U.S. patent application number 11/042805 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-28 for scented candle wick.
Invention is credited to Barros, Andrew, Paasch, Robert W..
Application Number | 20050164141 11/042805 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34830466 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050164141 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Paasch, Robert W. ; et
al. |
July 28, 2005 |
Scented candle wick
Abstract
A scented wick including a wick and an aromatic substance is
provided. The aromatic substances can be any material including a
chemical or fire retardant. A scent enhancer may be used with the
aromatic substance. The scented wick may be sealed with a thin
layer of wax to prevent scent loss and prepare the scented wick for
individual sale. When used, the scented wick will produce more
effective scent production than conventional scented candles. Also
the scented wick will extinguish with less smoldering and smoking
than a conventional wick. Methods for producing the scented wick
are also disclosed herein.
Inventors: |
Paasch, Robert W.;
(Aumsville, OR) ; Barros, Andrew; (Salem,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARGER JOHNSON & MCCOLLOM, P.C.
1030 SW MORRISON STREET
PORTLAND
OR
97205
US
|
Family ID: |
34830466 |
Appl. No.: |
11/042805 |
Filed: |
January 24, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60538725 |
Jan 22, 2004 |
|
|
|
60608720 |
Sep 10, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
431/325 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23D 3/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/325 |
International
Class: |
F23D 003/16; F23D
003/18 |
Claims
The claimed invention is:
1. A scented wick comprising: a wick; and an aromatic substance
embedded in or applied on the wick.
2. The scented wick of claim 1 including a scent enhancer embedded
in or applied on the wick.
3. The scented wick of claim 1, wherein the aromatic substance is a
chemical.
4. The scented wick of claim 1, wherein the aromatic substance is
crushed powered incense.
5. The scented wick of claim 1 further comprising a first thin wax
layer applied around the wick for sealing in the aromatic
substance, the first thin wax layer separate from a second wax
layer applied over the first wax layer for forming a candle.
6. The scented wick of claim 1 including a scented wax surrounding
most of the wick to form a scented candle.
8. The scented wick of claim 1 including a non-scented wax
surrounding most of the wick to form a scented candle.
9. The scented wick of claim 1 wherein the aromatic substance, or a
smolder reducing material incorporated into the aromatic substance,
reduces an amount of smoldering after a flame on the wick is
extinguished.
10. The scented wick of claim 9 wherein the aromatic substance or
the smolder reducing material is a fire retardant.
11. The scented wick of claim 1 wherein the aromatic substance, or
a smolder reducing material incorporated with the aromatic
substance, reduces unburnt carbons produced by a flame on the wick
after being extinguished.
12. The scented wick of claim 1 wherein the aromatic substance, or
a smolder reducing material incorporated with the aromatic
substance, reduces an amount of smoke created by the wick after a
flame on the wick is extinguished.
13. A method of forming a scented wick comprising: impregnating or
disposing an aromatic substance into or onto a wick separately from
any wax applied around the wick to form a candle.
14. The method of claim 13 impregnating or disposing an aromatic
substance into or onto the wick by soaking the wick in the aromatic
substance.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the aromatic substance comprises
an oil-based liquid scent, non oil-based liquid scent, crushed
powdered incense, or water and scent enhancers.
16. The method of claim 13 including mixing a fire retardant in
with the aromatic substance.
17. The method of claim 13 including sealing the wick in wax to
seal in the aromatic substance.
18. A method according to claim 13 including applying wax around
the wick to form a scented candle.
19. The method of claim 18 including using an unscented wax to form
the candle.
20. The method of claim 18 including using a scented wax to form
the candle.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Ser.
No. 60/538,725, filed Jan. 22, 2004 and U.S. Provisional Ser. No.
60/608,720, filed Sep. 10, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is related to the field of candles,
and more specifically to an improved candle wick.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Candles have become popular for decorative and aromatic
purposes. The candles may be manufactured from a wax, such as
paraffin, vegetable or beeswax.
[0006] Scented wax candles have been widely used for producing a
scent. Such candles are conventionally made by blending an aromatic
substance into melted wax. The resulting aromatic mixture is poured
into a candle mold with a fiber wick disposed therein. The wick is
generally made from an absorbent twine such as cotton. The wax then
cools, forming a solid candle.
[0007] When the wick of the candle is lit, the heat gradually melts
the wax adjacent the wick. This melted wax forms a melt pool. When
the wick burns, the wick must have a strong capillary action to
absorb liquid wax pooled at the top of the candle and draw it up
the wick. The wax provides fuel for the flame so that the wax burns
instead of the wick. As the wax becomes vaporized by the flame,
aromatic substances are dispersed.
