U.S. patent application number 12/290007 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-29 for candle holder converter assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ce Soir Lingerie Co., Inc.. Invention is credited to Joseph Fuqua.
Application Number | 20100104994 12/290007 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42117855 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100104994 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fuqua; Joseph |
April 29, 2010 |
Candle holder converter assembly
Abstract
A converter assembly intended for use with a conventional handle
holder, e.g., a candlestick, candelabra, or candle sconce, for
simulating the appearance and functionality of a traditional candle
with attached shade but configured to significantly reduce the risk
of fire. The assembly includes an elongate shaft configured to
simulate a wax candle and having a lower end shaped to be
accommodated in a candle receiving socket of a conventional candle
holder. The upper end of the elongate shaft mounts a light
transmissive cup, configured to hold a tealight and support a light
transmissive shade.
Inventors: |
Fuqua; Joseph; (Ventura,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARTHUR FREILICH;FREILICH, HORNBAKER & ROSEN
20555 DEVONSHIRE ST. #372
CHATSWORTH
CA
91311
US
|
Assignee: |
Ce Soir Lingerie Co., Inc.
|
Family ID: |
42117855 |
Appl. No.: |
12/290007 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
431/297 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21S 13/10 20130101;
F21V 35/00 20130101; F21S 13/12 20130101; F21V 21/116 20130101;
F21V 21/06 20130101; F21V 1/00 20130101; F23D 3/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/297 |
International
Class: |
F23D 3/16 20060101
F23D003/16 |
Claims
1. A converter assembly configured for mounting on a candle holder
having a standard candle receiving socket, said assembly
comprising: an elongate shaft having an outer diameter exterior
surface finish selected to simulate a conventional wax candle, said
shaft having a lower end configured to removably nest in a candle
holder socket; a light transmissive cup mounted on said shaft upper
end, said cup configured to removably accommodate a tealight; a
light transmissive shade having an open upper area and an open
lower area; and means supporting said shade on said cup so as to
surround said cup and said shaft upper end.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said shade lower peripheral edge
extends below said cup.
3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said shaft upper end defines an
open recess; and wherein said cup carries a stem configured for
removable accommodation in said open recess.
4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said shaft has an outer diameter
which diminishes from a shaft lower end toward a shaft upper end to
simulate a tapered wax candle.
5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said shade is detachable from
said cup.
6. A converter assembly comprising: an elongate shaft configured to
simulate the appearance of a standard wax candle, said shaft having
an upper end, a lower end, and a substantially circular lateral
cross-section; said shaft being configured proximate to its lower
end for removable nesting in a candle receiving socket of a candle
holder; a light transmissive cup defining an interior cavity for
removably accommodating a tealight; means mounting said cup on said
shaft proximate to said shaft upper end; a shade comprising a shade
wall formed of light transmissive material, said shade wall
extending between upper and lower shade edges which respectively
define upper and lower open areas; and means supporting said shade
on said cup so as to locate said cup between said shade upper and
lower edges.
7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said shaft defines a diameter
having a dimension which diminishes from said shaft lower end to
said shaft upper end.
8. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said means mounting said cup
includes a recess opening into said shaft upper end; and a stem
secured to said cup configured for removable accommodation in said
recess.
9. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said cup includes a base and a
light transmissive wall extending from said base around said
interior cavity, said wall defining an upper rim; and wherein said
shade is dimensioned to rest on said cup upper rim.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to alternative uses
of traditional candle holders (e.g., candlesticks, candelabras,
candle sconces) and more particularly to a converter assembly
configured for use with a traditional existing candle holder to
provide the appearance and function of a traditional candle with
attached shade while reducing the risk of fire.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Before the ready availability of electricity, candles were
traditionally used for lighting. As early as the 14.sup.th century,
tapered or column candles were developed and typically used wax,
which is solid at room temperature, and a piece of absorbent twine,
i.e., a wick. The wick is exposed at the candle upper end for
supporting a flame and the lower end of the candle is generally
shaped to be received in the candle socket of a candle holder.
Sometime later, shades were developed for attaching to the candle
for the purpose of shielding a user's eyes from the direct glare of
the flame on the exposed wick. To facilitate the diffusion of glare
from the flame, the shade was generally formed of a light
transmissive material, e.g. paper, cloth, or a perforated metal
which was at times decorated to enhance its appearance.
