U.S. patent application number 11/408821 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-25 for secret message candle.
Invention is credited to Reza Mahdavieh.
Application Number | 20070248922 11/408821 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38619866 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070248922 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mahdavieh; Reza |
October 25, 2007 |
Secret message candle
Abstract
A hidden message candle apparatus comprising a two part
container divided into an inner portion and an outer portion, a
candle, a message sheet, and a heat-activated covering in sticker
form. The transparent top portion of the outer container forms a
cylindrical gap, when the inner container is nested in the outer
container, and a message imprinted sheet with the heat-activated
covering is inserted therein. A candle or other heat source is
disposed in the bottom part of the inner container. Upon activating
the heat source, the heat from the heat source raises the
temperature of the air in the cylindrical gap, and acts on the
heat-activated ink sticker causing it to become transparent and
reveal the message on the sheet.
Inventors: |
Mahdavieh; Reza; (Pasadena,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWIN TARVER
16830 Ventura Blvd.
SUITE 360
Encino
CA
91436
US
|
Family ID: |
38619866 |
Appl. No.: |
11/408821 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
431/291 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 13/04 20130101;
F23D 3/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/291 |
International
Class: |
F23D 3/16 20060101
F23D003/16 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for displaying hidden messages, the apparatus
comprising a transparent container; a heat source disposed in the
container; a sheet with messages disposed in the container; a
heat-activated covering over the sheet, the heat-activated covering
being opaque at room temperature and transparent when heated to a
temperature above room temperature; whereby messages on the sheet
become visible when the heat-activated covering is heated by a heat
source in the container.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the container comprises an
inner container that nests in an outer container.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the inner container is made of
transparent heat-resistant material.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the inner container and outer
containers comprise cylindrical containers with open top ends.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the outer container has a
bottom portion and a top portion, wherein the diameter of the
bottom portion causes it to abut the bottom and sides of the inner
container, and the diameter of the top portion causes it to create
a cylindrical space between the inner and outer containers
sufficient to hold a sheet and heat-activated covering.
6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the inner container has a lip
disposed around its rim, wherein the lip extends outward to a
distance sufficient to cover a cylindrical space between the inner
and outer containers.
7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the top and bottom portions of
the containers comprise any three-dimensional shape with a bottom,
sides and an open top.
8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the top portion of the outer
container is transparent, and the bottom portion of the outer
container is opaque.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the bottom portion of the
outer container comprises a design or fanciful covering.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein wax or gel in the bottom
portion of the inner container along with one or a plurality of
wicks is used as the heat source.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heat source is a
candle.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heat source is electric,
and is powered by a cord that extends through the container.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heat source is electric,
and is battery powered.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein personalized messages can be
added on the sheet.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sheet comprises any paper
thin object including a photo, a decorative card, and paper.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heat-activated covering
comprises a sticker placed on backing paper.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the heat-activated covering
is peeled from the backing paper and placed over the sheet with
messages.
18. An apparatus for displaying hidden messages, said apparatus
comprising a cylindrical lidless inner container, a cylindrical
lidless outer container, wherein the outer container comprises a
lower portion that abuts the sides and bottom of the inner
container and an upper portion that encircles the sides of the
inner container at a distance, leaving a cylindrical gap between
the inner and outer containers which is covered by a lip projecting
outward from the top of the inner container; a candle disposed in
the inner container; a sheet with messages; a heat-activated
sticker which is opaque at room temperature and transparent when
heated above room temperature covering the sheet; the
heat-activated sticker and sheet disposed in the cylindrical gap;
wherein messages on the sheet are revealed when the candle burns
and the heat-activated sticker becomes transparent.
19. A method of displaying hidden messages comprising the steps of;
attaching a message sheet onto an opaque heat-activated sticker;
placing the sheet and sticker in a cylindrical gap in a two-part
transparent container; disposing a candle in a bottom portion of
the container; lighting the candle; and observing the sheet as
messages are revealed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] None
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL
[0004] Portions of the disclosure of this patent document contain
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office file or records, but otherwise reserves
all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0005] The present invention relates in general to candles, more
particularly to candles that display messages, and more
particularly, to a candle apparatus that reveals hidden messages by
using the heat produced from a burning candle or other source.
[0006] Candles that display messages are known in the art. Messages
may be words, expressions or simply an ornamental design. In some
instances, the messages to be delivered are directly visible on the
candle. By using a transparent or translucent wax, messages can be
directly displayed as the candle burns. Other candles include
hidden messages disposed within or on the surface of the candle
body. As the candle burns, the wax melts and the messages are
revealed. Various methods and related structures have been used in
conjunction with the candle to efficiently deliver the hidden
messages.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,934 to Butler discloses a message
display candle. Message characters or objects are embedded in
combustible transparent gel in the candle body and are visible
whether the candle is burning or not. The messages can be changed
and the message characters can be wax characters in a gel matrix or
formed as part of the bottom or wall of the candle body. The
messages in the candle are not hidden however, and are visible
whether the candle is burning or not.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,694 to Bell discloses a candle insert
that includes an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer
portion can be made of a gel composition and has a recess into
which the inner portion is positioned. The inner receptacle is
clear and is concealed by the outer portion. The inner portion may
be formed from wax or gel or other suitable candle body material.
The outer portion may contain a variety of decorative objects or
may be designed to produce a variety of decorative effects. When a
wick in the inner portion is lit, light from the inner portion
passes through the outer portion of the candle and enhances
decorative effects that are dispersed in the outer candle body. The
lack of a hidden message feature, and the added second gel layer
distinguish this candle from the present invention.
[0009] U.S. Pub. No. 20050079465 to Tillieux discloses a candle
containing a secret message, which is displayed as the candle is
consumed. A non-burnable plate with inscribed message is placed
substantially horizontal in the candle. The non-burnable plate
includes an orifice for a wick to pass through. Messages can be
added and the plate is placed on the stock candle. Following which,
more wax is added to cover the plate and the messages are revealed
as the candle burns down. Although this candle reveals hidden
messages, the method used to achieve this by using a plate and
pouring the wax on the plate is different from the present
invention.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,640 to Pitchford discloses a candle that
includes a personalized message disposed in a fire and leak proof
container. The message may be a fortune, words of endearment, a
game token, or a coupon redeemable for a prize or price discount on
a product. The container is initially hidden from the viewer. The
candle is consumed until such time as the container or token is
revealed. Alternately, the candle can have a strip extending along
the longitudinal axis. Messages on the strip will be readable as
the candle burns. The candle relies on melting wax to display the
hidden messages.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,304,547 to Buzil discloses a candle that
includes a plurality of tabs securely positioned with a heat
sensitive adhesive on the outside of the candle. The tabs are
positioned at various levels. When the candle is burning at a level
where a tab is located, the tab becomes detachable and may be
pulled away from the candle for revealing a message previously
hidden by the tab. Although the application of the heat sensitive
adhesive appears to be similar, the heat sensitive adhesive is used
to physically remove the tab, rather than reveal a message
automatically.
[0012] Although candles that reveal messages are known in the art,
there is a need for a more simple, efficient, and convenient means
of revealing a hidden message on a candle. Furthermore, there is a
need for a secret message that can be revealed and exposed
repeatedly, and that can present customized messages. These and
other objects of the present invention will become better
understood with reference to the appended Summary, Description and
Claims.
SUMMARY
[0013] The present invention is directed to a candle apparatus that
reveals hidden messages. The candle apparatus mainly includes two
cylindrical containers, namely, an outer container and a
transparent inner container nesting in the outer container. The
outer container comprises a bottom portion and a transparent top
portion. The inner dimensions of the bottom portion of the outer
container are adapted to abut the bottom and lower sides of the
inner container. The inner diameter of the top portion is more than
that of the bottom portion, and therefore a cylindrical gap is
created between the inner container and the top portion of the
outer container. A candle or other suitable heat source is disposed
in the inner container.
[0014] A sheet or paper printed with an image is covered with
heat-activated ink, which is opaque at room temperature and becomes
transparent when heated to a certain temperature. Pictures,
messages, or any image can be imprinted on the sheet and then
covered with the heat-activated ink, rendering it opaque when at
room temperature. The sheet covered with the heat-activated ink is
placed in the cylindrical space of the apparatus and the candle is
lit. Gradually, the heat from the burning candle raises the
temperature in the containers, and acts on the heat-activated ink
sticker causing it to turn transparent, thereby revealing the image
on the sheet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a message sheet.
[0016] FIG. 2 is an illustration of the heat-activated ink on a
backing paper sheet.
[0017] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the heat-activated ink sticker
covering the message on the sheet.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an illustration of the heat-activated ink sticker
becoming transparent to reveal the message on the sheet.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the outer
container.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the outer container.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the inner
container.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the inner container.
[0023] FIG. 9 a cross-sectional side view of the apparatus of the
present invention with the inner container nested in the outer
container.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the
present invention with the inner container nested in the outer
container.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the apparatus with a candle
and the sheet covered by the heat-activated ink sticker disposed in
the cylindrical space between the outer and inner containers.
[0026] FIG. 12 is an illustration showing the messages on the sheet
that are revealed due to the heat from the burning candle.
FIGURES--REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0027] 10 . . . Candle Apparatus [0028] 11 . . . Outer Container
[0029] 12 . . . Inner Container [0030] 13 . . . Candle [0031] 14 .
. . Sheet or Paper. [0032] 15 . . . Heat-activated Ink Sticker
[0033] 16 . . . Backing Paper [0034] 17 . . . Top Portion of the
Outer Container [0035] 18 . . . Bottom Portion of the Outer
Container [0036] 19 . . . Cylindrical Space [0037] 20 . . . Lip on
the Inner Container
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Referring to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of an
improved candle apparatus is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 12. The
apparatus 10 includes a hollow outer container 11, a hollow inner
container 12, a candle 13, a sheet or paper 14 on which messages
can be imprinted, and a heat-activated ink covering the message.
The inner container 12 nests in the outer container 11.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, the sheet 14 can include any
pre-printed design and/or messages. The sheet can also be blank so
that a user can imprint personal messages. Additionally, paper-thin
objects, such as photographs, can also be used along with the sheet
14.
[0040] The heat-activated ink is opaque at room temperature and
becomes transparent when heated by a candle in close proximity. In
one embodiment, the heat-activated ink is made in a sticker form
that can be applied to an image created by a user. The
heat-activated ink sticker 15 is placed on the backing paper 16
before usage. After messages are imprinted on the sheet 14, the
heat-activated ink sticker 15 is applied to the sheet 14 covering
the messages. As seen in FIG. 3, the messages on the sheet 14 are
hidden due to the opacity of the heat-activated ink at room
temperature.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 5 through 10, the inner and outer
containers 11 and 12 are cylindrical in shape and are heat
resistant. Alternatively, the inner and outer containers can
comprise any three-dimensional shape with a bottom, sides and an
open top. The outer container 11 is divided into a top portion 17
and a bottom portion 18. The top portion 17 is transparent and the
bottom portion 18 is opaque and can include a design or fanciful
covering. The inner dimensions of the bottom portion 18 are so
selected to abut the bottom and sides of the inner container 12.
The inner diameter of the outer container's top portion is more
than its bottom portion. Therefore, when the inner container 12 is
nested in the outer container 11, a cylindrical space 19 is formed
between the inner container 12 and the top portion 17 of the outer
container 11.
[0042] The inner container 12 has a lip 20 disposed around its rim,
which extends outward to a distance sufficient to cover the
cylindrical space 19 between the inner and outer containers. The
cylindrical space 19 is wide enough to receive the sheet 14 covered
by the heat-activated ink. The width of the cylindrical space
should be carefully chosen such that it facilitates minimal loss of
heat to reveal the messages effectively. The outer container 11,
especially its top portion, and inner container 12 can be made of
glass, acrylic, fiberglass, or another transparent and
heat-resistant and heat conductive material.
[0043] The candle 13 disposed at the bottom of the inner container
is used as a heat source. Alternately, wax or gel can be poured in
the bottom of the inner container 12 and a plurality of wicks
placed in the wax or gel. The heat source can also be electric,
which is powered either by a battery or by a cord that extends
through the apparatus 10 and connected to a power supply.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the sheet 14 covered with the
heat-activated sticker 13 is rolled and is positioned one the
inside of the top portion 17 of the outer container 11 where the
cylindrical space 19 will be created. The inner container 12 is
nested in the outer container 11, thereby enclosing the sheet 14 in
the cylindrical space 19. The candle 13 is placed in the bottom of
the inner container 12 and is lit. As the candle 13 burns, heat is
created inside the apparatus 10. This heat from the burning candle
13 acts on the heat-activated ink sticker 15 making it transparent,
thereby revealing the message on the sheet 14 through the
transparent surface of the top portion of the outer container.
[0045] When the candle 13 is extinguished, the air inside the
apparatus 10 cools down. The heat-activated ink sticker 15 regains
its opacity and the messages on the sheet 14 disappear. When the
candle 13 is completely consumed, a user can place a new candle in
the bottom portion or pour wax and place a plurality of wicks the
wax. When the new candle is lit, the messages are revealed again.
In this way, the apparatus can be used repeatedly. Users may easily
replace an existing message sheet with a new message sheets.
[0046] All features disclosed in this specification, including any
accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings, may be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0047] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state "means
for" performing a specified function, or "step for" performing a
specific function, is not to be interpreted as a "means" or "step"
clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, paragraph 6. In
particular, the use of "step of" in the claims herein is not
intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112,
paragraph 6.
[0048] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions
may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present
invention has been described by way of illustration and not
limitation.
* * * * *