U.S. patent application number 09/851290 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-22 for disposable candleholder.
Invention is credited to Kontos, George Vlasios.
Application Number | 20010044087 09/851290 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26899590 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010044087 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kontos, George Vlasios |
November 22, 2001 |
Disposable candleholder
Abstract
A disposable candleholder comprising a base having a surface for
supporting a candle, at least two elastic arms extending upward
from the base, each of the arms having a candle holding member
thereon. The arms are normally biased to compel the candle holding
members toward a center point of the base to thereby clamp the
candle on the base. The candle holding members preferably have a
semi-circular configuration. The device is configured so as to
allow different sized candles to be secured on the same base. The
device is made of a disposable material, such as plastic. The
device is preferably provided with a spike extending upward from
the base, the spike being configured to pierce a base of the candle
to thereby assist in securing the candle on the base. A plurality
of support legs preferably depend downward from the base.
Inventors: |
Kontos, George Vlasios;
(Harvey, LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Shawn D. Sentilles
Lobrano & Sentilles, LLC
P.O. Box 208
Belle Chasse
LA
70037
US
|
Family ID: |
26899590 |
Appl. No.: |
09/851290 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60204571 |
May 16, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
431/296 ;
431/343 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 35/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/296 ;
431/343 |
International
Class: |
F23D 011/36 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A disposable device for holding a candle comprising: a base
having a surface for supporting the candle, at least two elastic
arms extending upward from said base, each said arm having a candle
holding member thereon, and said arms normally biased to compel
said candle holding members toward a center point of said base to
thereby clamp the candle on said base.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said device is plastic.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a spike extending
upward from said base, said spike configured to pierce a base of
the candle to thereby assist in securing the candle on said
base.
4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of support
legs depending downward from said base to thereby elevate said base
above a supporting surface.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein each of said candle holding
members has a semi-circular configuration.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said base is sized and said arms
are configured so as to permit different sizes of candles to be
secured on the same base.
7. The device of claim 2, further comprising a spike extending
upward from said center point of said base, said spike configured
to pierce a base of the candle to thereby assist in securing the
candle on said base.
8. The device of claim 7, further comprising a plurality of support
legs depending downward from said base to thereby elevate said base
above a supporting surface.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein each of said candle holding
members has a semi-circular configuration.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein said base is sized and said arms
are so as to permit different sizes of candles to be secured on the
same base.
11. A method of holding a candle comprising: providing a disposable
candleholder, said candleholder comprising a base having a surface
for supporting the candle, at least two elastic arms extending
upward from said base, each said arm having a candle holding member
thereon, said arms normally biased to compel said candle holding
members toward a center point of said base to thereby clamp the
candle on said base, spreading said candle holding members apart,
inserting a candle between said candle holding members, and
permitting said candle holding members to snap back toward one
another to thereby clamp said candle on said base.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising said base further
having a spike extending upward from said base, and piercing a base
of said candle with said spike to thereby assist in securing said
candle on said base.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of
support legs depending downward from said base, and placing said
candle holder on a supporting surface such that said base and said
candle are elevated above said support surface by said support
legs. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein said device is plastic.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application relates to and claims priority from
Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/204,571, filed on May
16, 2000, which is pending.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to candleholders, and more
particularly to a disposable candleholder.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Candles, in one form or another, have been used for
centuries by many civilizations. Candleholders have long been used
to hold candles in place and to prevent candles from causing fires.
Candleholders generally serve either as a functional supplier of a
source of useful light, or as a decorative or ornamental feature of
a candle display.
[0004] In modern civilizations, electric lighting has largely
replaced candles as a conventional light source. However, candles
are still used as a supplemental light source. For example, during
a power outage, candles provide temporary lighting. Because
contemporary individuals are typically unversed in the safe uses of
lighted candles and often do not have candleholders on hand during
a power outage, there is a significant risk of candles causing
fires during such outages. Consequently, there is a need for
inexpensive, convenient and disposable candleholders for use during
power outages.
[0005] Candles are also used in religious services and ceremonies.
Both clergy and lay worshippers use candles within the church or
place of worship. Candleholders are also used to transport a lit
candle from the church or place of worship to another location. In
addition to functional and religious uses, candles are also
frequently used as ornamental decoration in homes and other
dwellings.