Unfortunately, the shade materials were either typically flammable
or prone to overheating, presenting either a considerable risk of
fire or heat warped candles that burned erratically.
[0003] Now that electricity is widely available, there is little
need to use shaded candles for primary lighting. However, the look
and feel of a wax tapered or column candle providing flickering
illumination behind a decorative shade offers an aesthetically
pleasing and traditional visual effect.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is directed to a converter assembly
intended for use with a conventional candle holder, e.g., a
candlestick, candelabra, or candle sconce, for simulating the
appearance and functionality of a traditional candle with attached
shade but configured to significantly reduce the risk of fire.
[0005] A converter assembly in accordance with the invention is
characterized by an elongate shaft configured to simulate the
appearance of a wax candle but lacking a flame supporting wick and
fuel source. Rather, the shaft is formed of a plastic, wood, or
metal. The shaft lower end is configured to nest in the candle
socket of a traditional candle holder. A light transmissive cup is
mounted on the shaft upper end. The cup is configured to removably
accommodate a conventional tealight and to support a light
transmissive shade so as to extend around and conceal the tealight.
A preferred tealight, as contemplated by the invention, comprises a
short cylindrical metal, glass or heat resistant plastic container
containing fuel and a wick. Such tealights are readily commercially
available for use in food warmers, for example, or as votive
candles. Alternative battery operated tealights also can be used in
accordance with this invention.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the shaft
diameter, over at least a portion of its length, diminishes
progressively to simulate the taper of a standard wax candle.
Moreover, the finish on the shaft exterior surface is preferably
selected to simulate the glossy appearance of a conventional wax
stick candle.
[0007] In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the
shaft lower end is configured to removably nest in a standard
candle socket. This characteristic allows different shafts to be
used with different candle holders. Thus, multiple shafts of
different lengths and/or different colors, and/or carrying
different ornamentation can be interchanged with each different
candle holder.
[0008] In accordance with a further preferred aspect of the
invention, each cup is removably mounted on the shaft for
convenient exchange. The cups can be fabricated of clear glass or
heat resistant plastic to minimize shadows and/or can be fabricated
with specific characteristics to enhance visual effects.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view of a candlestick embodying a converter
assembly in accordance with the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially
along the plane 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing the upper end of a preferred
converter assembly in accordance with the invention;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially
along the plane 3-3 of FIG. 1 showing the lower end of a preferred
converter assembly in accordance with the invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded isometric view of a preferred
candlestick lamp converter assembly in accordance with the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing a
variation of the cup's supporting post;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a sectional view similar to FIGS. 2 and 5 showing
a variation in the manner of supporting the cup and shade;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a front view of a traditional wall sconce used
together with a pair of converter assemblies in accordance with the
present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 8 is a front view of a traditional candelabra using
multiple converter assemblies in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Attention is initially directed to FIG. 1 which illustrates
a converter assembly 10 in accordance with the invention mounted on
a conventional candle holder, or candlestick, 12. The converter
assembly 10 is designed for use with a wide range of candle holders
12 to simulate a traditional standard wax stick candle and a light
transmissive shade. Such traditional candles with attached shades
provide a pleasing warm ambience characterized by a flickering
flame visible through the light transmissive shade but represent a
considerable fire risk.
[0018] A converter assembly 10 in accordance with the invention is
primarily comprised of an elongate shaft 14 (FIG. 2), a light
transmissive cup 16 mounted on the upper end 18 of shaft 14, and a
light transmissive shade 20 adapted to be supported on cup 16.
[0019] In the preferred embodiment of the invention depicted in
FIGS. 2-4, the shaft 14 and cup 16 are configured for removably
mounting the cup 16 on shaft upper end 18. More particularly, cup
16 which is preferably formed of clear glass or heat resistant
plastic is comprised of a base 22 having a peripheral wall 24
extending upwardly therefrom to define an interior cup cavity 26.
The peripheral wall 24 preferably flares outwardly from cup base 22
toward a cup upper rim 28 which defines an open cup entrance
30.
