U.S. patent application number 11/801998 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-26 for method and apparatus for controlling a burning candle flame.
This patent application is currently assigned to Victor Avelar. Invention is credited to Victor Avelar, Charles W. Sears, Michael A. Susi.
Application Number | 20080153043 11/801998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40122397 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080153043 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Avelar; Victor ; et
al. |
June 26, 2008 |
Method and apparatus for controlling a burning candle flame
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlling a candle flame. A candle
flame may be provided in a controllable environment, e.g., an
enclosed area formed at least in part by an air-tight cover. Air
may be forced into the enclosed area by an air movement device
(e.g., a fan) to keep the flame burning. The flame may be
extinguished by reducing (e.g., stopping) air flow into the
enclosed area.
Inventors: |
Avelar; Victor; (Pawtucket,
RI) ; Sears; Charles W.; (Boxford, MA) ; Susi;
Michael A.; (Marlborough, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOLF GREENFIELD & SACKS, P.C.
600 ATLANTIC AVENUE
BOSTON
MA
02210-2206
US
|
Assignee: |
Avelar; Victor
Pawtucket
RI
|
Family ID: |
40122397 |
Appl. No.: |
11/801998 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10981922 |
Nov 5, 2004 |
7226284 |
|
|
11801998 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
431/33 ;
431/351 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S 13/00 20130101;
F23L 5/02 20130101; F23D 3/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/33 ;
431/351 |
International
Class: |
F23C 7/00 20060101
F23C007/00; F23N 5/00 20060101 F23N005/00 |
Claims
1. A candle flame control system comprising: an enclosure that
defines an enclosed area in which a burning flame of a candle is
positionable for an extended period, the burning flame being
positioned in the enclosed area approximately at a vertical axis; a
support constructed and arranged to support the candle with the
burning flame positioned in the enclosed area; exhaust outlets that
direct exhaust from the enclosed area in at least two different
radial directions relative to the vertical axis; and an air
movement device that causes air to be provided into the enclosed
area for the burning flame and causes exhaust from the enclosed
area to move in the exhaust outlets; wherein the enclosure and the
enclosed area are arranged so that the flame of the candle
continues to burn while the air movement device forces air to move
into the enclosed area, and when the air movement device reduces a
flow of air provided into the enclosed area below a threshold, the
flame is extinguished within 5 minutes.
2. The system of claim 1, comprising six exhaust outlets that are
equally spaced radially relative to the vertical axis.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein each exhaust outlet includes an
exhaust duct, and wherein exhaust enters each exhaust duct in a
generally vertical direction and is directed in a direction
radially away from the vertical axis.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the support includes a central
region that supports the candle and the exhaust outlets are at
least partially formed by the support.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the support includes a plurality
of exhaust openings arranged around the central region that form at
least part of the exhaust outlets.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the support includes a plurality
of inlet openings that form inlets by which air is introduced into
the enclosed area.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the inlet openings and exhaust
openings are alternately arranged around the central region.
8. The system of claim 5, wherein each of the exhaust openings
leads to an exhaust outlet port that outlets exhaust in a
horizontal direction.
9. The system of claim 5, wherein the exhaust openings are located
below the burning flame.
10. A candle flame control system comprising: an enclosure that
defines an enclosed area in which a burning flame of a candle is
positionable for an extended period, the burning flame being
positioned in the enclosed area approximately at a vertical axis; a
support constructed and arranged to support the candle with the
burning flame positioned in the enclosed area; an air inlet
arranged to provide air into the enclosed area for combustion by
the flame; and an air movement device that causes air to be
provided into the enclosed area via the air inlet for the burning
flame; wherein the enclosure and the enclosed area are arranged so
that the flame of the candle continues to burn while the air
movement device forces air to move into the enclosed area, and when
the air movement device reduces a flow of air provided into the
enclosed area below a threshold, the flame is extinguished within 5
minutes; and wherein the air inlet is constructed and arranged to
introduce air into the enclosed area so that the burning flame
remains generally aligned along the vertical axis while
burning.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the air inlet includes
plurality of inlet ducts that direct air in a radial direction
relative to the vertical axis into the enclosed area.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the support includes a central
region that supports the candle and the plurality of inlet ducts
each lead to a respective inlet opening formed in the support.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the inlet openings are arranged
around the central region.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the inlet openings are
alternately arranged with exhaust openings that exhaust gases from
the enclosed area.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein at least three inlet openings
are alternately arranged with at least three exhaust openings
around the central region.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein air travels generally
vertically in the inlet ducts and is directed in a radial direction
to exit an inlet opening and enter the enclosed area.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein air introduced via the
plurality of inlet ducts reflects off of the enclosure and is
directed back generally toward the vertical axis.
