Candle cover

Greiner; Lori

Patent Application Summary

U.S. patent application number 10/998140 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-01 for candle cover. Invention is credited to Lori Greiner.

Application Number20060115781 10/998140
Document ID /
Family ID36498595
Filed Date2006-06-01

United States Patent Application 20060115781
Kind Code A1
Greiner; Lori June 1, 2006

Candle cover

Abstract

A candle system includes a candle and a candle cover. The candle cover has a portion of the side surface that is exposed and includes a wick on the top surface of the candle. The candle cover fits over the wick and can be secured to the top of the candle. The candle cover is configured to be removably secured to the candle, such that the candle cover is replaceable after the candle has been burned.


Inventors: Greiner; Lori; (Chicago, IL)
Correspondence Address:
    INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP;FREDRIKSON & BYRON, P.A.
    200 SOUTH SIXTH STREET
    SUITE 4000
    MINNEAPOLIS
    MN
    55402
    US
Family ID: 36498595
Appl. No.: 10/998140
Filed: November 26, 2004

Current U.S. Class: 431/289
Current CPC Class: F23D 3/16 20130101
Class at Publication: 431/289
International Class: F23D 3/16 20060101 F23D003/16

Claims



1. A candle system, the system comprising: a candle, the candle having a top surface and a side surface, the candle having at least a portion of its side surface being exposed and comprising at least one wick on the top surface of the candle; and a candle cover, the candle cover being configured to cover the at least one wick, the candle cover including an extending portion that extends from the top surface of the candle downward along the side surface of the candle, wherein the candle cover is configured to be removably secured to the candle, such that the candle cover is replaceable after the candle has been burned.

2. The candle system according to claim 1, wherein the candle cover is secured to the candle in an area underneath the candle.

3. The candle system according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from above the candle, the at least one wick is completely covered by the candle cover.

4. The candle system according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the candle cover is made of fabric.

5. The candle system according to claim 4, wherein the fabric portion includes a ribbon, the ribbon having two side edges, and a wire is provided on at least one of the side edges of the ribbon.

6. The candle system according to claim 1, wherein the extending portion comprises two arm members, the two arm members extending downward along different portions of the side surface at an angle of about 180 degrees to each other and being secured to one another beneath the candle.

7. The candle system according to claim 6, wherein the two arm members are made of fabric.

8. The candle system according to claim 6, wherein the two arm members are secured to one another by a hook and loop fastener system.

9. The candle system according to claim 8, wherein the hook and loop fasteners are positioned on the arm members such that the effective length of the arm members is adjustable.

10. The candle system according to claim 1, wherein the extending portion comprises an arm member that extends downward along the side of the candle, beneath the candle, and upward along a different portion of the side surface of the candle, and at least one end of the arm member is removably securable to the candle cover.

11. The candle system according to claim 10, wherein the removably securable end of the arm member is configured to be removably securable to the candle cover by a hook and loop fastener system.

12. The candle system according to claim 1, the candle cover further comprising a decorative member that is configured to rest on the top surface of the candle.

13. The candle system according to claim 12, wherein the decorative member comprises one selected from the group of a bow, a representation of a flower, a representation of a fruit, a figurine, and combinations thereof.

14. The candle system according to claim 13, wherein the decorative member is attached to the candle cover using glue.

15. The candle system according to claim 1, wherein the candle is cylindrical in shape.

16. The candle according to claim 1, wherein there are at least three wicks on the top surface of the candle.

17. A candle system, the system comprising: a candle, the candle having a top surface and a side surface, the candle having at least a portion of its side surface being exposed and comprising at least one wick on the top surface of the candle; and a candle cover, the candle cover being configured to cover the at least one wick, wherein the candle cover is removable and replaceable, and the candle cover is configured to be secured to the candle.

18. The candle system according to claim 17, wherein the candle cover is secured to the candle by the use of pins attached to the bottom of the candle cover.