[0020] A mounting adapter 32 is provided for removably mounting the
cup 16 on the shaft 14. The preferred mounting adapter 32 is
comprised of a head 36 attached to a stem 38. The head 36 defines
an upper flat surface 40 configured to be attached, e.g., by
adhesive, to the exterior surface of cup base 22. The stem 38 is
configured for removably nesting in axial recess 42 extending into
shaft 14. For example, stem 38 can be externally threaded at 44 to
mate with internal threading 46 in recess 42 to enhance
stability.
[0021] The elongate shaft 14 is configured to simulate the general
appearance of a conventional wax stick candle but lacks the flame
supporting wick and fuel source characteristic of such candles.
Rather, the shaft 14 is formed of a material such as plastic, wood,
or metal having an exterior surface finish which simulates the
glossy appearance of a conventional wax stick candle. In the
preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, the shaft 14 defines a
circular lateral cross-section and is tapered along its length
similarly to conventional candles, i.e., shaft 14 has an outer
diameter which diminishes progressively over at least a portion of
its length from its lower end 50 toward its upper end 18.
[0022] The shaft lower end 50 is preferably configured for
removably nesting in a standard candle receiving socket 52 of a
conventional candlestick 12.
[0023] Cup base 22 preferably has a flat interior surface which
forms the floor 54 of the interior cup cavity 26. The cup floor 54
is preferably dimensioned to accommodate a readily commercially
available tealight 56 of the type comprising a short cylindrical
metal, glass or heat resistant plastic container containing fuel
and a wick. Battery operated tealights can be alternatively
used.
[0024] The light transmissive shade 20 is comprised of wall 60 of
light transmissive material preferably formed in the shape of a
truncated cone having a large diameter lower peripheral edge 62 and
a smaller diameter upper peripheral edge 64. Peripheral edges 62
and 64, respectively, bound lower and upper open areas. The upper
edge 64 preferably includes a radially oriented flange 66
dimensioned to rest the shade 20 on the cup upper rim 28 (FIG. 2).
The shade 20 is preferably dimensioned such that its lower
peripheral edge 62 extends below the cup base 22. To optimally
simulate the aesthetic effect provided by a traditional candle with
attached shade, it is preferable that the tealight 56 be able to
illuminate the light transmissive shade wall 60 without creating
any unintended shadows. Accordingly, it is preferable that cup 16
be formed of clear or uniformly tinted glass or heat resistant
plastic, or perhaps of seeded glass, so that the light provided by
the tealight 56 illuminates the interior surface of the shade wall
60 without casting any shadows thereon.
[0025] FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention in
which stem 38A of mounting adapter 32A is removably press-fit into
shaft recess 42A, instead of being threaded as shown in FIGS. 2 and
4. Other alternative techniques for removably mounting an adapter
32A to the shaft 14A can also be used. FIG. 5 also shows a battery
operated tealight 56A which can be used in place of the
aforementioned wick/fuel tealight 56 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.
[0026] FIG. 6 depicts further alternatives for constructing a
converter assembly 10 in accordance with the invention. In
accordance with one aspect depicted in FIG. 6, a frame 70 is
provided for locating shade 20 higher relative to cup 16. The frame
70 is comprised of upper and lower rings 72 and 74, respectively,
and intermediate links 76. The lower ring 74 is dimensioned to rest
on the cup upper rim 28 whereas the upper ring 72 is dimensioned to
support the shade upper edge 64B. The arrangement of FIG. 6 places
the shade 20 higher relative to the tealight 56 than the
arrangement shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 also shows that the mounting
adapter 32B can alternatively be formed integral with shaft
14B.
[0027] Converter assemblies 10 in accordance with the invention are
not only useful with single socket candle holders as represented in
FIGS. 1-6, but can also be advantageously used with multiple socket
candle holders, e.g., with a traditional wall sconce 78 (FIG. 7) or
a traditional candelabra 80 (FIG. 8). Converter assemblies 10
intended for use with multiple socket candle holders should use
shades 20 of limited diameter, e.g., less than 3.5 inches to avoid
contact with neighboring shades or an adjacent wall.
[0028] From the foregoing, it should now be apparent that a
fire-safe converter assembly 10 has been described for use with
conventional candlesticks 12 for simulating the appearance and
functionality of a traditional candle and shade. Although only a
limited number of embodiments have been specifically described, it
is recognized that many alternative and substantially equivalent
variations, will occur to those skilled in the art, which are
intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *