This invention relates to an improvement in lanterns, and particularly to tubular lanterns, also commonly known as hurricane lanterns or hot or cold blast lanterns and is equally applicable to lanterns designed to light utilizing energy sources such as kerosene, gas, electric, candle or solar power.
Conventional lanterns require a fuel, candle, electric or gas source. In the case of kerosene or fuel and candle lanterns, fuel or wax and its replacement is required, as is the need to manually ignite and extinguish to turn light on and off. Fuel driven lanterns exude substantial heat which may not be ideal for certain locations. In addition, care must be taken so as not to impose a fire hazard.
Electric lanterns require wiring to an electrical power source and a timer, photo sensor or the need to manually turn on and off. Gas driven lanterns require a gas source, piping to the fixture and, by nature of that traditional arrangement, are usually in the on or lit position constantly burning. All the above-mentioned sources represent continual recurring costs by way of replacement of fuel, candles, electrical kilowatts or gas therms used, plus corresponding delivery charges and tax.
For the above reasons, solar lanterns are an eco-friendly, automatic, non-utility consuming alternative to lighting needs. Conventional solar lanterns currently available on the market have been found to be unreliable in their ability to withstand all outdoor climates and extreme wind and weather conditions. By nature of their design and current technology, their lifetime lighting longevity is limited. Current solar lanterns are constructed such that when the solar light components fail, the entire solar lantern is rendered useless, primarily destined to landfill.
This invention converts or constructs with improvements, a lantern typically requiring a kerosene, fuel, candle, electricity or gas source to a high quality solar powered lantern made to withstand extreme weather conditions in all climates while providing carefree, reliable, eco-friendly, cost effective lighting for years to come. This invention especially conducive for areas exposed to extreme temperatures, precipitation and wind and may be used outdoors virtually anywhere worldwide.
This invention provides for a secure yet accessible fit of independent solar light bulb within the lantern providing ability to replace or upgrade its independent solar light bulb and/or its rechargeable battery. It is anticipated significant improvements to solar light bulbs and rechargeable batteries will be made in the future. As each solar light bulb is independent of the lantern, the solar light bulb and its batteries may be upgraded at any time while retaining the solar lantern fixture. This invention, by virtue of its solar light, does not throw off any heat or require outside fuel or utility sources. The independent solar light bulb reliably charges in ambient daylight and its sensors activate light each night. In addition to providing beautiful, carefree ambient outdoor lighting, the invention may be placed outside in daylight and brought indoors to provide reliable light, especially valuable in remote areas.
For purposes of example, the present invention illustrated and described utilizing lanterns known as cold blast tubular lanterns and the utilization of solar lights currently available on the retail/open market. This invention encompasses the described improvements to invention and improvement characteristics and methodology of which any or all may be applied, as appropriate, to any fuel, candle, electric, gas or solar lantern.
U.S. Pat. No. 705,816, generally considered as among one of the first patented lanterns of this type, and incorporating all patented variations of original lantern patent, is incorporated and referenced herein by way of example as variations of same currently being produced and available to the general public, including, but not limited to, R. E. Dietz Wizard, Blizzard, Junior, D-Lite, etc. Hurricane lanterns; Feuerhand Hurricane lanterns; and, W. T. Kirkman Tubular Oil Lanterns. The tubular lantern style is selected as example for the present invention as its overall design, weight and construction proven to be extremely stable in high wind and extreme weather conditions.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,196,477 and formerly, 7,377,667, 7,429,827, 8,362,700, 8514,094 and 10,132,015 reference generally the type of solar light utilized in the present invention containing or comprised of one more solar cells aka amorphous solar panel, light emitting diode(s) “(LED”s), rechargeable battery arranged to supply power to the LEDs, clear glass lens of approximately 2.36″ in diameter, and parts thereof, commonly marketed and each utilizing one AAA rechargeable battery in its commonly sized and placed battery housing, referred herein as “Petite” describing overall size. Larger, and more powerful, variations of these solar lights are available with a glass crackle globe lens of approximately 3.15″ diameter, each utilizing one AA rechargeable battery in its larger commonly sized and placed battery housing, herein referred to as “Large”.
For purposes of the present invention, either size solar light referenced may be used as appropriate to solar lantern and not meant to be limited to these particular brands or models. An improvement to the present invention is that the battery housing for both Petite and Large solar lights referenced remain uniformly sized for its corresponding rechargeable battery and be utilized to establish two universal standard sizes. These solar lights may now be known as Large and Petite Solar Light Bulbs for use in solar lanterns. It is noted the Petite size solar light bulb universally fits all lantern globe sizes wherein the Large solar light bulb is limited to a globe with an opening width of larger than 3.17″. For purposes of the present invention to ensure uniform fit within any lantern globe, petite solar light bulbs are referenced and not meant to be limited to this particular size or referenced models. An improvement to the invention is to modify the clear crackle ball glass lens of the two standard size solar light bulbs to more closely resemble candle flame or flower bud, combination of both, or other design pleasing for use in solar lantern, and reduce the width of the more powerful Large solar light bulb yet retain the power so it may be utilized in either size globe.
The present invention provides an improvement to lanterns rendering the lantern agreeable to accept an independent solar light bulb for secure yet removable fit within the lantern globe. In the case of fuel, gas and electric lanterns, removal of the burner assembly or electrical components renders the lantern able to accept the independent solar light bulb. An addition of a flange, or partial cover to the base burner well, provides precipitation and debris deflection while maintaining the lantern's classic design. Having the solar light bulb placed within the globe beneficial in that the glass globe reflects, protects and enhances the independent solar light bulb's brilliance. Over a period of many years it is expected the lantern will outlast the solar light bulb. Thus, an improvement is to contain the solar light bulb within the lantern and globe and provide the ability to replace or upgrade the independent solar light bulb and/or its battery at any time while retaining the lantern over a period of many years.
The present invention relates to an improvement to lanterns whereby appropriate drainage/air holes are incorporated in the lantern base plate and burner well at their lowest levels when upright ensuring water does not accumulate around the solar light bulb battery housing. Drain holes and placement in the present invention eliminates that issue. Metal tends to produce condensation in humid conditions and the lanterns, by virtue of being outdoors, will be subjected to precipitation in form of rain, snow and sleet. By incorporating appropriate drainage in the lantern as the present invention describes, moisture accumulation will be nominal, thereby preventing/deterring rust, eliminating ice expansion and resulting damage. In addition, drain holes added to the base and base burner well also serve as air holes contributing to air movement within the lantern further encouraging evaporation of any moisture.
Another object of the present invention is to ensure maximum preservation of the solar lantern as exposed to outdoor elements by ensuring an exterior finish in clear or color has been or is applied to all metal parts of the lantern and, if appropriate, to the housing of the independent solar light bulb. This improvement to invention of exterior color finish particularly conducive to associating with product, sports or theme branding, broadening the consumer audience and appealing to collectors of same. Further, decals manufactured for outdoor use may be added to base and globe in representation of brand or theme.
An improvement to invention is to suggest the NiCd (nickel cadmium) rechargeable battery currently provided with the solar light bulb be replaced with the environmentally friendly NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery. While current NiCd batteries have a life of approximately 500 hours, or one and a half years of daily use, NiMh batteries not only deliver more power lasting longer in high drain devices, but can be charged up to 1000 times providing three to four years of daily use. NiMH batteries are free of toxic or hazardous elements such as cadmium, lead, mercury or lithium and can be disposed of safely. It is anticipated improvements will be made to rechargeable batteries in the future. An improvement to the present invention is to allow for such future upgrades. An improvement to the present invention is that components comprising solar light bulb be recyclable.
For purposes of example, the present invention is illustrated and described utilizing lanterns known as cold blast lanterns and solar lights currently manufactured and available on the open market. The present invention encompasses the described improvements to invention and improvement characteristic and methodology of which any or all may be applied, as appropriate, to any fuel, candle, electric, gas, hot blast, mantle, flat wick, central draft (tubular round wick), barn or hurricane lantern for like results. The present invention addresses new production modifying lantern components as currently produced and the conversion of antique, vintage or lanterns already produced.
