Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an artificial storage candle and relates particularly, though not exclusively, to an artificial storage candle that can be used as a memorial urn for storing ashes of a deceased loved one,

Background to the Invention

The burning of candles or lights has been linked with death and the dead from primitive times. A perpetual light still burns on Christ's tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. Later times rationalised the flickering light of a candle as a simile of human life and saw it its steady glow a symbol of the soul, itself a spark from the never-dying flame of the divine. Candles have also been used by some to keep away supposed evil spirits. Today candles are primarily associated with peace and spirituality.

A number of prior art devices have tried to capitalise on these associations between candles and death by proposing a combination of a candle-like device with an urn for storing ashes. US 6,785,939 (James) describes a decorative urn for use as a lighted memorial in which a base section is provided with an ash-containing receptacle, and a top section supported thereon is provided with a recessed wick assembly and reservoir for fuel. The sections are preferably made of light transmissive material. When the wick is lighted and a flame is present in the top section, the light is transmitted throughout the decorative urn. US 7,174,611 (Rose et al) describes a combination artificial candle and urn comprising a hollow cylindrical outer shell, having upper and lower chambers separated by a partition. A removable top end cap is provided to gain access to the upper chamber so that candle oil can be supplied thereto. A removable bottom end cap is provided to gain access to the bottom chamber so that the ashes of a departed loved one can be stored therein. A wick extends from the removable top end cap and into the upper chamber, and can be lit to give the combination the appearance of a real candle.

There are a number of disadvantages with these prior devices. Firstly, in both cases the flame will only burn for as long as there is sufficient fuel remaining in the upper chamber. Secondly, a naked flame presents a significant fire hazard, particularly as it is likely that the device may be left unattended for extended periods of time. In any case, particularly in modern homes, there is a risk that any smoke from the flame may trigger a fire alarm. Thirdly, the external appearance of these prior art devices have little aesthetic appeal and are poor imitations of a candle, and therefore detracts from the important intended symbolic significance.

The present invention was developed with a view to providing an artificial storage candle that can be used as an aesthetically appealing memorial urn for storing ashes of a deceased loved one, and that is less susceptible to the above-noted disadvantages of the prior art. However it will be understood that the storage candle may also be used for storing other valuable or sentimental objects, and is not limited in its application to storing ashes.

References to prior art in this specification are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be taken as an admission that such prior art is part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an artificial storage candle comprising: an elongate hollow cylindrical container, having a first lower compartment for storing the ashes of a deceased person or animal and/or other small important personal effects of the deceased, and a second upper compartment housing an electronically operated artificial moving flame assembly for generating light for an artificial moving flame, a top end of the container having the artificial moving flame mounted thereon wherein, in use, the artificial moving flame assembly can be switched ON, manually, remotely, or by motion sensor, so as to light-up the artificial moving flame and give the appearance of a lighted candle so as to provide a perpetual memorial.

Preferably an outer surface of the container is covered with a scented or non- scented wax material so as to resemble a genuine candle, and the top end of the container is shaped like a burning candle. Preferably the cylindrical container comprises two parts, a lower part containing the first lower compartment and an upper part containing the second upper compartment, the lower and upper parts being separably joined together to form the cylindrical container of the candle. Preferably an annular sleeve or collar is provided at the join of the upper and lower parts of the cylindrical container, the sleeve concealing the join in an aesthetically appealing manner and also providing a surface on which commemorative indicia may be engraved or otherwise recorded. In one embodiment the lower and upper parts are joined together by a screw-threaded connection. In another embodiment the lower and upper parts are joined together by a bayonet connection.

Preferably the electronically operated artificial moving flame assembly comprises an RF receiver for receiving an RF control signal for switching the flame assembly ON or OFF wherein, in use, the electronically operated artificial moving flame assembly can be controlled manually, remotely, or via a motion sensor. A timer option may also be included.

Preferably the artificial moving flame is made of a reflective material.

Typically the electronically operated artificial moving flame assembly further comprises: a Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting component, for generating a light that lights up and reflects from the artificial moving flame; a control circuit operatively connected to the LED lighting component for controlling the LED lighting component; and a battery for supplying electrical power to the LED lighting component and control circuit. Advantageously the LED lighting component may also comprise a plurality of LEDs that can be switched by the control circuit according to a predetermined or random pattern to simulate the flickering light of a flame. Preferably the LEDs are selected to produce light of a colour, intensity and temperature that simulates the typical colour, intensity and temperature of light produced by a candle flame.

The elongate hollow cylindrical container is preferably made of plastic, or other like material.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Likewise the word "preferably" or variations such as "preferred", will be understood to imply that a stated integer or group of integers is desirable but not essential to the working of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The nature of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of several specific embodiments of an artificial storage candle, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 (a) is a front elevation of a first embodiment of an artificial storage candle according to the present invention; Figure 1 (b) is a section view through the line A-A of the artificial storage candle of Figure 1 (a);

Figure 2 is a top perspective exploded view of the artificial storage candle of Figure 1 (a);

Figure 3(a) is a front elevation of a second embodiment of an artificial storage candle according to the present invention;

Figure 3(b) is a section view through the line B-B of the artificial storage candle of Figure 3(a);

Figure 4 is a top perspective exploded view of the artificial storage candle of Figure 3(a);

Figure 5(a) is a front elevation of a third embodiment of an artificial storage candle according to the present invention;

Figure 5(b) is a section view through the line B-B of the artificial storage candle of Figure 5(a);

Figure 6 is a top perspective exploded view of the artificial storage candle of Figure 5(a); and,

Figure 7 is a functional block diagram of an electronically operated artificial moving flame assembly employed in the storage candle of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

A first embodiment of an artificial storage candle 10 in accordance with the invention, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, comprises an elongate hollow cylindrical container 12, having a first lower compartment 14 (inner storage compartment) for storing the ashes of a deceased person or animal and/or other small important personal effects of the deceased, and a second upper compartment 16 (lighting part) housing an electronically operated artificial moving flame assembly 18 for generating light for an artificial moving flame 20. A top end 22 of the container has the artificial moving flame 20 mounted thereon wherein, in use, the artificial moving flame assembly 18 can be switched ON, manually, remotely, or by motion sensor, so as to light-up the artificial moving flame 20 and give the appearance of a genuine lighted candle so as to provide a perpetual memorial of spiritual significance.

Preferably an outer surface of the container 12 consists of a wax material 24 so as to resemble a genuine candle, and the top end 22 of the container is also shaped like a real burning candle. As can be seen most clearly in Figure 2, the container 12 is typically made of a wax material and when joined, the entire cylindrical container, except for the base, is encased in the same wax material 24 such as, for example, paraffin wax which may be scented or unscented.

As an alternative, the elongate hollow cylindrical container 12 could be made of plastic.

Preferably the cylindrical container 12 comprises two parts, a lower part 26 containing the first lower compartment 14 and an upper part 28 containing the second upper compartment 16. The lower and upper parts 26, 28 are separably joined together to form the cylindrical container 12 (or in effect the full complete candle). Preferably the upper part 28 is provided with a mounting plate 30, which when removed, provides access to the second upper compartment 16, for example, to replace an electrical component or LED light. Preferably the lower part 26 is open at the top to provide access to the first lower compartment 14, for example, to insert contained ashes into the first lower compartment 14 and can thereafter be sealed using a screw- on lid (not shown). Preferably the second upper compartment 16 is provided with a lower external threaded connector portion 32 which protrudes below the upper part 28, as can be seen most clearly in Figure 1 (b). Likewise the first lower compartment 14 is preferably provided with an upper external threaded connector portion 34 which protrudes above the lower part 26, as can be seen most clearly in Figure 2. A base plate 36 is preferably provided at the bottom end of the container 12 to provide a stable base for the storage candle 10.

In this embodiment the lower and upper parts 26, 28 of the container 12 are joined together by a threaded connection. Preferably an annular sleeve or collar 40 is provided to secure the upper and lower parts of the container 12 at the join, the sleeve 40 concealing the join and also providing a decorative memorial band around the candle 10, with a surface on which commemorative indicia may be engraved or otherwise recorded. As can be seen most clearly in Figures 1 (b) and 2, the annular sleeve 40 comprises a centrally located annular lip 42 which has an internal thread that is received in screw-threaded connection with the external threads on the lower and upper connector portions 32 and 34 of the first and second upper compartments 14 and 16 respectively of the container 12 at the join. A top end of the lower part 26 and a bottom end of the upper part 28 are received into the sleeve 40 with a close friction fit.

Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of an electronically operated artificial moving flame assembly 18 for generating light for the artificial moving flame 20. The artificial moving flame assembly 18 typically comprises a Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting component 48, for generating a light that lights up and reflects from the artificial moving flame 20, as well as downwards through a series of open apertures into the upper body of the lower compartment (such as the top of the lower compartment). The LED lights up the internal body of the upper compartment and also reflects from the artificial moving flame 20. A control circuit 50 operatively connected to the LED lighting component 48 is provided for controlling the LED lighting component 48. In this embodiment batteries are provided for supplying electrical power to the LED lighting component 48 and control circuit 50, thus ensuring that the memorial candle remains portable and non-reliant on a mains power supply. Advantageously the LED lighting component 48 may also comprise a plurality of LEDs 54 (or a single LED) that can be switched by the control circuit 50 according to a predetermined or random pattern to simulate the flickering light of a flame. Preferably the LEDs 54 are selected to produce light of a colour, intensity and temperature that simulates the typical colour, intensity and temperature of light produced by a genuine candle flame. Preferably the electronically operated artificial moving flame assembly 18 further comprises an RF receiver 56 for receiving an RF control signal for switching the flame assembly 18 ON or OFF wherein, in use, the electronically operated artificial moving flame assembly 18 can be controlled manually, remotely or via a motion sensor. Hence the artificial moving flame 20 can be safely 'ignited' without having to move or otherwise disturb the storage candle 10 from its safe storage location on a mantelpiece, shelf or in a display cabinet. A timer option may also be included.

