FLAME OUT CANDLE SYSTEM AND METHOD
A flame out candle system and method for automatically retracting and assist in extinguishing a wick flame. The system includes a candle container including a wax candle, and a base unit or puck assembly including an elevator assembly driven by a motor assembly to move a wick engaging member that moves a wick within the wax candle. The wax candle includes a bore to receive the wick, and a cavity to receive the puck assembly. The motor assembly includes a motor driven power screw that engages with the elevator assembly. The wick engaging member and a moving connector of the elevator assembly can be magnetically connected to provide linear movement to the wick. A computer system can be utilized to control the motor based on a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal or any wireless signal.
This application claims the benefit of priority of and is a continuation-in-part application under 35 U.S.C. § 120 based upon co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 19/460,648 filed on Jan. 27, 2026, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/186,620 filed on Mar. 20, 2023. The entire disclosures of the prior applications are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND Technical FieldThe present technology relates to a flame out candle system and method for use in connection with moving a wick within a wax candle. Further, the present technology can be in connection with automatically retracting a flamed wick into a wax candle body to assist in extinguishing the flame based on a preset time, a preset tilt angle of the candle, a wireless or Bluetooth activation signal, a mobile application (app), a voice command, or an excessive heat signal. Still further, the present technology can be in connection with a system and/or method for automatically retracting a flamed wick into a wax candle body to assist in extinguishing the flame utilizing a motorized worm gear or power screw mechanism operatively engaged with an elevator assembly.
Background DescriptionCandles have been used as a source of light for thousands of years, and in some cases as a source of heat, yet till this day have posed a considerable safety issue. The earliest use of candles would soak the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. Candles have evolved over the years, but the same dangers exist today as they did many years ago. The modern candle still relies on an exposed flame, which must be extinguished by a person or by some other means.
Candles enjoyed renewed popularity in recent years, utilizing byproducts from modern manufacturing in the basic ingredients of candles—paraffin and stearic acid. The ease of manufacturing candles corresponded with their popularity with an interest in candles as decorative items, mood-setters, aromatherapy and gifts. Candles were suddenly available in a broad array of sizes, shapes, colors, and scents.
Candles have come a long way since their initial use. While they are no longer primarily used as a major source of light or heat, they continue to grow in popularity and use. Today, candles can serve to symbolize a celebration, ignite romance, soothe the senses, honor a ceremony, and accent home decors.
However the danger associated with candles remains. With new unstable shapes, candles are prone to tip over leading to increase home fires resulting in property damage, injuries and even death. Further, the modern age has brought a high paced lifestyle to most people resulting in lit candles being left unattended for long periods of time. This can further lead to catastrophic events noted herein.
A dangerous result of using open flamed candles is the possibility of a fire resulting in property damage, injury or death. One of the more common causes of the candle fire hazard is leaving a flamed candle unattended and/or the length of an exposed wick producing a large flame. Longer candle wicks produce a taller flame that will normally burn in an irregular pattern or heights. These irregular patterns create a dangerous propensity for fires. The dangers as it relates to candle wicks, is the possibility of overheating. This results in a significant concern as well as a fire hazard.
In addition, candles come in many different shapes, some of which are very unstable and easy to tip over, unaware to users. It can be appreciated that a tipped over candle poses an extremely dangerous fire hazard.
While known self-extinguishing candle devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned devices or systems do not describe a candle with a flame out candle system and method that allows for automatic retracting of a wick into a candle body utilizing specialized technology, gearing assembly, and computer control systems.
A need exists for new and novel technology causing a candle flame to automatically extinguish. The flame out candle system and method of the present technology which may extinguish the candle flame, fulfills this need. In this respect, the flame out candle system and method according to the present technology substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of known self-extinguishing candles, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of retracting a wick into a candle body below the wax line which may extinguish the flame and then make the wick ready to be re-ignited.
SUMMARYIn view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in known candles of all types, the present technology provides a novel flame out candle system and method, and overcomes one or more of the mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of known self-extinguishing candles. As such, the general purpose of the present technology, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and novel flame out candle system and method which has all the advantages of known self-extinguishing candles mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a flame out candle system and method which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by known self-extinguishing candles, either alone or in any combination thereof.
In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the term “puck” herewithafter is synonymous with the term “base unit” and vice versa, and each may be interchangeable with the other.
According to an aspect, the present technology can include a candle system including a base unit featuring a motor operatively engageable with a power screw, and an elevator assembly operatively engageable with the power screw. The elevator assembly can be moveable within the base unit. A wick engaging member can be operatively engageable with the elevator assembly and with a wick, with the wick engaging member being moveable with the elevator assembly. The motor can provide rotation to the power screw that linearly moves the elevator assembly and the wick engaging member that linearly moves the wick within a wick bore defined in a wax candle body.
According to another aspect, the present technology can include a candle system including a candle container defining an interior candle cavity containing a wax candle, a base unit and a computer or controller system. The base unit can include a motor assembly, an elevator assembly and a wick engaging member. The motor assembly can include a motor operatively engageable with a power screw. The elevator assembly can be operatively engageable with the power screw, and where the elevator assembly can be moveable within the base unit. The wick engaging member can be operatively engageable with the elevator assembly and with a wick, and where the wick engaging member can be moveable with the elevator assembly. The computer or controller system can be configured or configurable to control the motor based on one of or any combination of a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal, a voice command, a wireless activation signal, and a networked activation signal. The motor can provide rotation to the power screw that linearly moves the elevator assembly and the wick engaging member that linearly moves the wick within a wick bore defined in the wax candle.
According to yet another aspect, the present technology can include a method of using a candle system that may extinguish a wick flame. The method can include the steps of operating a motor to drive an elevator assembly to provide movement of a wick engaging member for moving a wick within a wick bore of a wax candle to assist in extinguishing the wick flame. Controlling, by a computer or controller system, the operation of the motor based on receiving by the computer or controller system one of or any combination of the time signal, the activation signal, the sensor signal, the voice command, the wireless activation signal, and the networked activation signal.
Some or all aspects of the present technology can include a candle container defining an interior candle cavity containing the wax candle. The candle container can be supported by the base unit.
In some or all aspects, the candle container can include an interior sidewall and a top wall. The interior sidewall can extend from a bottom end and into the interior candle cavity. The interior sidewall and the top wall can define a puck receiving chamber at a bottom section of the candle container. A hole can be defined through the top wall.
In some or all aspects, a grommet can be fitted in the hole to provide a seal with a portion of the wick engaging member sliding therethrough.
In some or all aspects, the base unit can include an insert section that can be receivable in the puck receiving chamber so that a portion of the wick engaging member or a portion of the wick is received through the hole.
In some or all aspects, a sealing member can be attachable to the insert section of the base unit for contact with an interior surface of the interior sidewall of the candle container.
In some or all aspects, the elevator assembly can include an elevator body and a moving connector. The elevator body can include a threaded bore that is operatively engageable with the power screw, and the moving connector can be operatively engageable with the elevator body and the wick engaging member.
In some or all aspects, the wick engaging member and the moving connector can be magnetically attachable to each other.
Some or all aspects of the present technology can include one or more guide rods extending from the motor or motor assembly. The guide rods can be slidably receivable in slots, respectively, that are defined in the elevator body.
In some or all aspects, the moving connector can include one or more latch tabs that are releasably engageable with a front section of the elevator body.
In some or all aspects, the front section of the elevator body can include a post that is receivable in a bore defined through a bottom wall of the moving connector.
Some or all aspects of the present technology can include a computer or controller system that can be configured or configurable to control the motor based on one of or any combination selected from the group consisting of a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal, a voice command, a wireless activation signal, and a networked activation signal.
In some or all aspects, the computer or controller system can be configured or configurable to control the motor based on a sensor selected from the group consisting of a tilt sensor, an angle sensor, and a heat sensor.
According to still another aspect, the present technology can include a flame out candle system for retracting a wick into a wax candle. The flame out candle system can include a puck assembly and a computer or controller system. The puck assembly can be associated with a wax candle, and includes a motor operatively engageable with a wick engaging member that is operatively engageable with the wick to provide up and down movement of the wick within the wax candle. The computer or controller system can be configured or configurable to control the motor based on one of or any combination selected from the group consisting of a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal, a voice command, a wireless activation signal, and a networked activation signal.
According to still yet another aspect, the present technology can include a method of using the flame out candle system to assist in extinguishing a wick flame. The method can include the steps of operating the motor to drive the wick engaging member to provide up and down movement of the wick within the wax candle to assist in extinguishing the wick flame.
