Container Candle with Enhanced Candle Performance and Candle Insert for Container Candle

Abstract

The present invention relates to vessel design that enhances candle performance by separating the inlet air from the active scent while accelerating the active scent. The chimney-like assembly accelerates active scent flow, thus propelling active scent faster and further from the candle. The separation of inlet air from active scent produces an efficient laminar flame with minimal flame movement and flickering, thus reducing the soot potential.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/442,419, filed on Feb. 14, 2011.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to candle vessel designs and more particularly to candle vessel designs that enhance the performance of a filled container candle during use.

There are many designs of conventional container-type candles. Many container candles consist of a jar with wax, a wick and a cover. The main function of the containers is to hold wax or some combustible fuel in a static defined dimension. In essence, current container candles function only as a container.

Burn control accessories, however, have been added as a separate component to container candles for the purpose of controlling the flame and for providing improved scent distribution. U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,962 describes a venting plate that is used with apothecary candles to improve combustion efficiency. U.S. Pat. No. 6,589,047 describes the improvement in a candle's combustion and the elimination of smoke by use of a venting plate having a channeled baffle or skirt. U.S. Pat. No. 7,377,772 relates to containerized candles with burn control covers utilizing air intake vents.

The prior art candles described above included improvements that address burn control and improved scent distribution by use of an extraneous cover, lid or plate placed on an existing container, such as an apothecary jar. These designs present some significant disadvantages. One disadvantage is that of piece separation. In order to achieve the claimed benefits the end-user must place the cover, lid, or plate on the container candle. If the cover, lid or plate is misplaced, lost, or broken the intended burn enhancement features would not be realized.

Another disadvantage to these prior art candles is that of heat retention in the cover, lid or plate during use. Since the cover, lid or plate is a separate component, the end-user may desire or find it necessary to remove the cover, lid or plate either during use or after he or she finishes using the candle. Such action may put the end-user in harms way as burns to the skin may occur.

Most improvements made to candles currently on the market are made for aesthetic purposes. Very few improvements have been made to container candles for the purpose of enhancing candle performance.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a container candle insert that is one finished piece providing both stable and efficient burning and accelerated scent delivery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A candle container design of the present invention enhances performance of the candle during burning by separating the inlet air from the active scent while accelerating the active scent. As part of the container candle manufacturing process a chimney-like assembly is attached to the container creating a finished container candle. In one embodiment the chimney-like assembly is a cylindrical assembly and in another embodiment the chimney-like assembly is a frusto-conical assembly. The chimney-like assembly is a multi-functional part of the container candle that provides two features: 1) separation of inlet air from the active scent released by the container candle, and 2) accelerated delivery of active scent from the container candle. The chimney-like insert part of the assembly improves burn control by stabilizing the candle flame. This function is accomplished by separating inlet air and active scent. In conventional candle containers these two opposing flows interfere with each other causing flame disruption and subsequently inefficient combustion. The chimney-like insert is positioned in a central position on the top of the container with the top extending higher than the brim of the container and the bottom extending some distance into the container's neck. The top and bottom diameters of the chimney-like insert are always more narrow than the container's neck so that an air gap is created between the two. In some embodiments, as part of the container candle manufacturing process, an integrated ring assembly is permanently attached to the container creating a finished container. In other embodiments, the integrated ring is attached to the vessel by one or more contact points during the container candle manufacturing process. In the embodiment utilizing the cylindrical insert, a heat reflection ring is attached inside the air diverter cylinder. The open diameter of the heat reflection ring is adequate for candle lighting. The bottom of the ring may be flat or curved and may or may not contain a reflective surface treatment. The heat reflection ring's function is to reflect thermal radiation back into the candle fuel creating faster and more complete melting. Faster and more complete melting is desired in scented candles as this facilitates the diffusion of fragrance into the atmosphere (known as active scent). The air gap allows for adequate laminar inlet air supply to the candle flame providing for more stable and efficient burning. In the embodiment utilizing the frusto-conical insert, the end of the frusto-conical insert with the larger diameter is positioned in the container's neck to facilitate air flow downward and to the inside wall of the container creating a laminar inlet air flow. The chimney-like insert is attached to a connector ring by three seat flanges positioned 120 degrees apart and the connector ring is attached to the vessel's brim by a u-channel. The advantageous geometry of the frusto-conical insert with the larger diameter of the insert positioned into the vessel's neck creates an accelerated flow of active scent by virtue of the Venturi Effect. Accelerated active scent is desired as this feature propels scent faster and further from the lit candle, thus achieving improved fragrancing performance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the ring assembly according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the ring assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the finished container candle with the ring assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 inserted therein

FIG. 4 is a top view of the finished container candle shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the finished container candle shown in FIG. 3 with a representation of the air and scent flow therein.

FIG. 6 is perspective view of another embodiment of the container candle of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of the frusto-conical assembly inserted in the container candle shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the operational aspect of the finished container candle according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, a container candle 10 of the present invention includes a container 12, which can be of any shape with an opening at the top of the container. Typically, container 12 would be made of glass, but container 12 could also be made of other non-combustible materials. A chimney-like cylindrical ring assembly 9, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is inserted in the container 12. The ring assembly 9 includes an air diverter cylinder 1, a heat reflection ring 2, and contact points 3.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a finished container candle 10 with the integrated ring assembly 9 inserted therein. The design of this container candle 10 enhances performance of the candle during burning by controlling the flame and reflecting heat. The ring assembly 9 is connected to the finished container 10 by one or more contact points 3 that are secured to the container by an adhesive. The ring assembly 9 is sized and positioned to allow the formation of an air gap 4. In a preferred embodiment the ring assembly 9 is made of glass, but other materials that are capable of withstanding heat from the candle flame can also be used. The finished container 10 contains candle fuel 8 (typically a wax) and a wick 11 (the candle may contain more than one wick). The container 12 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 contains a vessel neck 5 with a diameter less than the vessel wall 7 connected by the vessel shoulder 6.

FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of the container candle 10. During candle burning, inlet air 13 travels between the air diverter cylinder 1 and the vessel neck 5 through the air gap 4 where it moves over the candle fuel 8 (or melted wax pool). Part of the inlet air 13 traveling through air gap 4 is used to support combustion required to keep the candle flame 16 on wick 11 burning. Heat generated by the candle flame 16 liberates scent held in the candle fuel 8 (or melted wax pool). Scent, heat, air, and by-products of combustion exit through the inside opening of air diverter cylinder 1. During burning heat radiates outward, in the form of thermal radiation, from the candle flame 16 in all directions. The heat reflection ring 2, which is secured to the glass insert by an adhesive, reflects a certain percentage of this thermal radiation 14 back into the candle fuel 8 thereby facilitating faster and more complete melting. In a preferred embodiment the ring 2 includes a reflective coating to enhance the heat reflection.

The container candle 30 shown in FIG. 6 includes a container 32 and a frusto-conical insert assembly 34. The connector ring 36 of the assembly 34 is connected to the finished container 32 by the connector ring u-channel 38 and is sized and positioned to allow the formation of an air gap 40. The finished container 32 contains candle fuel 42 (typically a wax) and a wick 44 (the candle may contain more than one wick). The finished container depicted includes a container neck 46 with a diameter less than the container wall 48 connected by the vessel shoulder 50.

The frusto-conical assembly 34, shown most clearly in FIG. 7, includes a frusto-conical insert 35, and connector ring 36. The frusto-conical insert 35 is attached to the connector ring 36 by three connector ring seat flanges 52. The frusto-conical insert bottom 54 connects to each connector ring seat flange 52 by compression fit and sits on top of the seat flange edge 56. The seat flange pressure indention 58 provides adequate pressure to hold in place the frusto-conical insert 35. The connector ring skirt 60 extends downward into the vessel neck 46 in the finished container candle 30. The connector ring 36 is attached to the finished container 32 by the connector ring u-channel 38. The connector ring 36 may be made out of a variety of heat resistant materials and may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The connector ring may 36 can also be smooth, have relief or contain design elements.

