BIRTHDAY CANDLE BLOW HORN APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a birthday candle blow horn apparatus, and method thereof. More particularly, the invention encompasses a blow horn having a conical shape, and wherein the wider end of the blow horn could have a capping layer, and where the narrower end is open for the passage of air, such that when a strike is made on the capping layer a puff of air is blasted from the narrower end, which air can be used to extinguish a small flame, a lit candle, or a flame of a birthday candle. The inventive candle blow horn could also have at least one mechanical striker, or a propeller, or a fan, to blow or extinguish a flame. This invention prevents the blowing of small flames with a person's mouth, thereby avoiding the spraying of bacteria, germs, saliva, food particles, and other contaminating particles, on a birthday cake.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a birthday candle blow horn apparatus, and method thereof. More particularly, the invention encompasses a blow horn having a conical shape, and wherein the wider end of the blow horn could have a capping layer, and where the narrower end is open for the passage of air, such that when a strike is made on the capping layer a puff of air is blasted from the narrower end, which air can be used to extinguish a small flame, a lit candle, or a flame of a birthday candle. The inventive candle blow horn could also have at least one mechanical striker, or a propeller, or a fan, to blow or extinguish a flame. This invention prevents the blowing of small flames with a person's mouth, thereby avoiding the spraying of bacteria, germs, saliva, food particles, and other contaminating particles, on a birthday cake.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Birthday, holiday, and occasion cakes are often decorated with designs with a particular motif or theme to commemorate a particular event. The cakes are meant to be visually pleasing, and are protected until the cake is sliced for serving. Many times candles are placed on the upper surface of the commemoration cake to help commemorate the event being celebrated. After the candles are lit, by a match or similar other igniting means, the person or persons who are involved in the commemoration are then traditionally asked to blow the candle or candles out to extinguish the same.

The act of blowing out the candles, to some, raises concerns about the transmission of bacteria, germs, saliva, food particles, and other potential contaminating particles. This becomes a major concern, especially when the person blowing the candles is sick. With one forceful blow, a sick individual can contaminate an entire cake. If it weren't for the sentimental attachment that the public has with this tradition, and the focus and emphasis placed on the person or persons blowing out the candles with their breath, people would not tolerate this kind of an action. This action is similar to asking someone to blow all over one's plate of food, which one is about to consume.