Some or all aspects of the present technology can include a step of controlling, by the computer or controller system, an operation of the motor.
In some or all aspects, the controlling of the operation of the motor is based on receiving by the computer or controller system one of or any combination of a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal, a voice command, a wireless activation signal, and a networked activation signal.
In some or all aspects, the controlling of the operation of the motor is based on receiving by the computer or controller system a signal from a sensor selected from the group consisting of a tilt sensor, an angle sensor, and a heat sensor.
According to one aspect, the present technology can include a flame out candle system for retracting a wick into a candle. The flame out candle system can include a puck assembly associated with a candle. The puck assembly can include a motor operatively engageable with a wick engaging member that is operatively engageable with a wick to provide movement of the wick within the candle.
According to another aspect, the present technology can include a flame out candle system including a puck body, a wick engaging member and a base assembly. The puck body can be receivable in a cavity defined in a candle. The puck body can include a guide member, and a bore defined through the guide member. The wick engaging member can be slidably receivable in the bore of the guide member. The wick engaging member can be operatively engageable with a wick. The base assembly can be attachable to the puck body. The base assembly can include a motor operatively engageable with the wick engaging member to provide linear movement of the wick engaging member that provides movement of the wick within the candle.
According to still another aspect, the present technology can include a flame out candle system that can include a candle, a wick, a puck body, a wick engaging member, a base assembly, a motor and a computer or controller system. The candle can include a wick bore defined along a longitudinal axis of the candle, and a bottom cavity defined in a bottom section of the candle and in communication with the wick bore. The wick can be configured to be slidably receivable through the wick bore. A wick plate can be associated with the wick. The puck body can be receivable in the bottom cavity of the candle. The puck body can include a guide member, and a bore defined through the guide member. The wick engaging member can be slidably receivable in the bore of the guide member. The wick engaging member can be operatively engageable with the wick plate. The base assembly can be attachable to the puck body. The base assembly can be configured to support a motor that can be operatively engageable with the wick engaging member to provide linear movement of the wick engaging member that provides movement of the wick within the candle. The computer or controller system can be configured or configurable to control the motor based on one of or any combination of a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal, a voice command, a wireless activation signal, and a networked activation signal.
According to yet another aspect, the present technology can include a method of using a flame out candle system to assist in extinguishing a wick flame. The method can include the steps of controlling a motor to operatively drive a wick engaging member of a puck assembly associated with the candle. The wick engaging member being operatively engageable with a wick to provide movement of the wick within the candle.
According to yet another aspect, the present technology can include a flame out candle system including a first pinion gear, a second pinion gear, a motor, a rack gear and a wick. The second pinion gear can be spaced apart from the first pinion gear to define a gap therebetween. The motor can be operatively configured to drive the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear so that the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear rotate in opposite directions. The rack gear can be receivable in the gap, and can be engageable with the first pinion gear and the second gear so that rotation of the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear provides linear movement of the rack gear. The wick can be associated with the rack gear for movement therewith through a wick bore defined in a candle.
According to still yet another aspect, the present technology can include a flame out candle system including a candle, a wick assembly, and a puck assembly. The candle can include a wick bore defined along a longitudinal axis of the candle, and a bottom cavity defined in a bottom section of the candle and in communication with the wick bore. The wick assembly can include a wick, a wick plate and a rack gear. The wick can be configured to be slidably receivable through the wick bore. The wick plate can be receivable in the bottom cavity. The rack gear can be attached to the wick plate. The puck assembly can be receivable in the bottom cavity of the candle. The puck assembly can include a first spur gear and a first pinion gear both fixed to a first shaft. A second spur gear and a second pinion both fixed to a second shaft. The second spur gear can be engageable with the first spur gear. The second pinion gear can be spaced apart from the first pinion gear to define a gap therebetween configured to receive the rack gear. A motor can be operatively configured to drive the first spur gear. A computer or controller system can be configured or configurable to control the motor based on one of or any combination of a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal, a voice command, a wireless activation signal, and a networked activation signal. The rack gear can be engageable with the first pinion gear and the second gear so that rotation of the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear provides linear movement of the rack gear.
According to yet another aspect, the present technology can include a method of using a flame out candle system to assist in extinguishing a wick flame. The method can include the steps of controlling a motor to operatively drive a first pinion and a second pinion gear to linearly move a rack gear engageably positioned therebetween. The rack gear can be configured to provide linear movement to a wick that can be slidably received through a wick bore defined through a candle.
In some or all aspects, the candle can include a wax body capable of extinguishing a wick flame when the wick is retracting into the wick bore.
In some or all aspects, the wax candle body can be contained in a glass jar.
In some or all aspects, the puck assembly can further include a puck body receivable in a cavity defined in the candle, and a base assembly attachable to the puck body and configured to support the motor.
In some or all aspects, the motor can be operatively associated with one selected from the group consisting of a gear, and a power screw.
In some or all aspects, the wick engaging member can be configured to be driven by the motor and to provide linear movement to the wick.
In some or all aspects, the wick engaging member can include a thread member that is operatively engaged with a power screw that is operatively driven by the motor.
In some or all aspects, the wick engaging member can be slidably received in a bore defined through a guide member of the puck body.
In some or all aspects, the wick engaging member can further include one or more guides extending out therefrom that are each configured to be slidably received in a channel defined in the guide member and in communication with the bore.
In some or all aspects, the wick engaging member can include a magnetic that is operatively engageable with a wick plate of the wick.
In some or all aspects, the puck assembly can further include a candle holder that is receivable in the cavity of the candle and that is configured to receive an insert section of the puck body with a base section of the puck body supporting a bottom portion of the candle.
In some or all aspects, the candle holder and the insert section can include corresponding engageable elements configured to secure the puck body to the candle holder when the insert section is inserted a predetermined distance into the candle holder.
Some or all aspects of the present technology can include a first spur gear operatively engageable with a drive gear of the motor. The first spur gear can be fixed to a first shaft that is fixed to the first pinion gear.
Some or all aspects of the present technology can include a second spur gear operatively engageable with the first spur gear. The second spur gear can be fixed to a second shaft that is fixed to the second pinion gear.
In some or all aspects, the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear can each include a ledge extending out from a peripheral edge therefrom, respectively. The ledge of the first pinion gear and the ledge of the second pinion gear can be configured to contact the rack gear in an unlocked position.
Some or all aspects of the present technology can include a wick plate attached to the wick and to the rack gear.
Some or all aspects of the present technology can include a puck assembly that can include a bottom cover and a top cover. The bottom cover can be configured to support the motor, the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear. The top cover can be attachable to the bottom cover to enclose the motor, the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear.
In some or all aspects, the bottom cover can further include one or more side locks extending from the bottom cover.
In some or all aspects, the top cover can include one or more side lock notches configured to receive one or more of the side locks therein when the top cover and the bottom cover are assembled.
Some or all aspects of the present technology can include a lock bar configured to be receivable in a slot defined in the side locks. The lock bar can be configured to extend exterior of the puck assembly for insertion in to the candle.
In some or all aspects, the puck assembly can be configured to be securably received in a bottom cavity defined in a bottom section of the candle.
In some or all aspects, the top cover can include a recessed section defining a top cavity configured to slidably receive the wick plate. A bore can be defined through the recessed section configured to slidably receive the rack gear.
Some or all aspects of the present technology can include a washer positionable between a top wall of the top cover and a cavity top wall of the candle that defines the bottom cavity.
In some or all aspects, the puck assembly can further include a U-shaped support structure configured to rotatably support the first shaft and the second shaft, and the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear between parallel sidewalls that in part defines the U-shaped support structure, with the first spur gear and the second spur gear being located exterior of the parallel sidewalls.
Some or all aspects of the present technology can include a computer or controller system configured or configurable to control the motor based on any one of or any combination of a time signal, an activation signal and a sensor signal.
In some or all aspects, the computer or controller system can be configured or configurable to control the motor based on a sensor selected from the group consisting of a tilt sensor, an angle sensor, and a heat sensor.
Some or all aspects of the present technology can include a base attachable to the puck assembly and configured to be in electrical communication with electrical components of the puck assembly.
In some or all aspects, the base can include a metal washer fitted to a top side of the base that is in contact with a bottom side of the candle body.
In some or all aspects, the base can have a diameter or width greater than a diameter or width of the candle body.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, features of the present technology in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present technology will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of the present technology, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present technology when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present technology. It is, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present technology.
It is therefore an object of the present technology to provide a new and novel flame out candle system and method that has all of the advantages of known self-extinguishing candles and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present technology to provide a new and novel flame out candle system and method that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
An even further object of the present technology is to provide a new and novel flame out candle system and method that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such flame out candle system and method economically available to the buying public.
