PACKAGING SYSTEM WITH SEALING LID FOR A VOTIVE CANDLE

Abstract

A packaging system for a votive candle comprising a votive candle mold and sealing lid. The votive candle mold has a closed bottom and a generally cylindrical sidewall integrally connected to the bottom and extending upward therefrom. An annular rim extends radially outwardly from a top portion of the sidewall of the mold and runs along the entire perimeter of the sidewall of the mold. The lid has a closed top and a generally cylindrical sidewall integrally connected to the top and extending downward therefrom. The sidewall of the top is sized to fit over the annular rim of the mold. A plurality of protrusions are spaced circumferentially about the sidewall of the top. The protrusions extend radially inward toward the center of the lid. The protrusions are sized and spaced to cooperate with the rim to provide a sealing engagement.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/117,595, filed on Feb. 18, 2015, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to votive candles. More specifically, the invention relates to a packaging system for a votive candle, which includes a sealing lid for engagement with a votive candle mold.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Votive candles are generally cylindrically shaped candles that are typically about 2 inches tall by one and a half inches in diameter, although a votive candle can be significantly taller and wider. Votive candles are commonplace in churches and home altars where they are often burnt as a votive offering in an act of prayer. Scented and/or colored votive candles are also very popular for enhancing the ambiance of many different types of functions, occasions or holidays.

Votive candles are typically made from various types of wax, such as paraffin wax, beeswax and vegetable wax. Votive candles come in a wide variety of colors and will often contain fragrance oils, which produce fragrances typically associated with fruits, spices flowers, herbs, perfumes and the like.

The candles are traditionally formed by pouring hot liquid wax, fragrance oils and other ingredients into open topped, generally cup shaped molds. The molds themselves are often composed of plastic material, such as polycarbonate, that is formed by means of an injection molding process to contain the shape of a votive candle. Once the votive candles have been formed in the mold, they are typically removed from their molds for packaging and shipment.

Generally, about 12 to 18 of the bare votive candles are placed in a box for shipment to wholesale and retail sales outlets. Alternatively, the candles can be shrink-wrapped prior to being placed in boxes in order to better preserve the integrity of their color, shape and fragrance.

There are, however, problems associated with these prior art packaging systems. The packaging of bare candles in boxes does not provide much protection for individual candles during shipping, and does not allow for the candles to be individually labeled or bar coded. Additionally, candles of different colors or fragrances cannot be mixed together for shipment without degrading their integrity. Also, the fragrance oils within the candles can out-gas and evaporate away. Moreover, potential customers who handle the candles can get their fingerprints on the candles, which can also compromise the candles color or fragrance.

Shrink-wrapping the candles individually will improve protection to some extent, but the candles can still be damaged during shipment and the shrink-wrap provides only limited surfaces for labeling or bar coding. Also, shrink-wrapping equipment is expensive and time consuming. Additionally, the fragrance oils can often bleed through the shrink-wrap. Moreover, potential customers cannot easily smell the fragrance or see the color of a shrink-wrapped votive candle when evaluating the candle prior to purchase.

Accordingly, there is a need for an inexpensive packaging system for votive candles, which provides improved protection during shipment, allows for shipments of individual candles and/or shipments of groups of mixed candles. Additionally, there is a need for the packaging system to provide surfaces that can be individually labeled or bar coded. Moreover, there is a need for the packaging system to allow potential customers to smell, see and otherwise evaluate the candles prior to purchase without compromising the integrity of the candles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, a packaging system for a votive candle is provided. The Packaging system includes a votive candle mold and a lid. The mold includes a closed bottom, a generally cylindrical first sidewall, and an annular rim. The generally cylindrical first sidewall is integrally connected to the bottom and extends upward therefrom. The annular rim extends radially outward from a top portion of the first sidewall and runs along the entire perimeter of the first sidewall. The lid includes a closed top; a generally cylindrical second sidewall, and a plurality of protrusions spaced circumferentially about the second sidewall. The second sidewall is integrally connected to the top and extends downward therefrom. The second sidewall is sized to fit over the annular rim of the mold. The protrusions extend radially inward toward the center of the lid. The protrusions of the lid are sized and spaced to cooperate with the rim of the mold to provide a sealing engagement between the lid and mold to fully enclose and protect the votive candle during shipment and to impede evaporation of any fragrance oils in the candle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a packaging system for a votive candle in accordance with the present invention, which includes a sealing lid for engagement with a votive candle mold;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the sealing lid of the packaging system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the sealing lid fully engaged with the mold of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an expanded cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along the circular arrow labeled “4,5,6” with the lid and mold disengaged;

FIG. 5 is an expanded cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along the circular arrow labeled “4,5,6” with the lid and mold partially engaged; and

FIG. 6 is an expanded cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along the circular arrow labeled “4,5,6” with the lid and mold fully engaged.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the methods, systems, and devices specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a packaging system 10 for a votive candle in accordance with the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the packaging system includes a votive candle mold 12 and a sealing lid 14 for engagement with the mold 12. In this particular illustration, the lid 14 is disengaged with the mold 12 and about to be assembled thereon.

The mold 12 is generally cup shaped and has a closed bottom 16 which is integrally connected to a generally cylindrical first sidewall 18 extending upwardly from the bottom 16. The top portion of the cylindrical wall 18 opens into an annular rim 20. The annular rim 20 extends radially outward from the top end of the wall 18 and runs along the entire perimeter of the wall 18. Mold 12 is typically composed of plastic material, such as polycarbonate, that is formed by means of an injection molding process to have inside dimensions which define the shape of votive candle 22.

Votive candle 22 is typically formed by pouring hot liquid wax, fragrance oils and other ingredients into open topped, generally cup shaped mold 12 or other similar molds. The hot liquid wax is then allowed to cool and solidify within the mold 12 to complete the formation of votive candle 22.

Sealing lid 14 has a closed top 24, which is integrally connected to a generally cylindrical second sidewall 26 extending downwardly from the top 24 and running along the entire perimeter of the top 24. The lid 14 is typically composed of plastic material, such as polycarbonate, that is formed by means of an injection molding process to have inside dimensions which fit over the annular rim 20 of mold 12.

Referring to FIG. 2, second sidewall 26 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced protrusions 28. Protrusions 28 are spaced substantially equidistant about sidewall 26 and extend radially inward toward the center 30 of lid 14. The protrusions 28 are sized and spaced to cooperate with rim 20 to provide a sealing engagement between lid 14 and mold 12, such that candle 22 is fully enclosed and evaporation of any fragrance oils contained in candle 22 is greatly reduced.

The preferred embodiment for this sealing engagement is to have multiple protrusions 28 arcuately spaced substantially equal-distance apart along the perimeter of the lid's second sidewall 26. Additionally, it is preferred that each protrusion 28 extends longitudinally along the sidewall 26 over an arc 32 which is less than one third of the arcuate spacing between the protrusions. Though there may be protrusions 28 in many different quantities, the preferred embodiment is to have four protrusions 28 on sidewall 26. More specifically, there should be four protrusions 28 wherein the centers of the protrusions 28 are preferably arcuately spaced between 75 to 105 degrees apart along sidewall 26, more preferably between 80 to 100 degrees apart and most preferably between 85 to 95 degrees apart. Each protrusion 28 should extend longitudinally along the sidewall 26 for an angular arc 32 that is preferably between 10 to 30 degrees, more preferably between 15 to 30 degrees and most preferably between 15 to 25 degrees. With the preferred embodiment having such sizing and spacing of its protrusions, the lid 14 of the preferred embodiment will be flexible enough to fit around the rim 20 during engagement, but will be rigid enough to snap back into shape to maintain a sealing engagement between lid 14 and mold 12 once the lid 14 is fully engaged.

Referring to FIG. 3, the packaging system 10 is illustrated wherein the lid 14 is fully engaged with the mold 12. In this particular illustration, the lid 14 and mold 12 form the sealed package system 10, which fully encloses votive candle 22 for shipment.

Referring to FIG. 4, an expanded cross-sectional view of packaging system 10 taken along the circular arrow labeled “4,5,6” of FIG. 3 is illustrated with the lid 14 and mold 12 disengaged. The lid 14 is sized such that the inner surface of the second sidewall 26 fits over the outer distal edge of annular rim 20, while the protrusions 28 extend inwardly enough to contact the upper surface of rim 20 during engagement.