Preferably the artificial moving flame is made of reflective material or has a reflective surface so that when it is illuminated by the light generated by the LED lighting component 48 the light from the upper part 28 and the artificial moving flame is reflected into the room, akin to the light of a real candle.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a second embodiment of an artificial storage candle 60 according to the present invention. Many of the parts and components of this embodiment are similar to the parts and components of the first embodiment and therefore the same reference numerals will be used to identify the like parts and components, which will not be described again in detail. In this embodiment the lower and upper parts 26, 28 are joined together by a bayonet type connection.

In this embodiment an annular sleeve or collar 64 is provided to secure the upper and lower parts of the container 12 at the join, the sleeve 64 concealing the join and also providing a decorative memorial band around the candle 60, with a surface on which commemorative indicia may be engraved or otherwise recorded. As can be seen most clearly in Figures 3(b) and 4, the annular sleeve 64 comprises a lower annular lip 66 which has a plurality of male bayonet connectors 68 provided thereon. In this embodiment three male bayonet connectors 68 are provided, spaced at 120° intervals about the circumference of the annular lip 66.

On the other hand, the lower part 26 of the container 12 is provided with an upper bayonet connector portion 70, as can be seen most clearly in Figure 4. The upper bayonet connector portion 70 is provided with a plurality of female bayonet connectors 72 adapted to receive the male bayonet connectors 68 therein, as shown in Figure 3(b). In this embodiment three female bayonet connectors 72 are provided to match the three male bayonet connectors 68 on the lower annular lip 66 of annular sleeve 64. A bottom end of the upper part 28 is received into the sleeve 64 with a close friction fit.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a third embodiment of an artificial storage candle 80 according to the present invention. Many of the parts and components of this embodiment are similar to the parts and components of the first embodiment and therefore the same reference numerals will be used to identify the like parts and components, which will not be described again in detail. As with the first embodiment, the lower and upper parts 26, 28 are separably joined together to form a cylindrical container 12. In this embodiment the lower and upper parts 26, 28 are joined together by a screw-threaded connection. The upper part 28 is provided with a battery compartment 81 , having an externally threaded spigot 82 which is received in screw-threaded connection with an internally threaded socket 84 provided in the lower part 26. A screw cap 86 is also adapted to be received in the internally threaded socket 84 to close the first compartment 14 in the lower part 26. In this way the ashes of a deceased person or animal and/or other small important personal effects of the deceased can be sealed in the first compartment 14.

In this embodiment an annular sleeve or collar 90 is provided between the upper and lower parts of the container 12 at the join. The sleeve 90 conceals the join and also provides a decorative memorial or dress band around the candle 80, with a surface on which commemorative indicia may be engraved or otherwise recorded. As can be seen most clearly in Figures 5(b) and 6, the annular sleeve 90 comprises an annular lip 92 which is received between the edges of the upper and lower parts 28, 26.

The second compartment 16 houses an electronically operated artificial moving flame assembly 18 for generating light for an artificial moving flame 20. A top end 22 of the container has an artificial moving flame 20 mounted thereon wherein, in use, the artificial moving flame assembly 18 can be switched ON so to light-up the artificial moving flame 20 and give the appearance of a real lighted candle so as to provide a perpetual memorial. The electronically operated artificial moving flame assembly 18 is similar to that illustrated in Figure 7, and will not be described again in detail.

In other respects the artificial storage candle 80 is similar to the first embodiment of the artificial storage candle 10.

Now that preferred embodiments of the artificial storage candle have been described in detail, it will be apparent that the described embodiments provide a number of advantages over the prior art, including the following:

(i) It resembles a genuine candle and therefore retains its true symbolic value.

(ii) There is no actual 'burning' flame hence there is no concern of fire or smoke alarms being activated.

(iii) The provision of a memorial band on the annular sleeve can incorporate any engraved information/messages and may be offered in a variety of materials and colours which may be symbolic of the deceased.

(iv) The remote control feature allows for safe and easy operation when lighting the candle, particularly for those who are elderly or frail or those who want to avoid moving or touching the container in which the ashes of their loved one are stored.

(v) The storage candle may be offered in a variety of sizes so as to house the appropriate volume of ashes of the deceased person or domestic animal and/or other small important personal effects of the deceased. (vi) The inclusion of an artificial moving flame creates a safe, perpetual memorial.

(vii) Particularly when a timer function is used, the light of the storage candle may assist in providing a security function, or alternatively may be used as a night light in a home.

It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention. For example, the candle may be fitted with a timer function so that the candle may be switched on and off at programmed times as convenient, such as to provide for security at night times. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described.