This issue of contamination, and hygienically blowing out the candles, and protecting the cake, has been addressed in a number of ways.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,688 (Ethel Wexler), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a transparent plastic cover for cakes having a horizontal top and vertical sides. The top has indentations for holding candles vertically. The indentations are arranged in the form of two side-by-side rectangles with a central horizontal bar. When all the indentations are filled with candles, the number “88” is indicated. By selective filling of the indentations one can indicate any number between one and ninety-nine. The combined cake cover and candle holder permits decorating the cake with lighted candles representing a numerical celebration of a birthday, anniversary etc. The cake is protected from the candles and from the saliva from blowing out the candles.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,029,232 (Dwight Wyatt), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses in a sanitary air jet device [1000] which is operated by a user blowing air into its first stage inlet [1111] of a mouthpiece [1110]. The air stream causes a first stage turbine [1130] to rotate and spin a shaft [1205]. The shaft passes through a separator wall [1140]. A second stage turbine [1230] is connected to the shaft [1205] on the other side of the separator wall [1140] in a second stage chamber [1201]. The shaft [1205] causes second stage turbine [1230] to spin and draw air in through a number of second stage inlets [1211] in the second stage chamber [1201]. The second stage turbine [1230] blows the clean air out of a second stage exhaust [1221]. The second stage chamber [1201] is separated from the first stage chamber [1101] such that it does not receive the air blown in by the user. Therefore, one may blow out candles on a cake with clean air and no longer spray saliva droplets and microbes on the cake.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003/0136277 (Stephen R. Okros), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a transparent dessert cover designed to shield confections, such as cakes, from germs resulting particularly from those attempting to blow out candles, while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the cake. In the preferred mode, the cover is constructed of freezer-proof plastic material, and molded in the shape of a particular confection, such as a round or rectangular birthday cake. The upper portion of the cover contains recessed holes to accommodate a predetermined number of candles, as well as at least one slot in which a celebratory message such as “Happy Birthday” may be inserted. Importantly, individual letters are provided for the user to spell out particular names or messages, as desired. Finally, a sturdy, attachable bottom piece is provided with the cover to facilitate transportation and storage of the cake.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0224271 (Andrew S. Langsam), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a cake shield which is provided to ensure against contamination during candle extinguishing. The shield is a thin, preferably clear (to expose the icing of the cake) and disposable layer of plastic or paperboard which is preferably provided with a window for the candles to pass through. The window facilitates the placement and removal of the candles after extinguishing the same. The cake shield is preferably sufficiently large to protect much of the top and iced surface of the cake from germs during candle “blow out” and from saliva, also during candle extinguishing. The thin flat layer of the cake shield is supported by small, preferably integrally formed, legs which gently touch upon the top surface of the cake. After the candles are extinguished and removed, the shield is easily removed and the entirety of the device is discarded. The cake shield can be decorated or shaped to correspond to the occasion being celebrated or may be entirely plain to allow the icing to fully being exposed.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0076082 (Daniel M. Wolfson), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a fan-based candle snuffer for blowing out an open flame. This candle snuffer is comprised of: a transmitter equipped with an input device, which generates a signal when the input device is activated by a user; a receiver that toggles power to an output port upon receiving the signal from the transmitter; and a fan connected to the receiver output port, whereby the fan can be remotely turned on or off by a user, thereby enabling the user to remotely blow out the open flame. The device may also be equipped with a countdown timer connected to the power port to control the fan.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008/0268392 (Phyllis R. Bern), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a cake shield to protect a cake during celebration allowing celebrants to enjoy activity and excitement of special moment without distraction or hesitation previously caused by thoughts and concerns about what they just observed to be blown or dropped onto cake they are about to eat.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0084562 (Jacqueline A. Gatling), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a filtered cake candle extinguisher device which comprises a filter, a mouthpiece connected to the filter and a decorative cover for covering filter. A sound generator may be provided to enhance the user's enjoyment while using the extinguisher device to blow out a candle or candles.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0181335 (Michael Tropeano), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a sanitary birthday covering and candle system for use with a birthday cake, having a sanitary cover, a plurality of candles and a serving tray. The cover includes a top surface and at least one side, wherein the side is integrally connected to the top surface and has a distal end having a fastening lip. The top surface has a plurality of star shaped indentations recessed therein, each one indentation having a bottom surface and at least one upwardly extending infinitely circular wall. The candles have a substantially cylindrical top portion and a substantially star shaped bottom portion. The serving tray has a recessed groove for removably coupling with the fastening lip.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0239180 (Walter K. Lim), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses an aerosol device for extinguishing candle flames which comprises an aerosol container with a supply of pressurized non-flammable gas therein, and a valve assembly on the container for controlling discharge of the pressurized non-flammable gas from the container, wherein a plurality of successively larger orifices are in the valve assembly for reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas as it is discharged through the valve assembly to a level sufficient to extinguish a candle flame but insufficient to blow molten wax from a candle. In a preferred embodiment the quantity of gas discharged is metered in each dispensing cycle, and a gas adsorbing material is in the container for adsorbing and storing a reserve supply of the gas and releasing it into the container as gas is depleted from the container.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0048748 (Jacqueline A. Gatling, et al.), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a filtered cake candle extinguisher device which comprises a filter, a mouthpiece connected to the filter and a decorative cover for covering filter. A sound generator may be provided to enhance the user's enjoyment while using the extinguisher device to blow out a candle or candles.