[0008] Changes to the material used for the wick, the thickness of
the wick, the core material of the wick, and the braid of the wick
all affect how much capillary action the wick provides. The greater
the capillary action, the greater amount of wax provided to the
flame. The more wax that is provided to the flame, the more
aromatic substances can be dispersed. However, if too much wax is
provided to the flame, the flame will not receive enough oxygen to
burn all of the wax effectively and smoking will result.
[0009] As the scented wax burns, the aromatic substance in the wax
is released into the air. The released scent disperses into the
air, lending a pleasant scent to the surrounding area.
[0010] Scented wax candles are generally inefficient for scent
generation for multiple reasons. First, during use, most of the
heat of the candle flame travels upward and away from the scented
wax. Accordingly, much of the aromatic substances remain in the
melted wax. Wicks are also often designed to be thinner to avoid
releasing a lot of soot and bad smell after being extinguished.
Thinner wicks are also used to minimize the amount of time a wick
smolders after the candle flame is extinguished. A smoldering wick
also presents a safety hazard. As a result of thinner wicks,
candles do not burn as much wax, thus limiting the amount of
aromatic substances released into the air. It would be desirable to
increase scent generation without having to increase wick size.
Alternatively, it would be desirable to increase wick size without
the negative smoking side effects.
[0011] It is often desirable to use thicker wicks because they have
greater capillary action (necessary for larger candles with a
larger wax melt pool) and thus produce a larger more beautiful
flame and release more aromatic substances while burning.
Unfortunately, despite the benefits of thicker wicks they are often
avoided due to their added soot and smoking when extinguished. Thus
it would be desirable to have the option of using a thicker wick
while minimizing increases in the soot and smoky smell released
during extinguishing, and while minimizing smoldering during
extinguishing.
[0012] For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for an improved
scent dispenser for use with candles that permits the user to
easily change the type, rate or strength of scent for dispensing.
It would be a significant advance in the art of scent dispensing to
develop a scent dispenser for use with candles, which efficiently
provides pleasant scents in a safe manner, while being inexpensive
and easy to use.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present disclosure overcomes these problems and
limitations of the prior art.
[0014] Generally, the present disclosure provides for placing
aromatic substances and other materials in a wick to produce a
scented wick. The scented wick releases scent while being burned.
The scented wick also releases less smoke and smolders less after
being extinguished. The scented wick can be used to produce a
scented candle, with or without scented wax.
[0015] These and other features and advantages of the present
disclosure will become more readily apparent from the following
Detailed Description, which proceeds with references to the
drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIGS. 1A-C are diagrams showing how to produce a scented
wick.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing another way to produce a scented
wick.
[0018] FIG. 3A is a graph comparing smoke produced by a
conventional wick with smoke produced by a scented wick.
[0019] FIG. 3B is a diagram comparing the effects of a conventional
wick with the effects of a scented wick.
[0020] FIGS. 4A-B are diagrams comparing different characteristics
of conventional wicks with characteristics of scented wicks.
[0021] FIGS. 5-8 are diagrams comparing characteristics of a
conventional scented candle with characteristics of a scented
candle produced by using a scented wick.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0022] The present invention relates to a candle wick having an
aromatic substance embedded therein, and methods for making the
scented wick and a candle using the scented wick. The resultant
scented wick can be employed in conjunction with scented wax to
produce a scented candle. The scent in the wax and the scent in the
wick could be different, producing a new aromatic effect during
burning. Also, the resultant scented wick can be employed in
conjunction with unadulterated (unscented) wax (i.e., a wax base
lacking an aromatic substance) to produce a scented candle.
[0023] The aromatic substances are impregnated into the wick that
then releases a scent that masks, neutralizes, or counteracts the
normal smell typically released by a wick when extinguished. The
result is an odorless or seemingly odorless extinguishing. In one
embodiment, the scent is released after the flame is extinguished
while the wick is still smoldering. By creating an odorless
extinguishing process, the remaining wax melt pool can continue to
release a scent (in the case of scented wax) for a short time after
extinguishing.
[0024] By selecting the proper aromatic substances, or by mixing
the proper materials with the aromatic substances, the wick can
have a shorter smoldering time and reduced smoke when extinguished.
For example, using fire retardant aromatic substances in the wick,
or mixing fire retardant materials with the aromatic substances,
the wick has a reduced smoldering time and in turn creates less
smoke.
[0025] Even when the wick does smolder, scent continues to be
released from the wick reducing offensive odors. The resultant wick
releases fewer un-burnt carbons than conventional wicks after being
extinguished.
[0026] Wicks used for candles generally are constructed of a
variety of wick types, including without limitation cored wicks,
flat-braid wicks, square-braid wicks, and HTP wicks. Such wicks are
known in the art and are capable of being impregnated and/or coated
with conventional scented compounds.
[0027] Conventional aromatic substances suitable for use in candles
include liquid scent compounds, which can be either organic
(oil-based) scent compounds or aqueous (non-oil-based) liquid scent
substances. Chemicals also may be used. As well, crushed powdered
incense can be employed. Scent enhancers are compounds that
stabilize the aromatic substances, chemically interact with such
substances, and/or facilitate scent release when the scented wax or
wick is burned. Aromatic substances and scent enhancers are known
in the candle fragrance art. Other substances may also be used.
[0028] The wick may also be oxygenated. An oxygenated wick is able
to burn more wax from a wax pool without producing smoke. One
conventional limitation to increasing the capillary action of a
wick was that wax will not be burned due to lack of adequate oxygen
and will thus produce smoke. Oxygenating the scented wick may allow
for greater capillary characteristics in the wick without the
negative downsides of smoking during burning.
[0029] A scented wick may be produced as described in FIGS. 1 and
2. According to FIG. 1A, a wick 10 of any size or length is soaked
to saturation in a mix 12 including, for example, oil-based liquid
scent, non oil-based liquid scent, crushed powdered incense, water,
scent enhancers, and other ingredients as desired. These scents are
known to those skilled in the art and therefore are not described
in further detail. According to FIGS. 1B and 1C, other techniques
besides soaking may be used to impregnate, implant, or cover the
wick with aromatic substances 11.
[0030] Optionally a fire retardant 13 may also be added to the mix
to further reduce smoke and smoldering produced by the resulting
scented wick. For example, a fire retardant material similar to
that used in clothing may be used. The fire retardant may be part
of the aromatic substance 11 of another material 13. The fire
retardant material can be any commercially available chemical used
for producing a fire retardant effect when applied to a material.
For example, any of the fire retardant materials produced by Flame
Stop, Inc., Fort Worth, Tex. The fire retardant can be chemicals,
putty, liquids, additives, etc.
[0031] According to FIG. 2, after soaking in the substance 11, the
soaked wick 10a is dried by any method (e.g. air dried, heat dried,
freeze dried, pressure vacuum dried, etc.) to lock the scent 11 in
the wick 10. If another method besides soaking is used, drying may
be unnecessary. The wick 10 is then optionally wax-sealed with a
thin layer of wax 20 to further lock in the scent 11. Wax sealing
20 endows the wicks with a longer shelf life. If a fire retardant
is added, wax sealing 20 may take place without drying to prevent
the fire retardant from evaporating.
[0032] A scented wick may be used in the manufacture of a candle in
conventional and known manners. For manufacture of a candle having
a scented wick as described herein, the wick need not be wax-sealed
prior to candle manufacture. Alternatively, a scented wick may be
produced for individual sale. Such individual scented wicks might
preferably be wax-sealed 20 to better fix the scent 11 within the
wick 10.
[0033] A wick 10 having an aromatic substance 11 embedded therein
is beneficial in many ways over a traditional scented candle with a
standard candle wick. For example, the scented wick 10 might
continue to release scent for a short time after the flame is
extinguished. The released scent masks the sooty, burnt smell
commonly associated with extinguishing a wick. The wick 10 of the
present disclosure therefore reduces the disagreeable odors
produced when a candle is extinguished. The wick 10 may also
counteract or retard the disagreeable smoke odors producing a
seemingly odorless extinguishing.
[0034] The scented wicks described herein are also believed to be
non-allergenic, in that they release fewer unburnt carbons and soot
filled bacteria into the air compared to conventional candle wicks.
According to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the addition of the proper aromatic
substances 11, or by mixing the proper materials with the aromatic
substances, the wick 10 will extinguish faster than conventional
wick 30, thus reducing smoldering and smoke. Reducing wick
smoldering time also makes the wick safer. The addition of the
proper aromatic substances to the wick 10 results in a
substantially no smoke after a flame is extinguished.
[0035] Another benefit is that a thicker wick can be used without
the conventional increases in smoldering and smoking. For example,
according to FIG. 4A, a candle may be limited to using a
conventional 30 ply wick 40 to prevent the amount of smoldering and
smoking 32 typically produced by a conventional 36 ply wick 41. By
applying a scent, a 36 ply scented wick 43 produces less smoldering
and smoke than the 30 ply convention wick 40. Or a 30 ply scented
wick 42 can be used that produces even less smoke 32.
[0036] Furthermore, the scented wicks 42 or 43 retain the benefits
of greater capillary action resulting in more wax being burned
while the candle is lit. The greater wax burn produces more scent
and a brighter flame. Accordingly, the scented wicks 42 and 43 can
be thicker without increased smoldering and soot thereby providing
more candle design options.
