U.S. patent application number 11/893030 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-19 for wick assembly including wax ring and multi-wick sustainer.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Dial Corporation. Invention is credited to Geoffrey Faires, Martina Spinatsch Kaiser.
Application Number | 20090047612 11/893030 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40351340 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090047612 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Faires; Geoffrey ; et
al. |
February 19, 2009 |
Wick assembly including wax ring and multi-wick sustainer
Abstract
A wick assembly for use in a container according to various
embodiments includes a wick sustainer configured for placement in
the container. A plurality of equally spaced wick carriers are
coupled to the wick sustainer. A wax material is formed on an
uppermost surface of the wick sustainer and includes a plurality of
voids therein. A plurality of wicks are each positioned within one
of the plurality of voids formed in the wax ring and coupled to one
of the wick carriers. During use the wax material melts into a
molten pool of wax contained in the container. To refill the
container, the user simply replaces the used wick assembly with a
new wick assembly that is configured for that particular container.
The wick assembly does not need to be coupled to the container.
Inventors: |
Faires; Geoffrey; (Cave
Creek, AZ) ; Kaiser; Martina Spinatsch; (Phoenix,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE DIAL CORPORATION
15501 N. DIAL BOULEVARD
SCOTTSDALE
AZ
85260
US
|
Assignee: |
The Dial Corporation
|
Family ID: |
40351340 |
Appl. No.: |
11/893030 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
431/289 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 37/002 20130101;
F21V 35/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/289 |
International
Class: |
F23D 3/18 20060101
F23D003/18 |
Claims
1. A wick assembly for use in a container comprising: a wick
sustainer configured for placement in the container; a plurality of
equally spaced wick carriers coupled to the wick sustainer; a wax
material, formed on an uppermost surface of the wick sustainer, and
including a plurality of voids therein; and a plurality of wicks,
each positioned within one of the plurality of voids formed in the
wax ring and coupled to one of the wick carriers.
2. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wick
sustainer is formed of a metal.
3. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wax material
is formed as a wax ring.
4. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wick
sustainer is formed in a circular shape.
5. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 4, further including an
aperture formed therein a central portion.
6. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wick
sustainer is formed in a square shape.
7. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 6, further including an
aperture formed therein a central portion.
8. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 1, further including at
least one aperture formed in the wick carrier about each of the
plurality of equally spaced wick carriers.
9. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wick
sustainers include a collar configured to hold a wick therein.
10. A wick assembly for use in a container comprising: a wick
sustainer ring, including an aperture formed therein a central
portion and configured for placement in the container; a plurality
of equally spaced wick carriers coupled to the wick sustainer ring;
a wax ring, formed on an uppermost surface of the wick sustainer,
and including a plurality of voids therein; and a plurality of
wicks, each positioned within one of the plurality of voids formed
in the wax ring and coupled to one of the wick carriers.
11. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the wick
sustainer is formed in a circular shape.
12. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the wick
sustainer is formed in a square shape.
13. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the wax ring is
a molded wax ring.
14. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the wax ring is
a compressed wax ring.
15. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the wax ring is
an extruded wax ring.
16. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 10, further including at
least one aperture formed in the wick carrier about each of the
plurality of equally spaced wick carriers.
17. A wick assembly for use in a container comprising: a circular
wick sustainer including an aperture in central portion and
configured for placement in the container; a plurality of equally
spaced wick carriers coupled to the wick sustainer; a molded wax
ring, formed on an uppermost surface of the circular wick
sustainer, and including a plurality of voids therein; and a
plurality of wicks, each positioned within one of the plurality of
voids formed in the wax ring and coupled to one of the wick
carriers.
18. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the circular
wick sustainer is formed of a metal.
19. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 18, further including at
least one aperture formed in the circular wick carrier about each
of the plurality of equally spaced wick carriers.