Thus, there is a need for a device or the like for blowing out candles on a cake or similar such piece of consumable food item, without jeopardizing the health of the participants and future consumers of the cake or such consumable food item.

This invention improves on the deficiencies of the prior art and provides an inventive birthday candle blow horn apparatus, and method thereof.

PURPOSES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a birthday candle blow horn apparatus, and method thereof.

Therefore, one purpose of this invention is to provide a cost effective, and durable birthday candle blow horn apparatus, and method thereof.

Another purpose of this invention is to provide a birthday candle blow horn apparatus that can be used by a person of any age or strength.

Yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a birthday candle blow horn apparatus where a striker or paddle is used to blow out the birthday candles.

Still yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a birthday candle blow horn apparatus that has a fan and electrical means to assist in blowing out the birthday candles.

Therefore, in one aspect this invention comprises as candle blow horn, comprising:

• (a) a conical shaped hollow tube having a first open end and a second open end, and wherein said first open end has a larger surface area than said second open end; and
• (b) at least one layer of at least one membrane secured said first open end of said conical shaped hollow tube, and wherein said at least one layer of said at least one membrane completely covers said first open end, and thereby forms said candle blow horn.

In another aspect this invention comprises a candle blow horn, comprising:

• (a) a conical shaped hollow tube having a first open end and a second open end, and wherein said first open end has a larger surface area than said second open end;
• (b) at least one fan inside said conical shaped hollow tube, and wherein said at least one fan, upon activation, moves air from said first open end towards said second end, and thereby forms said candle blow horn.

In yet another aspect this invention comprises a method for extinguishing birthday candle comprising the steps of:

• (a) securely holding a conical shaped hollow tube having a first open end and a second open end, and wherein said first open end has a larger surface area than said second open end, and wherein at least one layer of at least one membrane is secured to said first open end of said conical shaped hollow tube, and wherein said at least one layer of said at least one membrane completely covers said first open end;
• (b) placing said second open end of said conical shaped hollow tube near a flame of a lit birthday candle;
• (c) striking said at least one membrane with at least one striking means to create differential pressure between said first open end and said second open end; and
• (d) forcing an to exit said second open end tinder pressure, and thereby extinguishing the flame of said birthday candle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with drawings. These drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Like numbers represent like features and components in the drawings. The invention may best be understood by reference to the ensuing detailed description in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1, illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a birthday candle blow horn inventive apparatus.

FIG. 2, illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment of the birthday candle blow horn inventive apparatus of FIG. 1, next to a cake with lit candles.

FIG. 3, illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment of the birthday candle blow horn inventive apparatus of FIG. 1, next to a cake after the flames of the candles have been extinguished.

FIG. 4, illustrates a side view of a second embodiment of a birthday candle blow horn inventive apparatus, with the striker in a slacked position.

FIG. 5, illustrates a top view of the second embodiment of the birthday candle blow horn inventive apparatus of FIG. 4, with the striker in a taut position.

FIG. 6, illustrates a side view of a third embodiment of a birthday candle blow horn inventive apparatus.

FIG. 7, illustrates a side view of the third embodiment of the birthday candle blow horn inventive apparatus of FIG. 6, with the striker in a taut position.

FIG. 8, illustrates a side view of the third embodiment of the birthday candle blow horn inventive apparatus of FIG. 6, with the striker in an impact position.

FIG. 9, illustrates a side view of a fourth embodiment of a birthday candle blow horn inventive apparatus.

FIG. 10, illustrates a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a birthday candle blow horn inventive apparatus.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a birthday candle blow horn inventive apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A manually operated candle extinguisher where the use of forced air through the embodiment is utilized, instead of one's breath, and thus it prevents the spread of bacteria, germs, saliva, food particles, and other potential contaminating particles.

