Candle Composition Patents (Class 44/275)
  • Patent number: 6241512
    Abstract: A decorative candle display. The display includes a non-opaque container with an interior wall surface and a core candle having a first melting point and situated within the container such that a chamber is formed between the core candle and the wall surface. A plurality of colored gelatinous structures are adhered against the interior wall surface such that the structures are visible exteriorly, and a meltable solid mixture having a second melting point lower than the first melting point is disposed within the chamber. The chamber is of a cross sectional size adequate to dissipate heat through the solid mixture from the core candle when lighted such that the gelatinous structures do not melt from that heat. Concurrently, a cavern is formed within the solid mixture where the core candle is situated and when the core candle is burned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventors: Scott H. Freeman, Frank H. Asbury
  • Patent number: 6224641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a paraffin-based object, especially a candle, with a proportion of a perfume which exceeds 10% by weight, in which the perfume is dissolved in a solvent containing an organic ester, and the solution is in turn added to or disolved in paraffin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Schümann Sasol GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Norbert Matzat, Michael Matthäi, Claus Starke
  • Patent number: 6221115
    Abstract: Candle wax containing a combination of a UV absorber, preferably a benzotriazole, in combination with a hindered amine which is substituted on the N-atom by an alkoxy, a cycloalkoxy or an hydroxy-substituted alkoxy moiety is surprising better stabilized than candle wax which contains a combination of a UV absorber and a conventional hindered amine where the N-atom is substituted by hydrogen or alkyl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: James Lee Hyun, Walid Al-Akhdar, Kevin Trainor, Ramanathan Ravichandran, Mervin Wood, Andrea Smith
  • Patent number: 6214063
    Abstract: A decorative product has at least one, but preferably many solid icons made of ester-terminated polyamide (ETPA) and low-polarity liquid such as mineral oil. A clear medium such as clear ETPA-based polymer, is around the icon. The medium may be in a clear jar and a wick may extend through the medium to form a candle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Bath & Body Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Fabian DeStefano, Kirsten Klett, Elizabeth B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6214918
    Abstract: A candle and the method of making the same is disclosed wherein the candle consists essentially of about 5 to 40 volume percent of a paraffin wax; about 5 to 10 volume percent of a candle scent; about 0.25 to 1 volume percent of a binding agent; about 50 to 95 volume percent of a soybean oil; and about 1 to 5 drops of a liquid dye. The method of making the candle comprises the steps of: adding a binding agent to paraffin wax and heating the same to about 160° F.; adding soybean oil to the mixture and heating the same to about 160° F.; adding liquid dye to the mixture; adding the candle scent to the mixture; and pouring the mixture into pre-wicked containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventors: Eldon C. Johnson, Colleen L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6214295
    Abstract: A method of forming a decorative candle. The method comprises providing a candle which is fabricated from a wax material that defines a top surface. Next, a source of heat is applied to the candle until at least that portion of the wax which defines the top surface thereof is melted. Then at least one gelatinous component formed from a mineral oil gel is placed onto the top surface such that the component is at least partially inserted into the molten wax. The candle is allowed to cool thereby hardening the molten wax and securing the gelatinous component. The melting point of the gelatinous component is higher than the melting point of the wax such that the component will not melt when placed upon the molten wax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Primal Elements, Inc.