20. A wick assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the wick
sustainers include a collar configured to hold a wick therein.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to improvements in candles,
and more particularly to candle wick assemblies that are adapted
for use as refills in current candle systems.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many consumers are concerned about the quality of indoor
air, and more particularly the presence of odors that are present
in the environment in which they may live and work. To address this
concern, candles have become popular for eliminating odors. Candles
come in many different forms, including pillars, votives, and
container candles. Of these types of candles, container candles
offer the flexibility of being made in numerous sizes, dictated
only by the size of the container in which the wax is held. To this
end, container candles may include more than one wick. Container
candles create a molten pool across the container thereby releasing
a greater amount of scent into the air than a standard pillar or
votive candle.
[0003] Typically in a container candle, the wick is attached or
affixed to the bottom of the container to hold it stationary and
not allow any movement of the wick within the wax as the wick burns
and the wax melts. One specific container candle presently on the
market includes a wick carrier that is held in place relative to
the bottom surface of the candle, with a magnetic coupling.
Typically, the wick carrier includes a metal piece that aligns with
the magnet positioned on the bottom of the container to properly
position the wick assembly. A refill assembly is similarly formed.
During the refill process, any remaining candle wax that has melted
and remains on the magnet in the container may result in a week
coupling of the refill wax with the container.
[0004] It should thus be appreciated from the above that it would
be desirable to provide a refill wax candle including a wick
sustainer that does not require it to be coupled to the bottom
surface of the container for optimum wick positioning. Furthermore,
other desirable features and characteristics of the present
invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed
description of the invention and the appended claims, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings and this background of
the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] There has now been developed a wick assembly for use in a
container including a wick sustainer, a plurality of wick carriers,
a wax material and a plurality of wicks. The wick sustainer is
configured for placement in the container. The plurality of wick
carriers are equally spaced and coupled to the wick sustainer. The
wax material is formed on an uppermost surface of the wick
sustainer and includes a plurality of voids therein. The plurality
of wicks are each positioned within one of the plurality of voids
formed in the wax ring and coupled to one of the wick carriers.
[0006] In yet another embodiment there is provided a wick assembly
for use in a container including a wick sustainer ring, including
an aperture formed therein a central portion and configured for
placement in the container. The assembly further includes a
plurality of equally spaced wick carriers coupled to the wick
sustainer ring, a wax ring, formed on an uppermost surface of the
wick sustainer, and including a plurality of voids therein, and a
plurality of wicks. Each of the plurality of wicks is positioned
within one of the plurality of voids formed in the wax ring and
coupled to one of the wick carriers.
[0007] In a further embodiment, still by way of example only, there
is provided a wick assembly for use in a container including a
circular wick sustainer including an aperture in central portion
and configured for placement in the container. The wick assembly
further includes a plurality of equally spaced wick carriers
coupled to the wick sustainer. A molded wax ring is formed on an
uppermost surface of the circular wick sustainer and includes a
plurality of voids therein. A plurality of wicks are each
positioned within one of the plurality of voids formed in the wax
ring and coupled to one of the wick carriers.
[0008] Other independent features and advantages of the improved
wick assembly will become apparent from the following detailed
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings
which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The present invention will hereinafter be described in
conjunction with the following drawing figure, wherein like
numerals denote like elements. Additional embodiments of the
invention will become evident upon reviewing the non-limiting
embodiments described in the specification in conjunction with the
accompanying figures, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is an isometric schematic view of a portion of a wick
assembly, illustrating a multi-wick sustainer according to a first
embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top view of the multi-wick sustainer of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the multi-wick sustainer
of FIG. 1 taken through line 3-3, and including a wax ring;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an isometric schematic view of a portion of a wick
assembly according to another embodiment, illustrating a multi-wick
sustainer; and
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top view of a portion of a wick assembly
according to yet another embodiment, illustrating a multi-wick
sustainer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The following detailed description of the invention is
merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the
invention or the application and uses of the invention.
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory
presented in the preceding background of the invention or the
following detailed description of the invention. In this regard,
before proceeding with the detailed description, it is to be
appreciated that the described exemplary embodiments be not limited
to use in conjunction with a specific type, shape, or brand of
container candle or method of use. Thus, although the description
is explicitly directed toward embodiments that are implemented in a
specific type of refillable candle container, it should be
appreciated that it can be implemented in many types of candle
container systems, including those known now or hereafter in the
art.
[0016] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the
invention herein makes reference to the accompanying figures, which
show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration and its best
mode. While the exemplary embodiment is described in sufficient
detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention,
it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized, and
that logical and/or mechanical changes may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the
detailed description herein is presented for purposes of
illustration only and not by way of limitation.
[0017] The invention includes a wick assembly, including a wax ring
and a multi-wick sustainer. In an exemplary embodiment, the wick
assembly is configured for inclusion with the container at initial
consumer purchase and/or as a refill assembly.
[0018] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is an isometric schematic
diagram of an exemplary embodiment of wick assembly 100 according
to the present invention. The wick assembly 100 is generally
comprised of a wick sustainer 102, configured to include a
plurality of wick carriers 104 and a wax material (not shown). In
this particular embodiment, the wick sustainer 102 is generally in
the form of a circular ring 106 and may be formed of a metal
material, such as aluminum, tin, steel, or the like. As best
illustrated in FIG. 2 in a top view, the wick sustainer 102 has an
exterior dimension, X, where X is a dimension configured for
positioning within a container (not shown) in which the wick
assembly 100 will be positioned. The wick sustainer 102 includes an
opening 108 having a dimension, Y, where Y is a dimension less than
X, and configured for positioning over a previous wick sustaining
means, for example, a magnetic coupling, that may be present on a
bottom surface of the container in which the wick assembly 100 is
positioned.
[0019] The wick assembly 100 as previously stated includes a
plurality of wick carriers 104. In this particular embodiment, the
wick assembly 100 includes three wick carriers 104 positioned
equidistant about the wick sustainer 102 as indicated in FIG. 2 by
dimension Z. The wick carriers 104 are preferably positioned
equidistant about the ring 106 to provide for an even burn.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated in cross-section taken
along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 is the wick assembly 100, including a
molded wax ring 150. The molded wax ring 150 is formed on an
uppermost surface 103 of the wick sustainer 102. The molded wax
ring 150 in this preferred embodiment is formed of a clean burning
wax, that when melted forms a pool of molten wax in the container
in which the wick assembly 100 is positioned. The molded wax ring
150 is configured having a plurality of voids 111 formed therein
for positioning of a plurality of wicks 110 that are further held
in place by the wick carriers 104. The wick carriers 104 are
generally formed having an aperture 114 therein for positioning of
the wick 110, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The wick carriers 114, in
conjunction with the wick sustainer 102, ensure that a
predetermined spacing of the wicks 110 is preserved, as well as the
spacing between the wicks 110 and a wall of the container (not
shown), when the molded wax ring 150 has melted.
[0021] The wax ring 150 may be formed according to many different
methods such as through molding, extruding or compressing the wax
into the desired shape. More particularly, the wax ring 150 may be
formed by simply pouring molten wax into a mold matching the shape
of the wick sustainer 102. The plurality of voids 111 for the
placement of the wicks 110 may be drilled subsequent to the
molding, or they may be formed during the molding process using
pins (not shown). Subsequent to molding, the wax ring 150, the
wicks 110 and the sustainer 102 would be assembled to form the wick
assembly 100. In an alternative method, the wax ring 150 may be
formed by extruding wax through a die of a similar shape to the
wick sustainer 102. The wax would be cut to the desired thickness.
Similar to the molding process, the plurality of voids 111 may be
drilled subsequent to the extrusion process and before assembly of
the final wick assembly 100. In yet another alternative method,
prilled wax may be compressed into a mold having a similar shape to
the sustaining ring 102. The plurality of voids 111 would typically
be formed at the time of compressing using pins, or alternatively
could be drilled subsequent to compression and prior to assembly
into the complete wick assembly 100.
[0022] In this particular embodiment, the wick carriers 104 are
formed of a collar 112 into which the wick 110 is positioned. An
optional base portion 114 is positioned to affix the collar 112 to
the uppermost surface 103 of the wick sustainer 102. The wick 110
is secured within the collar 112 by crimping, close friction fit,
or the like. In this exemplary embodiment, the collar 112 may vary
in height from approximately 2 mm to approximately 15 mm, although
the final height will vary and is design specific. In an
alternative embodiment, the wick sustainer 102 may be configured to
provide for the attachment of the wick carriers 104 via an
underneath side of the wick sustainer 102. In yet further
alternative embodiments, the wick sustainer 102 may be configured
to provide for attachment of a plurality of commercially available
wick clips (not shown) positioned substantially equidistant from
one another, or alternatively formed wick carriers 104.
[0023] The wick assembly 101 further includes a plurality of
openings 116 formed in the wick sustainer 102, and generally about
the wick carriers 104. The plurality of openings 116 provide for
the passage therethrough of molten wax so that it may reach the
bottom of the wicks 110 for complete burn.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated in a simplified
isometric view is another embodiment of the wick assembly. It
should be noted that all components of FIG. 4 that are similar to
the components illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, are designated with
similar numbers, having a prime added to indicate the different
embodiment. The wick assembly 100' is generally comprised of a wick
sustainer 102', configured to hold a plurality of wick carriers
104' and a wax material (not shown). Similar to the first
embodiment, the wick sustainer 102' is generally in the form of a
circular ring 106' configured for positioning within a container
(not shown) in which the wick assembly 100' will be positioned. The
wick sustainer 102' may include an opening 108' for positioning
over a wick sustaining means that may be present on a bottom
surface of the container in which the wick assembly 100' is
positioned.
[0025] The wick assembly 100' as previously stated holds a
plurality of wicks holders 104'. In this particular embodiment, the
wick assembly 100' includes two wick carriers 104' positioned
equidistant about the ring 106' to provide for an even burn. It
should be noted that any number of wick assemblies may be
positioned about the ring 106' dependent upon the design of the
wick assembly and the container in which it will be used.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated in simplified isometric
view is yet another embodiment of the wick assembly. It should be
noted that all components of FIG. 5 that are similar to the
components illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, are designated with similar
numbers, having a double prime added to indicate the different
embodiment. The wick assembly 100'' is generally comprised of a
wick sustainer 102'', configured to hold a plurality of wick
carriers 104'' and a wax material (not shown). In this particular
embodiment, the wick sustainer 102'' is generally in the form of a
square ring 106'' configured for positioning within a container
(not shown) in which the wick assembly 100'' will be positioned.
The wick sustainer 102'' may include an opening 108'' for
positioning over a previous wick sustaining means that may be
present on a bottom surface of the container in which the wick
assembly 100'' is positioned.
[0027] The wick assembly 100'' as previously stated holds a
plurality of wicks holders 104''. In this particular embodiment,
the wick assembly 100'' includes four wick carriers 104''
positioned equidistant about the ring 106'' to provide for an even
burn. It should be noted that similar to the previously described
embodiments, any number of wick assemblies may be positioned about
the ring 106'' dependent upon the design of the wick assembly and
the container in which it will be used.
[0028] The wick assembly 100 of the present invention is formed as
a part of a consumer candle container or as a refill for a candle
container. Accordingly, disclosed is an improved wick assembly
including a wax ring and a multi-wick sustainer. While exemplary
embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed
description of the invention, it should be appreciated that a vast
number of variations exist. As detailed, the wick assembly may be
in any desired shape to comport with the shape of the container in
which it will be used. In addition, any number of wick carriers and
wicks may be incorporated dependent upon design. In addition,
benefits, other advantages, and solutions to the problem have been
described herein with regard to exemplary embodiments. However, the
benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s)
that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or
become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical,
required, or essential features or elements of any or all the
claims or the invention. It should also be appreciated that the
exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to
limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention
in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide
those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for
implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It being
understood that various changes may be made in the function and
arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment
without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in
the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the
singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless
explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more." All structural,
chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the
above-described exemplary embodiments that are known to those of
ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by
reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present
claims.
* * * * *