This apparatus contemplates a candle extinguishing device in the form of a conical shape hollow tube preferably made of plastic but not limited thereto. The smaller or narrower end of the conical shape is uncovered, to allow air to flow there-through. The larger or wider end of conical shape is covered tautly with a synthetic raw-hide type material, but other materials may be suitable, such as, plastic, Kevlar, to name a few. A handle in which to hold the conical shaped device can comprise of wood or other materials, such as, plastic, or metal, is secured to the embodiment and attached with a securing means, such as, a small screw, and optionally a supporting washer or an O-ring.

In order to operate an embodiment of the inventive device one needs to hold the embodiment at the handle; pointing the smaller open end of the embodiment toward the candle flame; tap or strike the taut material on the larger end of the embodiment, and which would force air through the open end of the conical shaped tube, thus extinguishing the candle flame without the use of one's breath, and ultimately preventing the spread of saliva, germs, and other contaminants.

FIG. 1, illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a birthday candle blow horn 23, inventive apparatus. The birthday candle blow horn 23, comprises of a conical shaped hollow tube or a truncated cone or air funnel 10, having a first or wider or larger end 12, and a second or narrower or smaller end 14. The smaller end 14, is always open for the passage of air. The wider end 12, has an edge 11, to accommodate and securely attach an edge 21, of at least one layer or at least one capping or membrane or skin or material, layer 20, via at least one securing means 22. The birthday candle blow horn 23, optionally, could have at least one handle 16, secured thereto, via at least one securing means 15. The at least one handle 16, could be placed at any appropriate or desired location along the outer surface of the conical shaped hollow tube 10. The at least one handle 16, could optionally, have at least one handle end knob 18.

FIG. 2, illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment of the birthday candle blow horn 23, inventive apparatus of FIG. 1, next to a cake 30, with candies 32, having a candle flame 34. The cake 30, optionally, could be securely placed on at least one cake plate or holder 38. During operation the birthday candle blow horn 23, is brought near the lit candles 32, such that the narrower end 14, faces the candle flame 34, and using one hand 24, to securely hold the birthday candle blow horn 23, such as, via the at least one handle 16, or any other securely holding means 16. The user then gets ready to slap or strike the at least one layer of the at least one capping or membrane or skin or material layer 20, using hand 26.

FIG. 3, illustrates a perspective view of the first embodiment of the birthday candle blow horn 23, inventive apparatus of FIG. 1, next to a cake 30, after the flames 34, of the candles 32, have been extinguished 36. As stated with reference to FIG. 2, the user after getting ready to slap or strike the at least one layer of the at least one capping or membrane or skin or material layer 20, using hand 26, slaps or strikes the at least one layer of the at least one capping or membrane or skin or material layer 20, using hand 26, which forces a puff or blast of air 35, to exit the end 14, of the birthday candle blow horn 23, and this sudden puff or blast of air 35, immediately extinguishes the candle flame 34, of the candles 32, creating extinguished smoke 36.

As one can now appreciate that the candle flame 34, of candles 32, can now be extinguished 36, via the inventive birthday candle blow horn 23, in one strong blow to the surface of the membrane or skin 20, without the need for the user to use his or her breath, and still achieve the same purpose, in a very hygienic, and contamination free way.

FIG. 4, illustrates a side view of a second embodiment of a birthday candle blow horn 43, inventive apparatus, with the at least one paddle or striker 56, in a slacked position. The birthday candle blow horn 43, comprises of a conical shaped hollow tube or a truncated cone or air funnel 40, having a first or wider or larger end 42, and a second or narrower or smaller end 44. The smaller end 44, is always open for the passage of air. The wider end 42, has an edge 41, to accommodate and securely attach an edge 51, of at least one layer or at least one capping or membrane or skin or material layer 50, via at least one securing means 52. The birthday candle blow horn 43, optionally, could have at least one handle 46, secured thereto, via at least one securing means 45. The at least one handle 46, could be placed at any appropriate or desired location along the outer surface of the conical shaped hollow tube 40. The at least one handle 46, could optionally, have at least one handle end knob 48. The at least one striker 56, is preferably secured to the conical shaped hollow tube 40, via at least one elastic cord 54, such as, for example, a bungee type cord 54. The at least one elastic cord 54, is preferably secured to the outer surface of the conical shaped hollow tube or air funnel 40, via at least one securing means 57, 59 (shown in FIG. 5).