The frusto-conical assembly 34 may be attached to the container 32 in a variety of ways (i.e. fused, adhesives, chemical treatments, or mechanical fittings). The frusto-conical insert 35 may be made out of a variety of heat resistant materials and may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The frusto-conical insert 35 can also be smooth, have relief or contain design elements. The frusto-conical insert 35 may also be inverted with the smaller diameter position positioned in the container's neck.

FIG. 8 illustrates the operation of the container candle 30 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. During candle burning, inlet air 62 travels between the frusto-conical inert 35 and the connector ring 36 through the air gap 40 where it moves over the candle fuel 42 (or melted wax pool). Part of the inlet air 62 is used to support combustion required to keep the candle flame 66 on wick 44 burning. Heat generated by the candle flame 66 liberates scent held in the candle fuel 42 (or melted wax pool) and creates active scent 68. Active scent 68, heat, air, and by-products of combustion exit through the top opening through frusto-conical insert 35. This container candle enhances performance during burning by separating the inlet air 62 from the active scent 68 while accelerating the active scent 68.

While the foregoing invention has been described with respect to its preferred embodiments, various alterations and modification will occur to those skilled in the art. All such alterations and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A container candle comprising:

a container with an opening at one end;

a combustible fuel contained within said container;

a candle wick positioned within said container and extending from said combustible fuel;

a tubular insert supported on said container and positioned through said opening in said container, the exterior circumference of said tubular insert being less than the interior circumference of said opening in said container so as to create an air channel between said tubular insert and an interior wall of said container.

2. The container candle of claim 1 wherein said tubular insert is a frusto-conical shaped insert.

3. The container candle of claim 1 wherein said tubular insert is a cylindrical shaped insert.

4. The container candle of claim 1 wherein said tubular insert further comprises a tubular insert support which includes a connector ring and at least two flanges extending from the connector ring, said connector ring being shaped to be mounted on the brim of the opening in said container.

5. The container candle of claim 1 wherein a portion said tubular insert extends above a brim defining said opening in said container.

6. The container candle of claim 2 wherein a wider end of said frusto-conical shaped insert is positioned within said container.

7. The container candle of claim 4 wherein said flanges further comprise an edge for supporting a bottom surface of said frusto-conical shaped insert.

8. The container candle of claim 4 wherein said flanges further comprise an indentation to exert pressure on said frusto-conical shaped insert to hold said frusto-conical shaped insert in place in said connector ring.

9. The container candle of claim 4 wherein said connector ring further comprises a u-shaped channel for receiving a top brim of said container.

10. The container candle of claim 4 wherein said connector ring is manufactured out of a heat resistant material.

11. The container candle of claim 1 wherein said tubular insert further comprises a heat reflection ring positioned within said tubular insert for reflecting thermal energy back into the candle fuel.

12. The container candle of claim 1 wherein said tubular insert further comprises at least two contact points for positioning said tubular insert within said opening in said candle container.

13. A candle enhancement insert for use in a container candle comprising:

a tubular insert supported on said container and positioned through said opening in said container, the exterior circumference of said tubular insert being less than the interior circumference of said opening in said container so as to create an air channel between said tubular insert and an interior wall of said container;

a tubular insert support which includes a connector ring and at least two flanges extending from the connector ring, said connector ring being shaped to be mounted on the brim of the opening in said container.

14. The candle enhancement insert of claim 13 wherein said tubular insert is a frusto-conical shaped insert.

15. The candle enhancement insert of claim 13 wherein said tubular insert is a cylindrical shaped insert.

16. The candle enhancement insert of claim 13 wherein a portion said tubular insert extends above a brim defining said opening in said container.

17. The candle enhancement insert of claim 14 wherein a wider end of said frusto-conical shaped insert is positioned within said container.

18. The candle enhancement insert of claim 13 wherein each of said flanges further comprises an edge for supporting a bottom surface of said frusto-conical shaped insert.

19. The candle enhancement insert of claim 13 wherein each of said flanges further comprises an indentation to exert pressure on said frusto-conical shaped insert to hold said frusto-conical shaped insert in place in said connector ring.

20. The candle enhancement insert of claim 13 wherein said connector ring further comprises a u-shaped channel for receiving a top brim of said container.

21. The candle enhancement insert of claim 13 wherein said connector ring is manufactured out of a heat resistant material.