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 Number | 20060115781 10/998140 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36498595 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-01 |
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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