FIG. 5, illustrates a top view of the second embodiment of the birthday candle blow horn 43, inventive apparatus of FIG. 4, with the striker 56, in a taut position. The user using hand 26, pulls the striker 56, away from the surface of the membrane 50, to create a stretched position for the at least one elastic cord 54, such that upon release the striker 56, would strike the impact area or surface 53, on the surface of the membrane 50, which would in turn create a pressure differential inside the conical shaped hollow tube 40, thus releasing a puff or blast of air 55, out of the narrower opening 44, of the conical shaped hollow tube 40. This puff or blast of air 55, would be similar to the sudden puff or blast of air 35, discussed with reference to FIG. 3, which would immediately extinguish any candle flame 34, of the candle 32, creating extinguished smoke 36. It is preferred that the outer surface of the striker 56, is preferably smooth or has no sharp edges, so as not to create a puncture or hole or damage the striking or impact surface 53, on the membrane or skin 50.

FIG. 6, illustrates a side view of a third embodiment of a birthday candle blow horn 63, inventive apparatus. The birthday candle blow horn 63, comprises of a conical shaped hollow tube or a truncated cone or air funnel 60, having a first or wider or larger end 62, and a second or narrower or smaller end 64. The smaller end 64, is always open for the passage of air. The wider end 62, has an edge 61, to accommodate and securely attach an edge 71, of at least one layer or at least one capping or membrane or skin or material layer 70, via at least one securing means 72. The birthday candle blow horn 63, optionally, could have at least one handle 66, secured thereto, via at least one securing means 65. The at least one handle 66, could be placed at any appropriate or desired location along the outer surface of the conical shaped hollow tube 60. The at least one handle 66, could optionally, have at least one handle striker release mechanism 68, which is mechanically connected to at least one paddle or striker 76. The at least one striker 76, is preferably secured to the outer surface of the conical shaped hollow tube 60, via at least one arm 77, such that the at least one striker 76, is adjacent to the outer surface of the skin or membrane 70. The at least one arm 77, is preferably connected to the at least one handle striker release mechanism 68, via at least one spring 78, and spring support assembly 79.

FIG. 7, illustrates a side view of the third embodiment of the birthday candle blow horn 63, inventive apparatus of FIG. 6, with the striker 76, in a taut or strike position. During operation the user would apply pressure onto the at least one handle striker release mechanism 68, such that the arm 77, of the striker 76, would move the striker 76, away from the surface of the membrane or skin 70, such that upon release it would strike the membrane impact area 73.

FIG. 8, illustrates a side view of the third embodiment of the birthday candle blow horn 63, inventive apparatus of FIG. 6, with the striker 76, in an impact position. As one can see that after the striker 76, is released from the taut or strike position, shown in FIG. 7, it will strike or impact the impact area or surface 73, on the surface of the skin or membrane 70, which would in turn create a pressure differential inside the conical shaped hollow tube 60, thus releasing a puff or blast of air 75, out of the narrower opening 64, of the conical shaped hollow tube 60. This puff or blast of air 75, would be similar to the sudden puff or blast of air 35, discussed with reference to FIG. 3, which would immediately extinguish any candle flame 34, of the candle 32, creating extinguished smoke 36. It is preferred that the outer surface of the striker 76, is preferably smooth or has no sharp edges, so as not to create a puncture or hole or damage the striking or impact surface 73, on the skin or membrane 70. For some applications the at least one striker 76, could be securely connected to a hand operating device which would release the striker 76, to strike or impact the surface 73, on the outer surface of the membrane or skin 70.