    Inventor: Faith Freeman
  • Patent number: 6210153
    Abstract: A decorative candle display including a transparent container with an interior wall surface having disposed thereon a transparent combustible gelatinous liner. Situated on the liner is at least one shaped generally opaque structure fabricated of an opaque combustible wax material and a transparent combustible gelatinous material. An opaque combustible filler material is disposed within the container interiorly from the liner and visible therethrough, and a wick extends exteriorly from the filler material. Glitter particulate can be included in the liner to enhance glisten, while pigment and/or fragrance can be incorporated within the gelatinous and/or filler materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Primal Elements, Inc
    Inventors: Faith Freeman, Frank Asbury
  • Patent number: 6200129
    Abstract: A candle capable of changing color when lighted is disclosed. More particularly, the candle incorporates thermochromic dyes that are a first color at room temperature and a second color upon being raised to an activation temperature. The color change is preferably reversible so that upon cooling, the portions of the candle that underwent a color change return to their original color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventors: Michael R. Sullivan, John Raymond Sullivan, Paul Francis Sullivan, Robert Joseph Sullivan, Thomas Daniel Fisher
  • Patent number: 6187727
    Abstract: The use of 2-methyl-3-cyclohexylpropanol, esters thereof or mixtures thereof as fragrance materials is disclosed. The subject materials possess unique fragrance notes and are cost-effective materials. The esters are novel compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Bush Boake Allen, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex R. Pagano, Walter C. Frank
  • Patent number: 6172016
    Abstract: The use of 3-methyl-5-cyclohexylpentanol, 3-methyl-5-cyclohexylpentanal or mixtures thereof as fragrance materials is disclosed. The subject materials possess unique fragrance notes and are advantageous in that they are cost-effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Bush Boakes Allen Inc.
    Inventors: Alex R. Pagano, Walter C. Frank
  • Patent number: 6165234
    Abstract: A candle with an excellent attractive effect of color change with the use of positive and negative types of thermochromic dyes which develop a highly dense color on heating to the melting point of wax. These are composed of a plurality of (A) an electron donating chromogenic organic compound, (B) an electron accepting aromatic organic compound, (C) a medium selected from aliphatic alcohols or paraffinic waxes, (D) one or more of oil-based fragrances containing aromatic aldehydes, ketones, or esters, and (E) soluble halides or nitrates of transition metals. By controlling the relative proportions and the physical proximity of a plurality of ingredients from (A) through (E) in a candle or candle wax or other waxes, a color develops from a colorless state giving a positive thermochromic effect, the initial color is erased giving a negative thermochromic effect on heating or when the candle burns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: Sebastian V. Kanakkanatt
  • Patent number: 6159254
    Abstract: An object is to provide a wax composition for candles which is excellent in moldability in the production of the candles, enables the candles produced therefrom to be reduced in the bending and blocking, and which can be improved in releasability. A wax composition for forming candles, which comprises 100 parts by weight of petroleum paraffin wax and 0.1 to 0.3 parts by weight of a mineral oil, with said petroleum paraffin wax containing 97% by weight and above of a fraction which has 24 and above carbon atoms, having normal paraffin wax/non-normal paraffin wax ratios of at least 9 and having a melting point of 45 to 65.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignees: Nippon Mitsubishi Oil Corporation, Petroleum Energy Center
    Inventors: Eiji Akiyama, Masao Isobe, Nobuaki Kawabata
  • Patent number: 6129771
    Abstract: A multi-layer gel candle includes a substantially transparent container, such as a glass tumbler, in which multiple layers of mineral oil-based gel are poured in selective layer patterns including multiple layers with parallel interfaces and multiple layers with intersecting interfaces between layers. Each gel layer may be provided with colorant and fragrance compositions mixed thereinto, as well as light reflective or visual effect enhancing particulates. Striking visual effects and fragrance effects are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Aunt Bee's, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey T. Ficke, Vicky B. McWilliams
  • Patent number: 6111055
    Abstract: An ester-terminated dimer acid-based polyamide may be blended with a solvent to form a gel. The solvent may be flammable, and a wick may be added to the resulting gel so as to form a candle. Depending on the composition, the candle may be formed into a free standing pillar, or may be better suited to being placed in a container. The solvent may be mineral oil. A solid coating may be placed around the candle, for advantages including to enhance the mechanical stability of the gelled body, and to eliminate the tendency of a gel to have an oily feel and to accept noticeable fingerprints. The solvent which, in combination with the ester-terminated dimer acid-based polymer forms a gel, may be or include a fragrance material, an insecticide or an insect repellent. A wick may or may not be present in this gel, but in any event, the composition provides for the release of the fragrance, insecticide or insect-repellent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignees: Union Camp Corporation, Bush Boake Allen
    Inventors: Vivian Berger, Charles R. Frihart, Ronald L. Gordon, Jochen Heydel, Richard C. MacQueen, Mark S. Pavlin, Virgil Williams
  • Patent number: 6106597
    Abstract: This invention relates to wax formulations comprised of specific poly(oxyalkylenated) colorants having fatty ester terminal groups. Preferably the wax formulation is a candle. Such polymeric ester capped colorants provide excellent coloring, decreased migratory properties, and improved balanced burning characteristics over traditional candle colorants and dyestuffs. This invention also concerns methods of making the aforementioned colored candle formulations as well as other colored wax articles, such as crayons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Leonard J. Starks, E. Kyle Stephenson, Robert L. Mahaffey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6096102
    Abstract: A candle comprising candle base materials of a variety of kinds, on the one hand of a candle base material of a first kind which consists in part of white oil and of copolymer, synthetic paraffin being further contained as a constituent, in particular of chain length C18 to C20, and on the other hand of a candle base material of a second kind consisting of conventional paraffin derived from crude paraffins. The different candle base materials are arranged one over the other in a layered manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Schumann Sasol GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Matthai, Gernot Meyer, Bernd Laudi
  • Patent number: 6086644
    Abstract: A scented candle includes a candle manufacturing material, a fragrance provider, and at least one of polypropylene glycol and polypropylene glycol monoalkyl ether with a general formula (I)H--(OC.sub.3 H.sub.6).sub.n --O--R (I)where n is an integer between 2 and 40 and R is H or an alkyl group with a carbon number between 1 and 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignees: Takasago International Corporation, Takasago Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Nakatsu, Carter B. Green, Andrew T. Lupo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6063144
    Abstract: A substantially non-paraffin combustible candle composition consists essentially of at least 30 parts by weight of stearic acid, at least 5 parts by weight of vegetable-derived wax having a melting point of at least 50.degree. C., 0-50 parts by weight of at least one vegetable oil, 0 to 10 parts by weight of at least one fragrance and 0 to 1 part by weight of at least one oxidation inhibitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventors: Jose Francisco Calzada, Janardan Upadhyaya
  • Patent number: 6054517
    Abstract: The present invention relates to clear solid compositions that may be used as the base material of a transparent candle, to the transparent candles made therefrom, and to methods of making the same. The compositions of the present invention include one or more polyamide resins present in a total amount of about 60-80% by weight of the composition, one or more solubilizers, and one or more emulsifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Noville Corporation
    Inventors: Laura A. Spaulding, Robert V. Burke
  • Patent number: 6036925
    Abstract: This invention provides an air freshener candle product which is a slender combustible body composed of ingredients which include (1) candle-wax, (2) thermoplastic polymer and (3) particulate air freshener-release filler. The air freshener is released into the atmosphere under candle burning conditions. An invention taper-shaped candle can be produced by a continuous molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Beth Adams, Judith R. Zaunbrecher, Luz P. Requejo
  • Patent number: 6022402
    Abstract: This invention relates to wax formulations comprised of specific poly(oxyalkylenated) colorants having alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA) terminal groups. Preferably the wax formulation is a crayon. Such polymeric ASA-capped colorants provide excellent coloring, decreased migratory properties, and improved balanced burning characteristics over traditional crayon colorants, pigments, and dyestuffs. This invention also concerns methods of making the aforementioned colored crayon formulations as well as other colored wax articles, such as candles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventors: Eugene Kyle Stephenson, Leonard J. Starks
  • Patent number: 6019804
    Abstract: This invention provides a prilled wax composition that can be compression-molded to a votive type candle product which has a superior combination of density and hardness properties. An invention receptacle-contained votive candle can have a burn rate between about 2 and 5 grams per hour with a standard cotton wick, and maintains a flame height between about 1-3 centimeters during combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Luz P. Requejo, Kathryn H. Ferguson, Keith G. Patzen, Bradley Matyas
