U.S. patent application number 10/445999 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-02 for multi-function candle accessory combining a venting chassis and candle holder.
This patent application is currently assigned to Smith Mountain Properties, LLC.. Invention is credited to Papai, Tod A..
Application Number | 20040241603 10/445999 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33450965 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040241603 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Papai, Tod A. |
December 2, 2004 |
Multi-function candle accessory combining a venting chassis and
candle holder
Abstract
A candle accessory is discosed that combines the functions of a
venting device for containerized candles to improve the combustion
efficiency and a candle holder for tapered, pillar, tea light and
votive candles. The candle accessory consists of a ceramic venting
chassis that includes an integral flat plate, an annular skirt, and
a chimney. The chimney design of the venting chassis acts as an
exhaust vent for containerized candles and as a candle holder for
tapered, pillar, votive and tea light candles. The chimney extends
around a central exhaust opening or vent in the chassis. The
chimney has six vertical ribs that are used to support the base of
conventional tapered candles. The chimney also includes an annular
rim that forms a seat for supporting a tea light, votive and/or
pillar candle. The venting chassis also includes three mounting
feet that space the plate vertically above the brim of the candle
vessel to allow inlet air flow into the candle vessel. When seated
atop a jar candle, the skirt extends downward into the mouth of the
candle vessel. The skirt has six longitudinal furrows that form six
air flow inlet channels or vents. The furrows columnate the inlet
air flow into distinct columns of air and the skirt directs the
inlet air flow downward along the sidewalls of the candle vessel,
which facilitates laminar air flow within a containerized candle to
improve combustion.
Inventors: |
Papai, Tod A.; (New
Carlisle, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
R. Tracy Crump
P.O. Box 604
New Carlisle
IN
46552
US
|
Assignee: |
Smith Mountain Properties,
LLC.
|
Family ID: |
33450965 |
Appl. No.: |
10/445999 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
431/291 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23D 3/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/291 |
International
Class: |
F23D 003/16; F23D
003/18 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An apparatus used with one or more of a containerized candle, a
tapered candle, a pillar candle, votive candle and a tea light
candle, where the containerized candle includes a fuel source burnt
in the flame, a wick and a vessel, which defines an interior
thereof for enclosing the wick and fuel source and has an open
mouth, and where the vessel includes sidewalls that terminate in a
brim at the open mouth of the vessel, the apparatus comprising: a
chassis used with the containerized candle for facilitating laminar
air flow within the vessel interior to improve the stability and
efficiency of the combustion flame of the containerized candle and
used with one of the tapered candle, the pillar candle, votive
candle and tea light candle for supporting the one of the tapered
candle, the pillar candle, votive candle and tea light candle, the
chassis includes a flat plate shaped and dimensioned to cover the
open mouth of the vessel and extend over the brim, the plate having
a top surface and a bottom surface and also having an exhaust vent
therein for venting a flow of exhaust air from the vessel interior,
a plurality of feet extending downward from the bottom surface of
the plate for spacing the plate above the brim when the venting
apparatus is seated atop the vessel to permit a flow of inlet air
between the top and the vessel brim, an annular skirt extending
downward from the top between the plurality of feet and the exhaust
vent so as to extend partially downward into the open mouth of the
vessel and to seat adjacent the brim of the vessel when the
apparatus is seated atop the vessel for directing the flow of inlet
air downward along the sidewalls of the vessel and for separating
the flow of inlet air from the flow of exhaust air; a chimney
extending from the top surface of the plate around the exhaust vent
for venting exhaust air from a containerized candle and for
defining a seat therein in which one of the tapered candle, pillar
candle, votive candle and tea light candle is supported.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the chimney includes a tubular
side wall and a plurality of vertically oriented ribs protruding
radially inward from the chimney side wall, the ribs constituting
the seat for supporting the tapered candle within the chimney.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein each of the ribs has a tapered
inner face.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the chimney includes an annular
rim constituting the seat for supporting one of the pillar candle,
votive candle and tea light candles.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the skirt having a plurality of
longitudinal inlet channels radially spaced along the periphery of
the baffle so as to form inlet openings through which inlet air may
enter the vessel interior, the plurality of channels constituting
means for columnating the flow of inlet air into a plurality of
distinct and radially spaced and separated air flow columns within
the vessel interior.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 and a decorative ornamentation mounted
to the top surface of the plate around the chimney.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a candle accessory that combines a
venting chassis for containerized candles to improve combustion
efficiency and a candle holder for tapered, pillar, votive and tea
light candles.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] Candles of all types, from traditional tapered (stick) and
pillar to tea light and votive candles, continue to be popular home
decorations. Candle accessories are also popular home decorations.