18. The system of claim 11, wherein the inlet openings are located
below the burning flame.
19. A candle flame control system comprising: an enclosure that
defines an enclosed area in which a burning flame of a candle is
positionable for an extended period, the burning flame being
positioned in the enclosed area approximately at a vertical axis; a
shield positioned around the enclosure and constructed and arranged
to prevent human hand contact with the enclosure, the shield
including vents to permit air to into a lower portion of the space
between the shield and the enclosure and to permit air to exit an
upper portion of the space; a support constructed and arranged to
support the candle with the burning flame positioned in the
enclosed area; and an air movement device that causes air to be
provided into the enclosed area for the burning flame; wherein the
enclosure and the enclosed area are arranged so that the flame of
the candle continues to burn while the air movement device forces
air to move into the enclosed area, and so that when the air
movement device reduces a flow of air provided into the enclosed
area below a threshold, the flame is extinguished within 5
minutes.
20. The system of claim 19, further comprising at least one exhaust
outlet that exhausts gases from the enclosed area, wherein the
exhaust from the enclosed area is directly vented to an area
separate from the space between the shield and the enclosure.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein the support includes a central
region that supports the candle and a plurality of inlet ducts that
direct air into the enclosed area via a respective inlet opening
and a plurality of outlet ducts that exhaust air out of the
enclosed area via an outlet opening, wherein the inlet and outlet
openings are alternately arranged around the central region.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein air in the inlet ducts moves
vertically and is directed to enter the enclosed area in a radial
direction relative to the vertical axis, and exhaust in the
enclosed area enters the outlet ducts generally in a vertical
direction and is directed in a radial direction away from the
vertical axis.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the air movement device
includes a fan that moves air vertically into the inlet ducts.
24. The system of claim 23, wherein the fan is located below the
central region.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the enclosure includes a
dome-shaped translucent member.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the outlet ducts exhaust gases
from the enclosed area to a position located below the burning
flame.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation in part application of
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/981,922, filed Nov. 5, 2004, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to controlling a burning flame, e.g.,
controlling the burning of a candle.
[0003] Safety is a typical concern when candles are burned in a
house or otherwise where people or flammable objects are present.
The open flame of a candle is capable of catching curtains,
clothing or other objects on fire, or burning a person through even
inadvertent contact.
[0004] Another consideration when burning candles is the tendency
of high wind or other air movement to blow the flame out. As is
known in the art, various devices, such as lanterns, shades, etc.,
have been developed to help prevent a candle flame from being
extinguished by wind.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0005] Aspects of the invention provide methods and apparatus for
controlling the burning of a candle. As used herein, a "candle"
refers to any device or substance that may have an open flame or
otherwise be burned, including stick candles, votive candles, jar
candles, incense, oil lamps or any other device having a wick or
similar element to burn a fuel, etc. In some aspects of the
invention, a candle may be burned in an enclosed area so that
people and objects around the candle's flame are prevented from
contacting the flame. Air flow into the enclosed area may be
controlled so that the flame is extinguished when air is no longer
provided into the enclosed area. For example, a fan may move air
into the enclosed area, providing air for combustion. If the fan
stops moving air, the flame may not receive enough air for
combustion and be extinguished, e.g., within 1-5 minutes or
less.
[0006] In another aspect of the invention, the environment in which
a candle may be burned may be enclosed so that wind and other
external factors have little or no influence on the burning of the
candle. Also, the presence of flammable gases, such as natural gas
or gasoline vapors, may be detected, and the flame extinguished so
as to reduce the likelihood of igniting the gases.
[0007] In one aspect of the invention, a flame control system for a
candle includes a cover or enclosure that defines an enclosed area
arranged to house a candle having a burning flame for an extended
period. The cover may be air-tight in portions above the bottom,
and may have an opening at a lower end to allow air to enter the
enclosed area, and to allow combustion products from the flame to
exit. An air supply may provide air into the enclosed area, and the
flame may be extinguished when the supply of air into the enclosed
area drops below a threshold level.