19. The candle system according to claim 17, wherein the candle cover is slightly wider than the width of the candle, and the candle cover includes a lip that extends downward along at least a portion of the perimeter of the candle to secure the candle cover to the candle.

20. The candle system according to claim 19, wherein the lip extends around the entire perimeter of the candle cover.

21. The candle system according to claim 17 wherein the candle cover is configured to useable with varying heights of the candle.

22. A candle system, the system comprising: a candle, the candle having a top surface and a side surface, the candle having at least a portion of its side surface being exposed and comprising at least one wick on the top surface of the candle; and a wrap-around element including: a base portion; and two fabric arm members extending from the base portion at an angle of about 180 degrees to each other, wherein the fabric arm members include each include a hook and loop element at one end so that the wrap-around element is configured to be removably and replaceably secured to the candle.

23. The candle system according to claim 22, wherein the hook and loop elements are configured so that an effective length of the arm members is adjustable.

24. The candle system according to claim 22, wherein the wrap-around element further includes a decorative element attached to the base portion.

25. The candle system according to claim 24, wherein the decorative element comprises one selected from the group of a bow, a representation of a flower, a representation of a fruit, a figurine, and combinations thereof.

26. The candle system according to claim 22, wherein the base portion is a fabric bow.

27. The candle system according to claim 22, wherein the wrap-around element is configured to cover at least 4 square inches of the top surface of the candle when the base portion of the wrap-around element is placed on the top surface of the candle.

28. The candle system according to claim 22, wherein the candle is cylindrical in shape and there are at least three wicks on the top surface of the candle.

29. A candle system, the system comprising: a candle, the candle having a top surface and a side surface, the candle having at least a portion of its side surface being exposed and comprising at least one wick on the top surface of the candle; and a candle cover, the candle cover being configured to cover the at least one wick, wherein the candle cover is removable and replaceable.

30. The candle system according to claim 29, the candle cover is configured to be secured to the candle.

31. The candle system according to claim 30, wherein the candle cover includes two arm members extending across the top surface of the candle and downward along different portions of the side surface and being secured to one another beneath the candle.

32. A candle system, the system comprising: a candle, the candle having a top surface and a side surface, the candle having at least a portion of its side surface being exposed and comprising at least one wick on the top surface of the candle; and a decorative side element configured to attach, detach and reattach to the side surface of the candle cover.

33. The candle system according to claim 32, wherein the decorative side element attaches to the side surface of the candle using at least one pin.

34. The candle system according to claim 32, wherein the decorative element includes an extending portion that is configured to extend around the side surface of the candle and configured to attach to an attachment portion of the decorative side element to secure the decorative element to the side surface of the candle.

35. The candle system according to claim 34, wherein the extending portion comprises two arm members, the two arm members extending around the side surface of the candle, wherein the attachment portion is at least at an end of one of the arm members.

36. The candle system according to claim 35, wherein the two arm members include fabric.

37. The candle system according to claim 36, wherein the two arm members are secured to one another by a hook and loop fastener system.

38. The candle system according to claim 37, wherein the hook and loop fasteners are positioned on the arm members such that the effective length of the arm members is adjustable.

39. The candle system according to claim 32, wherein at least a portion of the decorative side element is made of fabric.

40. The candle system according to claim 39, wherein the fabric portion includes a ribbon, the ribbon having at two side edges, and a wire is provided on at least one of the side edges of the ribbon.

41. The candle system according to claim 32, wherein the decorative side element comprises one selected from the group of a bow, a representation of a flower, a representation of a fruit, a figurine, and combinations thereof.
Description



FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a candle system that includes a candle cover or other decorative element. In particular, the invention relates to a candle system that includes a candle cover that is configured to cover a top of a candle or provide a decorative element to enhance the appearance of the candle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Candles are popular for home use, as well as in restaurants and other places where people wish to provide light, or simply a soothing and pleasant atmosphere. Candles can also be used as a means to deliver scents, such as air freshening smells or other agreeable odors. Many shapes and sizes of candles have been developed over the years. For example, there are jar candles, and other similar candles where the candle-burning element is formed within a solid structure. These candles are designed to burn within the solid structure and as the candle burns, the sides of the candle are not exposed. Also, height of the structure (e.g., the jar) does not change as the candle burns.