Decorative candle holders are used to accent traditional candles.
Candle holders for tapered and pillar candles are constructed of
various materials in various shapes, style and configurations and
are often adorned with elaborate decoration. Likewise, holders for
votive and tea light candles come in many shapes, styles and
genres.
[0003] Scented containerized candles, such as apothecary jar
candles (jar candles), have become popular and have developed their
own accessories. In particular, venting plates and chassis for jar
candles have become a popular and necessary candle accessory. Jar
candles are prone to smoke due to the lack of sufficient air flow
within the candle vessel. The venting plate or chassis sits atop
the jar candle while it burns and is used to improve combustion in
jar candles by facilitating laminar air flow within the candle
vessel. The popularity of venting plates and chassis for jar
candles is also enhanced by the fact that the plates and chassis
can be decorated with surface ornamentation and three dimensional
reliefs.
[0004] Heretofore, no candle accessory has combined the function of
a candle holder for tapered, pillar, votive and tea light candles
with the venting function of a venting plate or chassis for jar
candles. In the candle accessory industry, a multi-function candle
accessory that doubles as a candle holder and venting device is
highly desirable especially if it can be readily adorned and
decorated. Combining the two separate functions would allow the
candle accessory to be used with multiple candles in multiple
decorative settings; thereby enhancing the ranges of the
accessory's decorative possibilities.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] The candle accessory of this invention combines the
functions of a venting device for containerized candles to improve
the combustion efficiency and a candle holder for tapered, pillar,
tea light and votive candles. The candle accessory consists of a
ceramic venting chassis that includes an integral flat plate, an
annular skirt, and a chimney. The chimney design of the venting
chassis acts as an exhaust vent for containerized candles and as a
candle holder for tapered, pillar, votive and tea light candles.
The chimney extends around a central exhaust opening or vent in the
chassis. The chimney has six vertical ribs that are used to support
the base of conventional tapered candles. The chimney also includes
an annular rim that forms a seat for supporting a tea light, votive
and/or pillar candle. The venting chassis also includes three
mounting feet that space the plate vertically above the brim of the
candle vessel to allow inlet air flow into the candle vessel. When
seated atop a jar candle, the skirt extends downward into the mouth
of the jar candle. The skirt has six longitudinal furrows that form
six air flow inlet channels or vents. The furrows columnate the
inlet air flow into distinct columns of air and the skirt directs
the inlet air flow downward along the sidewalls of the candle
vessel, which facilitates laminar air flow within a containerized
candle to improve combustion. The ceramic construction of the
venting chassis allows it to be adorned with surface decorations,
decorative covers, ornamental poly resin reliefs and other
ornamentation as desired.
[0006] An advantage of the venting chassis of this invention is
that it combines the function of a venting device for a
containerized candle to improve combustion efficiency and the
function of a candle holder for tapered, pillar, votive and tea
light candles.
[0007] Another advantage is that the venting chassis when used atop
a containerized candle improves candle combustion by facilitating
laminar air flow within the containerized candle.
[0008] Another advantage is that the venting chassis can function
as a stable and decorative candle holder for a wide variety of
candles.
[0009] Another advantage is that the venting chassis can be
ornamented with surface decorations, dome coverings, or elaborate
three dimensional reliefs.
[0010] Other advantages will become apparent upon a reading of the
following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The preferred embodiments of the invention have been
depicted for illustrative purposes only wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the venting chassis of
this invention seated atop a conventional apothecary jar
candle;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the venting chassis of
this invention seated atop an apothecary jar candle and supporting
a conventional tapered candle;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the venting chassis of
this invention seated atop an apothecary jar candle and supporting
a conventional tea light candle;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the venting chassis
of this invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the venting chassis of
this invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the venting chassis of this
invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side plan view of the venting chassis of this
invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of the venting chassis of
this invention;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the venting chassis of this
invention;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of the venting chassis of
this invention seated atop an apothecary jar candle and supporting
a conventional tapered candle and a decorative dome covering;
and
[0022] FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the venting chassis of
this invention seated atop an apothecary jar candle and supporting
a conventional tea light candle and an ornamental three dimensional
poly resin relief.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to
be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form
disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the invention so
that others skilled in the art might utilize its teachings.