[0008] In another illustrative embodiment, a flame control system
includes an enclosed area in which a burning flame of a candle is
positionable, and an air movement device that causes air to be
provided into the enclosed area for the burning flame. The enclosed
area may be constructed and arranged so that when the air is not
caused to be provided into the enclosed area by the air movement
device, the flame is extinguished, e.g., within 5 minutes, 1-2
minutes or less.
[0009] In one aspect of the invention, a flame control system
includes a radial exhaust feature, e.g., to help disperse the
exhaust gases produced by a burning candle. If the candle is
scented or otherwise produces materials that the user would like to
spread about a room or other space, the radial exhaust feature may
help to disperse the scent or other materials more evenly and/or
quickly. As used herein, a radial direction is one that
approximately originates at the axis and is oriented generally away
from an axis. In the case that the axis is arranged in a vertical
direction, radial directions may be oriented generally away from
the axis and each other, and may be arranged in a horizontal
direction and/or at an angle to the horizontal. The flame control
system may include an enclosure that defines an enclosed area in
which a burning flame of a candle is positionable approximately at
a vertical axis. A support may be constructed and arranged to
support the candle with the burning flame positioned in the
enclosed area, and exhaust outlets may direct exhaust from the
enclosed area in at least two different radial directions relative
to the vertical axis. An air movement device may cause air to be
provided into the enclosed area for the burning flame and cause
exhaust from the enclosed area to move in the exhaust outlets. The
enclosure and the enclosed area may be arranged so that when the
air movement device reduces a flow of air provided into the
enclosed area below a threshold, the flame is extinguished within 5
minutes, within 1-2 minutes or less.
[0010] In one embodiment, exhaust in the enclosed area may enter
each exhaust outlet in a generally vertical direction and is
directed in a direction radially away from the vertical axis. The
support may include a central region that supports the candle and
the exhaust outlets may be at least partially formed by the
support, which may include a plurality of exhaust openings arranged
around the central region. The support may also include a plurality
of inlet openings that form inlets by which air is introduced into
the enclosed area, and the inlet openings and exhaust openings may
be alternately arranged around the central region and be positioned
below the burning flame.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, air may be introduced
into the enclosed area so that the burning flame generally does not
lean, is not "pushed" in one direction or another, and/or otherwise
generally remains aligned with a vertical axis. In one embodiment,
avoiding flame "push" may be achieved by introducing air into the
enclosed embodiment from two or more radial directions into the
enclosed area. The air may be balanced so that the candle flame
generally remains vertical and is not "pushed." Thus a flame
control system may include an enclosure that defines an enclosed
area in which a burning flame of a candle is positionable with the
burning flame being positioned approximately at a vertical axis. A
support may be constructed and arranged to support the candle with
the burning flame positioned in the enclosed area, and an air inlet
may be arranged to provide air into the enclosed area for
combustion by the flame. An air movement device, such as a fan, may
cause air to be provided into the enclosed area via the air inlet
for the burning flame, and the enclosure and the enclosed area may
be arranged so that when the air movement device reduces a flow of
air provided into the enclosed area below a threshold, the flame is
extinguished within 5 minutes. The air inlet may be constructed and
arranged to introduce air into the enclosed area so that the
burning flame remains generally aligned along the vertical axis
while burning, e.g., the air inlet may include a plurality of ducts
that direct air in a radial direction relative to the vertical axis
into the enclosed area. Air inlet openings may be arranged around a
central region of the support that supports the candle, and may be
alternately arranged with exhaust openings that exhaust gases from
the enclosed area. Air may travel generally vertically, e.g., under
the force of a fan, in the ducts and be directed in a radial
direction to exit an inlet opening and enter the enclosed area. In
one embodiment, air introduced into the enclosed area may reflects
off of the enclosure and be directed back generally toward the
flame.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, a shield may be provided
around the enclosure, e.g., to prevent touching of the enclosure
which, although generally cooler than the flame, may still be warm
to the touch. In one embodiment, a flame control system may include
an enclosure that defines an enclosed area in which a burning flame
of a candle is positionable with the burning flame being positioned
approximately at a vertical axis. A shield may be positioned around
the enclosure and be arranged to prevent human hand contact with
the enclosure. The shield may also include vents to permit air to
into a lower portion of the space between the shield and the
enclosure and to permit air to exit an upper portion of the space,
e.g., to allow cooling air to circulate in the space. A support may
be constructed and arranged to support the candle with the burning
flame positioned in the enclosed area, and an air movement device
may cause air to be provided into the enclosed area for the burning
flame.
