

Figure 13 shows two cross-sections of a lamp according to a thirteenth embodiment of the invention, wherein the seasoning material may be refilled without the need to disassemble the upper portion from the base portion, by means of a refill cap or by removing the grinding wheel to provide access to the receptacle.

Figure 13a) shows a lamp according to this embodiment when the base portion is on a flat surface. Figure 13b) shows a lamp according to this embodiment when upturned, with the grinding wheel and refill cap removed;

Figure 14 shows two cross-sections of a lamp according to a fourteenth embodiment of the invention, wherein the light source is located in and removable from the upper portion, and the power source for the light source is located in the base portion;

Figure 15 shows a cross-section of a lamp according to a fifteenth embodiment of the invention, wherein the power source for the light source is integral to the light source, and the light source and power source are together removable from upper portion of the lamp;

Figure 16 shows two cross-sections of a lamp according to a sixteenth embodiment of the invention, wherein the base portion is received by a docking station for powering the light source;

Figure 17 shows two cross-sections of a lamp according to a seventeenth embodiment of the invention, wherein the base portion is received by a docking station for charging a rechargeable battery which powers the light source. The embodiment of Figure 17 also comprises an ambient light sensor; and

Figure 18 shows a cross-section of a lamp according to an eighteenth embodiment of the invention, wherein the lamp comprises a holding element which is arranged to receive a seasoning dispenser such as a salt shaker.

Detailed Description A lamp 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1. In a similar manner to a conventional lamp, the lamp 1 of the first embodiment comprises a light source 3 for illuminating environment around the lamp. The light source 3 is surrounded by a cylindrical diffuser 5 and provides 360 degree illumination. The light source 3 is in the form of an LED unit and is attached to a heat sink 7. The heat sink transfers thermal energy away from the light source, preventing the heat produced from damaging the light source itself.

The lamp 1 has a cylindrical base 9 which provides a stable footing to enable the lamp to be placed on a flat surface such as a dining table (not shown). The base contains batteries 11 and electrical connections (not shown) connecting the batteries 11 with the LED unit.

The above-mentioned features, in general, are known in some existing lamps. Lamps having such features are becoming increasingly popular in commercial dining environments. This tends to be due to their lack of obstructing wires and their ability to be placed anywhere around the other objects on the table. Nevertheless, it has been found that, even when using such lamps, dining tables still tend to be rather cluttered. This is not only aesthetically unappealing, but it may also give rise to an increased risk of spillages or breakages.

In an attempt to address this problem, the lamp 1 of the first embodiment of the invention comprises an integral pepper grinder (i.e. it is a dual-purpose lamp). The present invention recognises that by integrating two important table items into a single article, table space can be saved, resulting in a less cluttered table-top.

The integral pepper grinder will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 1. The centre of the base portion 9 houses a receptacle 13 for holding unground pepper corns, and a grinding mechanism 15 at the lower end of the receptacle for grinding those pepper corns. The underside of the base portion 9 also comprises a circular outlet 17 through which ground pepper from the grinding mechanism can be dispensed. The receptacle 13, grinding mechanism 15 and outlet 17 are all concentric with the longitudinal axis 19 of the lamp.

In the first embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 1, the grinding mechanism is manually operable.

The mechanism comprises a drive shaft 21 coupled to a grinding wheel 41. The drive shaft 21 is fixed to the upper portion 6 of the lamp, which is itself rotatable relative to the base portion (as shown by the curved arrows in Figures 1). Thus, upon rotation of the upper portion 6, the drive shaft 21 rotates the grinding wheel 41 to dispense ground pepper. In a variant of this arrangement (not shown), the upper portion and base portion are not separately rotatable relative to one another, but are integral to one another, and the grinding mechanism is operated by another means.

In the first embodiment, the light source 3 is associated with the upper portion 6, but the batteries 11 (i.e. the power source) are located in the base portion 9. Thus, the lamp 1 further comprises an electrical connector 23 between the upper portion and the base portion for connecting the power source 11 with the light source 3 during relative rotation between the base portion 9 and upper portion 6. In the first embodiment, the electrical connector 23 is arranged to provide an intermittent electrical connection during relative rotation between the base portion 9 and upper portion 6. This is achieved by providing an electrical connector in the form of a cruciform element arranged to intermittently make and break the electrical connection during relative rotation of the portions. This produces a flashing effect during relative rotation of the portions, indicating to a user that seasoning material is being ground. This also allows the user to decide (by adjusting the degree of rotation) whether to have the light source on or off. Nevertheless the lamp also comprises a conventional switch 25, by means of which the user may turn the light source 3 on and off. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the on/off status of the light source may be controlled by an inclination sensor, allowing the user to turn the light source on and off by tilting the lamp.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention. Features in the second (and subsequent) embodiments of the invention that correspond to similar features in the first embodiment of the invention, are shown with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, but with the addition of the prefix '1', '2', '3' etc. (or '10', '20'2, '30' etc. where appropriate). For the sake of clarity, the Figures only show selected reference numerals .

The second embodiment of the invention is substantially identical to the first embodiment except that the lamp 101 comprises a small diffuser element 105 and a larger, interchangeable, lamp shade 127. Furthermore, instead of having a cruciform electrical contact, the electrical contact 123 is in the form of a rotating brush connector such that electrical contact is continuously maintained during relative rotation of the upper 106 and lower 109 portions. A third embodiment of the invention (shown in Figure 3) is also similar to the first embodiment except that the light source 203 is arranged to provide a flickering appearance (for example to provide a candle-like effect). Accordingly, the diffuser element 205 is also open topped. The diffuser 205 comprises a drain 229 for draining water that may otherwise collect in the diffuser 205 during outside use.

Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention. The fourth embodiment is substantially identical to the first embodiment except that the batteries 311 are located in the upper portion 306 of the lamp 301. This can be advantageous as it removes the need for an electrical connection between the upper and lower portions altogether.

Figure 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention. In the fifth embodiment, the batteries 411 are rechargeable and are located, along with the light source 403, in the upper portion 406 of the lamp 401, specifically in an outer element 448 of the upper portion. The upper portion is removable from the base portion 409, such that when the upper portion is removed, an inner element 449 of the upper portion remains in connection with the grinding mechanism's drive shaft 421, thus covering the receptacle 413 and providing an operable pepper grinder, without the presence of the remainder of the upper portion containing the light source and power source. Such an arrangement is advantageous since an operable pepper grinder can remain on a dining table while the batteries contained in the outer element 448 of the upper portion are recharged in a separate location. Preferably, the two upper portion elements are assembled together in an axial direction for ease of assembly and disassembly and utilise a coupling designed to prevent relative rotational movement (for example a D-shape or cruciform coupling) between the two, such that when the outer element is rotated, the inner element also rotates and operates the grinding mechanism.

In an additional embodiment (not shown) the light source and power source are removable from the outer element of the upper portion (e.g. for recharging), and the outer element of the upper portion can then be reassembled onto the lower element without the power source and light source, again temporarily providing a useable pepper grinder without a light source.

In the first to fifth embodiments of the invention, the light source is located in the upper portion (which is rotatable relative to the base portion). However, in other embodiments, described with reference to Figures 6 to 8, the light source is instead associated with the base portion. This can be advantageous as it removes the need for an electrical connection between the upper and lower portions altogether. The pepper grinding mechanism is still manually operable, and accordingly the lamps each have an upper portion that is rotatable (relative to the base portion) to rotate the drive shaft (and hence to rotate the grinding wheel and dispense pepper).

In the sixth embodiment (in Figure 6) the upper portion 506 comprises a handle 531 at the top of the lamp 501, through which the drive shaft 521 extends. The diffuser 505 is located in the base portion 509 below the handle 531. It surrounds the receptacle 513 and is translucent such that the light source 503 (in the form of an LED array surrounding the receptacle) still illuminates the environment around the lamp 501.

In a seventh embodiment (in Figure 7), the handle 631 comprises a skirt 631' that surrounds some of the base portion. Accordingly, the skirt 631 (and diffuser 605 of the base portion 609) are translucent. An eighth embodiment (in Figure 8) is similar to the seventh embodiment, except that the receptacle 713 and surrounding diffuser 705 are shorter, and the structure of the handle is altered accordingly.

The upper portion and base portion may be provided in a variety of designs, shapes, colours and materials.

In the first to eighth embodiments, the upper and lower portions are cylindrical. However, in other embodiments, such as the ninth embodiment shown in Figure 9, other shapes are possible. In the ninth embodiment the upper portion 806 comprises a lamp shade 827 in the form of a frustum of a cone. The light source 803 is downwardly facing and is located at the top of the shade 827. It is connected to the power source 811 via the ring-shaped connectors 823 at the interface between the upper portion 806 and the base portion 809. The base portion 809 is also a frustum of a cone and complements shape of the shade. The receptacle 813 (which is still co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the lamp) is wider at its top than at its base. This facilitates easy re-filling of the receptacle (discussed in more detail below with respect to other embodiments).

In some further embodiments, described with reference to Figures 10 to 13, the lamp comprises an electrically operable grinding mechanism. Figures 10a and 10b show an embodiment that is similar to the first embodiment, except that the upper portion 906 is rotationally fixed, relative to the base portion 909.

The lamp 901 comprises a motor 933 arranged to drive the drive shaft 921, and hence rotate the grinding wheel 915, to effect grinding of the pepper. The motor 933 is operable by actuation of a push switch 935 on the top of the lamp 901, and is powered from the same batteries 911 that power the light source 903. Figures 11a and 11b show the corresponding motorised version of the ninth embodiment.

As shown in Figures 10b and 11b, in both these embodiments, the upper and lower portions 906, 909 can be detached from one another to enable the receptacle 913 to be re-filled with pepper corns. Thus, the lamp 903 can be re-used, for its dual (pepper-grinding) purpose, numerous times.

Figures 12a and 12b show a further embodiment of the invention that is broadly similar to the eleventh embodiment shown in Figures lla-b. In contrast to that eleventh embodiment however, the base portion 1109 comprises a pressure switch 1137 that can be activated by linear displacement of the upper portion 1006 towards the base portion 1109. Thus, the grinding mechanism can be activated by pressing the upper portion 1106 into the base portion 1109.

Figures 13a and 13b show a further embodiment of the invention that is broadly similar to the twelfth embodiment shown in Figures 12a-b except that the refill of the receptacle 1213 is effected through the opening in the base portion 1209. As shown in Figure 13b, the lamp 1201 may be turned upside down to enable a retaining nut and grinding wheel 1241 to be withdrawn, such that pepper corns can be poured in. The receptacle 1213 may also be accessed via the refill cap 1239 if desired. These features of this embodiment may be attractive because they avoid the need to disassemble and reassemble the upper portion and base portion when refilling the receptacle .

In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 14a) and 14b), and 15a) and 15b) the light source 1303 and 1403 is removable, for example for servicing. In the embodiment of Figures I4a) and 14b), the power source 1311 for the light source is located in the base portion 1309. In a variant of this embodiment as shown in Figures I5a) and I5b) the power source 1411 is integral to the light source 1403 and the power source and the light source together removable from the lamp 1401 for servicing or recharging. In another variant (not shown), the lamp may not necessarily comprise a power source for the light source, and the light source may, for example, be a removable tealight.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figures 16a) and 16b), the power source 1511 for the light source 1503 is a docking station 1543, and the base portion 1509 of the lamp 1501 is arranged to be received in the docking station 1543. The docking station 1543 is arranged to provide an electrical connection for powering the light source 1503 when the base 1509 is received in the docking station 1543. The docking station 1543 is supplied by a mains electrical supply, but may in other embodiments contain a rechargeable or disposable battery. A docking station 1543 removes the need for a power source in the lamp itself, making the lamp lighter.

In the embodiment in Figures 16a-b, the docking station 1543 powers the light source 1503 only when the lamp 1501 is placed in the docking station, such that the light is turned off when the base 1509 is removed from the docking station for use as a grinder. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 17a) and 17b), the docking station 1643 may act to charge a rechargeable battery 1644 in the lamp, for powering the light source 1603, such that when the lamp 1601 is removed from the docking station for use as a grinder, the light source remains on. In the embodiment shown in Figures 17a) and 17b), the rechargeable batteries are located in the base portion 1609 of the lamp, and the base portion of the lamp is received by the docking station. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the rechargeable batteries are located in the upper portion, and the upper portion is arranged to be received by the docking station. In such an embodiment, the upper portion may also be removable from the base portion, and thus may be received by the docking station independently from the base portion. In addition to a rechargeable battery being used for powering the light source, the docking station may also charge a rechargeable battery used for powering an electrically operable grinding mechanism.

The embodiment of Figures 17a) and 17b) also comprises an ambient light sensor 1645, to allow automatic (with no input by the user required) altering of the on/off status of the light source, and/or the intensity of the light, depending on the ambient light levels .

In another embodiment (not shown), the power source for the light source and/or the electrically operable grinding mechanism is one or more rechargeable batteries which are charged by means of a USB socket, a micro USB socket, or any other suitable power cable and corresponding socket.

In some embodiments (not shown), the power source for the light source and/or the electrically operable grinding mechanism is one or more batteries which are independently removable from the lamp, for example for recharging, replacement or servicing.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 18, the lamp 1701 further comprises a holding unit 1746, arranged to receive a seasoning dispenser 1747. This allows an additional seasoning dispenser, such as a salt shaker, to be kept in proximity to the pepper grinder, such that both seasonings can easily be retrieved and used together.

Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A lamp comprising a light source for illuminating the environment around the lamp; wherein the lamp is a dual-purpose lamp and further comprises a receptacle for holding a seasoning material to be ground; a grinding mechanism for grinding the seasoning material; and an outlet for dispensing ground seasoning material from the grinding mechanism, the lamp being arranged such that upon actuation of the grinding mechanism, the ground material may be dispensed from the outlet.

2. A lamp according to claim 1, wherein the lamp comprises a base portion for supporting the lamp on a flat surface, and an upper portion located above the base portion.

3. A lamp according to claim 2, wherein the outlet is located in the underside of the base portion.

4. A lamp according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the receptacle is located in the base portion.

5. A lamp according to claim 4, wherein the receptacle is arranged such that it is accessible for refilling with seasoning material, by detachment of the upper portion from base portion.

6. A lamp according to any preceding claim, wherein the grinding mechanism is manually operable.

7. A lamp according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the grinding mechanism is manually operable by rotation of the base portion relative to the upper portion.

8. A lamp according to claim 7, wherein the grinding mechanism comprises a drive shaft arranged to drive rotation of a grinding wheel for grinding the seasoning material, and wherein the drive shaft extends from the base portion into the upper portion, such that rotation of the upper portion relative to the lower portion rotates the drive shaft.

9. A lamp according to any preceding claim, wherein the lamp comprises a power source for powering the light source .

10. A lamp according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the light source is associated with the upper portion, but the power source is located in the base portion, and wherein the lamp further comprises an electrical connector between the upper portion and the base portion for connecting the power source with the light source during relative rotation between the base portion and upper portions.

11. A lamp according to claim 10, wherein the electrical connector is arranged to provide an intermittent electrical connection during relative rotation of the base portion and upper portion.

12. A lamp according to claim 11, wherein the electrical connector comprises a cruciform element arranged to intermittently make/break the electrical connection during relative rotation of the portions.

13. A lamp according to any of claims 1 to 5, or claim 9, wherein the grinding mechanism is electrically operable.

14. A lamp according to claim 13, wherein the lamp comprises a motor arranged to drive the grinding mechanism.

15. A lamp according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the grinding mechanism is actuated by actuation of a switch.

16. A lamp according to claim 15, when indirectly dependent on claim 2, wherein the switch is actuated by relative linear displacement between the upper and lower portions of the lamp.

17. A lamp according to any of claim 13 to 16, wherein the motor is powered by a power source.

18. A lamp according to claim 17, wherein the power source is a common power source arranged to supply power to both the motor and the light source.

19. A lamp according to any of claims 2 to 8, or claims 13 to 17, wherein the base portion is arranged to be received in a docking station, the docking station being arranged to provide an electrical connection for powering the light source when the base is received in the docking station.

20. A lamp according to any of claims 9 to 18, when indirectly dependent on claim 2, wherein the power source is one or more rechargeable batteries and wherein the base portion is arranged to be received in a docking station, such that when the base portion is received in the docking station the batteries are recharged.

21. A lamp according to any of claims 9 to 18, when indirectly dependent on claim 2, wherein the power source is one or more rechargeable batteries and wherein the upper portion is arranged to be received in a docking station, such that when the upper portion is received in the docking station the batteries are recharged.

22. A lamp according to claim 21, wherein the rechargeable batteries are located in the upper portion and the upper portion is removable from the base portion such that the upper portion may be removed and received in a docking station independently from the base portion, and such that when the upper portion is received in the docking station the batteries are recharged.

23. A lamp according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the light source comprises an integral power source, the light source and integral power source being removable for re-charging.

24. A lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the light source has a total luminous flux of equal to or greater than 20 lumens.

25. A lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the lamp further comprises a heat sink attached to the light source, for transferring thermal energy away from the light source.

26. A lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the on/off state of the light source is controlled by a dedicated user operable switch.

27. A lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the on/off state of the light source is controlled by an inclination sensor.

28. A lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the on/off state of the light source is controlled by an ambient light sensor.

29. A lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the intensity of the light source may be controlled by the user.

30. A lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the colour of the light emitted by the light source may be varied by the user.

31. A lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the light source exhibits a candle flickering effect.

32. A lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 31 further comprising a holding unit arranged to receive a seasoning dispenser.

33. A lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the lamp has a longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis of the grinding mechanism is co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the lamp.

34. A lamp comprising a fitting for a light source; wherein the lamp is a dual-purpose lamp and further comprises a receptacle for holding a seasoning material to be ground; a grinding mechanism for grinding the seasoning material; and an outlet for dispensing ground seasoning material from the grinding mechanism, the lamp being arranged such that upon actuation of the grinding mechanism, the ground material may be dispensed from the outlet.

35. A method of illuminating an environment and grinding a seasoning material, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) providing seasoning material to be ground in a receptacle that is within a dual-purpose lamp; b) operating a grinding mechanism in the dual-purpose lamp such that ground seasoning material is dispensed from an outlet in the lamp; and c) operating a light source in the lamp to illuminate the environment around the lamp.

36. A method according to claim 35, wherein step (c) occurs before and after step (b).

37. A method of illuminating an environment and grinding a seasoning material substantially as herein described with reference to any of Figs. 1 to 18 of the accompanying drawings .

37. A lamp substantially as herein described with reference to any of Figures 1 to 18 of the accompanying drawings .

38. A method of illuminating an environment and grinding a seasoning material substantially as herein described with reference to any of Figs. 1 to 18 of the accompanying drawings . Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows:- Claims

1. A table lamp for standing on a flat surface, the table lamp comprising a light source for illuminating the environment around the table lamp when the lamp is standing on the surface, and wherein the table lamp is a dual-purpose table lamp and further comprises a receptacle for holding a seasoning material to be ground; a grinding mechanism for grinding the seasoning material; and an outlet for dispensing ground seasoning material from the grinding mechanism, the table lamp being arranged such that upon actuation of the grinding mechanism, the ground material may be dispensed from the outlet.

2. A table lamp according to claim 1, wherein the table lamp comprises a base portion for supporting the lamp on the flat surface, and an upper portion located above the base portion.

3. A table lamp according to claim 2, wherein the outlet is located in the underside of the base portion.

4. A table lamp according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the receptacle is located in the base portion.

5. A table lamp according to claim 4, wherein the receptacle is arranged such that it is accessible for refilling with seasoning material, by detachment of the upper portion from base portion.

6. A table lamp according to any preceding claim, wherein the grinding mechanism is manually operable.

7. A table lamp according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the grinding mechanism is manually operable by rotation of the base portion relative to the upper portion.

8. A table lamp according to claim 7, wherein the grinding mechanism comprises a drive shaft arranged to drive rotation of a grinding wheel for grinding the seasoning material, and wherein the drive shaft extends from the base portion into the upper portion, such that rotation of the upper portion relative to the lower portion rotates the drive shaft.

9. A table lamp according to any preceding claim, wherein the table lamp comprises a power source for powering the light source.

