U.S. patent application number 13/372905 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-23 for container candle with enhanced candle performance and candle insert for container candle.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Yankee Candle Company, Inc.. Invention is credited to John E. Cagle, Cheriyan B. Thomas.
Application Number | 20120214110 13/372905 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46653025 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120214110 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cagle; John E. ; et
al. |
August 23, 2012 |
Container Candle with Enhanced Candle Performance and Candle Insert
for Container Candle
Abstract
The present invention relates to vessel design that enhances
candle performance by separating the inlet air from the active
scent while accelerating the active scent. The chimney-like
assembly accelerates active scent flow, thus propelling active
scent faster and further from the candle. The separation of inlet
air from active scent produces an efficient laminar flame with
minimal flame movement and flickering, thus reducing the soot
potential.
Inventors: |
Cagle; John E.; (Greenfield,
MA) ; Thomas; Cheriyan B.; (Farmington, CT) |
Assignee: |
The Yankee Candle Company,
Inc.
So. Deerfield
MA
|
Family ID: |
46653025 |
Appl. No.: |
13/372905 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61442419 |
Feb 14, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
431/291 ;
431/354 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61L 9/037 20130101;
C11C 5/008 20130101; F21V 35/00 20130101; F21V 37/02 20130101; C11C
5/00 20130101; F23D 3/16 20130101; F23D 3/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/291 ;
431/354 |
International
Class: |
F23D 3/16 20060101
F23D003/16; F23D 14/62 20060101 F23D014/62 |
Claims
1. A container candle comprising: a container with an opening at
one end; a combustible fuel contained within said container; a
candle wick positioned within said container and extending from
said combustible fuel; a tubular insert supported on said container
and positioned through said opening in said container, the exterior
circumference of said tubular insert being less than the interior
circumference of said opening in said container so as to create an
air channel between said tubular insert and an interior wall of
said container.
2. The container candle of claim 1 wherein said tubular insert is a
frusto-conical shaped insert.
3. The container candle of claim 1 wherein said tubular insert is a
cylindrical shaped insert.
4. The container candle of claim 1 wherein said tubular insert
further comprises a tubular insert support which includes a
connector ring and at least two flanges extending from the
connector ring, said connector ring being shaped to be mounted on
the brim of the opening in said container.
5. The container candle of claim 1 wherein a portion said tubular
insert extends above a brim defining said opening in said
container.
6. The container candle of claim 2 wherein a wider end of said
frusto-conical shaped insert is positioned within said
container.
7. The container candle of claim 4 wherein said flanges further
comprise an edge for supporting a bottom surface of said
frusto-conical shaped insert.
8. The container candle of claim 4 wherein said flanges further
comprise an indentation to exert pressure on said frusto-conical
shaped insert to hold said frusto-conical shaped insert in place in
said connector ring.
9. The container candle of claim 4 wherein said connector ring
further comprises a u-shaped channel for receiving a top brim of
said container.
10. The container candle of claim 4 wherein said connector ring is
manufactured out of a heat resistant material.
11. The container candle of claim 1 wherein said tubular insert
further comprises a heat reflection ring positioned within said
tubular insert for reflecting thermal energy back into the candle
fuel.
12. The container candle of claim 1 wherein said tubular insert
further comprises at least two contact points for positioning said
tubular insert within said opening in said candle container.
13. A candle enhancement insert for use in a container candle
comprising: a tubular insert supported on said container and
positioned through said opening in said container, the exterior
circumference of said tubular insert being less than the interior
circumference of said opening in said container so as to create an
air channel between said tubular insert and an interior wall of
said container; a tubular insert support which includes a connector
ring and at least two flanges extending from the connector ring,
said connector ring being shaped to be mounted on the brim of the
opening in said container.
14. The candle enhancement insert of claim 13 wherein said tubular
insert is a frusto-conical shaped insert.
15. The candle enhancement insert of claim 13 wherein said tubular
insert is a cylindrical shaped insert.
16. The candle enhancement insert of claim 13 wherein a portion
said tubular insert extends above a brim defining said opening in
said container.
17. The candle enhancement insert of claim 14 wherein a wider end
of said frusto-conical shaped insert is positioned within said
container.
18. The candle enhancement insert of claim 13 wherein each of said
flanges further comprises an edge for supporting a bottom surface
of said frusto-conical shaped insert.
19. The candle enhancement insert of claim 13 wherein each of said
flanges further comprises an indentation to exert pressure on said
frusto-conical shaped insert to hold said frusto-conical shaped
insert in place in said connector ring.
20. The candle enhancement insert of claim 13 wherein said
connector ring further comprises a u-shaped channel for receiving a
top brim of said container.
