VAN BRUINESEN, Petrus (Unit 15, 8-10 Eddy RoadChatswood, NSW 2067, AU)
| The claims defining the invention are as follows:
1. A reusable candle system comprising,
(a) a shell having an outer wall surface, an upper surface and a lower surface and an interior wall defining an aperture extending through the shell from an upper opening in the top surface to a lower opening in the lower surface, the interior surface of the upper opening having a collar,
(b) a raiser plate having an upper surface of complementary shape to at least a portion of the collar,
wherein in use a replaceable candle is located intermediate the raiser plate and the collar, the raiser plate acting to urge the candle against the collar such that substantially the entire wax portion of the candle can be burnt in a controlled manner and substantially without leakage of molten wax between the candle and the interior wall.
2. A reusable candle system according to claim 1 wherein the collar has an inwardly curved interior surface and the raiser plate has a generally convex upper surface of complementary shape to the inwardly curved interior surface of the collar.
3. A reusable candle system according to claim 1 wherein the generally convex upper surface of the raiser plate further comprises a depression.
4. A reusable candle system according to any one of the preceding claims which is self-extinguishing .
5. A reusable candle system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein none of the components are consumed by burning of the candle.
6. A reusable candle system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the collar and the raiser plate is transparent.
7. A reusable candle system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein at least one of the collar and the raiser plate is opaque.
8. A reusable candle system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the shell is comprised of wax and the collar is cast into the wax shell.
9. A reusable candle system according to any one of the previous claims which further comprises a biasing means which urges the raiser plate towards the collar.
10. A reusable candle system according to claim 9 wherein the lower opening in the shell comprises a shell insert.
11. A reusable candle system according to claim 10 wherein the shell insert defines a port which is adapted to removably receive a fitting chosen from the group comprising a plug, drip-plate, candle ring or candle stand.
12. A reusable candle system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 which further comprises a candle stand having an elongated shaft which is slidably located within the aperture and which supports the raiser plate.
13. A reusable candle system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein during burning of the candle, the cooler wax under the hot central part of the candle forms a seal with the collar preventing hot wax from escaping from the candle system.
14. A reusable candle system according to claim 13 wherein at the last stages of burning of the candle the raiser plate contacts the collar, flow of hot wax towards the wick ceases and the flame automatically extinguishes.
15. A device comprising a shell, collar and raiser plate suitable for use in the reusable candle system of claim 1.
16. A device according to claim 14 which further comprises the biasing means of claim 9.
17. A reusable candle system according to claim 1 and substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings. |
Candle System Field of the invention
The present invention relates to chandlery. More particularly the present invention relates to a candle system that provides efficient and controlled burning.
Background of the invention
In this specification where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge; or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.
Candles are typically used for lighting and for decorative purposes. While many are shaped so that they can stand alone, most are designed to be located in a holder.
Most candles burn with variable flame heights and as a result burn unevenly. Uneven burning leads to inefficiency, because there is no control over the burn rate and this can result in un-burnt fuel either in the candle shell or in the form of running, molten wax.
Furthermore many candles are prone to guttering. Guttering refers to a process in which a pool of hot wax near the flame melts and dissipates along a channel formed in the surrounding wax. Tunnelling refers to a process in which wax burns and melts around the wick but does not melt fully to the outside of the candle, thereby creating a vertical tunnel in the centre of the candle. As the flame burns deeper and deeper it gets starved of oxygen and gets smaller and burns more irregular. If there is insufficient oxygen supply left to the wick it may stop burning altogether and if there is too much wax present the flame can become small too or may drown. Furthermore the formation of the channel and the flow of molten wax may disfigure the candle and weaken structural support for the other portions of the candle. Molten wax escaping from the body of the candle can constitute a fire hazard and waste of wax that could otherwise be productively burned.
In the past attempts have been made to overcome these problems using a chandlery device known as a 'follower' which essentially comprises a cap of non-flammable material such as metal, glass or porcelain that sits on the top of a candle. The cap
includes a central hole to receive the candle wick. As the candle burns the follower confines a small pool of melted wax adjacent the wick to lengthen burn times and eliminate dripping of molten wax.
US patent 7,073,487 relates to a candle holder comprising an outer decorative shell having a tubular internal aperture that can hold a stack of candles such as small, disk shaped 'tea-light' candles. When the topmost candle in the stack burns out, another candle can be pushed in the lower end of the aperture, causing the remaining candles to move upwards. The burnt out candle is thus forced upwards and out of the aperture so that the next topmost candle can take its place. The advantages of this type of candle holder are that the shell is reusable and not consumed by the burning candles and new candles may be quickly and easily inserted into position in the shell to replace burnt out candles.
