Abstract: A flame-retardant wick holder for a candle is made of a material having a UL-94 vertical burn test rating of at least V-0, including polymers and ceramics. The wick holder supports a wick at the bottom of a candle. The wick holder material causes the flame on the wick to extinguish when it reaches the holder, thereby preventing flashover of the residual candle fuel at the end of the candle useful life. One version of the holder includes a barrier extending upwardly around the holder for catching a drooping wick from causing secondary wicking and possible flashover near the end of the candle useful life.

Abstract: A candle composition has a paraffin wax mixture of a high melting point paraffin wax and a low melting point paraffin wax, and a hydrogenated vegetable oil that is present in a greater amount than the mixture of the varying grades of paraffin wax, and the vegetable oil contains no more than 0.15% free fatty acid, with the remainder being triglycerides. Candles of the composition have good burn characteristics, particularly good fragrance intensity and produce a unique crystallization effect after the first burn.

Abstract: A method adjusting the fragrance level in a room incrementally adds a fragrant, non-foaming emulsified composition to a fountain in the room. The composition has a siloxane anti-foam agent and water solution, a block co-polymer, denatured 200 proof alcohol and fragrance oil. Alternative compositions contain a solubilized fragrance or an insoluble fragrance oil for adding to water. The compositions may be provided in a concentrated form, for addition to a pre-existing water supply in a recirculating fountain, or in a dilute form for use as the recirculating fluid in the fountain. The compositions are clear and do not foam when used in a recirculating fountain. The compositions provide fragrance at a release rate significantly greater than solid or gel air fresheners with the same concentration of fragrance. Methods of fragrancing a room with the compositions are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A candle has a core of solid fuel that can be burned by a flame on a wick in the fuel. A flame resistant and heat resistant polyethersulfone (“PES”) barrier is around the core, the PES barrier being at least partly transparent for passing light from the flame. A clear, rigid, outer shell of shell material around the PES barrier allows light from the flame to pull to an outer surface of the shell. An opaque pattern is on the PES barrier for projecting an image of the pattern with light from the flame and a translucent wrap at the outer surface of the shell receives the projected image of the pattern. Alternatively, decorative items are in the shell which are visible through the transparent material of the shell and are protected from the heat of the flame by the PES barrier.

Abstract: A convertible shopping bag is made of a sheet of material having an outer surface and carries an image with a selected orientation. The sheet is formed into a bag having front and rear walls each with left, right, top and bottom edges. The edges are connected to each other to close a bottom and opposite sides of the bag, and to leave a top opening for receiving and discharging goods. The image has portions which are on at least part of each of the outer surfaces of the sheet at the front and rear walls so that with two of the connected edges disconnected, the bag is unfolded at the remaining connected edges to form a poster with all portions of the image in the correct orientation.

Abstract: A fragrant, non-foaming emulsified composition has a siloxane anti-foam agent and water solution, a block co-polymer, denatured 200 proof alcohol and fragrance oil. Alternative compositions contain a solubilized fragrance or an insoluble fragrance oil for adding to water. The compositions may be provided in a concentrated form, for addition to a pre-existing water supply in a recirculating fountain, or in a dilute form for use as the recirculating fluid in the fountain. The compositions are clear and do not foam when used in a recirculating fountain. The compositions provide fragrance at a release rate significantly greater than solid or gel air fresheners with the same concentration of fragrance. Methods of fragrancing a room with the compositions are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A hinge rotates a cover pivotably connected to a device housing from a closed position to an open position. A shaft is connected to the cover. The shaft and cover have a common axis of rotation. A spring having a top end and a bottom end is affixed at its bottom end to the device housing. A line has a first end connected to the top end of the spring and a second end wound onto the shaft. When the cover is in the closed position, the spring is in an extended state. Upon release of the cover from the closed position, the spring force returns the spring toward a neutral state, thereby unwinding the line from the shaft and causing rotation of the cover to the open position.

Abstract: An oil lamp emitting a fragrance has a container including a fuel oil and a fragrance and a wick for drawing fuel oil out of the container for burning. A separate ceramic diffuser is positioned adjacent the top of the lamp, near the combustion end of the wick. The ceramic diffuser receives a combination of fuel oil and fragrance and diffuses the fragrance into the air. The diffusion is increased when the lamp is lighted. The lamp provides a scent to the surrounding air which is similar in strength to fragranced wax candles.

Abstract: A flame-retardant wick holder for a candle is made of a plastic having a UL-94 vertical burn test rating of at least V-0. The wick holder has a bore for holding a wick at the bottom of a candle. The wick holder is provided so that when the candle and wick burn down to the level of the wick holder, the material of the wick holder causes the flame on the wick to extinguish, thereby preventing flashover of the residual candle fuel at the end of the candle useful life. The wick holder is preferably made of a polyethersulfone (PES).

Abstract: A candle has a core of solid fuel that can be burned by a flame on a wick in the fuel. A flame resistant and heat resistant barrier is around the core, the barrier being at least partly transparent for passing light from the flame. A clear, rigid, outer shell of shell material around the barrier passing light from the flame to an outer surface of the shell. An opaque pattern is on the barrier for projecting an image of the pattern with light from the flame and a translucent wrap at the outer surface of the shell receives the projected image of the pattern. Alternatively, decorative items are in the shell which are visible through the transparent material of the shell and are protected from the heat of the flame by the barrier.