[0013] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent
and/or obvious from the following description and appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Aspects of the invention are described with reference to the
following drawings in which like numerals reference like elements,
and wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment
of a flame control system in accordance with the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a sectional side view of the FIG. 1 embodiment
illustrating air inlet features of the system;
[0017] FIG. 3 shows a sectional side view of the FIG. 1 embodiment
illustrating exhaust features of the system; and
[0018] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of a portion of the support which
defines portions of the inlet and exhaust ducts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] Various aspects of the invention are described below with
reference to illustrative embodiments. However, it should be
understood that aspects of the invention are not limited to those
embodiments described below, but instead may be used in any
suitable system or arrangement.
[0020] Aspects of the invention provide a controllable environment,
e.g., an enclosed area, in which a candle flame may be housed and
controlled. Thus, the candle flame may be housed in a cover or
other enclosure and selectively permitted to burn for an extended
period (e.g., 1 hour or more), have its burn rate adjusted, and/or
be extinguished. The candle flame burn rate may be adjusted or the
flame extinguished by controlling air flow into and/or out of the
controllable environment. At least some aspects of the invention
extinguish a candle flame by denying the flame air or other
suitable gases in an amount needed for combustion. In addition, the
cover may protect persons or flammable objects from contacting the
flame.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of a flame control
system 10 that incorporates various aspects of the invention. In
this illustrative embodiment, a candle 1 is arranged within a cover
2 that defines an enclosed area in which the candle's flame may
burn for an extended period, e.g., 1 minute, 10 minutes, 1 hour, or
more. Although the cover 2 may be made in any suitable arrangement,
in this embodiment the cover 2 is made of glass and has a
hemispherical, bowl-like or dome-like shape. The cover 2 may be
air-tight, e.g., include an upper portion with no holes or openings
to allow air to pass. In one illustrative embodiment, the cover 2
defines a dome-shaped interior area having a volume larger than the
enclosed candle with the bottom of the cover 2 having a diameter of
approximately 2.5 inches and a height of approximately 3.5 inches.
The candle 1, which may be a tealight candle, may be placed inside
the enclosed area of the cover 2 on a support 3 that has an air
inlet 4 that allows air to enter into the enclosed area. Air for
combustion of the candle flame may be introduced into the enclosed
area by way of an air movement device 5, e.g., a fan, moving air
into the enclosed area. Exhaust gases generated by the candle flame
may be exhausted via an exhaust outlet 7. The enclosed area may be
arranged so that the candle flame extinguishes if the air movement
device 5 reduces the amount of air supplied through the air inlet 4
into the enclosed area below a threshold. That is, the fan 5 moves
air through the air inlet 4 at a rate to provide sufficient air to
keep the flame burning and exhaust combustion products through the
exhaust outlet 7. If the fan 5 slows sufficiently or is stopped,
the candle flame will extinguish, e.g., within 5 minutes, 1-2
minutes, or less, as a result of insufficient air for
combustion.
[0022] A controller 6 may be used to control the operation of the
fan 5 and/or perform other functions. For example, the controller 6
may include one or more switches (as shown) to control the power
provided to the fan 5, e.g., a toggle switch that may be operated
by a user to turn the fan on and off. In other embodiments, the
controller 6 may control the operation of the fan 5 based on
detected environmental conditions or any other suitable criteria.
For example, the controller 6 may have a timer that a user may set
for a desired burn period, e.g., 1 hour. The controller 6 may then
allow the fan 5 to run for one hour, at which time the fan 5 may be
turned off and the candle flame extinguished.