21. The candle enhancement insert of claim 13 wherein said
connector ring is manufactured out of a heat resistant material.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/442,419, filed on Feb. 14, 2011.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to candle vessel designs and
more particularly to candle vessel designs that enhance the
performance of a filled container candle during use.
[0003] There are many designs of conventional container-type
candles. Many container candles consist of a jar with wax, a wick
and a cover. The main function of the containers is to hold wax or
some combustible fuel in a static defined dimension. In essence,
current container candles function only as a container.
[0004] Burn control accessories, however, have been added as a
separate component to container candles for the purpose of
controlling the flame and for providing improved scent
distribution. U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,962 describes a venting plate
that is used with apothecary candles to improve combustion
efficiency. U.S. Pat. No. 6,589,047 describes the improvement in a
candle's combustion and the elimination of smoke by use of a
venting plate having a channeled baffle or skirt. U.S. Pat. No.
7,377,772 relates to containerized candles with burn control covers
utilizing air intake vents.
[0005] The prior art candles described above included improvements
that address burn control and improved scent distribution by use of
an extraneous cover, lid or plate placed on an existing container,
such as an apothecary jar. These designs present some significant
disadvantages. One disadvantage is that of piece separation. In
order to achieve the claimed benefits the end-user must place the
cover, lid, or plate on the container candle. If the cover, lid or
plate is misplaced, lost, or broken the intended burn enhancement
features would not be realized.
[0006] Another disadvantage to these prior art candles is that of
heat retention in the cover, lid or plate during use. Since the
cover, lid or plate is a separate component, the end-user may
desire or find it necessary to remove the cover, lid or plate
either during use or after he or she finishes using the candle.
Such action may put the end-user in harms way as burns to the skin
may occur.
[0007] Most improvements made to candles currently on the market
are made for aesthetic purposes. Very few improvements have been
made to container candles for the purpose of enhancing candle
performance.
[0008] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to
provide a container candle insert that is one finished piece
providing both stable and efficient burning and accelerated scent
delivery.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A candle container design of the present invention enhances
performance of the candle during burning by separating the inlet
air from the active scent while accelerating the active scent. As
part of the container candle manufacturing process a chimney-like
assembly is attached to the container creating a finished container
candle. In one embodiment the chimney-like assembly is a
cylindrical assembly and in another embodiment the chimney-like
assembly is a frusto-conical assembly. The chimney-like assembly is
a multi-functional part of the container candle that provides two
features: 1) separation of inlet air from the active scent released
by the container candle, and 2) accelerated delivery of active
scent from the container candle. The chimney-like insert part of
the assembly improves burn control by stabilizing the candle flame.
This function is accomplished by separating inlet air and active
scent. In conventional candle containers these two opposing flows
interfere with each other causing flame disruption and subsequently
inefficient combustion. The chimney-like insert is positioned in a
central position on the top of the container with the top extending
higher than the brim of the container and the bottom extending some
distance into the container's neck. The top and bottom diameters of
the chimney-like insert are always more narrow than the container's
neck so that an air gap is created between the two. In some
embodiments, as part of the container candle manufacturing process,
an integrated ring assembly is permanently attached to the
container creating a finished container. In other embodiments, the
integrated ring is attached to the vessel by one or more contact
points during the container candle manufacturing process. In the
embodiment utilizing the cylindrical insert, a heat reflection ring
is attached inside the air diverter cylinder. The open diameter of
the heat reflection ring is adequate for candle lighting. The
bottom of the ring may be flat or curved and may or may not contain
a reflective surface treatment. The heat reflection ring's function
is to reflect thermal radiation back into the candle fuel creating
faster and more complete melting. Faster and more complete melting
is desired in scented candles as this facilitates the diffusion of
fragrance into the atmosphere (known as active scent). The air gap
allows for adequate laminar inlet air supply to the candle flame
providing for more stable and efficient burning. In the embodiment
utilizing the frusto-conical insert, the end of the frusto-conical
insert with the larger diameter is positioned in the container's
neck to facilitate air flow downward and to the inside wall of the
container creating a laminar inlet air flow. The chimney-like
insert is attached to a connector ring by three seat flanges
positioned 120 degrees apart and the connector ring is attached to
the vessel's brim by a u-channel. The advantageous geometry of the
frusto-conical insert with the larger diameter of the insert
positioned into the vessel's neck creates an accelerated flow of
active scent by virtue of the Venturi Effect. Accelerated active
scent is desired as this feature propels scent faster and further
from the lit candle, thus achieving improved fragrancing
performance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the ring assembly
according to the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the ring assembly shown in
FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the finished container
candle with the ring assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 inserted therein
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top view of the finished container candle shown
in FIG. 3.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the finished container
candle shown in FIG. 3 with a representation of the air and scent
flow therein.