[0006] In all of the foregoing applications, temporary, disposable,
convenient, and economical candleholders would be of great benefit,
both for display purposes and safety. There is thus a need for a
disposable candleholder that meets the following objects and has
the following characteristics.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the invention to provide a disposable
candleholder that can hold candles of various sizes.
[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a
disposable candleholder that is constructed of plastic, so as to be
lightweight and inexpensive.
[0009] It is yet another object of the invention to promote safe
handling and use of candles by providing a convenient and
inexpensive source of disposable candle holders.
[0010] These and other objects and advantages of the invention
shall become apparent from the following general and preferred
description of the invention.
[0011] Accordingly, a disposable device for holding a candle is
provided comprising a base having a surface for supporting the
candle, at least two elastic arms extending upward from the base,
and each of the arms having a candle holding member thereon. The
arms are normally biased to compel the candle holding members
toward a center point of the base to thereby clamp the candle on
the base. The candle holding members preferably have a
semi-circular configuration. The base is sized and the arms are
configured so as to permit different sizes of candles to be secured
on the same base. The device is made of a disposable material, such
as plastic. The device is preferably provided with a spike
extending upward from the base, the spike being configured to
pierce a base of the candle to thereby assist in securing the
candle on the base. A plurality of support legs preferably depend
downward from the base to thereby elevate the base above a
supporting surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one preferred
embodiment of the invention, showing the candleholder in a closed
position.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of one preferred
embodiment of the invention, showing the candleholder in a flexed
open position.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of one preferred embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view of one preferred embodiment of the
invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0016] In the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which
form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration
specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is
to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and
structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of
the present invention.
[0017] FIGS. 1-4 shows a temporary, disposable candleholder that is
designed to be manufactured of a lightweight and economical
material, such as plastic or aluminum, and used to hold a candle
for a short period of time. The candleholder has a base 1, onto
which a candle is placed. The candleholder is preferably provided
with a spike 2 or nail or like piercing means which is designed to
be inserted into the candle to more securely hold the candle. An
outer ridge 6 may be provided on an outer perimeter of the base 1.
The base 1 is provided with at least two elastic or flexible arms
3, which extend upward. Each elastic arm 3 is provided with a grip
or candle holding member 4. The arms are normally biased to compel
the candle holding members 4 toward a center point of the base to
thereby clamp the candle on the base. As shown in FIG. 2, the arms
4 are preferably semicircular, so as to go around the circumference
of a round candle. As shown in FIG. 2, the arms 3 are designed to
be elastic or flexible so as to open to allow the candleholder to
be used for candles of multiple sizes. As shown in FIG. 1, the
candleholder is also preferably provided with a plurality of legs 5
depending downward from the base 1. The plurality of legs 5 allow
the candle holder to stand on a table or ledge or other base
surface, and to thus be elevated above the base surface.
[0018] In operation, the disposable candle holder is used by
spreading the candle holding members 4 apart, such as by pulling
them apart or forcing them open using the base of a candle. A
candle is inserted between the candle holding members, preferably
until a base of the candle comes to rest on the upper candle
supporting surface of the base 1. The candle holding members 4 are
then permitted to snap back toward one another to thereby clamp the
candle on the base. Although the candle holding members 4
preferably apply pressure to the outer surface of the candle, the
pressure does not have to be excessive for most applications of the
invention. Additionally, if a candle is too small to be clamped by
the candle holding members 4, the candle can be allowed to rest
within the candle holding members 4, particularly when the annular
configuration of candle holding members 4 shown in FIGS. 1-4 is
used to prevent the base of the candle from moving on the base, the
base can be provided with a spike 2, as discussed above. The base
of the candle can be pierced with the spike 2 to thereby assist in
securing the candle on the base. If the base is provided with a
plurality of support legs 5, the device can be displaying by
setting the bottom of the support legs 5 on a support surface, such
as a table.
[0019] Although the present invention has been described in terms
of specific embodiments, it is anticipated that alterations and
modifications thereof will no doubt become apparent to those
skilled in the art. It is therefore intended that the following
claims be interpreted as covering all alterations and modifications
that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *