Composite Indefinitely Reusable Decorative Candle

Abstract

A composite indefinitely reusable decorative candle is formed of clear, undyed and unpigmented candle wax in any appropriate candle shape. The candle has surface ornamentation and coloration only. The candle is provided with a glass cylinder recessed centrally thereof and a cylinder of translucent insulating material, such as styrofoam, positioned just inside the glass cylinder. These cylinders are positioned to provide a recess into which there is fitted a glass transparent cup having a small cylindrical candle which may be replaced periodically after it is used up. The candle is characterized by a decorative effect, indefinite reusability, and a luminescent glow throughout the body of the candle and concentrated on the decorative surface thereof when a candle is being burned.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in decorative ornamental candles which are indefinitely reusable. More particularly, the invention is concerned with candles which are indefinitely reusuable and have a decorative surface ornamentation and are luminescent when burning.

DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART

In the prior art, there are disclosed a variety of decorative candles some of which are provided with features which permit extended use or which retain the decorative exterior configuration during burning of the candle.

Craswell U.S. Pat. No. 1,481,591 discloses a candle holder formed entirely of wax which is made by casting a round block of wax and turning it down into the desired shape for a candle base. The candle base may be dipped or coated for decoration and may be used to hold a variety of candles in sequence.

Webber et al. U.S. Pat. No. 2,354,343 discloses a decorative candle having a metal cylinder surrounding the wick so that the decorative exterior is not destroyed during burning of the candle.

Joyce U.S. Pat. No. 2,481,019 discloses a composite or a metal candle comprising a base which is ornamental and candle shaped and having an upper cylindrical recess into which replaceable candle bodies may be inserted.

Binderman U.S. Pat. No. 3,308,638 discloses a decorative candle having a telescoping arrangement permitting the candle to be extended or shortened.

Summers U.S. Pat. No. 3,428,409 discloses a reusable candle having a central sleeve into which successive candle members are inserted.

Kayne U.S. Pat. No. 3,473,014 discloses a candle lamp including a holder for glass cups containing candles which are to be burned therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention comprises a new and improved composite reusable decorative candle. The candle is characterized by its attractive decorative appearance and more particularly by a luminescent glow throughout the mass of the candle and on the decorative surface when the candle is being burned. The candle is composite in structure and has a central insulated recess into which a glass cup is positioned containing the burnable candle portion. This glass cup and the candle portion contained therein may be replaced indefinitely. The clear wax used in manufacture of the main body of the candle and the clear colorless insulation and the clear glass cup containing the burnable portion of the candle cause the entire candle mass to be luminescent when the candle is burned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a decorative cylindrical candle made in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 2 is a view in vertical section taken on the line 2--2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view in elevation of a decorative candle of a different shape made in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of still another shape of decorative candle made in accordance with this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a decorative reusable candle made in accordance with this invention. The candle 1 is a composite structure as shown in the vertical section consisting FIG. 2 of the drawings. Candle 1 has a burnable candle portion comprising wick 2 imbedded in candle wax 3 forming the burnable portion of the candle which is supported in a glass cup 4.

Candle 1 has a cylindrical recess in which there is positioned a hollow cylindrical insulating member 6 which surrounds the glass cup 4 of the burnable portion of the candle. Insulating member 6 is a transparent or translucent plastic, preferably styrofoam or other translucent plastic foam which will prevent the transfer of sufficient heat to the exterior portion of the candle to cause the same to melt.

The hollow cylindrical insulating foam member 6 is positioned within a tubular or hollow cylindrical glass 7 which extends into the main body of the candle a substantial distance below the hollow cylindrical insulating material 6 and candle cup 4. Tubular member 7 is of a clear transparent glass and provides additional heat insulation and also provides for transmission of light into the main body of the candle.

The main body of the candle consists of a mass of candle wax 8 which is clear and free from pigments or dyes which would interfer with light transmission. The main body of candle wax 8 is cast or otherwise formed into the desired shape for the candle and has a decorative surface 5 which may comprise a decorative or ornamental configuration molded or otherwise formed into the candle wax or applied as a separate decorative coating. In FIG. 1, the surface portion 5 is illustrated diagrammatically by a plurality of "X's" which indicate any suitable ornamental configuration. If the surface ornamentation is to be colored it is by means of a dye, paint, lacquer, or dyed or pigmented coating of wax or other suitable material.

When the candle wick 2 is lit, the candle wax 3 in cup 4 may be burned without transfer of sufficient heat to the main body of candle wax 8 so that the main body of the candle and the decorative surface ornamentation is not effected by the heat of the burning candle. Whenever the candle wax 3 in cup 4 is exhausted, a new candle may be placed in glass cup 4 or a new glass cup may be substituted having a candle wax and wick therein. When the candle is burned, the decorative surface configuration is not only retained intact but there is also produced a novel luminescent effect. When the candle is burned in the dark or under low room illumination, light is transmitted from the candle flame through the candle wax 3, cup 4, insulation 6, glass cylinder 7, and main body of transparent or translucent candle wax 8 to produce a glowing or luminescent effect. The glowing luminescent appearance of the candle is particularly enhanced when the surface configuration is painted with a semi-opaque or translucent lacquer or paint or pigmented or dyed coating.

Since this invention is concerned with a novel decorative candle which is indefinitely reusable and which has a novel luminescent appearance while burning, it is obvious that the invention is not limited to any particular candle configuration. The invention is applicable to any candle configuration so long as the candle is formed in the main body of a clear candle wax which is free of pigments or dyes which would adversely affect the transmission of light, and so long as the candle is provided with surface ornamentation, as described above, and has a replaceable candle cup separated from the main body of the candle by insulation and by a tubular glass supporting member. In FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings there are shown two alternate candle configurations in accordance with this invention. Of course, any suitable candle shape could be used including intricate figures and intricate surface ornamental designs which are too numerous to illustrate.

Claims

I claim:

1. A composite, indefinitely reusable, ornamental candle comprising

a. a body of clear candle wax, free from dyes or pigments which diminish light transmission substantially,

b. said body of wax having a cylindrical recess in the upper end portion thereof,

c. a clear transparent hollow glass cylinder fitted tightly in said recess and extending a substantial distance into said body of wax,

d. a hollow cylindrical insulating member fitted within said glass cylinder, and

e. a glass cup replaceably positioned within said insulating member and containing a wax candle therein for burning and periodic replacement,

f. said body of wax being protected from softening and melting by said glass cup, said insulating member, and said glass cylinder, and

g. said candle having a luminescent glow throughout said body of wax and on the surface thereof when the replaceable candle in said glass cup is burned.

2. A composite candle in accordance with claim 1 in which said insulating member is of a plastic foam.

3. A candle in accordance with claim 1 in which said body of wax is in a predetermined ornamental configuration.

4. A candle in accordance with claim 1 in which said body of wax is a predetermined surface ornamental configuration.

5. A candle in accordance with claim 1 in which said body of wax has a surface ornamentation of paint, lacquer, or a pigmented or dyed coating.

6. A candle in accordance with claim 5 in which said body of wax is in a predetermined ornamental configuration.

7. A candle in accordance with claim 5 in which said body of wax has a predetermined surface ornamental configuration.

8. A candle in accordance with claim 5 in which said body of wax is in a predetermined ornamental configuration and has a predetermined surface ornamental configuration.

9. A candle in accordance with claim 8 in which said insulating member is of a plastic foam.