[0015] FIG. 6 is perspective view of another embodiment of the
container candle of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of the frusto-conical
assembly inserted in the container candle shown in FIG. 6.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the operational aspect
of the finished container candle according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, a container
candle 10 of the present invention includes a container 12, which
can be of any shape with an opening at the top of the container.
Typically, container 12 would be made of glass, but container 12
could also be made of other non-combustible materials. A
chimney-like cylindrical ring assembly 9, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is
inserted in the container 12. The ring assembly 9 includes an air
diverter cylinder 1, a heat reflection ring 2, and contact points
3.
[0019] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a finished container candle 10 with
the integrated ring assembly 9 inserted therein. The design of this
container candle 10 enhances performance of the candle during
burning by controlling the flame and reflecting heat. The ring
assembly 9 is connected to the finished container 10 by one or more
contact points 3 that are secured to the container by an adhesive.
The ring assembly 9 is sized and positioned to allow the formation
of an air gap 4. In a preferred embodiment the ring assembly 9 is
made of glass, but other materials that are capable of withstanding
heat from the candle flame can also be used. The finished container
10 contains candle fuel 8 (typically a wax) and a wick 11 (the
candle may contain more than one wick). The container 12 shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 contains a vessel neck 5 with a diameter less than
the vessel wall 7 connected by the vessel shoulder 6.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of the container candle 10.
During candle burning, inlet air 13 travels between the air
diverter cylinder 1 and the vessel neck 5 through the air gap 4
where it moves over the candle fuel 8 (or melted wax pool). Part of
the inlet air 13 traveling through air gap 4 is used to support
combustion required to keep the candle flame 16 on wick 11 burning.
Heat generated by the candle flame 16 liberates scent held in the
candle fuel 8 (or melted wax pool). Scent, heat, air, and
by-products of combustion exit through the inside opening of air
diverter cylinder 1. During burning heat radiates outward, in the
form of thermal radiation, from the candle flame 16 in all
directions. The heat reflection ring 2, which is secured to the
glass insert by an adhesive, reflects a certain percentage of this
thermal radiation 14 back into the candle fuel 8 thereby
facilitating faster and more complete melting. In a preferred
embodiment the ring 2 includes a reflective coating to enhance the
heat reflection.
[0021] The container candle 30 shown in FIG. 6 includes a container
32 and a frusto-conical insert assembly 34. The connector ring 36
of the assembly 34 is connected to the finished container 32 by the
connector ring u-channel 38 and is sized and positioned to allow
the formation of an air gap 40. The finished container 32 contains
candle fuel 42 (typically a wax) and a wick 44 (the candle may
contain more than one wick). The finished container depicted
includes a container neck 46 with a diameter less than the
container wall 48 connected by the vessel shoulder 50.
[0022] The frusto-conical assembly 34, shown most clearly in FIG.
7, includes a frusto-conical insert 35, and connector ring 36. The
frusto-conical insert 35 is attached to the connector ring 36 by
three connector ring seat flanges 52. The frusto-conical insert
bottom 54 connects to each connector ring seat flange 52 by
compression fit and sits on top of the seat flange edge 56. The
seat flange pressure indention 58 provides adequate pressure to
hold in place the frusto-conical insert 35. The connector ring
skirt 60 extends downward into the vessel neck 46 in the finished
container candle 30. The connector ring 36 is attached to the
finished container 32 by the connector ring u-channel 38. The
connector ring 36 may be made out of a variety of heat resistant
materials and may be transparent, translucent, or opaque. The
connector ring may 36 can also be smooth, have relief or contain
design elements.
[0023] The frusto-conical assembly 34 may be attached to the
container 32 in a variety of ways (i.e. fused, adhesives, chemical
treatments, or mechanical fittings). The frusto-conical insert 35
may be made out of a variety of heat resistant materials and may be
transparent, translucent, or opaque. The frusto-conical insert 35
can also be smooth, have relief or contain design elements. The
frusto-conical insert 35 may also be inverted with the smaller
diameter position positioned in the container's neck.
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates the operation of the container candle 30
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. During candle burning, inlet air 62 travels
between the frusto-conical inert 35 and the connector ring 36
through the air gap 40 where it moves over the candle fuel 42 (or
melted wax pool). Part of the inlet air 62 is used to support
combustion required to keep the candle flame 66 on wick 44 burning.
Heat generated by the candle flame 66 liberates scent held in the
candle fuel 42 (or melted wax pool) and creates active scent 68.
Active scent 68, heat, air, and by-products of combustion exit
through the top opening through frusto-conical insert 35. This
container candle enhances performance during burning by separating
the inlet air 62 from the active scent 68 while accelerating the
active scent 68.
[0025] While the foregoing invention has been described with
respect to its preferred embodiments, various alterations and
modification will occur to those skilled in the art. All such
alterations and modifications are intended to fall within the scope
of the appended claims.
* * * * *