[0003] Various types of lids have been proposed for candles that have a solid structure surrounding the candle element. For example, some jar candles have lids that cover the top of the jar. These lids are removable and replaceable on the jar housing to maintain the original appearance of the jar candle when the candle is not in use.

[0004] However, jar candle lids and the like are designed to mate with a solid structure that encloses a candle, such as a top rim of ajar. Some stand-alone candles also differ from jar candles in that the height of the stand-alone candle varies with burn time.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a candle cover that can effectively cover a stand-alone candle in a decorative manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, a need has arisen for a candle system that includes a stand-alone candle and a candle cover that can be secured to the candle, or otherwise adapt to cover a stand-alone candle.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a candle system. The system includes a candle and a candle cover. The candle has a top surface and a side surface. The candle has a portion of its sides exposed and includes at least one wick on the top surface. The candle cover fits over the wick(s) and includes an extending portion that extends from the top surface of the candle downward along the side of the candle. The candle cover is removably secured to the candle, such that the candle cover is replaceable after the candle has been burned.

[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a candle system includes a candle and a candle cover. The candle has a top surface and at least one side surface. The candle has at least a portion of its sides exposed and includes at least one wick on the top surface of the candle. The candle cover fits over the wick(s) and is removable and replaceable. The candle cover can be secured to the candle, and is useable with varying heights of the candle.

[0009] In yet another aspect of the invention, a candle system includes a candle and a wrap-around element. The candle has a top surface and a side surface, and at least a portion of its side surface is exposed. The candle includes at least one wick on the top surface of the candle. The wrap-around element includes a base portion and two fabric arm members extending from the base portion at an angle of about 180 degrees to each other. The fabric arm members each include a hook and loop element at one end so that the wrap-around element is configured to be removably and replaceably secured to the candle. A decorative element may be attached to the base portion.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a candle system is provided that includes a candle and a candle cover. The candle has a top surface and a side surface. The candle has at least a portion of its side surface being exposed and includes at least one wick on the top surface of the candle. The candle cover is configured to cover the wick(s) and is removable and replaceable.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, a candle system includes a candle and a decorative side element. The candle has a top surface and a side surface, and has at least a portion of its side surface exposed. At least one wick is on the top surface of the candle. A decorative side element is configured to attach, detach, and reattach to the side surface of the candle cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a candle system according to the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a candle system according to the present invention, with the candle system being presented on a stand.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a candle system according to the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view of a candle cover of the present invention in an unattached position.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a partial bottom view of a candle system of the present invention, with the candle cover in the attached position.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of another candle cover of the present invention in an unattached position.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a decorative candle cover with pins extending out of a bottom surface.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of another decorative candle cover with a lid comprising the base of the candle cover.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of another decorative candle cover.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a top view of a candle with three wicks.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a candle system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the present invention where the candle cover is secured to a side of the candle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0024] This invention is directed to a candle system that includes a stand-alone candle. In the context of this invention a stand-alone candle means a candle that is not entirely confined within ajar or other solid structure. In other words, the candle has at least a portion of its side surface exposed. In a preferred embodiment, the candle is a stand-alone wax candle that at least a portion of its wax side surface exposed. The candle may have its wax sides entirely exposed. However, it is understood that the candle could be partially held within a solid structure and partially exposed. The candle cover of the present invention can be used with stand-alone candles of many different wax types, including beeswax, paraffin wax, soy wax, vegetable wax, palm wax or synthetic beeswax.

[0025] Some candles with exposed sides experience a height reduction over time through the burning of the wick(s). Sometimes the reduction is very slight, other times it is more significant. The present invention can be particularly useful with candles that experience such a height reduction, since the candle cover's functionality is not dependent upon the height of the candle. Of course, it is not necessary for the candle to burn to a lower height to use the candle cover of the present invention.

[0026] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a candle cover that is configured to be secured to a stand-alone candle. In the context of this invention, the term secured means attached by any means other than, or in addition to, gravity. For example, the candle cover can be secured to the candle indirectly by wrapping portions of the candle cover around the candle. The candle cover may be further secured to the candle by attaching two different ends of wrapped portions of the candle cover together by tying, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, or any other method that permits detachment and reattachment of the two ends. Alternatively, the candle cover could be secured directly to the candle by pins, tacks, reusable adhesives (such as double-sided tape), or any other method that permits detachment and reattachment of the candle cover to the candle. Finally, the candle could be secured to the candle by using a lid-like arrangement on the top surface of the candle, with or without a direct means of attachment such as pins. That is, the candle cover could be placed on a candle like a lid for a hatbox. The methods of securing the candle cover to the candle are discussed in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0027] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate three types of candle systems according to the present invention. Referring to the figures, the candle system includes candle 10 and candle covers 20, 30, 40. In FIG. 1, the candle 10 is placed on a decorative stand 50. Candle 10 is shown as a cylindrical wax candle in the shape of a pillar candle. However, the candle need not be in this shape or style. For example, the candle can be round, square, or of a multi-sided shape when viewed from above. Also, the candle can be designed to look like a baked good, such as a pie or a cake. The side surface of the candle can also be textured. It may be desirable to add texture to the sides if the candle is designed to look like something else. For example, a cake candle may have a textured side surface to provide the appearance of frosting or icing.

[0028] For different candle shapes, the side surface of the candle will take different forms. The side surface may include four discrete side portions set at angles to each other for a square or rectangle shape as viewed from above. The side surface may be one continuous curving surface for a cylindrical candle. The single side surface of a cylindrical candle can be divided into different portions by imagining one or more lines across the diameter of the top surface of the candle and extending the ends of the diameter lines vertically downward along the side surface. The different portions of the side surface of a candle will be mentioned herein in relation to the position of extension members of certain embodiments of the candle cover of the invention.

[0029] The candle includes at least one wick. The candle may contain at least three wicks. FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of a candle 10 that has three wicks 15. As discussed in more detail below, the candle cover is preferably shaped to cover each of the wicks of a candle.

[0030] Candle cover 20 includes a bow with decorative flowers. Candle cover 30 includes a bow with a single flower and decorative berries. Candle cover 40 includes a bow with beaded fruit. Although the decorations on the candle cover shown in FIGS. 1-3 include bows, flowers, and decorative fruit, it is understood that the decorative aspect need not be so limited. The candle cover could include any type of suitable decoration. For example, the cover could include representations of the following types of items: fruits, flowers, baked goods, plants, or greens. Of course, the candle cover could also include figurines, such as a gingerbread man, a snowman, a house, etc. The candle cover can also be formed of a variety of materials. For example, if the candle cover includes a bow or ribbon, the bow or ribbon could be made of fabric. The fabric could include any cloth or cloth-like material that is produced by knitting, weaving, felting of fibers, etc. Of course, the candle cover could be formed of any suitable materials, such as plastic, resin, ceramic, wax, glass, beads, etc.

[0031] After burning, candlewicks often exhibit unsightly burn residue, such as black soot and the like. Accordingly, it is preferable that the candle cover is large enough to cover the wick(s) of the candle for which it is to be used. In a preferred embodiment, the wick(s) would be completely covered when the candle system is viewed from above. It is obvious that the candle cover could be formed in a variety of shapes and still effectively cover all of the wicks of a candle, such as those shown in FIG. 9. Although the candle covers shown in FIGS. 1-3 are only about half as wide as the candle, it may be preferable to form the candle covers such that they are nearly as wide as the candle itself. For example, a candle cover can have more bow elements or larger flowers to cover a greater surface area of the candle. The desired size of the candle cover will depend on the shape of the candle and the locations of the wicks, as well as the desired decorative effect.