[0023] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of the FIG. 1
embodiment and depicts air flow into the enclosed area defined by
the cover 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the FIG. 1
embodiment, but shows exhaust flow out of the enclosed area. In
this embodiment and as shown in FIG. 2, the fan 5 blows air
upwardly toward a plurality of air inlet ducts 41, which each
direct the air to move in a radial direction into the enclosed area
of the cover 2 relative to a vertical axis 8 at which the candle
flame is approximately located. Each of the air inlet ducts 41
leads to an inlet opening 42 though which the air enters into the
enclosed area. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the air entering via the
inlet openings 42 is directed radially away from the candle flame
and toward the cover 2. The air may contact the cover 2 and be
reflected back toward the candle flame, and may create a turbulent
environment in the enclosed area. By introducing air into the
enclosed area in two or more radial directions, the air may be
introduced to the flame in a more balanced way, thereby avoiding
"push" of the flame (causing the flame to lean in a direction away
from vertical), avoiding substantial leaning of the flame and/or
other deviation of the flame from a direction aligned with the
vertical axis 8. As a result, the flame may burn the candle more
evenly, creating less smoke and/or avoiding damage to the candle
holder (i.e., a cup or other container in which the candle wax and
wick are provided). In this embodiment, air is introduced into the
enclosed area in radial directions that are close to the
horizontal, but it should be understood that air may be introduced
in any suitable direction relative to the horizontal.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, exhaust gases produced by the candle 1
exit the enclosed area via exhaust ducts 71 that extend between
exhaust openings 72 in the enclosed area and exhaust outlet ports
73 which are positioned around a periphery of the support 3.
Pressure created by the introduction of air into the enclosed area
forces the exhaust through the exhaust openings 72 and out the
exhaust outlet ports 73. As can be seen in FIG. 3, exhaust enters
the exhaust openings 72 in a generally vertical direction and is
directed into a radial direction away from the vertical axis 8. The
exhaust is output from the ports 73 in a direction that is
approximately horizontal, but the exhaust may be output in any
suitable radial direction relative to the horizontal. As discussed
above, radial exhaust output may help to disperse the scent or
other materials produced by the candle 1.
[0025] Although the inlet and outlet openings 42 and 72 may be
arranged in any suitable way, in this illustrative embodiment, the
openings 42 and 72 are alternately arranged around a central region
31 of the support 3 as can be seen in FIG. 1. Such an alternate
arrangement may aid in proper introduction of air into the enclosed
area, mixing of gasses in the enclosed area or other features.
Other arrangements are possible, such as having inlet openings 42
arranged in and/or near the cover 2 so that air is introduced into
the enclosed area in a radial direction toward the vertical axis 8.
Similarly, the outlet openings 72 may be arranged in or near the
cover 2. Similarly, although in this embodiment the openings 42 and
72 are arranged below the candle flame, one or more of the openings
may be arranged above the candle flame.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of a portion 32 of
the support 3 that forms part of the inlet and outlet ducts 41 and
71 and the inlet and outlet openings 42 and 72. Air movement caused
by the fan 5, is generally upward initially and then the air is
directed more horizontally and radially to exit the inlet openings
42. Air entering the outlet openings 72 is directed to move
radially outwardly from the openings 72. This portion 32 of the
support 3 may also form the central region 31 where the candle 1 is
supported, i.e., on a side opposite that shown in FIG. 4.
[0027] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the flame control system 10 in
this embodiment includes a shield 9 that is arranged to resist
human or other touching of the cover 2. The shield 9 may have any
suitable shape, and in this embodiment has an approximately
hurricane shade shape. The shield 9 may be made of any suitable
material, such as glass or plastic, may be translucent, opaque,
transparent, etc. The space between the shield 9 and the cover 2
may be vented by vents 91 arranged at the lower end of the shield 9
and at the upper end of the shield 9. Suitable arrangement of the
vents 91 may allow for convective flow of air through the space,
helping to keep the cover 2 and/or the shield 9 cool. In this
embodiment, the exhaust ducts 71 do not vent into the space between
the shield 9 and the cover 2, and the vents 91 for the shield 9 are
separate from the exhaust outlet ports 73. In some embodiments, if
the exhaust is vented into the space between the shield 9 and the
cover 2, convective flow may cause the candle to continue burning
even after the fan 5 has been shut down, which may or may not be a
desirable feature. The shield 9 and the cover 2 may be attached to
form an integral piece that is removably received on the portion 32
of the support 3. Thus, the shield 9 and cover 2 may be lifted from
the portion 32, e.g., to allow replacement and/or lighting of the
candle 1, and then placed on the portion 32 to enclose the candle
1.
