Disposable candleholder

Abstract

A disposable candleholder comprising a base having a surface for supporting a candle, at least two elastic arms extending upward from the base, each of the arms having a candle holding member thereon. The arms are normally biased to compel the candle holding members toward a center point of the base to thereby clamp the candle on the base. The candle holding members preferably have a semi-circular configuration. The device is configured so as to allow different sized candles to be secured on the same base. The device is made of a disposable material, such as plastic. The device is preferably provided with a spike extending upward from the base, the spike being configured to pierce a base of the candle to thereby assist in securing the candle on the base. A plurality of support legs preferably depend downward from the base.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application relates to and claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/204,571, filed on May 16, 2000, which is pending.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to candleholders, and more particularly to a disposable candleholder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Candles, in one form or another, have been used for centuries by many civilizations. Candleholders have long been used to hold candles in place and to prevent candles from causing fires. Candleholders generally serve either as a functional supplier of a source of useful light, or as a decorative or ornamental feature of a candle display.

[0004] In modern civilizations, electric lighting has largely replaced candles as a conventional light source. However, candles are still used as a supplemental light source. For example, during a power outage, candles provide temporary lighting. Because contemporary individuals are typically unversed in the safe uses of lighted candles and often do not have candleholders on hand during a power outage, there is a significant risk of candles causing fires during such outages. Consequently, there is a need for inexpensive, convenient and disposable candleholders for use during power outages.

[0005] Candles are also used in religious services and ceremonies. Both clergy and lay worshippers use candles within the church or place of worship. Candleholders are also used to transport a lit candle from the church or place of worship to another location. In addition to functional and religious uses, candles are also frequently used as ornamental decoration in homes and other dwellings.

[0006] In all of the foregoing applications, temporary, disposable, convenient, and economical candleholders would be of great benefit, both for display purposes and safety. There is thus a need for a disposable candleholder that meets the following objects and has the following characteristics.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a disposable candleholder that can hold candles of various sizes.

[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a disposable candleholder that is constructed of plastic, so as to be lightweight and inexpensive.

[0009] It is yet another object of the invention to promote safe handling and use of candles by providing a convenient and inexpensive source of disposable candle holders.

[0010] These and other objects and advantages of the invention shall become apparent from the following general and preferred description of the invention.

[0011] Accordingly, a disposable device for holding a candle is provided comprising a base having a surface for supporting the candle, at least two elastic arms extending upward from the base, and each of the arms having a candle holding member thereon. The arms are normally biased to compel the candle holding members toward a center point of the base to thereby clamp the candle on the base. The candle holding members preferably have a semi-circular configuration. The base is sized and the arms are configured so as to permit different sizes of candles to be secured on the same base. The device is made of a disposable material, such as plastic. The device is preferably provided with a spike extending upward from the base, the spike being configured to pierce a base of the candle to thereby assist in securing the candle on the base. A plurality of support legs preferably depend downward from the base to thereby elevate the base above a supporting surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the candleholder in a closed position.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the candleholder in a flexed open position.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of one preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view of one preferred embodiment of the invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0016] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0017] FIGS. 1-4 shows a temporary, disposable candleholder that is designed to be manufactured of a lightweight and economical material, such as plastic or aluminum, and used to hold a candle for a short period of time. The candleholder has a base 1, onto which a candle is placed. The candleholder is preferably provided with a spike 2 or nail or like piercing means which is designed to be inserted into the candle to more securely hold the candle. An outer ridge 6 may be provided on an outer perimeter of the base 1. The base 1 is provided with at least two elastic or flexible arms 3, which extend upward. Each elastic arm 3 is provided with a grip or candle holding member 4. The arms are normally biased to compel the candle holding members 4 toward a center point of the base to thereby clamp the candle on the base. As shown in FIG. 2, the arms 4 are preferably semicircular, so as to go around the circumference of a round candle. As shown in FIG. 2, the arms 3 are designed to be elastic or flexible so as to open to allow the candleholder to be used for candles of multiple sizes. As shown in FIG. 1, the candleholder is also preferably provided with a plurality of legs 5 depending downward from the base 1. The plurality of legs 5 allow the candle holder to stand on a table or ledge or other base surface, and to thus be elevated above the base surface.

[0018] In operation, the disposable candle holder is used by spreading the candle holding members 4 apart, such as by pulling them apart or forcing them open using the base of a candle. A candle is inserted between the candle holding members, preferably until a base of the candle comes to rest on the upper candle supporting surface of the base 1. The candle holding members 4 are then permitted to snap back toward one another to thereby clamp the candle on the base. Although the candle holding members 4 preferably apply pressure to the outer surface of the candle, the pressure does not have to be excessive for most applications of the invention. Additionally, if a candle is too small to be clamped by the candle holding members 4, the candle can be allowed to rest within the candle holding members 4, particularly when the annular configuration of candle holding members 4 shown in FIGS. 1-4 is used to prevent the base of the candle from moving on the base, the base can be provided with a spike 2, as discussed above. The base of the candle can be pierced with the spike 2 to thereby assist in securing the candle on the base. If the base is provided with a plurality of support legs 5, the device can be displaying by setting the bottom of the support legs 5 on a support surface, such as a table.

[0019] Although the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is anticipated that alterations and modifications thereof will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore intended that the following claims be interpreted as covering all alterations and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A disposable device for holding a candle comprising:

a base having a surface for supporting the candle, at least two elastic arms extending upward from said base, each said arm having a candle holding member thereon, and said arms normally biased to compel said candle holding members toward a center point of said base to thereby clamp the candle on said base.

2. The device of

claim 1, wherein said device is plastic.

3. The device of

claim 1, further comprising a spike extending upward from said base, said spike configured to pierce a base of the candle to thereby assist in securing the candle on said base.

4. The device of

claim 1, further comprising a plurality of support legs depending downward from said base to thereby elevate said base above a supporting surface.

5. The device of

claim 1, wherein each of said candle holding members has a semi-circular configuration.

6. The device of

claim 1, wherein said base is sized and said arms are configured so as to permit different sizes of candles to be secured on the same base.

7. The device of

claim 2, further comprising a spike extending upward from said center point of said base, said spike configured to pierce a base of the candle to thereby assist in securing the candle on said base.

8. The device of

claim 7, further comprising a plurality of support legs depending downward from said base to thereby elevate said base above a supporting surface.

9. The device of

claim 8, wherein each of said candle holding members has a semi-circular configuration.

10. The device of

claim 9, wherein said base is sized and said arms are so as to permit different sizes of candles to be secured on the same base.

11. A method of holding a candle comprising:

providing a disposable candleholder, said candleholder comprising a base having a surface for supporting the candle, at least two elastic arms extending upward from said base, each said arm having a candle holding member thereon, said arms normally biased to compel said candle holding members toward a center point of said base to thereby clamp the candle on said base,

spreading said candle holding members apart,

inserting a candle between said candle holding members, and

permitting said candle holding members to snap back toward one another to thereby clamp said candle on said base.

12. The method of

claim 11, further comprising

said base further having a spike extending upward from said base, and

piercing a base of said candle with said spike to thereby assist in securing said candle on said base.

13. The method of

claim 11, further comprising

a plurality of support legs depending downward from said base,

and placing said candle holder on a supporting surface such that said base and said candle are elevated above said support surface by said support legs. 14. The method of

claim 11, wherein said device is plastic.