DURABLE ECO-FRIENDLY DETACHABLE GLASS LANTERN TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to the glass lanterns with the base in non rusting material and replaceable candle.

For years, one of the biggest problems encountered when using plastic lanterns is their disposal after use.

Since the plastic lanterns are disposable, their disposal after use creates a large amount of plastic waste which is detrimental to the environment. According to the data available, in the Republic of Croatia approximately 200 million of plastic lanterns are disposed per year. In other countries, especially countries with Christian population, the amount of waste is much larger.

BACKGROUND ART

There are several similar solutions, but due to lower production costs they are made of cheaper materials (plastic bases with glass windshield), that after a certain time of exposure to the weathering lose their mechanical and decorative properties, rapidly aging, crumbling, falling down and breaking by the gusts of wind, especially in the event that they are not adequately secured. One of the reasons why the use of disposable plastic lantern hasn't been reduced is because the existing glass lanterns are fragile and easy to damage, and their price is relatively high compared to the price of disposable plastic lanterns. Until now, within the glass lanterns have been used plastic cartridges filled with wax, so their use didn't significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The primary objectives of invention are to improve the lanterns in terms of increasing their useful life and resistance to weathering, while maintaining their aesthetic properties and functionality.

The secondary objective of the invention is to provide glass lanterns that use fully recyclable candles, without plastic cups (containers) which are unavoidable in the existing glass lanterns.

The durable eco-friendly detachable glass lantern is designed as an easily detachable unit which consists of three main permanent parts: the base (1), the body (3) and the cover (4), while the candle (2) is disposable part that is inserted subsequently. The detachability is achieved in the way that the body (3) is stuck on the base (1) or screwed to it by means of coarse thread for secure and quick fastening and also by the loose fit or coarse thread as two alternative ways to fasten the cover with the body.

The durable eco-friendly detachable glass lantern consists of base (1), body (3) and cover (4) with openings that enable slow burning of candle (2).

The base (1) is made of stainless material and its mass provides secure placement of lantern, with no risk of falling. Besides that function, the base (1) also collects melted wax. The base (1) has recessed bottom that ensures stable and firm lying on the ground. On the top of the base is a recess to insert the body (3) and the spike (5) for fixing and centring the candle. Recess on the top of the base serves as the holder of wax container which is connected to the spike (5). It is possible to carry out a variation with a coarse thread in the recess of the base for fastening the body. (3). The candle (2) is commonly used paraffin candle of different dimensions (length and diameter) and can be made in different colors and different types of waxes, with variety of wick thicknesses and quality.

Body is performed in several forms, sizes and colours, with the primary task of protecting the candles from the wind and other weather conditions, and a decorative secondary task. The body (3) is dimensioned in the way that it can accept the candles burning from 10 up to 100 hours by combining different types of wax, wicks, thickness and height of the candle. In the preferred version the body (3) is made of glass and has a shape of an elongated deformed cylinder with a glass wall thickness of typically 1 to 2 mm with the openings on its top and bottom. In case that body will not be fasten by sticking to the base, the bottom of the body (7) may be carried out with coarse external thread to screw the body (3) with the base (1).

Opening on the top of the body serves to supply oxygen for combustion and exhaust combustion gases.

On the top of the body (8) is performed the loose fit with the stop ring to ensure proper fitting and setting the depth of the cover (4). It is also possible to replace candles through the top opening. Body (3) can be derived either from transparent plastic resistant to weathering, colored plastic or other transparent material.

It is preferable to make the cover (4) of a light sheet metal with the primary function of protecting the candles from the weathering, possibly with multiple forms and decorative details, for example in the form of a cross (10). It attaches to the body (3) with a loose fit. Each cover (4) has openings for air circulation (9) which are placed aside. Cover (4) can be lifted up from the opening on the top of the body (3) in order to allow easier access to the candle when changing or lighting it.

Cleaning of the base (1) and collecting the melted wax requires only one simple rotation of the body (3), which separates the body (3) from the base (1) and allows access to the recess on the top of the base, where the wax container is placed.

Furthermore, this invention enables easily re-lighting a candle that accidentally extinguished as well as using a small candle, and all because the body (3) can be separated from the base (1). In the event that the body (3) is broken or damaged in any other way, it can be recycled and replaced, meaning that user only buys a new body (3) as the base (1) and cover (4) are permanent. This invention enables the creation of practical, durable and economical lantern (one lantern would have the practical usability of a lifetime, only to change the candle). In this way the accumulation of plastic waste caused by the use of disposable plastic lanterns and disposable wax cartridges would be effectively avoided. Besides all of the named properties, this lantern is very practical for cleaning, washing and maintaining due to its detachable parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

The accompanying drawings, which are included in the description, and which are the part of this invention description, illustrate the best considered way to carry out the invention, and help to explain the basic principles of the invention.

Figure 1. is a schematic view of the physical appearance of a durable detachable glass lantern

Figure 2. is a schematic view of the Cross-section of the base and wax container Figure 3. is a schematic view of possible forms of glass body

Figure 4. is a schematic view of possible cover appearance.

A LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS USED IN THE DRAWINGS

1 - the base

2 - the candle

3 -the body

4 - the cover

5 - the spike

6 - the wax container

7 - bottom of the body

8 -top of the body 9 -air circulation opening

10- the cross

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT OF THE INVENTION

The lantern is performed in a way that the base (1) is made of massive stainless material in turning process. Afterwards, the stainless spike (5), also made in turning process, is screwed on the base (1). The wax container (6), performed by punching of stainless steel plates 0,3 mm of thickness, is stuck on the spike (5).

The body (3) is performed from the Pyrex glass.

Candle (2) to use in the durable eco-friendly detachable glass lantern can be of any shape and dimensions which fit into the body (3) i.e. which can be connected to the spike (5) in the recess of the base (1).

Cover (4) is performed by punching of stainless steel plates of 0,3 mm of thickness. The punching process requires prior development of appropriate tool.

The durable eco-friendly detachable glass lantern is to assemble as follows: first, the wax container (6) is stuck on the spike (5) screwed to the base (1), then follows the candle (2). Afterwards the body (3) is assembled to the base (1) and finally the cover (4) is placed on the top of the body (8). To replace a candle (2) it is necessary to remove the cover (4) from the body (3) and to stick a new candle (2) through the upper body opening (3).

If performing additional decorative elements on top of the cover (4), such as the cross shown in Figure 4, they are fasten on the cover (4) by spot welding.

In another version of the invention, the base (1) can be made in casting metals process.

In one of the next versions of the invention, the base (1) can be made in granite processing. In one of the next versions, the recess in the base (1) can have a thread, as well as the lower part of the body (7) which enables the base (1) and the body (3) to connect by screwing.

In one of the following versions the body (3) can be made from the stable

transparent plastic.