[0037] The present scented wicks 42 and 43 may have more
illuminating flames, enhancing the beauty of the flame and the
aesthetic appeal of a candle having such wick. Selecting different
aromatic substances, or by mixing the different materials with the
aromatic substances, can change any property of the flame including
the color and/or brightness.
[0038] The present scented wick can be used in conjunction with
unadulterated wax. From an aesthetic standpoint, some aromatic
substances can discolor or adversely affect the structure or
appearance of wax compositions. This is shown in FIG. 5. The
conventional scented candle 50 with a conventional wick 52 is
embedded with an aromatic substance 11. The aromatic substance 11
can be seen in the wax 58. In contrast, the present scented wick 10
can produce a scented candle 53 void of aromatic substances 11 in
the wax 58 thus producing a more aesthetically pleasing scented
candle 53.
[0039] In conventional scented candle 50, the embedded aromatic
substance 11 may interact with the wax 58. Such undesirable
chemical interaction and interference can diminish scent dispensing
efficiency. Placement of the aromatic substance 11 in the wick 10
eliminates the chance of an adverse reaction between the aromatic
substance 11 and the wax 58 in the candle 53.
[0040] The scented wick 10 according to the present disclosure can
also increase the scent "volume" per burn time as shown in FIG. 6.
According to FIG. 6, the conventional scented candle 50 does not
release a high volume of scent 54 while burning. A scented candle
53 using the present scented wick 10 concentrates the aromatic
substance 11 in the candle wick 10 rather than distributing the
scent throughout the wax body 58. Thus, a greater amount of scent
55 is released by combustion of the wick 10, or the combination of
scent 11 in wax 58 and scent in wick 10 increases overall scent 55
for candle 53. The chemical for the scent used in the wick 10 can
be the same as the chemical and scent 11 used in the wax 58.
Alternatively, different scents can be used for the wick 10 and in
the wax 58. The chemicals that produce the scents can also be
different in both the wick 10 and wax 58.
[0041] Conventional scented candles also possess a limited shelf
life, owing to the porosity of wax. As shown in FIG. 7, a large
amount of scent 57 escapes from the scented conventional candle 50
while the candle is not being used. By depositing the aromatic
substance 11 in the candle wick 10, rather than the wax 58, the
present invention reduces scent loss over time. Sealing the wick 10
with wax as shown in FIG. 2 also further prevents scent loss from
wick 10.
[0042] Another problem exists where conventional scented wax
candles spread their scent while unlit and on display. According to
FIG. 8, scented conventional candle 50 provides a large porous
surface area of scented wax 58 that releases a scent 60 even when
the candle is not burning. Users sometimes want the scent to be
released only when the candle is burning. By depositing the
aromatic substance 11 in the candle wick 10, rather than in the wax
58, this problem is reduced and the scented candle 53 does not
release scent while unlit and on display. Wax sealing the wick 10
as described in FIG. 2 above can further prevent scent loss.
Alternatively, wax 58 can use less scent 11 and still provide an
equal aromatic experience as candle 50.
[0043] Another shortcoming of conventional scented candles is the
possible unfavorable interaction between the wax and the aromatic
substance. Some wax compositions may negatively alter the aromatic
substance's physical and chemical properties, potentially
suppressing scent generation or producing undesirable odors. For
example, a burning candle typically produces a "burning wax" smell
that an embedded scent is intended to cover-up. A negative
interaction can reduce the efficiency of the embedded scent, making
the waxy odor 60 more prominent. The scented wick 10 precludes the
need for an aromatic substance 11 in the wax 58 and facilitates a
stronger scent release compared to the burning wax odor 60.
[0044] Also, with regard to using the present scented wick 10 in
conjunction with unadulterated wax, the scented wick 10 according
to the present disclosure also allows easier candle manufacturing.
For example, traditionally non-scented candles and scented candles
of varying scents would require different wax mixtures. The
manufacturer would be required to keep non-scented wax mixes
separate from each of the different scented wax mixes. A scented
wick precludes the need for keeping all the different wax mixtures
separate because a single wax mixture can be used to make both
non-scented candles and scented candles of varying scent. One of
skill in the art would recognize that the present invention could
of course also be used with scented wax too.
[0045] A person skilled in the art will be able to practice the
present invention in view of the description present in this
document, which is to be taken as a whole. Numerous details have
been set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of
the invention. In other instances, well-known features have not
been described in detail in order not to obscure unnecessarily the
invention.
[0046] While the invention has been disclosed in its preferred
form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated
herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense. Indeed, it
should be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of
the present description that the invention can be modified in
numerous ways. The inventor regards the subject matter of the
invention to include all combinations and sub-combinations of the
various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed
herein.
* * * * *