Still another object of the present technology is to provide a new flame out candle system and method that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the known self-extinguishing candles some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.
These together with other objects of the present technology, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present technology, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the present technology, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the present technology. Whilst multiple objects of the present technology have been identified herein, it will be understood that the claimed present technology is not limited to meeting most or all of the objects identified and that some embodiments of the present technology may meet only one such object or none at all.
The present technology will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof, with phantom lines (long-short-short-long lines) depicting environmental structure and hidden lines (dashed lines) depicting internal structure. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTSIn the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular embodiments, procedures, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present technology may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.
Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to
It can be appreciated that the puck assembly in any or all embodiments of the present technology can be a separate or standalone component utilizable in any type of candle. It can further be appreciated that the puck assembly in any or all embodiments of the present technology can have any size, configuration and/or shape capable of being utilized with various other candle designs.
The design of any or all embodiments of the puck assembly of the present technology, including structure, utility and/or function, is protected in any subsequent iteration regardless of the application.
In
The candle body 12 can be any type of candle or the like such as, but not limited to, a wax candle, a glass jar candle, an oil lamp, any candle including burnable body, or any lamp utilizing a burnable fuel. In the exemplary and without limitation, the following description will reference a wax candle. The present technology can be adapted to any size or shape candle or can be retrofitted into existing candles.
The wick bore 14 can be defined along a central longitudinal axis of the candle body 12 in communication with the bottom cavity 16, thereby corresponding with known candle designs. However, it can be appreciated that the wick bore 14 can be a plurality of bores defined through the candle in any location, direction angle and/or orientation so as to accommodate multiple wicks at varying locations and directions.
The wick 70 can slidably travel through the wick bore 14 of the candle body 12 can extend into the bottom cavity 16. The wick 70 can be designed to slide or move freely through the wick bore 14 by way of a nonstick or lubricant coating on the wick 70. In the alternative, the wick 70 can be placed in a hollow shaft or tube (not shown) allowing the wick 70 to move freely through the wick bore 14.
The puck assembly 20 can be utilized and configured to include all the mechanical and electrical components for operation of the present technology. The puck assembly 20 can be designed so that it fits snugly into the bottom cavity 16 of the candle body 12, while not falling out unless physically removed. In the exemplary, structural retentions means can be associated with an exterior of the puck assembly 20 that engages with the wax material of the candle body 12 that defines the bottom cavity 16, thereby securing the puck assembly 20 in the bottom cavity 16. The puck assembly 20 can be inserted into a hardened wax candle or it can be placed in a candle mold for receipt of molten wax around the puck assembly 20. Upon hardening, the wax would then solidify around the puck assembly 20 thereby securing it place.
With reference to
The bottom cover 22 can include a battery cover 24 giving access to one or more batteries 26, as best illustrated in
As best illustrated in
To disengage the lock bar 34 from the candle body 12 allowing the puck assembly 20 to be removed, the user can rotate the grip portion 35 out from the open bottom recess 31 and slide the lock bar 34 along the slot 32 to a retracted position.
One or more mounting posts 28 can extending up from the bottom cover 22 that can mate or abut corresponding mounting posts 66 extending from a top wall of the top cover 60, as best illustrated in
In an alternative, a threading arrangement can be associated with the bottom cover 22 and the sidewall of the top cover 60 to allow rotational assembling of the puck assembly 20, thereby omitting the mounting posts 28, 66.
Referring to
A first spur gear 46 is rotatably mounted on the exterior side of the drive supporting structure 36 by way of a first shaft 48 extending through parallel walls of the U-shaped drive supporting structure 36. The first spur gear 46 is engageable and operatively driven by the drive gear 44.
A second spur gear 50 is rotatably mounted on the exterior side of the drive supporting structure 36 by way of a second shaft 52 extending through parallel walls of the U-shaped drive supporting structure 36. The second shaft 52 and thus the second spur gear 50 are in a spaced apart relationship with the first spur gear 46. The second spur gear 50 is engageable and operatively driven by the first spur gear 46. As best illustrated in
Inside the U-shaped drive supporting structure 36 can be located a wick engaging member or assembly that can feature a clamping gear assembly or a rack and pinion assembly including a first pinion gear 54, a second pinion gear 56 and a cylindrical-like rack gear 74, as best illustrated in
The first and second pinion gears 54, 56 each include a toothed section, an untoothed section and a protruding ledge 55, 57, respectively. The protruding ledge 55, 57 extends tangentially from an edge of their corresponding pinion gears 54, 56. When assembled, the ledges 55, 57 are facing each other when the present technology is in an unlocked position, as best illustrated in
The rack gear 74 can be configured as an elongated shaft featuring multiple offset radial or cylindrical teeth 76. The rack gear 74 is further configured to be receivable in the gap between the first and second pinion gears 54, 56 so that the cylindrical teeth 76 are engageable with the teeth of the first and second pinion gears 54, 56. It can be appreciated that rotation of the first and second pinion gears 54, 56 translates into longitudinal movement of the rack gear 74.
Accordingly, continued pushing of the rack gear 74 against the ledges 55, 57 results in rotation of the first and second pinion gears 54, 56 until the teeth 76 of the rack gear 74 are engaged with teeth of each of the first and second pinion gears 54, 56. It can be appreciated that pulling of the rack gear 74 would reverse rotation of the first and second pinion gears 54, 56 until the teeth 76 of the rack gear 74 or withdrawn or disengaged with teeth of the first and second spur gears 46, 50.
A computer or controller system 400 can be included with the puck assembly 20 and can be associated with the bottom cover 22 in operable communication with the battery 26 and the motor 40. The computer or controller system 400 can include and/or be in communication with a variety electrical components, sensors, controllers, and the like. For example, the computer or controller system 400 can include a printed circuit board (PCB) featuring a timer and/or an angle or tilt sensor 408 configured to detect or determine a tilting or tipping orientation of the candle body 12 or a wireless, internet or Bluetooth interface.
The top cover 60, as best illustrated in
The wick plate 72 is configured to support and be fixed to a free end or end section of the wick 70, in combination with being fixed to or engaged with a free end of the rack gear 74. A bottom wall of the recessed section 64 defines a bore 63 therethrough that is in communication with the top cavity 65. The bore 63 is configured to slidably receive therethrough the rack gear 74, as best illustrated in
A metal washer 80 can be positioned between a top wall of the top cover 60 and a cavity top wall of the bottom cavity 16 of the candle body 12. The metal washer 80 can be configured to protect the puck assembly 20 from melting wax from the candle body 12 during operation.
Referring now to
After which, the wick plate 72 can be pushed slightly into the top cavity 65 so the rack gear 74 pushes against the ledges 55, 57 thereby rotating their corresponding pinion gears 54, 56 so that their teeth engage with the cylindrical teeth 76. This now results in the first and second pinion gears 54, 56 being in a locked position, as best illustrated in
Accordingly, operation of the motor 40 will now result in rotation of the first and second spur gears 46, 50, which results in rotation of the first and second pinion gears 54, 56, with thus results in longitudinal movement of the rack gear 74 and wick 70.
In an extinguishing operation, the motor 40 can be operated so the first and second pinion gears 54, 56 are in a retracted position, as best illustrated in
Operation of the motor 40 can be accomplished by a button located on the bottom cover 22 or automatically by the computer or controller system 400. Further in the exemplary, the bottom cover 22 can include one or more buttons or switches for providing control or setting control of the motor 40 and/or the computer or controller system 400. For example, the buttons and/or switches can be associated with one or more operational aspects, but not limited to, ON/OFF, Test mode, preset time periods for automatic retraction of the wick 70 (10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, etc.), clamp wick mode and unclamp wick mode, or remove puck. The Test mode can be configured to allow the candle body 12 to burn for a predetermined amount of time (TBD), then operate the motor 40 to retract the wick 70 and assist in extinguishing the flame and remain unlit until the user re-lights it. The clamp wick mode can be configured to lock the wick 70 to the puck assembly 20, while the unclamp wick mode can be configured to unlock the wick 70 from the puck assembly 20. The remove puck switch can be configured to allow removal of the puck assembly 20 from the candle body 12 without damage to the motor and gear assembly. It can be appreciated that the switches or buttons can be of any known type.
Referring now to
In the exemplary, the puck base 84 can be a decretive flat base approximately ¾ inches tall, round like the bottom of the candle body 12 and approximately 1 or 2 inches wider than the candle body 12.
The puck base 84 can be configured to carry some or all the electronic components and a battery that may not fit in the puck assembly 20′. The battery in the puck base 84 can be the main power supply or supplemental to the battery in the puck assembly 20′. Alternatively, power can be provided to the puck base 84 and/or the puck assembly 20, 20′ by a power cord and appreciate power conversion that can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. Such electronic components can be, but not limited to, a wireless receiver or transceiver, a Bluetooth or electronic interface, a microphone for voice command or recognition, and the like.
The puck assembly 20′ and the puck base 84 can be connected or mated together by way of a male/female connector or some electronic interface operatively connecting the two units to work as one. In the exemplary, the puck assembly 20′ can include a female connector 82 including appropriate electrical contacts that correspond with a male connector 86 of the puck base 84, and respectively vice versa. The male and female connectors 82, 86 can have a cylindrical configuration allowing the puck assembly 20′ to rotation in relation with the puck base 84.
A metal top plate 88 can be placed on a top side of the puck base 84 to not allow hot wax from damaging the top of the puck base 84. The top place 88 can be in the shape of a washer and removably placed on the top side of the puck base 84 with the male connector 86 extending through a central hole in the top plate 88.
Referring to
The flame out candle system 10 can be utilized and configured to automatically retract the wick 70 into the candle body 12 after a predetermined time period from a timer, upon activation of an input by a user, upon activation by voice command, upon wireless or Bluetooth activation, networked or internet activation or a sensor such as, but not limited to, the tilt/angle sensor 408, the motion sensor 418, or the heat sensor 418 (see
Referring to
In the exemplary, the candle holder body 94 can be substantially cylindrical with an outwardly tapering shape from the top wall 96. The body 94 can include a substantially flat or planar side 95. One or more first grooves 102 can be defined in or through a first section of the body 94, and one or more first ridges 104 can extend from an interior side of the body 94 into the interior chamber 68.
One or more second grooves 106 can be define din or through the planar side 95, and one or more second ridges 108 can extend from an interior side of the planar side 95 of the body 94 into the interior chamber 68.
It can be appreciated that the body 94 can be any geometrical shape, and the first and second grooves 102, 106 and the first and second ridges 104, 108 can have any configuration or profile.
In the exemplary, the first and second grooves 102, 106 can act as structural retentions means associated with an exterior of the candle holder 92 that engages with the wax material of the candle body 12 that defines the bottom cavity 16, thereby securing the candle holder 92 in the bottom cavity 16. The candle holder 92 can be inserted into a hardened wax candle or it can be placed in a candle mold for receipt of molten wax around the candle holder 92. Upon hardening, the wax would then solidify around the candle holder 92 and into the grooves 102, 106 thereby securing it in place in the cavity 16.
Referring to
The insert section 112 can be substantially cylindrical with an outwardly tapering shape from a top wall 114. The insert section 112 can have a substantially flat or planar side 124, and can have a configuration, shape and/or provide similar to that of the candle holder 92. The dimensions of the insert section 112 are smaller than the candle holder 92 so as to be receivable in the candle holder interior chamber 98.
A first section of an exterior of the insert section 112 can include a first notch 115 defined therein or there through, and configured to receive at least one of the first ridges 104 of the candle holder 92. A second notch 125 can be defined in or through the planar side 124 of the insert section 112, and is configured to receive at least one of the second ridges 108 of the candle holder 92.
It can be appreciated that when the planar side 124 of the insert section 112 is aligned with the planar side 95 of the candle holder 92, the insert section 112 can be inserted into the candle holder interior chamber 98 so that the first and second ridges 104, 108 are received in the first and second notches 115, 125 of the insert section 112, respectively. This arrangement secures the puck body 110 to the candle holder 92, and thus to the candle body 12, as best illustrated in
The insert section 112 can further define an interior chamber 123 that can accommodate a guide member 116 that extends down from the top wall 114 along a longitudinal axis of the puck body 110. The guide member 116 includes a longitudinal bore 118 and one or more channels 120 in communication with bore 118, as best illustrated in
The base section 126 can have a diameter or width larger than the insert section 112, thereby providing the ledge 128 that can support a bottom side of the candle body 12. The ledge 128 can include one or more ridge notches 129 defined therein or therethrough, as best illustrated in
The base section 126 can have an open interior chamber 127 that is in communication with the interior chamber 123 of the insert section 112. One or more fastener posts 130, access ports 132, and guiding or securing structures can be included with the base section 126.
Referring to
A top side or edge 144 of the wick engaging member 140 can include or can receive a magnet 146. The magnet 146 is configured to engage with the wick plate 72 of the wick 70, so that any movement of the wick engaging member 140 is translated to the wick 70. It can be appreciated that any other removable engagement structure or means can be utilized in place of the magnet 146 and wick plate 72 to achieve a removable connections therebetween.
A bottom side or wall 148 of the wick engaging member 140 can include or receive a threaded member 152 featuring a threaded bore defined therethrough that is in communication with an interior chamber 150 of the wick engaging member 140. It can be appreciated that the threaded member 152 does not have to be a separate member secured to the bottom wall 148, but can alternatively be a threaded bored defined through the bottom wall 148.
Referring to
The puck base assembly 160 can include base 162 featuring a peripheral edge 164, one or more fastener members 166 and one or more guide ridges 168. The peripheral edge 164 corresponds and engages with a bottom edge of the base section 126. The one or more fastener members 166 are alignable with the fastener posts 130 when the puck base assembly 160 is assembled with the puck body 110. A fastener, as best illustrated in
A motor mount section 170 extends from the base 162 so as to be receivable in the open interior chamber 127 of the base section 126 when the puck base assembly 160 is assembled to the base section 126. A top wall 172 of the motor mount section 170 includes motor mounts 174 configured in a spaced apart relationship. Each of the motor mounts 174 can include reinforcing members 176 to provide support and rigidity to the motor mounts 174.
A motor 184 can be located between and secured to the motor mounts 174, with a power screw 186 operatively engageable with a shaft of the motor 184.
An interior of the motor mount section 170 can be configured to include batteries 188, and any other electronical components necessary for operation of the present technology.
A base panel 180 can be removably and securely associated with the base 162 to allow access to the interior of the motor mount section 170. As best illustrated in
The assembled flame out candle system 10 with the alternate puck assembly 90 is best illustrated in
The puck body 110 can be assembled to the candle holder 92 by inserting the insert section 112 into the interior chamber 98 with the planar sides 95, 124 of the candle holder 92 and the puck body 110 aligned. Continued insertion of the insert section 112 will engage the first and second ridges 104, 108 with their corresponding first and second notches 115, 125, respectively, thereby locking the puck body 110 to the candle holder 92, as best illustrated in
The wick engaging member 140 can then be inserted into the bore 118 of the guide member 116 so that the magnet 146 is engageable with the wick plate 72.
The puck base assembly 160 can be secured to the base section 126 of the puck body 110 so that the power screw 186 is received in the bore 118 and threadably engaged with the threaded member 152. It can be appreciated that the wick engaging member 140 can be assembled to the power screw 186 prior to insertion into the bore 118.
During operation as best illustrated in
If an extinguishing operation is required, then the motor 184 can be operated in an appropriate direction so that the power screw 186 rotates in a manner to bring the wick engaging member 140 in a direction that would move the wick 70 into the candle body 12.
It can be appreciated that the modular and removably configuration of the wick 70, the candle holder 92, the puck body 110, the wick engaging member 140 and the puck base assembly 160 allow easy assembly and/or reuse of the puck assembly 90 in other candles.
It can be appreciated that to assemble one embodiment of the present technology the user can first insert the assembled rack gear 74 and wick plate 72 into the top cavity 65 while in the unlocked position. The user can continue to push the wick plate 72 so that the teeth 76 of the rack gear 74 are engaged with the teeth of the first and second pinion gears 54, 56, thereby placing the preset technology into the locked position.
With the wick 70 attached to the wick plate 72, the user can then thread the wick 70 into the wick bore 14 of the candle and insert the puck assembly into the bottom cavity 16 of the candle body 12. The lock bars 34 can be rotated or slide into an engaging position so that ends of the lock bars 34 extend into the candle body 12 to secure the puck assembly with the candle body 12. After which, the preset technology is now capable of being operated.
It can be appreciated that to assemble one embodiment of the present technology the user can first insert the assembled rack gear 74 and wick plate 72 into the top cavity 65 while in the unlocked position. The user can continue to push the wick plate 72 so that the teeth 76 of the rack gear 74 are engaged with the teeth of the first and second pinion gears 54, 56, thereby placing the preset technology into the locked position.
With the wick 70 attached to the wick plate 72, the user can then thread the wick 70 into the wick bore 14 of the candle and insert the puck assembly into the bottom cavity 16 of the candle body 12. The lock bars 34 can be rotated or slide into an engaging position so that ends of the lock bars 34 extend into the candle body 12 to secure the puck assembly with the candle body 12. After which, the preset technology is now capable of being operated.
A computer or controller system 400 (see
Referring to
The candle container 202 can include a container sidewall that defines an interior candle cavity 206, an open end 204, a bottom end 208, and a puck receiving section that extends from the bottom end 208 into the interior chamber 206, as best illustrated in
It can be appreciated that the bottom end 208 can be annular or ring-shaped, with candle material being acceptable in an interior area defined by an interior surface of the container 202, the sidewall 210 and the bottom end 208.
The grommet 220 can be inserted in the hole 214 to provide a seal between the interior chamber 206 and the puck receiving chamber 206. The grommet 220 can be made of rubber, plastic, composite or the like. As best illustrated in the enlarged section of
Referring to
A wick member plate 238 can be associated with an end of the wick receiving body 232 opposite to that of the fingers 236, with a connection piece 240 secured, attachable or fitted to the wick member plate 238. The diameter or width of the wick member plate 238 is greater than a diameter or width of the wick receiving body 232. The connection piece 240 can be, but not limited to a magnet, or a metal or any ferromagnetic piece.
It can be appreciated that the diameter or width of the wick receiving body can be less than, equal to or slightly larger than a diameter or width of the wick bore 222, thereby providing a seal therebetween while still allowing movement of the wick receiving body 232 within the wick bore 222.
A washer 241 (as best illustrated in
Referring to
As best illustrated in
The insert section sidewall 254 can be substantially cylindrical with a straight or tapering configuration from the ledge 266 to the top wall 260. The insert section 253 can have a configuration, shape and/or profile similar to that of the puck receiving chamber 215. The dimensions of the insert section 253 can be smaller than the puck receiving chamber 215 so as to be receivable therein.
A top wall bore 262 can be defined through the top wall 260 and is in communication with the first interior chamber 255.
The base section 264 can have a diameter or width larger than the insert section sidewall 254, thereby providing the ledge 266 that can support the bottom end 208 of the container 202.
One or more fastener posts, and guiding or securing structures can be included with the base section 264. Further, one or more holes can be defined through the base section 264 allowing receipt, access or viewing of the light 346 and buttons 348.
The sidewall 254 can include one or more extensions 257 and/or a notch 259 configured to received and/or retain the sealing member 256 in position on an exterior of the sidewall 254.
The sealing member 256 can be annular with a flat interior surface for contact with the sidewall 254 or the notch 259, and one or more rings 258 extending out from the flat interior surface to contact the interior surface of the sidewall 210 of the container 202.
Referring now to
A threaded bore 278 can be defined through the elevator body 272, and an extension section 280 can extend from a side of the elevator body 272 opposite the back section 274. A notch 281 is defined between the front section 282 and the elevator body 272 on opposite sides of the extension section 280.
The front section 282 can project from the extension section 280, and can include a post 284 and a recessed section 286 on a side of the front section 282 opposite the post 284.
The elevator assembly 270 can further include a moving connector 290 having a sidewall 292, an opened first end and a bottom wall 298. The sidewall 292 and the bottom wall 298 define a first interior chamber 294, with a second interior chamber 296 being defined by the sidewall 292 that is adjacent to and in communication with the first interior chamber 294. In the exemplary, the first interior chamber 294 can have a diameter or width less than a diameter or width of the second interior chamber 296, thereby creating an internal ledge.
Extending from the bottom wall 298 can be a first latch tab 302 and one or more second latch tabs 304, with a latch of the first latch tab 302 and the second latch tabs 304 facing each other. A bore 300 is defined through the bottom wall 298, which is configured to receive the post 284.
To assemble the moving connector 290 to the elevator body 272, the bottom wall 300 is fitted with the front section 284 so that the post 284 is received through the bore 300, the first latch tab 302 is passed over a free edge of the front section 282 so that it is latched with the recessed section 286, and each of the second latch tabs 304 are received through the notch 281, respectively, so they are latched to an underside of the front section 282.
In one aspect, a length of the first latch tab 302 is less than a length of the second latch tabs 304. Further, the recessed section 286 can be omitted with the first and second latch tabs 302, 304 have the same length so that they all latch to the underside of the front section 282.
A second magnet 306 can be received in the first interior chamber 294 of the moving connector 290. With a magnet mounting bracket 308 being receivable in the second interior chamber 296. The magnet mounting bracket 308 can include a sidewall 310 and a top wall 314 featuring a bore 316 defined therethrough, with an interior chamber 312 being defined by the sidewall 310 and the top wall 314. The bore 316 being in communication with the interior chamber 312.
The wick engaging member 230 can be operatively fitted with the magnet mounting bracket 308 so that the wick member plate 238 and its associated connection piece 240 are received in the interior chamber 312 of the mounting bracket 308, and so that the wick receiving body 232 is received through the bore 314 (as best illustrated in
Referring to
Each guide rod 326 is slidable received in the slot 276, respectively, thereby guiding linear travel of the elevator assembly 270 and providing non-rotational movement of the elevator assembly 270.
A motor 328 is associated with the motor housing 324 and is operatively engaged to drive a worm gear or power screw 330 that extends from the motor 328 adjacent with and parallel to the guide rods 326. The power screw 330 is operatively engaged with and received in the threaded bore 278 of the elevator body to providing linear movement of the elevator assembly 270 upon rotation of the power screw 330 by the motor 328. It can be appreciated that rotation of the power screw 330 in a first direction causes the elevator assembly 270 to move in a first direction towards the motor 328 while rotation of the power screw 330 in a second opposite direction causes the elevator assembly 270 to move in a second direction opposite to that of the first direction or away from the motor 328. The power screw 330 can have, but not limited to, a sing start, a double start or a triple start power screw configuration.
The motor 328 can be a stepper motor and/or can include rotational detecting means that counts the number of rotations, which can be utilized by the computer or control system to determine travel distance and/or position of the elevator assembly 270.
The motor assembly 320 can be supported by the base section 360 so that the power screw 330 extends away from the base section 360. In some aspects, the power screw 330 can extend vertically, substantially vertically or angularly when the base section 360 is supported on a surface.
The assembled base unit 250 is best illustrated in
The battery cover 370 can be removably attachable to the base section 360 in a manner providing removal or opening of the battery cover 370 to allow replacement of the batteries 344.
With the elevator assembly 270 assembled to the motor assembly 320, the both are supported by the base section 360 in the first and second interior chambers 255, 255′ of the puck body 252 so that the elevator assembly 270 can move linearly within the first interior chamber 255. Further, the motor assembly 320 can be offset from a central longitudinal axis of the base unit 250 so that the magnet mounting bracket 308 is slidably received through the top wall bore 262 of the puck body 252.
In an assembled configuration, the magnet mounting bracket 308 is attachably received in the second interior chamber 296 of the moving connector 290, with the second magnet 306 being contained in the first interior chamber 294. The moving connector 290 is attached to the front section 282 of the elevator body so that the post 284 is received in the bore 300 and the first and second latch tabs 302, 304 are latched to their respective edges of the front section 282.
The elevator assembly 270 is operatively assembled to the power screw 330 with each guide rod 326 being received in its respective slot 276. The back section 274 of the elevator body 272 can have a flat surface that travels along in an offset configuration to the vertical support 322. With the top side 325 of the vertical support 322 acting as a travel stop to the elevator body 272 at a maximum distance or height of the elevator assembly 270 from the motor housing 320.
Operation of the flame out candle system 200 is best illustrated in
With the wick in an extended configuration, as best illustrated in
A portion of the wick 242 exits the wick bore 218 of the wax candle body 216 allow the portion to be ignited and having the candle burn and operate normally.
Upon activation of a button 348 by a user or by a signal provided by the computer or controller system 400, the motor 328 will activate and impart rotation of the power screw 330, as best illustrated in
This linear movement consequently retracts the wick 242 into the wick bore 218 (retracted configuration) and thus into the wax candle body 216, thereby assisting in extinguishing the flamed wick. The motor 328 can be reactivated to extend the wick 242 back out of the wick bore 218 to the extended configuration at a distance sufficient for reignition thereby placing the flame out candle 200 in a configuration ready for reuse.
When a majority of the wax candle body 216 has been burned away, and the wick 242 is near the grommet 220, the seal between the grommet 220 and the wick receiving body 232 prevents any melted wax from entering the puck receiving chamber 215 and the first and second interior chambers 255, 255′ of the base unit 250.
In some aspects, the flame out candle system 200 can be utilized and configured to automatically retract the wick 242 into the wax candle body 216 after a predetermined time period from a timer, upon activation of an input by a user, upon activation by voice command, upon wireless or Bluetooth activation, networked or internet activation or a sensor such as, but not limited to, the tilt/angle sensor 408, the motion sensor 418, or the heat sensor 418 (see
Referring to
An opening 392 is defined through the top wall 390 and is in communication with the top wall bore 262. The opening 392 is configured to receive therethrough the wick 242 and/or the wick receiving body 232.
In the exemplary, the shield 380 can include a sidewall 382 with an outwardly tapering shape from a top wall 390. The sidewall 382 can include a substantially flat sections 384 that correspond with the flat sections 254″ of the puck body 252′.
One or more grooves 383 can be defined in or through the sidewall 382 and/or the flat sections 384.
It can be appreciated that the sidewall 382 can be any geometrical shape, and the grooves 386 can have any configuration or profile.
The shield 380 can be configured to be receivable in a cavity of the wax candle body 216, with an interior chamber of the shield 380 being configured to receive the insert section 253′ of the puck body 252′ with the ledge 266 of the puck body 252′ supporting a bottom portion of the shield 380 and at least a portion of the wax candle body 216.
In the exemplary, the grooves 386 can act as structural retentions means associated with an exterior of the shield 380 that engages with the wax material of the wax candle body 216 that defines the bottom cavity thereof, thereby securing the shield 380 in the bottom cavity. The shield 380 can be inserted into a hardened wax candle or it can be placed in a candle mold for receipt of molten wax around the shield 380. Upon hardening, the wax would then solidify around the shield 380 and into the grooves 386 thereby securing it in place in the cavity.
In the further exemplary, the shield 380 can be inserted into the puck receiving chamber 215 at the bottom section of the candle container 202.
In some or all embodiments, the shield 380 and the insert section 253′ can include corresponding engageable elements configured to secure the puck body 252′ to the shield 380 when the insert section 253′ is inserted a predetermined distance into the shield 380.
The computer or controller system 400 (see
The example computer or controller system 400 includes a processor or multiple processors 402 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both), and a memory 406, which communicate with each other via a bus 432. The computer or controller system 400 may further include or be in operable communication with the audio device or input (e.g., a voice recognition or biometric verification unit, microphone) 412, the battery units 26, a video display 416 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), touch sensitive display), charging ports 420, the lights 428, and/or activation input devices 430 (e.g., a keyboard, keypad, touchpad, touch display, buttons, switches). The computer or controller system 400 may also include additional sensors and/or inputs 418 (e.g., a motion sensor, a heat sensor, a distance sensor), a drive unit 422 (also referred to as disk drive unit), a signal generation device 426 (e.g., a speaker), the tilt sensor 408, a wireless or infrared (IR) receiver 410, and a network interface device 414. The computer or controller system 400 may further include a data encryption module (not shown) to encrypt data. The drive unit 422 includes a computer or machine-readable medium 424 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions and data structures (e.g., instructions 404) embodying or utilizing any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 404 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the memory 406 and/or within the processors 402 during execution thereof by the computer or controller system 400. The memory 406 and the processors 402 may also constitute machine-readable media.
The instructions 404 may further be transmitted or received over a network via the network interface device 414 utilizing any one of a number of well-known transfer protocols (e.g., Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP)). While the machine-readable medium 424 is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that causes the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present application, or that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying data structures utilized by or associated with such a set of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wave signals. Such media may also include, without limitation, hard disks, floppy disks, flash memory cards, digital video disks, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and the like. The example embodiments described herein may be implemented in an operating environment comprising software installed on a computer, in hardware, or in a combination of software and hardware.
An example machine system of the present technology including the computer or controller system 400 in combinational and/or operational use with components of the present technology. In the exemplary, any or all of above described components can include a processor 402, memory 406, a network interface device 414, a display 416, an input device(s) 418, and/or drive unit 422.
The computer or controller system 400 and/or any of the above electronic components can be housed in any one of or any combination of the puck assembly 20, 20′, 90, 200 and/or the puck base assembly 84, 160.
It can be appreciated the computer or controller system 400 can include or be in communication additional components such as, but not limited to, a flameout, heat or temperature sensor that is configured or configurable to determine excess flame or heat from the wick 70, 242.
It can be appreciated that any one of or any combination of the puck assembly of the present technology can be designed with a mechanical system to reel in the wick 70, 242 at preset time intervals or upon a preset tiling angle of the wax candle body 12, 216. Preset time intervals can include a TEST mode, one hour, two hours, three hour and four hour settings.
The TEST mode can be used to enable a user to validate the puck assembly is functioning correctly. The TEST mode can allow the wax candle body to burn for a short predetermined amount of time, then reel in the wick 70, 242 to assist in extinguishing the flame, and then the puck assembly will reverse the wick 70, 242 pushing the wick 70, 242 back up allowing it to extend approximately one quarter inch above the surface of the melted candle wax, allowing the wick 70, 242 to be relighted.
Any one of or any combination of the puck assembly can include a switch allowing the user to set a length of time the wax candle body 12, 216 will burn. Once the preset time is reached, the puck assembly can then automatically reel in the wick 70, 242 far enough to assist in extinguishing the flame and then, while the wax is still liquid, it will reverse the wick 70, 242 so it extends one quarter inch above the surface of the melted wax, thereby allowing the wick 70, 242 to be relighted multiple times until the candle wax is exhausted. In the exemplary, the timer function can be overwritten by vice command, for example by speaking “Flame Out”, which will assist in extinguishing the candle on demand.
Any one of or any combination of the puck assembly and accompanying wax candle body can be designed in a variety of sizes and shapes. The puck assembly can be battery operated and designed to be reusable on candles designed for each size and shape puck assembly.
Each candle design and its accompanying puck assembly can be sold together as a unit/kit or as separate products. It can be appreciated that any one of or any combination of the puck assembly can be reused on replacement candles with a SKU number for each puck assembly design.
It can be further appreciated that the wick 70, 242 can be a replaceable wick a consumer can buy which burn in various colors, patterns and/or effects. The wick 70, 242 can be easily removed and replaced by a user, allowing the user to choose a wick that burns their desired flame color, pattern and/or effect. These wicks can have a material threaded or associated therein allowing the wick to burn various colors, patterns and/or effects. The material can be, but not limited to, a fine metal filament. The replaceable wicks can be sold as an add on product the consumer can purchase if desired.
The size, thread angle, pitch, lead and/or number of teeth or threads of the drive gear 44, the spur gears 46, 50, the pinion gears 54, 56, the rack gear 74 and/or the power screw 330 can be configured to provide specific travel distance of the wick 70, 242.
In the exemplary, the present technology can include in part any one of or any combination of following advantageous features such as, but not limited to: side locks 30 and lock bars 34 to secure any one of or any combination of the puck assembly 20, 20′, 90 in the candle body 12; spur gears, pinion gears and/or power screws to transfer linear motion to the wick 70, 242 and to increase torque to a target range; the metal washer 80 or washer 241 to protect any one of or any combination of the puck assembly 20, 20′, 90, 250 from being damaged; the wick stroke can be around 10 mm; 360 degree tilt sensor 408 that can be integrated with the PCB of the computer or controller system 400; and a tolerance of the wick bore 14, 218 for movement of the wick 70, 242 within the candle body 12, 216 can be 0.6 mm.
In the exemplary, a microphone 412 can be utilized in communication with the processor 402 to receive voice commands to operate functions of the present technology. For example, a user can speak a voice command such as, but not limited to, “retract wick” or “flame out” and the microphone 412 can detect the command and send a signal/data to the processor 402 for processing. The processor 402 can then activate the motor 40, 184 appropriately based on the instructions 404 associated with the voice command.
In an exemplary method, the flame out candle 200 can operated by first removing the battery cover 370 and inserting batteries 344 into the base unit 250, and replacing the battery cover. The base unit 250 can then be inserted into the puck receiving cavity 215 of the glass container 202, and then placed on a flat surface.
The base unit 250 can then be turned on by presses an appropriate activation button 248, where the light 346 will blink (for example the color red) indicating the base unit 250 is “ON” and ready for use. The light 346 can stay solid, which can indicate that the batteries are low and need replacing.
A timer of the computer or controller system 400 can be set by pressing an appropriate button 248 to activate timer. For example, pressing the button the following number of times will provide a corresponding time of operation: 1 press=1 hour (purple color of light 346), 2 presses=2 hours (yellow color of light 346), 3 presses=3 hours (green color light 346), 4 presses=4 hours (blue color light 346). The candle will self-extinguish when time setting has elapsed.
The candle 200 can be rotated 180 degrees, so the buttons 248 face away and microphone of the puck assembly faces the open space in the room. A voice command can be provided at any time by loudly speak a command such as, but not limited to, “CANDLE FLAME OUT”, the candle will override all timer programming and self-extinguish the wick by retraction into the wax candle body.
If the candle 200 is tilted to 45 degrees when activated, the computer or controller system 400 will assume the candle is falling over and will override all timer settings and try to self-extinguish the wick by retraction into the wax candle body.
After candle 200 extinguishes a “Dim Blinking Blue Light”, will come on indicating the candle is in “Standby Mode”. In 6 minutes the wick will retract once, and again in 15 minutes, then the light 246 and the base unit 250 will turn off. This function allows the wick to break away from the hardening wax pool for the next usage.
In the exemplary, upon all future re-lighting of the wick, it can take approximately 5-10 minutes for the wax pool to melt enough to release the wick for the extinguishing function to work. This will not affect the timer settings but if the voice command is pronounced before the wax has released the wick, the unit will try to retract the wick unsuccessfully and go into “Standby Mode” and retract the wick again at 6 minutes and 15 minutes then turn off.
It is recommended that the puck assembly is not removed from the wax candle body while the wax pool is melted or soft, as this can result in the hot wax flowing into and clogging the grommet 220 and/or the wick engaging member 230. Only when the wax has solidly hardened (minimum time 1 hour) can the candle be removed from the puck assembly if a user desires to change or replace the candle.
It can be appreciated that at least the base unit 250 is reusable, and where the candle container 202 with the candle body 216 or just the candle body 216 is replaceable.
A user may remove the candle container 202 once the wax candle 216 has been completely consumed or when the user wishes to change out for a new candle container and candle. This can only be done if the melted wax pool at the top of the candle has hardened completely encasing the wick.
Replacing the candle container and wax candle can be accomplished pulling the base unit 250 out from the puck receiving chamber 215 at the bottom section of the candle container 202. A new candle container and wax candle can include a pre-assembled wick engaging member 230, washer 241 and wick 242. It is recommended before inserting the puck assembly 250 into the puck receiving chamber 215 that the bottom of the wick engaging member 230 is at least ½ inch extended into the puck receiving chamber 215. Once the candle container 202 is mated to the puck assembly, the magnet or connection piece 240 at the bottom of the wick engaging member 230 will connect with the magnet 306 in the moving connector 290 and the flame out candle will be ready for use.
In an alternative, the wick 70, 242 can be retracted into any one of or any combination of the puck assembly 20, 20′, 90, 250 and after which can be removed by way of activating a puck removal switch that disengages a directional reel of the motor 40, 184, 328 allowing the puck assembly to be in a free wheel state. This allows any one of or any combination of the puck assembly 20, 20′, 90, 250 to be removed from the candle body 12, 216 without damaging the reel, any of the gears, power screws, threads or motor 40, 184, 328 within the puck assembly.
After the puck assembly is removed from the candle body 12, 216 or container 202 with the wick 70, 242 may still be attached to the puck assembly. A wick release switch can be activated releasing a quarter inch portion of the wick 70, 242 which was first activated, thereby allowing the puck assembly to be reused on a different candle.
Any one of or any combination of the puck assembly 20, 20′, 90, 250 can be designed with a safety feature which will automatically reel or retract in the wick 70, 242 and assist in extinguishing the flame if the candle is tilted a predetermined or preset number of degrees (tilt angle degrees), thereby reducing the possibility of a fire in the case the candle body 12, 216 is knocked over by a child, pet or some other cause. After this automatic retraction and preset time, the motor 40, 184, 328 can then reverse so the wick 70, 242 extends back out the wick bore 14, 218 and the candle can be reused. In addition if the battery voltage drops to a low level an auditable signal can be activated to signal low battery life to the user, and shortly thereafter the motor 40, 184, 328 can be activated to self-extinguish the wick, accordingly, overriding all previous settings before battery life is terminated. As mentioned above, this safety feature may include a mercury type switch or the like that is in communication with the motor 40, 184, 328 or the computer or controller system 400.
Any one of or any combination of the puck assembly 20, 20′, 90, 250 and candle body 12, 216 can be adapted for use with candles contained in a glass jar, long narrow tapered candles, multiple wick candles, multiple color and scented candles and virtually all candle shapes and sizes.
In use, it can now be understood that a user can preset a time duration for automatic extinguishing of the wick flame, or the user can manually activate the motor by operation of a button, or the motor can be automatically operated upon exceeding a preset tilt angle of the candle, or by receiving a signal from a remote or wireless device.
Referring to
The candle stand 500 can include a first chamber 502 defined in the bottom end of the candle stand 500 for receiving the puck body 252, and a second chamber 504 for receiving the base section 264 of the base unit 250.
The wick engaging extension member 512 can include a shaft 514, a first shaft magnet 516 at one end, and a second shaft magnet 518 at an opposite end. The candle stand 500 defines a top chamber 506 for receiving and allowing movement of the first shaft magnet 516 therein, and a shaft bore 508 in communication with the top chamber 506 and the first chamber 502. The shaft bore 508 is configured to allow the shaft 514 to slide therein.
The wick engaging member 230 is slidably receivable in the top chamber 506 so that the connection piece 240 is engageable with the first shaft magnet 516. Where the wick receiving body 232 of the wick engaging member 230 and the wick 242 are slidably received in the wick bore 218. The second shaft magnet 518 is slidably receivable in the first chamber 502 of the candle stand 500 and can be retained in the interior chamber 312 of the magnet mounting bracket 308 of the elevator assembly 270 for engagement with the second magnet 306.
In use, the second shaft magnet 518 is assembled with the magnet mounting backet 308 and the base unit 250 is insertable into the first and second chambers 502, 504 of the candle stand 500. The shaft 514 is slidably received in the shaft bore 508 of the candle stand 500 so that the first shaft magnet 516 is slidable received in the top chamber 506. The wax candle 216 with its corresponding wick engaging member 230 at a bottom end of the wax candle and the wick 242 is placed on the a top end of the candle stand 500 so that the bottom end is received in a candle receiving recess 510. Upon which, the connection piece 240 of the wick engaging member 230 is engaged with the first shaft magnet 516. Operation of the base unit 250 provides linear movement of the elevator assembly 270, which provides linear movement of the second magnet 306 and thus linear movement of the wick engaging extension member 512 by way of the second magnet 306 and second shaft magnet 518 connection. Consequently, the wick engaging extension member 512 provides linear movement of the wick engaging member 230 by way of the first shaft magnet 516 and connection piece 240 connection, and thus linear movement of the wick 242 within the wick bore 218.
In any of the embodiments of the present technology, the connection piece 240, the second magnet 306, the first shaft magnet 516 and the second shaft magnet 518 can be configured as attractive magnets or one magnet attracted to a ferromagnetic piece.
According to an aspect, the present technology can include the candle system 200 including the base unit 250 featuring the motor 328 operatively engageable with the power screw 330, and the elevator assembly 270 operatively engageable with the power screw 330. The elevator assembly 270 can be moveable within the base unit 250. The wick engaging member 230 can be operatively engageable with the elevator assembly 270 and with the wick 242, with the wick engaging member 230 being moveable with the elevator assembly 270. The motor 328 can provide rotation to the power screw 330 that linearly moves the elevator assembly 270 and the wick engaging member 230 that linearly moves the wick 242 within the wick bore 218 defined in the wax candle 216.
According to another aspect, the present technology can include the candle system 200 including the candle container 202 defining the interior candle cavity 206 containing the wax candle 216, the base unit 250 and the computer or controller system 400. The base unit 250 can include the motor assembly 320, the elevator assembly 270 and the wick engaging member 230. The motor assembly 320 can include the motor 328 operatively engageable with the power screw 330. The elevator assembly 270 can be operatively engageable with the power screw 330, and where the elevator assembly 270 can be moveable within the base unit 250. The wick engaging member 230 can be operatively engageable with the elevator assembly 270 and with the wick 242, and where the wick engaging member 230 can be moveable with the elevator assembly 270. The computer or controller system 400 can be configured or configurable to control the motor 328 based on one of or any combination of a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal, a voice command, a wireless activation signal, and a networked activation signal. The motor 328 can provide rotation to the power screw 330 that linearly moves the elevator assembly 270 and the wick engaging member 230 that linearly moves the wick 242 within the wick bore 218 defined in the wax candle 216.
According to yet another aspect, the present technology a method of using the candle system 200 to assist in extinguishing a wick flame. The method can include the steps of operating the motor 328 to drive the elevator assembly 270 by way of the power screw 330 that provides movement of the wick engaging member 230 for moving the wick 242 within the wick bore 218 of the wax candle 216 to assist in extinguishing the wick flame. Controlling, by the computer or controller system 400, the operation of the motor 328 based on receiving by the computer or controller system 400 one of or any combination of the time signal, the activation signal, the sensor signal, the voice command, the wireless activation signal, and the networked activation signal.
Some or all aspects of the present technology can include the candle container 202 defining the interior candle cavity 206 containing the wax candle 216. The candle container 202 can be supported by the base unit 250.
In some or all aspects, the candle container 202 can include the interior sidewall 210 and the top wall 212. The interior sidewall 21 can extend from the bottom end 208 and into the interior candle cavity 206. The interior sidewall 210 and the top wall 212 can define the puck receiving chamber 215 at a bottom section of the candle container 202. The hole 214 can be defined through the top wall 212.
In some or all aspects, the grommet 220 can be fitted in the hole 214 to provide a seal with a portion of the wick engaging member 230 sliding therethrough.
In some or all aspects, the base unit 250 can include the insert section 253 that can be receivable in the puck receiving chamber 215 so that a portion of the wick engaging member 230 or a portion of the wick 242 is received through the hole 214.
In some or all aspects, the sealing member 256 can be attachable to the insert section 253 of the base unit 252 for contact with an interior surface of the interior sidewall 210 of the candle container 202.
In some or all aspects, the elevator assembly 270 can include an elevator body 272 and a moving connector 290. The elevator body 272 can include the threaded bore 278 that is operatively engageable with the power screw 330, and the moving connector 290 can be operatively engageable with the elevator body 272 and the wick engaging member 230.
In some or all aspects, the wick engaging member 230 and the moving connector 290 can be magnetically attachable to each other.
Some or all aspects of the present technology can include one or more of the guide rods 326 extending from the motor 328 or motor assembly 320. The guide rods 326 can be slidably receivable in slots 276, respectively, that are defined in the elevator body 272.
In some or all aspects, the moving connector 290 can include one or more of the latch tabs 302, 304 that are releasably engageable with the front section 282 of the elevator body 272.
In some or all aspects, the front section 282 of the elevator body 272 can include the post 284 that is receivable in the bore 300 defined through the bottom wall 298 of the moving connector 290.
Some or all aspects of the present technology can include the computer or controller system 400 that can be configured or configurable to control the motor 328 based on one of or any combination selected from the group consisting of a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal, a voice command, a wireless activation signal, and a networked activation signal.
In some or all aspects, the computer or controller system 400 can be configured or configurable to control the motor 328 based on a sensor selected from the group consisting of a tilt sensor, an angle sensor, and a heat sensor.
While embodiments of the flame out candle system and method have been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present technology. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the present technology, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present technology. For example, any suitable sturdy material may be used instead of the above-described. And although retracting a wick into a candle have been described, it should be appreciated that the flame out candle system and method herein described is also suitable for retracting a wick of a fuel burning lamp of stove.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the present technology. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the present technology to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the present technology.
Claims
1. A candle system comprising:
- a base unit comprising: a motor operatively engageable with a power screw; an elevator assembly operatively engageable with the power screw, the elevator assembly being moveable within the base unit; and a wick engaging member that is operatively engageable with the elevator assembly and with a wick, the wick engaging member being moveable with the elevator assembly; wherein the motor provides rotation to the power screw that linearly moves the elevator assembly and the wick engaging member that linearly moves the wick within a wick bore defined in a wax candle.
2. The candle system according to claim 1 further comprising a candle container defining an interior candle cavity containing the wax candle, wherein the candle container is supported by the base unit.
3. The candle system according to claim 2, wherein the candle container includes an interior sidewall and a top wall, the interior sidewall extends from a bottom end and into the interior candle cavity, the interior sidewall and the top wall define a puck receiving chamber at a bottom section of the candle container, and wherein a hole is defined through the top wall.
4. The candle system according to claim 3, wherein a grommet is fitted in the hole to provide a seal with a portion of the wick engaging member sliding therethrough.
5. The candle system according to claim 3, wherein the base unit comprising an insert section that is receivable in the puck receiving chamber so that a portion of the wick engaging member or a portion of the wick is received through the hole.
6. The candle system according to claim 3, wherein a sealing member is attachable to the base unit for contact with an interior surface of the interior sidewall of the candle container that defines the puck receiving chamber.
7. The candle system according to claim 1, wherein the elevator assembly includes an elevator body and a moving connector, the elevator body including a threaded bore that is operatively engageable with the power screw, and the moving connector is operatively engageable with the elevator body and the wick engaging member.
8. The candle system according to claim 7, wherein the wick engaging member and the moving connector are magnetically attachable to each other.
9. The candle system according to claim 7 further comprising one or more guide rods extending from the motor, the guide rods are slidably receivable in slots, respectively, that are defined in the elevator body.
10. The candle system according to claim 7, wherein the moving connector includes one or more latch tabs that are releasably engageable with a front section of the elevator body.
11. The candle system according to claim 10, wherein the front section of the elevator body includes a post that is receivable in a bore defined through a bottom wall of the moving connector.
12. The candle system according to claim 1 further comprising a computer or controller system configured or configurable to control the motor based on one of or any combination selected from the group consisting of a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal, a voice command, a wireless activation signal, and a networked activation signal.
13. The candle system according to claim 12, wherein the computer or controller system being configured or configurable to control the motor based on a sensor selected from the group consisting of a tilt sensor, an angle sensor, and a heat sensor.
14. A candle system comprising:
- a candle container defining an interior candle cavity containing a wax candle;
- a base unit comprising: a motor assembly including a motor operatively engageable with a power screw; an elevator assembly operatively engageable with the power screw, the elevator assembly being moveable within the base unit; and a wick engaging member that is operatively engageable with the elevator assembly and with a wick, the wick engaging member being moveable with the elevator assembly; and
- a computer or controller system configured or configurable to control the motor based on one of or any combination of a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal, a voice command, a wireless activation signal, and a networked activation signal;
- wherein the motor provides rotation to the power screw that linearly moves the elevator assembly and the wick engaging member that linearly moves the wick within a wick bore defined in the wax candle.
15. The candle system according to claim 14, wherein:
- the candle container includes an interior sidewall and a top wall, the interior sidewall extends from a bottom end and into the interior candle cavity, the interior sidewall and the top wall define a puck receiving chamber at a bottom section of the candle container, and wherein a hole is defined through the top wall;
- a grommet is fitted in the hole to provide a seal with a portion of the wick engaging member sliding therethrough;
- the base unit comprising an insert section that is receivable in the puck receiving chamber so that a portion of the wick engaging member or a portion of the wick is received through the hole; and
- a sealing member is attachable to the insert section of the base unit for contact with an interior surface of the interior sidewall of the candle container.
16. The candle system according to claim 14, wherein the elevator assembly includes an elevator body and a moving connector, the elevator body including a threaded bore that is operatively engageable with the power screw, and the moving connector is operatively engageable with the elevator body and the wick engaging member.
17. The candle system according to claim 16, wherein the wick engaging member and the moving connector are magnetically attachable to each other.
18. The candle system according to claim 16, wherein the motor assembly includes one or more guide rods extending therefrom, the guide rods are slidably receivable in slots, respectively, that are defined in the elevator body, wherein the moving connector includes one or more latch tabs that are releasably engageable with a front section of the elevator body, and wherein the front section of the elevator body includes a post that is receivable in a bore defined through a bottom wall of the moving connector.
19. The candle system according to claim 14, wherein the computer or controller system being configured or configurable to control the motor based on a sensor selected from the group consisting of a tilt sensor, an angle sensor, and a heat sensor.
20. A method of using the candle system of claim 1 to extinguish a wick flame, the method comprising the steps of:
- operating the motor to drive the elevator assembly, by way of the power screw, to provide movement of the wick engaging member for moving the wick within the wick bore of the wax candle to assist in extinguishing the wick flame; and
- controlling, by a computer or controller system, an operation of the motor based on receiving by the computer or controller system one of or any combination of a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal, a voice command, a wireless activation signal, and a networked activation signal.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 12, 2026
Publication Date: Jul 16, 2026
Applicant: AEXION INC. (Roseville, CA)
Inventor: John S. Riga (Roseville, CA)
Application Number: 19/564,356