US patent 6,270,341 relates to a decorative candle holder for supporting a spring-loaded candle sleeve in an upright position. The holder comprises a shell having an elongated cavity there through for receiving a candle. A spring-loaded insert is positioned concentrically within the candle sleeve and acts to urge the candle towards the uppermost aperture of the cavity. As the candle burns and shrinks longitudinally due to evaporation or consumption of the wax, the spring loaded insert continuously urges the candle upwardly towards the aperture.
US patent 6,375,455 relates to a reusable composite construction candle having a substantially permanent cylindrical outer shell which is preferably made of wax within which is positioned a cylindrical insulating sleeve which is attached to the outer shell. The insulating sleeve provides thermal insulation between the outer shell and heat from the candle flame. A removable insert is placed within both the sleeve and outer shell which contains a wick and wax or other combustible material which is consumed by burning. When the combustible material in the insert is depleted the insert is replaced with another similar insert enabling the rest of the composite construction of the candle to remain unaltered.
US patent 4,755,135 relates to a candle supported by a spring within a tubular outer casing which has a thermally-insulated lining. A thermally-insulating cover extends
across the upper end of the tubular outer casing, the candle wick extending through an aperture in the cover. Thermally conducting wires extend from the aperture in the cover to conduct heat to the periphery of the candle body below the cover to ensure uniform melting of the wax, which flows through aperture in the cover. As the candle burns the spring urges the candle body upwards towards the cover to maintain the burning wick at a constant height.
However the candles of the prior art do not provide a reusable device/system that safely permits efficient consumption of an entire candle whilst keeping the appearance and function of a newly lit candle.
Summary of the invention
The present invention provides a reusable candle system comprising,
A reusable candle system comprising,
(a) a shell having an outer wall surface, an upper surface and a lower surface and an interior wall defining an aperture extending through the shell from an upper opening in the top surface to a lower opening in the lower surface, the interior surface of the upper opening having a collar,
(b) a raiser plate having an upper surface of complementary shape to at least a portion of the collar,
wherein in use a replaceable candle is located intermediate the raiser plate and the collar, the raiser plate acting to urge the candle against the collar such that substantially the entire wax portion of the candle can be burnt in a controlled manner and substantially without leakage of molten wax between the candle and the interior wall.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a reusable candle system comprising,
(a) a shell having an outer wall surface, an upper surface and a lower surface and an interior wall defining an aperture extending through the shell from an upper
opening in the top surface to a lower opening in the lower surface, the interior surface of the upper opening being shaped to form an inwardly curved collar,
(b) a raiser plate having a generally convex upper surface of complementary shape to the inwardly curving collar,
wherein in use a replaceable candle is located intermediate the raiser plate and the collar, the raiser plate acting to urge the candle against the collar such that substantially the entire wax portion of the candle can be burnt in a controlled manner without leakage of molten wax.
Without wishing to be limited by theory, the novel design of the raiser plate and collar that ensures efficient controlled burning of the candle without leakage of molten wax.
This system may use gravity or alternatively a spring to provide the essential force required to make the system work. With the exception of the candle all parts are re- useable.
The Shell
The shell typically has the appearance of a candle, hi a particularly preferred embodiment the shell is of high melting point wax and creates an overall impression of a candle that is much larger than the one being consumed. The shell does not burn or melt hence permanent decorations can be applied to the surface of the shell or embedded in the shell without creating any danger of fire. Most artificial chandlery shells of the prior art are made of metal or other opaque materials, predominantly to avoid the shell melting or catching fire. However, this tends to deaden the visual effect when the candle bums, mainly because the glow from the flame cannot be seen through the shell.
The shell has an outer wall surface, an upper surface and a bottom surface and an interior wall defining an aperture extending through the shell from a upper opening in the upper surface to bottom opening in the bottom surface. Preferably the upper surface of the shell is flat, curved or concaved.
The diameter of the aperture is sufficient that it can receive a candle and a raiser plate located adjacent the interior wall. Preferably the candle and raiser plate can slide up and
down relative to the interior wall. The candle is located within the shell such that when the candle bums, the flame will always be visible.