[0024] The venting chassis of this invention can be used as a
traditional candle holder for conventional tapered candles and tea
light candles, as well as, a venting device for containerized
candles, which are frequently and most commonly known as apothecary
or simply jar candles. In the figures, the venting chassis of this
invention is designated generally as reference numeral 10. FIGS.
1-3 illustrate the various uses of venting chassis 10 of this
invention. FIG. 1 illustrates venting chassis 10 used as a venting
device for a jar candle (designated general as reference numeral
30) to improve the combustion. Jar candle 30 includes a transparent
or translucent glass jar or vessel 32 that contains a quantity of
wax 34, and one or more cloth or porous wicks 36. Vessel 32 has
cylindrical sidewalls that terminate in a brim forming an open
circular mouth. The size and shape of vessel 32 of the jar candles
may vary, as well as, its shape within the scope of this invention.
FIGS. 2 illustrates venting chassis 10 seated atop jar candle 30,
but used as a candle holder for conventional tapered or stick
candles (designated generally as reference numeral 40). Tapered
candle 40 has an obelisk shaped upper body 42 and a tapered conical
base 44 formed of dipped or molded wax and a central wick 46. FIG.
3 illustrates venting chassis 10 seated atop jar candle 30, but
used as a candle holder for conventional tea light candles
(designated generally as reference numeral 50). Tea light candle 50
consists of a small metal cup 52 filled with scented or unscented
wax 54 and central wick 56. One skilled in the art will note that
the venting chassis could also be used to support other types of
candles, including but not limited to pillar and votive candles,
without deviating from the teachings of this invention.
[0025] Venting chassis 10 is constructed of a ceramic material or
other material that can be readily formed into a rigid body with
thermal insulating properties and is shaped to conform to the shape
and configuration of the particular style of containerized candle
on which it is used. As best shown in FIGS. 4-9, venting chassis 10
is formed to integrally include a flat disc or plate 12, an annular
skirt 14 extending from the bottom surface of the plate, and a
chimney 20 extending from the top surface of the plate. As shown,
plate 12 is a flat circular disc, but may be conical or domed as
aesthetically desired. Plate 12 is at least 0.125 inches thick,
which is generally sufficient for the ceramic material to thermally
insulate any ornamentation adorning the venting chassis from the
flame of a conventional jar candle.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, venting chassis 10 sits atop of a jar
candle 30 supported by three mounting feet 18, which spaces the
bottom surface of plate 12 above the brim of vessel 32. Mounting
feet 18 extend outward radially from skirt 14 on the bottom surface
of plate 12 at equally spaced locations. The vertical spacing
between venting chassis 10 and the brim of candle vessel 32
constitutes an annular inlet opening or vent 11 around the
periphery of the mouth through which inlet air can enter the
interior of jar candle 30. As shown in FIG. 1, feet 18 space the
bottom surface of plate 12 above the brim of the candle vessel 32
at least 0.125 of an inch. This spacing provides a cross sectional
area sufficient for inlet air flow into the candle interior to
maintain efficient combustion in conventional apothecary jar
candles.
[0027] Skirt 14 extends at least 0.600 inches from the bottom
surface of plate 12. Skirt 14 has six longitudinal furrows, which
form six air flow inlet channels or vents 15. When seated atop jar
candle 30, skirt 14 extends downward into the mouth of candle
vessel 32 and is seated within the mouth, so that inlet air only
passes through channels 15. The inlet channels 15 columnate the
inlet air flow into distinct columns of air that converge toward
the flame. Columnating the air flow increases the velocity of the
inlet air flow through the candle interior, which promotes improved
scent flow from jar candle 30.
[0028] Chimney 20 extends around a central exhaust opening or vent
21 in plate 12. While illustrated as a circular opening, exhaust
vent 21 may take any shape or configuration without deviating from
the teachings of this invention. Typically, the cross sectional
area of the exhaust vent 21 is approximately 0.785 square inches
(roughly a circular opening having a 1.00 inch diameter), but may
range between 0.700-0.900 square inches. This cross sectional area
is generally ideal for venting exhaust air from the combustion of
conventional four inch diameter apothecaryjar candles. Chimney 20
extends at least 0.500 inches above the top surface of plate 12.