  • Patent number: 6013231
    Abstract: This invention provides a wick composition which is comprised of a polymeric strand such as polyethylene, which has a content of particulate cellulosic filler ingredient. The cellulosic ingredient contains chemically-bound air-freshener constituent. The wick is adapted for incorporation in a candle body. When the wick is ignited, it combusts with a controlled release of the air freshener constituent into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Judith R. Zaunbrecher, Mary Beth Adams, Luz P. Requejo
  • Patent number: 5998570
    Abstract: A low molecular weight, ester-terminated polyamide may be blended with a liquid hydrocarbon to form a transparent composition having gel consistency. The ester-terminated polyamide is prepared by reacting "x" equivalents of dicarboxylic acid wherein at least 50% of those equivalents are from polymerized fatty acid, "y" equivalents of diamine such as ethylene diamine, and "z" equivalents of monoalcohol having at least 4 carbon atoms. The stoichiometry of the reaction mixture is such that 0.9.ltoreq.{x/(y+z)}.ltoreq.1.1 and 0.1.ltoreq.{z/(y+z)}.ltoreq.0.7. The reactants are heated until they reach reaction equilibrium. The gel contains about 5-50% ester-terminated polyamide with the remainder preferably being pure hydrocarbon. The gels are useful in formulating personal care products and other articles wherein some degree of gel-like or self-supporting consistency is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Union Camp Corporation
    Inventors: Mark S. Pavlin, Richard C. MacQueen
  • Patent number: 5967769
    Abstract: A portable, contained, fueled, ready-to-use campfire assembly having a fire resistant container with an upwardly facing mouth. The container is filled with a mixture of mineral spirits, paraffin wax and hardwood chips. No additional fuel, mixing, pouring, or lighting is required and a long lasting fire is provided that resists moderate winds, is readily extinguished and does not give out dangerous sparks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Campfire, Inc.
    Inventor: William Thompson
  • Patent number: 5964905
    Abstract: The invention provides a scented gel candle which is flash proof and provides a greater scent. The candle consists of a container having a candle body of a triblock copolymer and hydrocarbon oil having a high flash point. A wick is located in the candle body and is preferably of an unwaxed diameter of about 3/64 to 5/64 inch. The use of the combination of an appropriately sized wick and the high flash hydrocarbon oil provides a safe candle with a satisfactory release of a scent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Sara Lee Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Camp, Jeffrey L. Vollenweider, Wendy J. Schutz
  • Patent number: 5961967
    Abstract: A candle is provided for delivery of an active ingredient comprising a multiphase construction of a continuous first matrix and a second matrix dispersed therein. The first matrix comprises a thermoplastic material, and the second matrix comprises a thermoplastic material which additionally comprises an active ingredient. The second matrix is a discrete phase of small bodies having size in longest dimension between about 0.05 microns to about 5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: W. Nigel Powell, Daniel B. Pendergrass, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5955034
    Abstract: This invention provides an air freshener candle product which is a slender combustible body composed of ingredients which comprise (1) candlewax, (2) thermoplastic polymer, (3) particulate polysaccharidic filler, and (4) air freshener ingredient. The air freshener is released into the atmosphere under candle burning conditions. An invention taper-shaped candle is wickless, and can be produced by a continuous molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Judith R. Zaunbrecher, Luz P. Requejo
  • Patent number: 5919423
    Abstract: This invention provides a wick composition which is comprised of a polymeric strand such as polyethylene, which has a content of particulate polysaccharidic filler ingredient and air freshener ingredient. The wick is adapted for incorporation in a candle body. When the wick is ignited, it combusts with a controlled release of the air freshener ingredient into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Luz P. Requejo, Judith R. Zaunbrecher
  • Patent number: 5882363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to clear solid compositions that may be used as the base material of a transparent candle, to the transparent candles made therefrom, and to methods of making the same. The compositions of the present invention comprise one or more polyamide resins, which may be present in a total amount of about 40-70% by weight of the composition; and one or more 12-hydroxystearic acid ester solvents, which may be present in a total amount of about 10-70% by weight of the composition, having the following chemical structure: ##STR1## and wherein R may by selected from the group consisting of alkyl radicals, aryl radicals, and arylalkyl radicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Noville Corporation
    Inventors: Laura A. Spaulding, Robert V. Burke
  • Patent number: 5871553
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to pourable fragrance-carrier compositions, and methods of preparation thereof, for use in tart candles, wherein the fragrance-carrier composition is comprised of a liquid base material of a hydrogenated polyolefin and a fragrance. The fragrance-carrier composition may be poured into the reservoir of a tart candle from which the fragrance is caused to be dispersed by the heat from a flame. More specifically, the liquid base material is comprised of a hydrogenated polyisoalkene such as hydrogenated polyisobutene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Noville Corporation
    Inventor: Laura A. Spaulding
  • Patent number: 5843194
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to transparent candle compositions, and methods of preparation thereof, comprised of a clear gel obtained by combining a liquid base material of a hydrogenated polyolefin, a gelling agent, and, optionally, a gel enhancing agent so as to produce either a pourable or non-pourable gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: The Noville Corporation
    Inventor: Laura A. Spaulding
  • Patent number: 5578089
    Abstract: A clear candle made from a gel comprising mineral oil containing blends of diblock and triblock copolymers based on synthetic thermal plastic rubbers. The clear candle is stable, does not separate, and does not flash when burned. The candle, although free standing at room temperature, will preferably be supplied in a container, and it may be colored and/or scented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Lancaster Colony Corporation
    Inventor: Mohamed Elsamaloty
  • Patent number: 5576011
    Abstract: Described is a method for repelling insects such as houseflies, horn flies and mosquitoes using the cyclic organic alcohol defined according to the structure: ##STR1## and/or the mixture of cyclic organic carbonates defined according to the structures: ##STR2## and devices useful in carrying out such method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignees: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., The University of Florida
    Inventors: Jerry F. Butler, Anna B. Marin, Craig B. Warren, Richard A. Wilson, Braja D. Mookherjee
  • Patent number: 5378248
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a malleable material for candles which includes the following steps: preparing 60% refined cera alba, 20% stearic acid, 10% thickening agent; mixing the refined cera alba with the stearic acid and melting the mixture at 100.degree. C.-120.degree. C. so as to mix them evenly; adding the vaseline into the mixture thereby forming a solid state material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventors: Hung Y. Yang, Chin-Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 5354783
    Abstract: Described is the use of a mixture of aldehydes and ketones having the structures: ##STR1## containing from 45-60 mole percent of the compound having the structure: ##STR2## from 15-20 mole percent of the compound having the structure: ##STR3## and from 25-35 mole percent of the compound having the structure: ##STR4## in repelling Aedes aegyptae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignees: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., The University of Florida
    Inventors: Anna B. Marin, Craig B. Warren, Jerry F. Butler
  • Patent number: 5171329
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a candle, wherein the butter oil is added to a solidified oil and mixed therewith to become solidified and form a wax-like state of fat which serves as the material of a candle by means of technical temperature and dissolving degree control; when the mixture is burned, no smoke or toxic particles are produced and an odor is released; the butter oil (a hundred percent pure vegetable oil) includes the following components: coconut oil, palm oil, palm olein and hydrogenate of palm oil, etc.; the as paimitic thereof is 0.1% at most, the melting point is within 35.degree. -37.degree. C.; emulsifier is added therein and the flavor is like butter; the additives are citric acid BHA and BHT .beta.-cartene; the specification of the solidified oil is as follows: A.V. is below 0.5, I.V. is below 2.0, S.V. is 195-198, melting point is 60.degree. C+1.degree. C. and water and impurity are below 0.1%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignees: Kuo-Lung Lin, Wen-Chi Chen
    Inventor: Kuo-Lung Lin
  • Patent number: 5127922
    Abstract: A candle with a colored flame is described, which is free of the yellow color, usually found in the conventional paraffin candle. The candle comprises (1) a shell made of a saturated thermoplastic material and 10-30% of a fire retardant: (2) a fuel consisting of 70-100% of a polyoxymethylene, 0-30% of a binder, and 0-20% of a solvent. The candle also comprises 1-10% of a flame-coloring agent, such as a salt or an oxide of Li, B, Na, Ca, Cu, K, Sr, In, or Ba. The candle does not require a wick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: Rouvain M. Bension