Turning now to the drawings, which describe the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention for the purpose of illustrating the practice thereof, and not by way of limitation of the scope of the present invention, and in which like reference characters refer to corresponding elements through the views referenced.
Solar light bulb 60 utilized in the present invention currently manufactured and sold as outdoor garden path lights and contain hollow tube of materials and color matching solar housing 64 for insertion of and to hold battery housing 68 with removable plastic garden stake. Battery housing 68 is inserted vertically into hollow tube; garden stake inserted at opposite end of hollow tube and driven into ground. It is found Petite hollow tube generally comprised of hard plastic, predominantly black in color; Large hollow tube generally comprised of aluminum metal alloy, predominantly dark bronze or silver in color. It is found hollow tube currently provided with these types of solar light bulbs 60 may be used as rod tube 74 in solar lantern as cover for battery housing 68 with modification and is an improvement to the present invention.
Battery housing 68 sizes of solar light bulbs 60 referenced and currently manufactured are Petite: approximately 11/16″/17 mm diam.×1-¾″/4.2 cm high to house AAA rechargeable battery 66; Large battery housing 68 approximately 13/16″/2.1 cm diam.×1-¾″/4.2 cm high, to house AA rechargeable battery 66, both comprised of hard plastic, predominantly black in color. Petite hollow rod 18 mm inside diam./2 cm outside diam.×17 cm length; Large hollow rod 2.3 cm inside diam./2.4 cm outside diam.×18.5 cm length. An improvement to the present invention is to establish standard universal sizes of Large and Petite, generally referring to overall dimension of battery housing 68 required to contain AA or AAA rechargeable battery 66 and size of solar housing 64 and clear crackle ball glass lens 62 of approximately 2.36″ diameter referenced as Petite; and, 3.15″ diameter referenced as Large, and corresponding rod tube 74, be adopted for use in solar lanterns.
Size of solar light bulb 60 used in solar lantern determined by inside diameter of globe base 38 opening or inside diameter globe top rim 40 opening of globe 36. It is noted Petite solar light bulb 60 may be universally utilized as it is found globe base 38 of all size globes 36 will fit over its clear crackle ball glass lens 62 of approximately 2.36″ or 2-⅛″ diameter. Large solar light bulb 60, as currently manufactured, may be utilized when globe base 38 or globe top rim 40 inside diameter opening larger than 3.15″ or 3-⅛″. It is noted that large solar light bulb 60 provides more powerful illumination capabilities as provided by its larger AA rechargeable battery 66.
An improvement to invention is to modify clear crackle ball glass lens 62 of Large solar light bulb 60 to a more lineal, narrow shape of a diameter slightly smaller than globe base 38 of globes 36 currently manufactured. Large solar housing 64 current diameter of approximately 2-⅝″ fits within inside diameter of opening of globe 36 currently and traditionally utilized in this invention. Modification of its clear crackle ball glass lens 62, and/or solar housing 64 diameter, such as to a candle flame or flower bud, combo of both, Edison style, teardrop, or torpedo, faceted, crackle, or other design or variation of glass, high quality, durable, scratch free clear or faceted plastic, Pyrex® or other material suitable and appropriate for outdoor use of a maximum diameter appropriate and approximately affording its use in all globes 36 currently manufactured, regardless of globe base 38 size. Clear crackle ball glass lens 62 of petite solar light bulb 60 and/or its solar housing 64 may be similarly modified in shape to enhance overall look of solar lantern, although current size requires no modification.
Rod tube 74 may be comprised of the provided hollow rod, modified to length of 1-¾″, to contain entire battery housing 68 and act as decorative cover for battery housing 68 providing protection from the elements, an improvement to the present invention. Use of rod tube 74 over battery housing 68 contributes to a more cohesive, high quality and finished look of solar light bulb 60 as utilized in solar lantern and may be enhanced in its design, further detailed in
It is noted, as currently manufactured, large solar light bulb 60 weighs approximately 0.25 kg or 0.5 lbs. with rechargeable battery 66 and petite solar light bulb 60 weighs 0.15 kg or 0.3 lb. with rechargeable battery 66. Weight of solar light bulb 60 should be factored into overall weight of solar lantern for stability, shipping and hanging purposes.
An improvement to invention is to replace the NiCd rechargeable battery 66 commonly provided with solar light bulb 60 with a NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable battery 66 which deliver more power lasting hours longer in these full drain devices, and can be charged up to 1000 times providing three to four years of daily use. NiCd rechargeable batteries 66 contain cadmium which is hazardous to the environment. NiMh rechargeable batteries 66, free of toxic or hazardous elements such as cadmium, lead, mercury or lithium, can be disposed of safely. An improvement to invention is that components comprising solar light bulb 60 be recyclable.
The present invention particularly conducive to associating with product, sports or theme branding, appealing to collectors of same and is an improvement to invention. Solar lantern may be treated with exterior paint/finish or specialty coating 80 in brand or theme colors representative and associated with certain brands or themes. Further, decals 82, incorporating stickers, medallions, figurines or any other item appropriate to branding or theme, manufactured for outdoor use, or treated with exterior paint/finish or specialty coating 80, may be added to base 2 and globe 36 or other components of solar lantern in representation of brand or theme.
For this method, base flange 54 centered and placed over base burner well 8. Remove battery tab 72 from battery housing 68 thereby activating connection of battery to solar light bulb 60. With lift lever assembly 28 notched downward in lift collar notch 26, insert solar light bulb 60 on top of globe supporting plate 30 with its battery housing 68 positioned vertically downward passing through globe plate center hole 32 of globe supporting plate 30, base flange 54 and base burner well 8 into base 2. Raise chimney 18 and hold. Place globe 36 centered over solar light bulb 60 on top of globe supporting plate 30 between wire globe guards 34. Release lift lever assembly 28 upwards and position globe 36 upright while on globe supporting plate 30 surrounding inserted solar light bulb 60. Gently lower chimney 18 to firmly seat globe top rim 40 of globe 36 into chimney 18. Solar lantern ready for use.
For this method, base flange 54 placed and centered over base burner well 8. With lift lever assembly 28 notched downward in lift collar notch 26, place globe 36 on top of globe supporting plate 30 between wire globe guards 34. Remove battery tab 72 from battery housing 68 thereby activating connection of battery to solar light bulb 60. Insert solar light bulb 60 inside globe 36 with its battery housing 68 positioned vertically downward passing through globe plate center hole 32 of globe supporting plate 30, base flange 54 and base burner well 8 into base 2. Raise chimney 18 and hold. Release lift lever assembly 28 upward and position globe 36 upright while on globe supporting plate 30. Gently lower chimney 18 to firmly seat globe top rim 40 of globe 36 into chimney 18. Solar lantern ready for use.
Components illustrated are base 2 with lower base plate 10 containing drain holes 58, base burner well 8, containing drain holes 58, covered with base flange 54. Fuel tank opening 6 capped with screw cap 4. Tubes 12 attached to either side base 2 leading into and attached to open cylindrical top 14. Spring pressed chimney 18 vertically in top 14 into which globe top rim 40 of globe 36 inserted and held firmly. Attached to one of two lower side tubes 12 is lift collar notch 26 through which lift lever assembly 28 is threaded. Lift lever assembly 28 attached to globe supporting plate 30. Wire globe guards 34 attached to globe supporting plate 30 provide additional stability to globe 36. Bail ears 22, at outer ends of bail handle 20, inserted into bail ears slots 24 molded into upper side tubes 12; ring tab with hinge 16 attached to top chimney 18. Inside globe 36, as seated within solar housing cup 56 on globe supporting plate 30, solar light bulb 60 and rod tube 74 over battery housing 68 with battery housing 68 positioned vertically downward through globe plate center hole 32, through base flange 54 and base burner well 8 into base 2, further detailed in
While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/661,689, filed Apr. 24, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62661689 | Apr 2018 | US |