10. A table lamp according to claim 9 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the light source is associated with the upper portion, but the power source is located in the base portion, and wherein the table lamp further comprises an electrical connector between the upper portion and the base portion for connecting the power source with the light source during relative rotation between the base portion and upper portions.

11. A table lamp according to claim 10, wherein the electrical connector is arranged to provide an intermittent electrical connection during relative rotation of the base portion and upper portion.

12. A table lamp according to claim 11, wherein the electrical connector comprises a cruciform element arranged to intermittently make/break the electrical connection during relative rotation of the portions.

13. A table lamp according to any of claims 1 to 5, or claim 9, wherein the grinding mechanism is electrically operable.

14. A table lamp according to claim 13, wherein the table lamp comprises a motor arranged to drive the grinding mechanism.

15. A table lamp according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the grinding mechanism is actuated by actuation of a switch.

16. A table lamp according to claim 15, when indirectly dependent on claim 2, wherein the switch is actuated by relative linear displacement between the upper and lower portions of the table lamp.

17. A table lamp according to any of claim 13 to 16, wherein the motor is powered by a power source.

18. A table lamp according to claim 17, wherein the power source is a common power source arranged to supply power to both the motor and the light source.

19. A table lamp according to any of claims 2 to 8, or claims 13 to 17, wherein the base portion is arranged to be received in a docking station, the docking station being arranged to provide an electrical connection for powering the light source when the base is received in the docking station.

20. A table lamp according to any of claims 9 to 18, when indirectly dependent on claim 2, wherein the power source is one or more rechargeable batteries and wherein the base portion is arranged to be received in a docking station, such that when the base portion is received in the docking station the batteries are recharged.

21. A table lamp according to any of claims 9 to 18, when indirectly dependent on claim 2, wherein the power source is one or more rechargeable batteries and wherein the upper portion is arranged to be received in a docking station, such that when the upper portion is received in the docking station the batteries are recharged.

22. A table lamp according to claim 21, wherein the rechargeable batteries are located in the upper portion and the upper portion is removable from the base portion such that the upper portion may be removed and received in a docking station independently from the base portion, and such that when the upper portion is received in the docking station the batteries are recharged.

23. A table lamp according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the light source comprises an integral power source, the light source and integral power source being removable for re-charging.

24. A table lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the light source has a total luminous flux of equal to or greater than 20 lumens.

25. A table lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the table lamp further comprises a heat sink attached to the light source, for transferring thermal energy away from the light source.

26. A table lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the on/off state of the light source is controlled by a dedicated user operable switch.

27. A table lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the on/off state of the light source is controlled by an inclination sensor.

28. A table lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the on/off state of the light source is controlled by an ambient light sensor.

29. A table lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the intensity of the light source may be controlled by the user.

30. A table lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the colour of the light emitted by the light source may be varied by the user.

31. A table lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the light source exhibits a candle flickering effect.

32. A table lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 31 further comprising a holding unit arranged to receive a seasoning dispenser.

33. A table lamp according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the lamp has a longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis of the grinding mechanism is co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the lamp.

34. A table lamp for standing on a surface, the table lamp comprising a fitting for a light source, the table lamp being arranged such that when the light source is fitted to the fitting and the table lamp is standing on the surface, the light source illuminates the environment around the table lamp; and wherein the table lamp is a dual-purpose table lamp and further comprises a receptacle for holding a seasoning material to be ground; a grinding mechanism for grinding the seasoning material; and an outlet for dispensing ground seasoning material from the grinding mechanism, the table lamp being arranged such that upon actuation of the grinding mechanism, the ground material may be dispensed from the outlet.

35. A method of illuminating an environment and grinding a seasoning material, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) providing seasoning material to be ground in a receptacle that is within a dual-purpose table lamp, wherein the table lamp is suitable for standing on a surface; b) operating a light source in the table lamp to illuminate the environment around the table lamp when the lamp is standing on the surface; and c) lifting the table lamp and then operating a grinding mechanism in the dual-purpose table lamp such that ground seasoning material is dispensed from an outlet in the table lamp

36. A table lamp substantially as herein described with reference to any of Figures 1 to 18 of the accompanying drawings .