Referring to FIG. 5, an expanded cross-sectional view of packaging system 10 taken along the circular arrow labeled “4,5,6” of FIG. 3 is illustrated with the lid 14 and mold 12 partially engaged. As illustrated, the lid 14 flexes outwardly as the protrusions 28 slide around the outer distal edge of the annular rim 20 during engagement.

Referring to FIG. 6, an expanded cross-sectional view of the packaging system 10 taken along the circular arrow labeled “4,5,6” of FIG. 3 is illustrated with the lid and mold fully engaged. As illustrated, the lid 14 has flexed back to its original shape as protrusions 28 snap onto rim 20 and contact the lower surface of rim 20. With the protrusions 28 in contact with the lower surface of rim 20 a sealing engagement between lid 14 and mold 12 is provided such that candle 22 is fully enclosed for shipment and any fragrance oils contained in candle 22 are impeded from evaporating away.

In use, the packaging system 10 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 has many advantages over the prior art. The sealing lid 14 and mold 12 provide a sealed enclosure for votive candle 22 that protects it during shipment and greatly reduces out-gassing of fragrance oils. The candles 22 can be shipped individually, or in mixed groups without compromising their fragrance, color or shape. No additional equipment, such as shrink-wrapping machinery, is required. Additionally, labels or bar codes can be placed anywhere on the surface of the mold 12 or lid 14.

Once the votive candles 22 have reached the wholesale or retail outlets, they can be put on display in there fully enclosed packaging system 10. In this way, potential buyers can remove the sealing lids to evaluate such features as fragrance and color without getting finger prints on the candles 22. Moreover, once the potential buyers have finished with their evaluation, the lids 14 can be snapped back onto the mold 12 to fully enclose, reseal and protect the candles 22 and to further preserve the candle's fragrance and color. The re-sealable feature of the snap-on lid 14 to the mold 12 can also be used to further protect and preserve the candle during use when the flame has been extinguished and the candle is only partially consumed. Additionally, with the packaging system 10 being typically made of a polycarbonate material, both the lid 14 and mold 12 are recyclable.

One skilled in the art would recognize that the packaging system 10 could be used for more than just votive candles. The packaging system could be used for any substance that can be poured into a mold, or is gelatinous in texture. These types of substances are often used in the cosmetic industry. By way of examples, such substances would include lip balm, bees wax for hands or the like.

Although the invention has been described by reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims.

Claims

1. A packaging system for a votive candle comprising:

a votive candle mold having: a closed bottom; a generally cylindrical first sidewall integrally connected to the bottom and extending upward therefrom; and an annular rim extending radially outward from a top portion of the first sidewall and running along the entire perimeter of the first sidewall; and

a lid having: a closed top; a generally cylindrical second sidewall integrally connected to the top and extending downward therefrom, the second sidewall sized to fit over the annular rim of the mold; and a plurality of protrusions spaced circumferentially about the second sidewall, the protrusions extending radially inward toward the center of the lid;

wherein the protrusions of the lid are sized and spaced to cooperate with the rim of the mold to provide a sealing engagement between the lid and mold to fully enclose and protect the votive candle during shipment and to impede evaporation of any fragrance oils in the candle.

2. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the lid is sized such that an inner surface of the second sidewall of the lid fits over an outer distal edge of the annular rim of the mold and the protrusions extend inwardly enough to contact an upper surface of the rim during engagement of the lid to the mold.

3. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the protrusions are sized and spaced such that the lid is flexible enough to slide around an outer distal edge of the annular rim of the mold during engagement of the lid to the mold, and rigid enough for the lid to flex back to its original shape as the protrusions contact a lower surface of the rim to provide a sealing engagement between the lid and the mold once the lid is fully engaged to the mold.

4. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the protrusions are arcuately spaced substantially equal-distance apart along the perimeter of the second sidewall of the lid, each protrusion extending longitudinally along the second sidewall over an arc which is less than one third of the arcuate spacing between the protrusions.

5. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the second sidewall of the lid has four protrusions.

6. The packaging system of claim 5, wherein the centers of the protrusions are arcuately spaced between 85 to 95 degrees apart along the perimeter of the second sidewall and each protrusion extends longitudinally along the second sidewall for an angular arc between 10 to 30 degrees.

7. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the packaging system is made of a polycarbonate material.

8. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the lid is removable from and re-sealable to the mold.