FIG. 9, illustrates a side view of to fourth embodiment of a birthday candle blow horn 83, inventive apparatus. The birthday candle blow horn 83, comprises of a conical shaped hollow tube or a truncated cone 80, having a first or wider or larger end 82, and a second or narrower or smaller end 84. The smaller end 84, is always open for the passage of air. Similarly, the wider end 82, is always open for the passage of air. The birthday candle blow horn 83, optionally, could have at least one handle 86, secured thereto, via at least one securing means 85. The at least one handle 86, could be placed at any appropriate or desired location along the outer surface of the conical shaped hollow tube 80. Inside the at least one handle 86, preferably, there is at least some space or room to accommodate at least one battery or energy storing device 88, for the operation of at least one fan or propeller 89, that is placed inside the conical shaped hollow tube 80. The fan 89, is placed in such as way so that it forces the movement of the air from the wider end 82, and towards the narrower end 84. The fan or propeller 89, is electrically connected to a fan or propeller motor 87. While, the fan motor 87, is electrically connected to the at least one battery or energy storing device 88, via wires 91. During operation a user would turn the fan or propeller 89, ON via fan motor 87, which in turn would create a pressure differential inside the conical shaped hollow tube 80, thus forcing the incoming air 93, into a puff or blast of outgoing air 95, out of the narrower opening 84, of the conical shaped hollow tube 80. This puff or blast of air 95, would be similar to the sudden puff or blast of air 35, discussed with reference to FIG. 3, which would immediately extinguish any candle flame 34, of the candle 32, creating extinguished smoke 36. As one can appreciate that the surface area of the wider end 82, is larger than the surface area of the narrower end 84, which forces more incoming air 93, to exit via a narrower area as outgoing air 95. In this embodiment the birthday candle blow horn 83, can be continuously operated, as desired by the user.

FIG. 10, illustrates a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a birthday candle blow horn 103, inventive apparatus. The birthday candle blow horn 103, is similar to the birthday candle blow horn 23, except that the handle 106, secured to the outer surface of the conical shaped hollow tube or a truncated cone 100, having a polygonal cross-section via at least one securing means 15, having at least one second securing means 105, such as, at least one hinge-able or rotate-able securing means 105, can move in different positions, such as, it can be folded, or rotated, or moved, as desired by the user, in direction 107.

FIG. 11, illustrates a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a birthday candle blow horn 113, inventive apparatus. The birthday candle blow horn 113, is similar to the birthday candle blow horn 23, except that the handle 116, secured to the outer surface of the conical shaped hollow tube or a truncated cone 110, via at least two securing means 115.

The material for the at least one layer of membrane or skin or capping layer or material 20, 50, 70, could be made from a material selected from a group comprising, a fabric material, a plastic material, a vinyl material, a leather material, a pleather material, a parchment material, an animal skin material, a Kevlar material, a polytetrafluoroethylene material, a synthetic raw-hide type material, a natural raw-hide type material, a skin-type material, a composite material, and any combination thereof, to name a few.

It should be appreciated that the shape of the paddle or striker 56, 76, could be selected from a group comprising of a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, an ornamental-type shape, a heart-type shape, an irregular shape, and any combination thereof, just to name a few.

The at least one securing means 15, 45, 57, 59, 65, 115 could be selected from a group comprising magnets, rivets, hook and loop device, such as, a VELCRO device, male/female engaging, members, screws, bolts, welds, and combination thereof, to name a few.

The at least one energy storage means or device 88, could be selected from a group comprising of a carbon battery, an alkaline battery, a lithium battery, a rechargeable battery, an electrochemical cell battery, and combination thereof, to name a few.

The conical shaped hollow tube or the truncated cone 10, 40, 60, 80, 100, 110, can be made from any suitable material, such as, for example, a metallic material, a plastic material, a fibrous material, a paper based material, a composite material, and any combination thereof, to name a few.

The handle 16, 46, 66, 68, 86, 106, 116, or the handle end knob 18, 48, can be made from any suitable material, such as, for example, a metallic material, a plastic material, a fibrous material, a wood based material, a composite material, and any combination thereof, to name a few.

It should be understood that the edge of the larger or wider end 12, 42, 62, 82, of the conical shaped hollow tube or truncated cone 10, 40, 60, 80, 100, 110, can be termed a rim 11, 41, 61, where the membrane or skin 20, 50, 70, would be stretched over the rim 11, 41, 61, to completely cover the rim 11, 41, 61, so as to create a drum-like end unit 23, 43, 63, 103, 113. It is preferred that the membrane or skin 20, 50, 70, is free from any pin-holes or openings, but for some applications the membrane or skin 20, 50, 70, could have small holes or openings to allow the skin 20, 50, 70, to “breath”, as long as the end result of this invention are achieved.

The cross-sectional area or the cross-sectional shape of the conical shaped hollow tube or truncated cone 10, 40, 60, 80, 100, 110, can be of any shape, such as, for example, it could be selected from a group comprising, a triangular cross-section, a square cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, a polygonal cross-section, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

The inventive birthday candle blow horn 23, 43, 63, 83, 103, 113, apparatus can be sold in the market under various trade or brand names, such as, for example, “It Blows”, “This Blows”, to name a few.

While the present invention has been particularly described in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A candle blow horn, comprising:

(a) a conical shaped hollow tube having a first open end and a second open end, and wherein said first open end has a larger surface area than said second open end; and

(b) at least one layer of at least one membrane secured said first open end of said conical shaped hollow tube, and wherein said at least one layer of said at least one membrane completely covers said first open end, and thereby forms said candle blow horn.

2. The candle blow horn according to claim 1, wherein at least one handle is secured to the outer surface of said conical shaped hollow tube using at least one first securing means.

3. The candle blow horn according to claim 1, wherein at least one handle is secured to the outer surface of said conical shaped hollow tube using at least one first securing means, and wherein said at least one first securing means is selected from a group consisting of a magnet, a rivet, a hook and loop device, a Velcro, a male/female engaging member, a screw, a bolt, a weld, and combination thereof.

4. The candle blow horn according to claim 1, wherein at least one handle is secured to the outer surface of said conical shaped hollow tube using at least one first securing means, and wherein said at least one first securing means has associated therewith at least one second securing means to engageably move said at least one handle from a first position to a second position.

5. The candle blow horn according to claim 1, wherein material for said at least one layer of membrane is selected from a group consisting of a fabric material, a plastic material, a vinyl material, a leather material, a pleather material, a parchment material, an animal skin material, a Kevlar material, a polytetrafluoroethylene material, a synthetic raw-hide type material, a natural raw-hide type material, a skin-type material, a composite material, and any combination thereof.

6. The candle blow horn according to claim 1, wherein at least one elastic cord is secured to the outer surface of said conical shaped hollow tube using at least one securing means, and wherein said at least one elastic cord has secured thereto at least one striker, and wherein said at least one striker faces said first open end of said conical shaped hollow tube.

7. The candle blow horn according to claim 1, wherein at least one elastic cord is secured to the outer surface of said conical shaped hollow tube using at least one securing means, and wherein said at least one elastic cord has secured thereto at least one striker, and wherein said at least one striker faces said first open end of said conical shaped hollow tube, and wherein said at least one securing means is selected from a group consisting of a magnet, a rivet, a hook and loop device, a Velcro, a male/female engaging member, a screw, a bolt, a weld, and combination thereof.

8. The candle blow horn according to claim 1, wherein at least one elastic cord is secured to the outer surface of said conical shaped hollow tube using at least one securing means, and wherein said at least one elastic cord has secured thereto at least one striker, wherein said at least one striker faces said first open end of said conical shaped hollow tube, and wherein material for said at least one layer of membrane is selected from a group consisting of a fabric material, a plastic material, a vinyl material, a leather material, a pleather material, a parchment material, an animal skin material, a Kevlar material, a polytetrafluoroethylene material, a synthetic raw-hide type material, a natural raw-hide type material, a skin-type material, a composite material, and any combination thereof.

9. The candle blow horn according to claim 1, wherein at least one striker arm is secured to the outer surface of said conical shaped hollow tube using at least one securing means, and wherein said at least one securing means has secured thereto at least one striker, and wherein said at least one striker faces said first open end of said conical shaped hollow tube.

10. The candle blow horn according to claim 1, wherein at least one striker arm is secured to the outer surface of said conical shaped hollow tube using at least one securing means, and wherein said at least one securing means has secured thereto at least one striker, and wherein said at least one striker faces said first open end of said conical shaped hollow tube, and wherein said at least one striker arm has at least one spring means secured thereto, such that upon activation said at least one spring means assists said at least one striker arm to move from a first position to a second position.

11. The candle blow horn according to claim 1, wherein at least one striker arm is secured to the outer surface of said conical shaped hollow tube using at least one securing means, and wherein said at least one securing means has secured thereto at least one striker, and wherein said at least one striker faces said first open end of said conical shaped hollow tube, and wherein material for said at least one layer of membrane is selected from a group consisting of a fabric material, a plastic material, as vinyl material, a leather material, a pleather material, a parchment material, an animal skin material, a Kevlar material, a polytetrafluoroethylene material, a synthetic raw-hide type material, a natural raw-hide type material, a skin-type material, a composite material, and any combination thereof.

12. A candle blow horn, comprising:

(a) a conical shaped hollow tube having a first open end and a second open end, and wherein said first open end has a larger surface area than said second open end;

(b) at least one fan inside said conical shaped hollow tube, and wherein said at least one fan, upon activation, moves air from said first open end towards said second end, and thereby forms said candle blow horn.

13. The candle blow horn according to claim 12, wherein at least one fan motor activates said at least one fan.

14. The candle blow horn according to claim 12, wherein at least one fan motor activates said at least one fan, and wherein said activation is assisted by at least one energy storage means.

15. The candle blow horn according to claim 12, wherein at least one fan motor activates said at least one fan, and wherein said activation is assisted by at least one energy storage means, and wherein said at least one energy storage means is selected from a group consisting of a carbon battery, an alkaline battery, a lithium battery, a rechargeable battery, an electrochemical cell battery, and combination thereof.

16. The candle blow horn according to claim 12, wherein at least one handle is secured to the outer surface of said conical shaped hollow tube using at least one first securing means.

17. The candle blow horn according to claim 12, wherein at least one handle is secured to the outer surface of said conical shaped hollow tube using at least one first securing means, and wherein said at least one handle has at least one compartment to securely hold at least one energy storage means.

18. A method for extinguishing birthday candle comprising the steps of:

(a) securely holding a conical shaped hollow tube having a first open end and a second open end, and wherein said first open end has a larger surface area than said second open end, and wherein at least one layer of at least one membrane is secured to said first open end of said conical shaped hollow tube, and wherein said at least one layer of said at least one membrane completely covers said first open end;

(b) placing said second open end of said conical shaped hollow tube near a flame of a lit birthday candle;

(c) striking said at least one membrane with at least one striking means to create differential pressure between said first open end and said second open end; and

(d) forcing air to exit said second open end under pressure, and thereby extinguishing the flame of said birthday candle.

19. The method for extinguishing birthday candle according to claim 18, wherein said at least one striking means is selected from a group consisting of a slap of a hand, a strike by at least one finger, a strike by a palm of a hand, a strike by a fist, a striker, a paddle, a mechanical striker, a mechanical paddle, a striker pulled by an elastic cord, a striker connected to at least one spring means, and combinations thereof.

20. The method for extinguishing birthday candle according to claim 18, wherein said conical shaped hollow tube has at least one handle to securely hold said conical shaped hollow tube during step (c).