Collar
The interior surface of the upper opening is shaped to form a collar. Typically the collar has an inner surface that curve or slope inwardly in the direction of the upper surface of the shell. The collar is typically integral with the rest of the interior surface. Alternatively the collar may be formed separately and inserted into the aperture to form part of the interior surface and cannot be removed.
The collar is typically generally dome shaped, truncated at the apex of the dome to form an opening. Alternatively the collar may, for example, be frustro-conical in shape.
Preferably the collar is transparent or translucent and manufactured of non-inflammable material - this makes the collar hardly visible so that it blends in with melted wax as the candle burns.
The top of the candle is typically shaped to form a complimentary fit with the inward curve or slope of the collar. This helps to hold the candle in position and thus regulates the burning thereof.
The diameter of the upper opening relative to the degree of inward curvature or slope of the collar is also important. For example, if the upper opening is too wide, the burning candle can be pushed through the upper opening but when the upper opening is too narrow, not enough wax melts and the candle flame will burn too deeply within the candle.
If required, the collar can also lock the candle into position so that it is not removable after it has cooled off. For example, when the collar has a curved inner surface, this can be achieved by having a greater than 90 degree inward curve on the collar. However, a lesser curve on the collar will permit removal and replacement of a partially burnt candle.
Raiser plate
The aperture is also designed to slidably house a raiser plate. In use the upper surface of the raiser plate abuts the base of the candle. The upper surface of the raiser plate is generally of a complementary shape relative to the inner surface of the collar. This assists in ensuring that a constant even pressure is maintained on the candle as the wick burns and the inner part of the candle melts, thus ensuring controlled burning. In particular, it allows for the formation and continued presence of a pool of wax adjacent the wick but avoids leakage of the molten wax.
When the collar has a curved inner surface, typically the complementary upper surface of the raiser plate is generally convex in shape. When the collar has a straight inner surface, typically the complementary upper surface of the raiser plate is generally conical or frustro-conical in shape. In this conformation it is important to optimise the slope on the interacting surfaces of the collar and raiser plate. If the slope is not optimised the inner candle may stick in the collar, or the candle may not melt sufficiently to remain burning near the upper surface of the shell.
The action of the raiser plate may either be based on the action of gravity or on the action of a biasing means. Specifically, in use the base of the candle abuts the curved upper surface of the raiser plate, urging the top of the candle against the collar. The raiser plate may be urged upwards by a biasing means, or alternatively, it may be located on a stand that urges the raiser plate against the candle by virtue of gravity. The wick projects from the upper opening. When the wick is lit the cooler wax under the hot central part of the candle will form a seal with the collar and the hot pool of wax sitting on top of the cooler wax cannot escape. This situation changes at the very last stages of burning of the candle. When there is not much wax left to burn, the last amount of the cooler wax present on the periphery of the raiser plate becomes isolated from radiation of the flame and will harden to form the only wax residue seal. At the final stages of burning of the candle, the raiser plate will arrive in the collar and will end up against the inner wall of the collar. The upper surface of the raiser plate may also include a centrally located depression or crater. The flame will automatically extinguish when no more hot wax flows into the crater. The crater will be left housing the wick plate with the burned wick. This way a very efficient
burning with minimal wax wastage can be achieved. After cooling, the wick plate can be discarded and a new candle can be inserted.
Biasing means
In a preferred embodiment the raiser plate is located intermediate a biasing means, such as a coil spring, and the collar. The biasing means can be mounted to the underside of the raiser plate. The compression strength of the biasing means need not be much more than the weight of the shell. For example an uncompressed coil spring must be of sufficient length and strength to urge the raiser plate with some force into the dome for the entire time the candle burns otherwise molten wax may start leaking at the very end of the burning. The biasing means may be integral with the raiser plate or alternatively, removably connected.
When the biasing means is a spring it is typically made of tempered wire steel and finished with an electroplated metal coating or paint coating. The biasing means is preferably stainless steel if the candle system is to be used outside or in humid environments.
Candle
Typically the candle of the present invention has a central wick surrounded by wax, one end of the wick projecting from the top of the candle, the other end secured to a small metal wick plate anchored in the wax at the bottom of the candle.
Preferably the top of the candle is shaped to snugly fit into the collar. Preferably the bottom of the candle is complementary in shape to the surface of the raiser plate so that they also fit snugly together. In a particularly preferred embodiment the raiser plate has a slight depression in its surface which retains the metal wick plate (after the candle has burnt and all the wax consumed). In this conformation the collar and the raiser plate maintain the candle in a central position relative to the shell while the candle is being burnt.