The walls of chimney 20 have a thickness of at least 0.125 inches
to insulate any ornamentation that may adorn the venting chassis
from the exhaust air. Chimney 20 has six vertical ribs 22 that are
used to support conventional tapered candles. Ribs 22 protrude
radially from the inner chimney wall. Each rib 22 has an inner face
23 that tapers toward the base of the chimney. Chimney 20 also
includes an annular rim 24 that forms a seat 26 for supporting a
tea light, votive or pillar candle. One skilled in the art will
note that ribs 22 and rim can be configured and modified to accept
and securely support candles of any type, style, shape or dimension
without deviating from the teachings of this invention.
Chassis Functions
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates venting chassis 10 used with jar candle
30 to improve the efficiency of combustion. As shown, the venting
chassis 10 sits atop of candle 30 supported by mounting feet 18
with skirt 14 extending downward into the mouth of the vessel and
plate 12 spaced above the brim of the vessel. Exhaust vent 21 is
positioned directly above the candle flame. Thermal energy
generated from the flame creates an upward convection flow of hot
exhaust air, which exits the candle interior through exhaust vent
21. Positioning the exhaust vent directly above the candle flame
focuses the convection draft of exhaust air flow directly upwards,
which reduces diffusion of the exhaust flow and its thermal energy.
The negative pressure within the candle interior created by exhaust
air flow draws an inlet air flow of cool ambient air underneath
plate 12 between the plate and the vessel brim and through inlet
channels 15. Inlet channels 15 columnate the inlet air flow into
distinct columns of air and skirt 14 redirects the inlet air flow
downward along the vessel sidewalls, which converges at the base of
the candle flame. Skirt 14 acts as a baffle to separate the
opposing air flows (inlet and exhaust) to reduce turbulence within
the interior of the vessel and stabilize the flame, which leads to
a cleaner combustion process and reduced carbon residue (smoke) in
the exhaust.
[0030] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate venting chassis 10 seated atop jar
candle 30, but not used as a venting device, but as a candle holder
for a tapered 40 or a tea light candle 50. While illustrated atop
jar candle 30, venting chassis 10 may be removed from jar candle 30
and still be used as a stand alone candle holder. FIG. 2
illustrates venting chassis 10 supporting a tapered candle 40.
Tapered candle 40 is seated inside chimney 20 with the candle base
held between the tapered inner face of ribs 22. FIG. 3 illustrates
venting chassis 10 supporting a tea light candle 50. Tea light
candle 50 is seated atop chimney 20 with the candle held by rim 24.
While FIGS. 2 and 3 show venting chassis 10 used to support a
tapered candle and tea light candle, venting chassis 10 can be used
as a candle holder for other types of candles, such as pillar and
votive candles within the teachings of this invention.
Ornamentation
[0031] FIGS. 10 and 11 also illustrate venting chassis 10
supporting a decorative dome covering 60 and three dimensional
relief 62, respectively. Dome covering 60 of FIG. 10 is typically
constructed of a leaded glass or ceramic, which is colored, painted
or otherwise ornamented to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the
candles and chassis. Dome cover 60 simply sits atop the venting
chassis, but can also be permanently bonded to the chassis as
desired. The three dimensional relief 62 of FIG. 11 is typically
constructed of a molded poly resin, which is bonded to the venting
chassis. The poly resin relief can be molded into any pleasing
shape, pattern or figurine and painted. While bonded to the venting
chassis, the function of relief 62 is purely aesthetic and does not
contribute directly to the operational function of the chassis.
Relief 62 is configured so that it does not obstruct the flow of
exhaust air through the exhaust vent and bonded to venting chassis
10.
Advantages
[0032] One skilled in the art will note several advantages of the
venting chassis of this invention. The venting chassis is a
multi-functioned candle accessory for all types of candles. The
venting chassis can be used as a venting device for improving the
combustion of containerized candles and as a candle holder for
other types of candles, including tapered, pillar, tea light and
votive candles. Used as a venting device atop a containerized
candle, the venting chassis improves candle combustion by
facilitating laminar air flow within the containerized candle. Used
as a candle holder, the venting chassis provides a stable and
decorative base for a wide variety of candles. The venting chassis
can be used as a venting device atop a containerized candle then
used as a traditional candle holder for a tapered candle without
any modification. The venting chassis can be used as a candle
holder by itself or while sitting atop a containerized candle. The
venting chassis can be ornamented with surface decorations, dome
coverings, or elaborate three dimensional reliefs. The ceramic
construction allows the venting chassis to be adorned with heat
sensitive poly resin ornamentation.
[0033] It is understood that the above description does not limit
the invention to the details given, but may be modified within the
scope of the following claims.
* * * * *