[0032] In one embodiment, the candle covers 20, 30, 40 include extending portions 60 that extend from the top surface of the candle downward along the side surfaces of the candles. In the preferred embodiment, the extending portions 60 are two arm members that extend downward along opposing portions of the side surface of the candle. In a preferred embodiment, the two arms of the extending portions 60 extend beneath the candle and attach to one another (see FIG. 5).

[0033] The extending portions are preferably made of a flexible material, such as fabric. The preferred method of attachment of the extending portions is that of a hook and loop fastener system. This method is preferred because a wide landing zone (e.g., the area of the hooks or loops) can be used to provide some flexibility in the point of attachment, permitting the effective length of the extension portions to be adjustable. The wide-area landing zone can be formed by one long piece of a landing zone (that is, either the hook or loop fastener material), or it can be formed by several areas of separate landing zones (that is, either the hook or loop fastener material).

[0034] The extending portions can also be formed of other flexible materials, such as wire. Wire, or a similar material, may be preferred in some cases, because it is capable of being secured to itself, or other materials by simply twisting the wire. Therefore, no other fasteners would be necessary.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment where a candle cover 70 has extending portions 60 configured as two arms. The arms include a hook and loop fastener system 80, 90 for attachment to one another.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a candle system of the present invention with the candle cover attached. Extending portions 60 are attached to each other on the bottom of the candle 10 through the hook and loop fastening system 80, 90 attached to the extending portions 60.

[0037] Although FIG. 4 shows the two extension portions 60 being about equal in length, they can also be of different sizes. For example, one extension portion could be very short and the other one much longer. Of course, if the extension portions are of significantly different lengths, the point of attachment will not likely be underneath the candle, but rather on a side or top of the candle. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment there is only one extension portion 110 that extends all the way around a candle to reconnect to the candle cover 100. This can be accomplished by having a one portion of a hook and loop fastening system 80 attached at the one end of the extension portion 110 and another portion 90 at the base of the candle cover 100 itself, respectively.

[0038] The candle cover may include more than two extension portions in other embodiments. For example, the candle cover could have three, four, or five extension portions. These extension portions may be attached to each other or the candle on the bottom side of the candle, or be attached to the side of the candle, as discussed herein.

[0039] The extension portions can be formed integral with the candle cover. For example, the candle cover can be a bow with two ribbons extending out of the bow area to form the extension portions. Alternatively, the candle cover could be formed of different parts that are connected together by any of a number of means. For example, a ribbon may be tied to a bow to form the two extension portions extending away from the bow. Also, a decorative element may be secured to the extension arms by hot melt glue or other adhesives. The decorative element could also be removable and replaceable. Alternatively, the candle system could be designed such that a number of interchangeable decorative elements can be used on a single candle system.

[0040] In another embodiment, the candle cover may be secured to the candle without extension arms. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment where a candle cover 120 includes pin elements 130 and a decorative element 132. Pin elements 130 are small enough so that they easily penetrate a top surface of a candle to secure the candle cover 120 to a candle. The number of pin elements that are used can vary and be any number. For example, the number of pins can vary from 1 to 20, though it is most preferable that the number of pin elements be between 1 and 5. The candle cover 120 may have a rigid or semi-rigid base, which holds the pin elements 130. A rigid base may be useful to support a heavier decorative element. Alternatively, the base could be flexible, which would permit the candle cover to adapt to a surface that has burned in an irregular manner. One example of a flexible candle cover base is a bow including pins for attachment to the top surface of the candle.

[0041] Because candle cover 120 attaches directly to the top of a candle, candle cover 120 can be removed and replaced at various times throughout the life of the candle, without regard to the current height of the candle.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, the candle cover may include a lip portion that extends downward along the side of the candle. FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment where a candle cover 140 including a decorative element 142 is formed to be slightly wider than the width of a candle. At least a portion of the candle cover 140 forms a lip portion 150. Lip portion 150 secures the candle cover 140 to the candle by preventing the candle cover 140 from moving side to side, and therefore, maintaining its position on the candle. FIG. 8 shows a lip portion 150 that extends around the entire perimeter of the candle cover. However, the lip portion could be formed at only portions of the perimeter of the candle cover. In addition, the length of the lip portion can vary. For example, the lip portion could be very short (e.g., less than one inch) or it could be significantly longer (e.g., greater than one inch).

[0043] Candle cover 140 can have a rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible base. Depending on the structure of the decorative element, it may be preferable to use a rigid base. For example, if the decorative element is relatively heavy, it may be desired to have a rigid base to support the decorative element. Alternatively, the base could be flexible, which would permit the candle cover to adapt to a surface that has burned in an irregular manner.

[0044] Candle cover 140 attaches directly to the top of a candle and, thereby, permits the candle cover 140 to be removed and replaced at various times throughout the life of the candle, without regard to the current height of the candle.

[0045] In another embodiment, the candle cover may not be secured to the candle, but instead rests on top of the candle. FIG. 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment where a candle cover 160 including a decorative element 162 is formed to be smaller than the width of a candle. The candle cover 160 may have a base 164 that is either rigid or flexible. Base 164 is preferably smaller than the width of the candle so that when it rests on top of the candle, no portion of the base extends over the sides of the candle. The candle system in FIG. 9 includes a candle cover that is formed on (or attached to) base 164. However, it may be desired to not have a base, such that the decorative member 162 (e.g., a bow) could rest directly on the top of the candle.

[0046] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a candle system 170, including a cylindrical candle 172 having a textured continuous curving side surface 174 and a textured substantially flat top surface 175. A candle cover 178 sits atop the candle 172 and includes a first extending portion 180 and a second extending portion, where only the first extending portion 180 is visible in FIG. 11, formed from a flexible fabric ribbon. The ribbon may be formed with at least one wire element on one side edge (or both side edges, if desired) of the ribbon. The wire element may provide a desired stiffness to the ribbon that may otherwise be lacking, thereby improving the ribbon's appearance. The wire elements can also provide a means of attaching the extension portions to each other, such as by twisting the wire elements of the extension portions together.

[0047] The candle cover 178 includes a bow 184 having multiple loops 186, 188, 190, 192, and 194 that are visible in the drawing. Of course, many different types of bows may be incorporated into a candle cover according to the present invention, including those with any number of loops ranging from two loops to eight or more loops. The candle cover 178 shown in FIG. 11 also includes two flowers 196, 198 including leaves such as leaves 197, 199 and two berry arrangements 200, 202, but a candle cover according to the present invention may or may not include these types or quantities of decorative elements.

[0048] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention where the candle cover is secured to a side of the candle. A candle 210 has a top surface and a side surface. The candle also has at least a portion of its side surface exposed. Candle 210 has three wicks 212 on the top surface of the candle. However, the number of wicks could vary. A wrap-around element 220 includes a base portion 230 and two fabric arm members 240, 250. The arm members 240, 250 extend from the base portion 230 at an angle of about 180 degrees to each other. The fabric arm members 240, 250 preferably include matching hook and loop elements (not shown) at their respective ends so that the wrap-around element 220 is configured to be removably and replaceably secured to the candle. However, candle cover 220 can be secured to the candle by means other than hook and loop fasteners. For example, the wrap-around element 220 can include pins (such as those shown in FIG. 7). Alternatively, the arm members can be secured by tying (e.g., the arm members could include a string or fabric material) or twisting (e.g., the arm members could include a wire element or the like).

