BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Scented candles release an aroma into the ambient atmosphere when burned, and are increasing in popularity. Such candles are often used for enhancing the ambience or mood in the home or workplace. Despite their popularity, there are some perceived problems associated with the burning of scented candles. The presence of an open flame can present hazards to children and pets, and burning candles present a fire hazard and should not be left unattended. Also, the smoke produced by burning candles can present a health or a nuisance hazard, and can complicate respiratory problems for particular individuals. Furthermore, smoke from the burning candle can damage or discolor furniture, walls and fabrics. Thus, it will be seen that while the effects of scented candles are desirable, there are problems associated with the open flame attendant upon their use.

Consequently, the prior art has sought to implement solutions whereby a candle's scent may be released without the requirement of utilizing an open flame. Toward that end, the prior art has investigated various designs of candle warming devices which allow scented candles to flamelessly disperse their aroma. The previous implementation of such a candle heater comprised the use

of miniature hotplates, of the type employed for heating individual beverage cups; and in such instance, the candle, which is typically contained in a glass vessel, is placed onto the hotplate. In some instances, these hotplate-type candle warmers have a collar which surrounds a portion of the length of the candle; but they are not designed to enclose the entire length of the candle.

This approach is less than satisfactory since only the bottom portion of the candle is heated. As a consequence, it takes a relatively long time to melt the upper surface of the candle wax so as to release the scent. This lag time can be shortened if the heat level of the hotplate is raised to a fairly high value; however, these high heat levels can pose a burn hazard once the candle is fully warm. Also, high heat levels can start to vaporize the candle wax thereby generating unwanted odors and damaging fumes. In addition, the heated wax fumes can present a significant fire hazard. Hotplate-type candle warmers are shown, for example, in U. S. Patent No. 6,627, 857. Another prior art approach to warming scented candles involves the use of a radiant heater which projects infrared light onto an upper surface of the candle. Devices of this type are relatively complicated and energy inefficient. Radiant candle heaters are shown in U. S. Patent No. 6,354, 710.

As will be explained hereinbelow, the present invention is directed to a flameless candle heating device which efficiently and safely retains scented candles and the like and warms them to a uniform temperature optimized for safety and release of scent. These and other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the drawings, discussion and description which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION There is disclosed herein a device for retaining and heating a scented candle or other body of scented hydrocarbon material. The device includes a housing which is fabricated from a body of a low thermal conductivity material. The housing has a substantially open top and comprises at least one sidewall and a base, which cooperate to define a partially enclosed interior volume which is configured to receive and retain the entire length of a candle

therein. The device further includes an electrical heater which is in thermal conductivity with the housing. The heater is operable to warm the body of scented hydrocarbon material so that its scent exits through the open top of the housing.

The housing may, in some instances, be a unitary body, while in other instances it may comprise an assembly of multiple pieces. The housing has a relatively low thermal conductivity, as defined herein, and may, in some instances, be fabricated from a body of ceramic material. In other instances, it may comprise a relatively high thermal conductivity material such as a metal combined with a body of insulating material.

In specific embodiments, the device can include a temperature controller for regulating its operation, as well as other features, such a pilot light, an on/off switch, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a candle warming device structured in accord with the principles of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the device of Fig. 1 taken along section line A-A ; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a heating device of the present invention; and Fig. 4 is a schematic depiction of one circuit which may be used to energize the electrical heater in warming devices of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a device for uniformly heating a scented candle so as to release its aroma, without the necessity of employing an open flame. The device of the present invention includes a housing which is fabricated from a body of low thermal conductivity material, as will be explained and defined hereinbelow. The low thermal conductivity housing encloses a scented candle. The device further includes an electrical heater

which is in thermal communication with the housing. The housing operates to retain heat and allows the heater to uniformly heat the entire body of the candle without generating large temperature extremes. Since the housing shields the heated candle, it provides additional safety.

Referring now to Fig. 1, there is shown a perspective view of one embodiment 10 of a candle heater structured in accord with the principles of the present invention. As will be seen, the warming device 10 includes a body 12 which includes a base portion 14 which is integral therewith. The body 12 has a generally cylindrical sidewall 15 which cooperates with the base portion thereof 14 to define and enclose an interior volume. In specific embodiments, this interior volume is sufficiently large so as to contain substantially all of the length of a candle disposed therein. The configuration of the body 12 is such that its top is substantially open so as to permit the insertion of a candle 16 thereinto. The substantially open top also facilitates the dispersal of aroma from the candle 16 in the operation of the device. It is to be understood that the top is shown as completely open in these figures; however, the top may be partially covered by a perforated plate, a mesh, or other such covering, provided that the covering has significant open space therethrough to permit dispersal of the aroma. As such, the presence of top members of this type does not preclude the top from being defined as"substantially open." The device of Fig. 1 includes a power cord 20 for connecting its heater (not shown in this drawing) to a source of electrical power. As illustrated, the power cord includes an on/off switch 22; although, this item is an option in the present invention. The warmer 10 of Fig. 1 also includes an indicator light 24 which is lit when the heater is energized so as to provide a visual indication of the operation of the device. This is also an optional feature of the present invention. Another optional feature of the present invention is a temperature control device such as the dial control 26 shown in Fig. 1. This control allows the user of the device to regulate the temperature of the heater. In other embodiments, this temperature controller may be eliminated. In yet other

embodiments, temperature control may be automatic, by means of a thermostat, thermistor, or similar device.

Referring now to Fig. 2, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the warming device 10 of Fig. 1 taken along line A-A. As will be seen, the device 10 includes a body portion 12 which further includes a base 14 integral therewith. The body portion is fabricated, at least in part, from a material having a low thermal conductivity. In general, a low thermal conductivity is understood to be a thermal conductivity less than that of steel. Steel and other iron alloys typically have a thermal conductivity in the range of 0.16 (cal/sec)/(cm2°C/cm). Most typically, the low thermal conductivity materials of the present invention have a thermal conductivity which is less than 0.01 (cal/sec)/ (cm2°C/cm), and in particular instances, have a thermal conductivity which is less than 0.005 (cal/sec)/ (cm2°C/cm). Ceramics are one low thermal conductivity material which may be utilized in the present invention, and a typical thermal conductivity for such ceramic materials is in the approximate range of 0.005-0. 001 (cal/sec)/ (cm2°C/cm). Other low thermal conductivity materials include various polymers, which term also encompasses polymer- based composites, such as glass or mineral filled polymers, or polymer coated materials such as metals, provided that such structures fall within the definition of low thermal conductivity.

Shown in the Fig. 2 embodiment is an electrical heater 28 which is disposed at the bottom of the interior volume enclosed by the housing 12.

Although not shown in this view, it is understood that this heater is in electrical communication with a source of electrical power via a power cord or the like, as is better shown in Fig. 1.

As can be seen from Fig. 2, a scented candle 16 is disposed within the body 12 so as to be heated by the heater 28. As shown, the candle 16 includes a wick 30 and a body of scented wax 32. Since the heater of the present invention eliminates the need for burning the candle, the wick 30 may be eliminated. It is also to be understood that the body of wax 32 may be replaced by an oil or other such hydrocarbon material which will, dissolve and retain a

scent agent. Accordingly, it is to be understood that within the context of this disclosure, the term"scented candle"is to be interpreted very broadly so as to include all bodies of scented hydrocarbon material, both liquid and solid, whether they include a wick or not.

The present invention may be implemented in various embodiments, and Fig. 3 illustrates one other embodiment of candle warmer 40 structured in accord with the present invention. The Fig. 3 embodiment includes a two-part housing comprised of a sidewall member 42 disposed upon a base 44 which has an electrical heater 46 supported thereupon. As in the previous embodiment, the housing defines an interior volume 48 which is substantially open at its top and which is configured to receive and retain a candle (not shown) therein.

The Fig. 3 embodiment also differs from the Figs. 1 and 2 embodiment insofar as the sidewall portion of the housing 42 is fabricated from a relatively high thermal conductivity material such as sheet metal; but, it is further configured to define an insulating air space 50 between opposed wall portions 52. This enclosed space 50 may be left empty, or may be filled with an insulating material such as a glass or a mineral fiber. The thermal conductivity of the material (air or insulating fiber) in the enclosed space 50 is very low.

Hence, the overall thermal conductivity of the sidewall member 42 is low, within the definitions established herein. Yet other variations of the present invention may be likewise implemented.

Referring now to Fig. 4, there is shown a schematic diagram of one circuit which may be employed for energizing the electrical heater used in the device of the present invention. Shown in Fig. 4 is an electrical heater 28 which is electrically energized, in this case, by a source of alternating current 54. An electrical switch 22 allows for the selectable energization of the heater 28. A pilot light 24 is also electrically connected to the generator 54 via the switch 22 so that the light will be lit whenever the heater 28 is energized.

Also shown in Fig. 4 is a temperature controller 56 which is associated with the heater 28. The temperature controller 56 operates to regulate the flow

of electrical energy to the heater 28, thereby controlling the temperature of the heater. In some instances, the temperature controller may comprise a thermostat having a preset temperature point, and will operate to maintain the heater at a preselected temperature. In one embodiment, the temperature of the heater is regulated so that the body of hydrocarbon material in the device of the present invention does not exceed 75°C. In other instances, the temperature controller may comprise a thermostat which can be user-set to a desired temperature. In yet other instances, the temperature controller may comprise a variable resistor which a user can set to control the temperature of the heater.

In yet other instances, the temperature controller may comprise a temperature responsive electronic device such as a thermistor.

In one mode of operation of the present invention, the temperature controller 56 may operate to initially energize the heater at a fairly high power level to provide for a rapid initial temperature rise in the heating device; and, the controller will further operate so that when a target temperature is reached, the power to the heater will be stepped-down to a lower level sufficient to maintain a desired temperature. Yet other modifications and variations of the power circuit will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

It is to be understood that the foregoing drawings, discussion and description are illustrative of specific embodiments of the present invention, but are not meant to be limitations upon the practice thereof. In view of the teaching presented herein, numerous modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art. It is the following claims, including all equivalents, which define the scope of the invention.