[0028] One potential advantage of a flame control system 10 having
an air movement device, such as a fan, is that products from the
combustion of the candle can be more readily spread throughout a
room or space in which the system 10 is located. This may be
desired, particularly where the candle gives off a fragrance or
other odor. Another advantage that may be provided by various
aspects of the invention is a relatively high resistance of the
candle flame to being extinguished by high winds or other air
movement outside of the enclosed area. Referring to the FIG. 1
embodiment as an example, high wind around the outside of the cover
2 and/or shield 9 cannot easily enter the enclosed area to affect
the candle flame. Moreover, openings in the support 3 that allow
outside air to enter (see FIGS. 2 and 3) may be baffled or
otherwise arranged to resist air entering the support 3 at high
velocity and/or at a high flow rate to further reduce the effect of
high wind on the candle flame.
[0029] As is described in more detail below, the flame control
system 10 may be arranged in many different ways while achieving
desired flame control. In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1,
the cover 2 is made of a translucent glass material that is
air-tight, i.e., includes no holes or other openings other than an
opening at the bottom of the cover 2. However, the cover 2 (as well
as the support 3) may be made of any suitable material, such as a
heat resistant plastic, ceramic or metal, may be transparent,
translucent and/or opaque in all or some portions, and/or may have
one or more openings in the portion above the cover bottom (e.g.,
to allow the light and/or scent of a burning candle to escape). If
the cover 2 includes openings above the bottom in a configuration
like that in FIG. 1, the openings may be sized, shaped or otherwise
arranged so that the candle flame is extinguished when the fan 5 or
other air supply reduces air flow into the enclosed space of the
cover 2. In general, openings in the cover 2 may need to be
sufficiently small so that the air flow into/out of the enclosed
space can be controlled. It should also be appreciated that the
cover 2 may be sized and/or shaped to accommodate any type of
candle, such as jar candles, votive candles, stick candles, oil
lamps, etc. Moreover, a candle holder, oil lamp reservoir, and/or
wick support may be incorporated into the structure of the cover 2.
For example, the cover 2 may be made of glass with an integral oil
lamp reservoir and wick support molded into the cover 2.
[0030] The support 3 in this embodiment has a cylindrical shape,
but may be arranged in any suitable way. For example, the support 3
may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter similar to that of the
cover 2 (assuming the cover 2 has a cylindrical bottom portion as
in FIG. 1). The support 3 may define a space to house the
controller, air movement device and/or other components as desired.
Also, the support 3 may be arranged to allow air flow into/out of a
space defined by the support 3, e.g., to allow air to enter the
enclosed space and allow combustion products to escape the
space.
[0031] The cover 2 may include portions that have an optical effect
on the candle light, such as coloring the light (e.g., by
filtering), intensity enhancement (e.g., by using materials on the
cover that emit light in response to being heated and/or
illuminated by the candle flame), focusing or dispersing light
(e.g., by using a Fresnel or other lens element or "frosting"
portions of the cover 2, etc.).
[0032] The cover 2 may optionally include a well or other structure
to support a substance to be heated, such as an incense, oil or
other odor-producing material, either inside the enclosed space or
on the cover exterior. The heat of the candle flame may heat the
cover 2, which in turn may heat the substance. For example, the
cover 2 in the FIG. 1 embodiment may have a depression or well
formed in its top surface to hold an amount of incense. The incense
may be heated by the candle flame, and give off a desired odor.
[0033] Although not shown in the FIG. 1 embodiment, the cover 2 may
be selectively fixed to the support 3, e.g., so that a user cannot
lift the cover 2 to expose the candle 1 without unlocking the cover
2 from the support 3. Cover 2 may be secured to the support 3 in
any suitable way, such as by one or more clips, a screw-thread
connection where a threaded portion of the cover at the bottom
engages with a corresponding threaded portion on the support, by
positioning a locking cage or other structure over the cover, etc.
Also, although the FIG. 1 embodiment has the cover 2 resting on the
support 3, the cover 2 may be hingedly engaged with the support so
that the cover 2 can be "flipped" up to allow access to the candle
1 and "flipped" down to cover the candle. Other arrangements will
be appreciated by those of skill in the art.
[0034] Alternately, the controller 6 may detect conditions around
the cover 2 and control the fan 5 accordingly. For example, the
controller 6 may include a sensor capable of detecting an object
within a predetermined distance of the cover 2, e.g., by using an
ultrasonic detector or other suitable device. If the object is
detected to be too close to the cover 2, the controller 6 may
extinguish the flame. The controller 6 may detect other conditions,
such as movement or a lack of movement of a person in a vicinity of
the cover 2 (e.g., using an infrared detector to detect that the
candle is unattended), movement of the cover 2 to expose the candle
flame, a temperature in or near the cover that is above a
threshold, and/or the presence of a flammable gas or vapor (e.g.,
gasoline or natural gas). Based on the detected condition, a sensor
may provide an electrical signal (in the form of a resistance,
voltage, current level, break in continuity, digital bit or word,
etc.) to the controller 6, which may control the candle flame
accordingly. Detection of movement of the cover 2 may be movement
of the cover 2 away from the support 3 and/or movement of the cover
2 with the support 3 (where the entire system is moved, e.g.,
tipped). Movement of the cover 2 apart from the support 3 may be
detected by a switch associated with the support 3 that is closed
when the cover 2 in place on the support 3, and opens when the
cover 2 is removed. Of course, separation of the cover 2 from other
portions of the control system 10 may be detected in other ways.
Movement of the entire system may be detected, for example, by an
accelerometer, mercury switch, etc. that changes state in response
to movement of the support 3. Flammable gases and/or vapors may be
detected using any suitable sensor as is known in the art.
[0035] The controller 6 may control air flow into the enclosed
space by controlling the fan speed, by adjusting the number or size
of openings into the enclosed space or otherwise adjusting the
amount of air provided into the enclosed space. When controlling
the operation of the fan, the controller 6 need not be only capable
of stopping the fan, but rather may adjust the fan speed, e.g.,
slow the fan sufficiently to slow the candle burn or extinguish the
flame. One or more openings into the enclosed space may be opened
or closed or adjusted in size in any suitable way, such as by a
movable damper element, one or more flow restrictors, etc.
Adjustments to fan speed and/or opening size may be made by a user
or by the controller 6. For example, the controller 6 may have an
adjustment knob that may be used by an operator to adjust the fan
speed, and thus the burn rate of the candle.
[0036] The controller 6 may also provide a visual and/or aural
warning based on detected conditions or other system status
information. For example, the controller 6 may display a flashing
light or emit a warning tone when the cover 2 is moved or removed,
the system is tipped, a high temperature condition exists, etc. The
warning may prompt a user to correct a situation that if not
corrected, causes the controller 6 to extinguish the flame.
[0037] The controller 6 may also include a remote control unit by
which a user can provide operating instructions to the controller 6
from a distance. A user may use the remote control to extinguish a
candle flame, adjust a burn timer setting, adjust a burn rate of
the candle (e.g., to increase/decrease the light output or odor
output of the candle), or even cause the controller 6 to
automatically light the candle flame (where the controller 6 is
suitably equipped). Such a remote control unit may be capable of
communicating with multiple flame control systems 10, e.g., so a
user could simultaneously ignite and/or extinguish the candle
flames for multiple units, or may be capable of individually
communicating with one or more flame control systems 10.
[0038] Although not shown in the illustrative embodiments, the
controller 6 and/or air movement device may be powered by standard
household electricity, batteries, solar power, etc. Another
possibility is to power the air movement device and/or controller
using the waste heat of the candle. For example, a Stirling engine
may be powered by the heat of the candle flame and used to move air
into/out of the enclosed area. The controller 6 may include any
suitable electronic circuitry or other devices or components to
perform desired functions. For example, the controller 6 may
include a programmed microprocessor or other general purpose data
processing device, user input/output devices, a visual display,
speaker for producing audible signals or tones, a power supply,
etc.
[0039] While aspects of the invention have been described with
reference to illustrative embodiments, aspects of the invention are
not limited to those embodiments described. Thus, the description
herein of embodiments is intended to be illustrative, not limiting.
Aspects of the invention may be used in any suitable
arrangement.
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