[0049] Decorative elements are attached to the base portion. In FIG. 12, the decorative elements include a bow, a flower, and several berries. However, the decorative element could be any type of decoration discussed in this application. Moreover, although FIG. 12 shows the wrap-around element being attached to the side of the candle, it could be attached around the top of the candle, such as is shown in FIGS. 1-3

[0050] In another embodiment of the invention, a candle system includes a candle and a decorative side element that can be attached to the exposed side of a candle. The decorative side element can attach to the side of the candle using a wrap-around element as shown in FIG. 12, or other attachment techniques can be used. For example, pins can be used to secure a decorative side element to the side of the candle.

[0051] One method of creating a candle system, such as the candle system 170, will now be described, with reference to the numbered parts of FIG. 11. Although the system of FIG. 11 will be used as an example, generally, this method applies to other candle systems according to the invention where the candle covers have different elements that may be assembled similarly. One possible first step is to form a bow 184 with multiple loops from a length of fabric. Then another section of fabric can be attached to the bow 184 either by tying it to the bow 184 or using another attachment method such as glue, so that two extending portions are attached to the bow 184. The bow 184 including the extending portions form the base of the candle cover 178.

[0052] Then various decorative items such as flowers 196, 198 and berry arrangements 200, 202 can be attached to the candle cover 178. Examples of attachment techniques that can be used are glue, wire fasteners, double-sided tape, snaps, or hook and loop fasteners. It is possible, though not required, to attach the decorative elements in a way that allows removal and reattachment for changeability of the decorative elements.

[0053] Hook and loop fasteners or other attachment devices may then be placed on the ends of the extension members. Other attachment devices include tacks, adhesive, snaps, or wire fasteners. The attachment devices at the ends of the extension members will preferably be selected to permit attachment, detachment and reattachment of the extension members to each other or to the candle itself. Alternatively, no attachment device may be necessary on the extension members if the extension members are attached to each other by tying or twisting.

[0054] To form the candle system, the candle cover is placed on the top surface of a candle, and, if the candle cover includes two extension portions, then the two extension portions are positioned to extend down the side surface of the candle. The candle is lifted or tipped up so that the ends of the extension portions can be positioned under the candle and attached to each other. The finished candle system includes the candle cover positioned on the top surface of the candle, positioned over the wick or wicks of the candle.

[0055] For a candle having one wick, the wick is usually positioned in the center of the top surface of the candle. For this type of candle, a candle cover of minimal size will cover the single wick when positioned over it. For a candle have multiple wicks, the wicks are often positioned so that the wicks are equidistant from the center of the top surface of the candle. For this type of candle, the candle cover will be large enough to cover all of the wicks. By way of example, a candle may have multiple wicks at locations about quarter way to halfway from the center of the top surface to the edge of the top surface. A candle cover for this type of candle will cover the portion of the surface area of the top surface of the candle extending from the center of the candle to about quarter way to halfway to the outer edge of the top surface, so that all of the wicks are covered. In one embodiment, the candle cover is configured to cover at least four square inches of the top surface of a candle when it is placed on the top surface of the candle. In other embodiments, the candle cover is configured to cover at least six or eight square inches of the top surface of the candle.

[0056] During use of a candle system of the present invention, a user may burn a candle for a desired period of time and then extinguish the flame. After the candle material of the top surface has cooled and resolidified, a candle cover may be placed on the top surface of the candle and secured to the candle by any of the many securing methods described above, thereby covering the burned wick or wicks of the candle and creating an decorative display.

[0057] Of course any combination of the above embodiments could be used. For example, a candle cover could include two arm members (e.g., two ribbons) that extend only partially down the side of the candle and which attach to the side of the candle by two pin elements that are disposed on the end areas of the two arm members.

[0058] A number of benefits are realized by the present invention. First, the candle cover can be easily removed when the candle is to be burned, and then easily replaced when the candle is no longer in use. Second, the candle can maintain its original decorative appearance, even after it has been partially burned. Third, unsightly burn marks can be covered up. Fourth, the candle covers of the present invention are adjustable and/or adaptable to the height of the candle and, therefore, can be used without regard to the current height of the candle.

[0059] The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

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