Shell Insert
The shell may further comprise an insert located in the lower opening of the shell aperture. Typically the insert is located adjacent the interior surface of aperture at the lower opening and further comprises a flange that abuts the lower surface of the shell. The insert may also define a port through which a candle, raiser plate and spring can be passed.
When the system of the present invention includes a biasing means such as a coil spring, one end of the coil spring may abut the shell insert while the other end abuts the raiser plate.
The shell insert may be manufactured of any suitable material such as plastic, metal or glass. The shell insert can be removably located in the lower opening. Alternatively the shell insert may be permanently fixed in the lower opening in the bottom of a shell in the desired position. Fixing can be achieved by casting the insert in the shell during the manufacturing of the shell or inserted later as a separate manufacturing step.
Plug/Other fittings
When the shell insert includes a port, the port may be adapted to receive a plug or other fitting. The plug can be of any suitable conformation but preferably includes a flat part (flange) that slightly protrudes from the lower surface of the shell so that the shell can stand alone on a flat surface without making direct contact between the shell and the surface on which the shell has been placed. Alternatively the port may be adapted to receive another type of fitting such as drip-plates, candle rings or candle stands or fittings that have purely decorative functions such as Christmas wreaths or wedding decorations. Because the candle system of the present invention has efficient self-extinguishing characteristics the fittings may comprise decorations not typically permitted to be attached to candles due to fire risk. These fittings or existing candle plates are often needed because oil and colouring from candles can stain the surface they are placed on. Thus, the candle system of the present invention can be used free standing or placed on an existing suitable candle holder or candle plate.
The plug or other fitting can be located in place in the port by any convenient means such as interference fit, screw fit, bayonet closure system or one of many other closure systems known to those skilled in the art. For example, the inner surface of the port and the outer surface of the plug or fitting may comprise complementary threads for screw closure. When the candle system of the present invention comprises a biasing means, it is important is that the closure systems is strong enough to withstand the constant pushing force of the biasing means over the lifespan of the candle system.
The plug or other fittings may be manufactured of any suitable material such as plastic, metal or glass.
Candle Stand
As an alternative to using a biasing means, the candle system of the present invention may include a candle stand comprising an elongated shaft that is located within the aperture such that it supports the raiser plate. When a candle is placed on the raiser plate, a shell can be positioned over the inner candle. In this conformation the collar of the shell rests on the top surface of the candle, the weight of the shell pushing the candle onto the raiser plate. When the candle burns and the wax is consumed, the shell descends relative to the shaft as the height of the candle diminishes.
The diameter of the shaft of the candle stand is less than the diameter of the aperture in the shell. A spacer may be located on the shaft and re-positioned to support different shell lengths and their positions during burning. The distance between the spacer and the inside surface of the shell aperture must be minimised so that possible friction between the two surfaces does not affect the descent of the candle shell. Preferably the spacer is made of polymeric foam or rubber.
The candle system of the present invention may further comprise a candle cup. For example, the candle stand may include an integral or removable candle cup to receive the descending shell. The candle cup may be manufactured of any convenient material such as metal, plastic, wood or porcelain and is typically decorated, polished, painted, be treated with a special metal finish or natural looking finish.
Drawings
Various embodiments/aspects of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings in which;
• Figure 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of one embodiment of the present invention comprising a biasing means,
• Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the candle system of Figure 1,
• Figure 3 is a detailed cross-sectional plan view of the upper opening of the shell,
• Figure 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of a further embodiment of the present invention, and • Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the candle system of Figure 4.
The following parts are referred to in the drawings:
1. Shell
2. Collar
3. Raiser Plate
4. Spring
5. Shell Insert
6. Plug
7. Candle
8. Candle Stand
9. Candle Cup
10. Spacer
11. Wax Seal
12. Wick Plate
Figure 1
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of one embodiment of the present invention comprising a biasing means. In this embodiment the candle system comprises a shell (1) having a collar (2) defining the upper opening in an aperture that houses a candle (7). A shell insert (5) is located in the lower opening of the aperture, a plug (6) being locked in a port in the shell insert (5). A biasing means in the form of a coil spring (4) is located intermediate the plug (6) and a raiser plate (3). The coil spring (4) urges the raiser plate (3) upwards against the bottom of the candle (7) causing the upper surface of the candle to abut the collar (2). As can be seen from the drawing, the upper surface of the candle (7) has a curve similar to the inward curve of the collar (2) and thus fits the collar snugly.
In this conformation the wick projects from the upper opening in the shell and is always visible as the candle (7) burns. However the shell does not burn or melt as the wick and candle are consumed. As the shell does not burn or melt, it may be permanently decorated without creating any danger of fire.
Figure 2
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the candle system of Figure 1. In this view it can clearly be seen that the shell (1) has a generally flat upper surface defining cylindrical opening in the upper surface. The collar (2) is generally dome-shaped, and when in position in the shell aperture, defines the shape of the inner wall of the aperture adjacent the upper opening. The diameter of the aperture is sufficient for insertion of a candle (7), riser plate (3), spring (4), shell insert (5) and plug (6).
In this drawing a shell insert (5) defines a port of diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the aperture. The shell insert (5) also includes ribs (more clearly seen in Figure 2) that resist turning of the insert (5) when the insert is subjected to force.
The shell insert (5) also includes a screw thread for location of the plug (6). In an alternative embodiment, other fittings such as candle drip-plates, candle rings or candle stands can be screw fitted to the shell insert (5). In this embodiment the plug (6) is generally dome shaped.
The coil spring (4) can turn or slide on the inside flange of the plug (6) without scraping when the plug (6) is screwed fitted to insert (5). The inner (convex) part of the plug is adapted to permit the use of a thumb and forefinger to screw fit the plug to the insert. In this embodiment the plug sits flush with the lower surface of the shell so that the candle system can be used free standing on a flat surface or placed on an existing suitable candle holder. When the outside of the flange of plug (6) is protruding it will avoid the shell making direct contact with the surface on which it has been placed.
Figure 3
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional plan view of the upper opening of the shell (1). The collar (2) forms part of the inner surface of the aperture in the shell (1) and defines the upper opening. In this embodiment the collar is manufactured of translucent non-flammable material and is cast into the shell. In this conformation the collar (2) is hardly visible and blends in with the melted wax of the candle (11), yet the burning wick always remains visible.
The shape of the collar (2) is designed such that the upper opening is not wide enough to allow the burning candle to be pushed through, yet not so small that insufficient wax melts and causes the flame will burn too deep in the inner candle. One of the advantages of the present invention is that the candle flame will always be visible.
The shape of the collar (2) and raiser plate (3) are designed to ensure that the candle burns in a controlled way. Specifically, the inner curve of the collar (2) ensures that it snugly fits the top of the candle . This fit will be maintained during burning and melting of the candle. The internal depth, width and opening diameter of the collar allows for the forming of a pool of wax continually present without leakage. The raiser plate (3) has an upper surface shaped to hold the bottom of a candle in a fixed vertical position and has a further function when the candle has reached the end of its burning life. At the final stages of burning of the candle, the raiser plate (3) will end up against the inner wall of the collar (2) as depicted in the drawing. During burning, the cooler wax under the hot part of the candle will form a seal with the wall of the collar (2) and the hot pool of wax that is sitting on top of the cooler wax cannot escape. This situation will change at the very last stages of the burning of the inner candle. When there is not much wax left to
burn, the last amount of the cooler wax present on the periphery of the raiser plate (3) becomes isolated from radiation of the flame and will harden to form the only wax residue (11). The flame will automatically extinguish. The metal wick plate (12) mounted under each candle is left in the bottom of a depression on the upper surface of the raiser plate. This ensures very efficient burning with minimal wax wastage. After cooling, the wick plate (12) can be discarded and a new candle can be inserted.
Figure 4
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of one embodiment of a gravity candle system according to the present invention, hi this embodiment the candle system again comprises a shell (1) having a collar (2) defining the upper opening in an aperture that houses a candle (7). The raiser plate (3) is located at the top of a shaft (8) that forms part of a candle stand. When the candle burns and melts, the shell will descend along the shaft of the stand. To facilitate the descent, a spacer (10) is located on the shaft (8) of the candle stand and can be re-positioned to support different shell lengths.
A candle cup (9) receives the descending shell (1). The foot plate of the candle stand is positioned removably inside the cup but in other embodiments may be integral with the candle cup.
Figure 5
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the gravity candle system depicted in Figure 4. Specifically, it depicts the shell (1) having a collar (2), a candle (7) and a raiser plate (3) located at the top of a shaft (8) that forms part of a candle stand. The spacer (10) is located on the shaft (8) of the candle stand, the candle stand having a foot positioned removably inside a candle cup.
The word 'comprising' and forms of the word 'comprising' as used in this description and in the claims does not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions.
Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.
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