CN205909070U - Flammable candle device of non - and external member - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model provides the utility model discloses a flammable candle device of non - of transmission light includes the tubulose shell, and the tubulose shell has first end, second end and the inner chamber between first and second ends. First end is by closed with the restriction via first end to the access with from the inner chamber to the second end is open in order to allow via the second end to the access with from the inner chamber. The device also including setting up intracavity and adjacent with the first end of tubulose shell be used for providing with the receiver of the electricity interconnection of power and the interconnect bulb (for example emitting diode (LED), incandescent lamp) of receiver of intracavity and electricity including setting up. The instrument that is used for removing the bulb that can provide optionally to this instrument can form the external member when the flammable candle device of NOT AND makes up.

Description

Non-combustible candle fixtures and kits

technical field

The present invention relates to a non-combustible candle device and more particularly to a non-combustible candle device that mimics a candle by providing the appearance of a flame without generating an actual flame.

Background technique

Traditionally, candles have been constructed from solid fuel blocks (such as wax) that include embedded wicks that provide light and often measurable amounts of heat when lit. More recently, candles have been made from one or more of paraffin (a by-product of petroleum refining), beeswax, soy, other vegetable waxes, and/or tallow (a by-product of beef fat refining). Additionally, gel candles are sometimes manufactured from a mixture of paraffin and plastic. There is a wide variety of devices used to hold candles ranging from simple tabletop candle holder stands, such as candle holders, to complex chandeliers.

After the candle wick is ignited (eg, with a match or lighter), the heat from the lit wick eventually melts and volatilizes a small portion of the candle's wax or other fuel. Once volatilized, the fuel combines with atmospheric oxygen to form a flame. This flame provides sufficient heat to keep the candle burning through a self-sustaining chain of events: the heat of the flame melts the top of the solid fuel slug, the liquefied fuel then moves up through the candle wick via capillary action, and the liquefied fuel is then volatilized to dissipate in the candle's wick. Burning in flames.

Candles have been used for lighting since before the advent of electricity and in areas without electricity. In today's developed world candles are mainly used for their aesthetic value and fragrance, in particular to create a soft, warm or romantic atmosphere and for emergency lighting during power failures. For example, scented candles are often used in aromatherapy.

Candles are also used in religious practices and/or ceremonies of many faiths. For example candles are often lit at both dawn and dusk in many Hindu homes, and some even keep candles lit continuously between dawn and dusk. As another example, candles are commonly used in worship both for decoration and atmosphere in Christianity, for example as a symbol representing the light of God or, specifically, the light of Jesus the Redeemer.

However, candles are one of the leading sources of residential fires in the United States and nearly 10% of civilian injuries and almost 6% of civilian deaths from fires are attributed to candles. For example, candles are often accidentally knocked over causing spillage of hot wax and/or contact of the flame with unintended ignitable objects (eg, curtains, rugs, etc.). In addition, candle flames, which are longer than their laminar smoke points, often emit soot which, when inhaled, has been known to cause health hazards. Yet additionally, allowing the candle to burn continuously results in continuous melting of the wax or other fuel and premature wear out of the candle.

Contents of the invention

In order to limit or at least reduce some of the problems and inefficiencies that exist in or are associated with existing candles, disclosed herein are systems that utilize one or more types of lamps or light bulbs to simulate the light that would otherwise be generated by a flame burning fuel , device and method. In some embodiments, a non-combustible candle device includes a body or shell, such as a bottle, jar, or tubular structure, constructed of any suitable material, such as glass, to simulate the appearance of a candle holder, within which the interior of the shell may be suitably A light bulb (e.g., light emitting diode (LED), incandescent, compact fluorescent, etc.) provided (e.g., adjacent to the bottom of the housing) and used to provide electricity to the light bulb (e.g., DC current via a battery, AC via plugging into a power socket) current) any suitable electrical connection (such as a lampholder). The shell can be tubular, polygonal or other shapes. Since the disclosed apparatus is free from the above-discussed risks associated with candles that rely on fuel to burn (e.g., wax spillage, open flame contact with surrounding items, inhalation of soot, etc.), it can be advantageously used in indoor settings (e.g., hospitals, churches, etc.) , home, etc.) in the use of equipment.

In one aspect, a non-combustible candle device for emitting light includes a tubular housing having a first end, a second end, and an interior cavity between the first and second ends. The first end is closed to restrict access to and from the lumen via the first end, and the second end is open to allow access to and from the lumen via the second end. The device also includes a receiver disposed within the lumen and adjacent the first end of the tubular housing for providing electrical interconnection to a power source, and a bulb disposed within the lumen and electrically interconnected to the receiver. The bulb is operable to emit light through the second end of the tubular housing when the power source supplies power to the receiver.

The receiver may include a conductive socket, and the bulb may include an outer bulb and a conductive base received in the conductive socket. For example the socket may include a pair of contacts operable to contact a corresponding pair of electrical contacts of the base.

In one arrangement, the apparatus may include a mains cord (eg, a power cord) having first and second ends, wherein the first end is electrically connected to the receiver and the second end (eg, comprising an electrical plug) is operable for electrical connection. Connect to mains or power supply. For example mains cables may run through openings provided in the tubular housing. In one variation, the mains cable may extend through an eyelet received in the opening to limit movement of the cable into and out of the lumen of the tubular housing, and the eyelet may have any suitable feature (such as a resilient protrusion) to assist in this regard.

In another arrangement, the device may include an opening provided in the tubular housing sized to receive at least one battery. A pair of electrical contacts may be disposed within the opening and electrically connected to the receptacle to establish an electrical connection with the at least one battery. The opening may be covered by a removable door. In yet another arrangement, the device may include a switch electrically connected to the receiver operable to selectively limit or allow electrical current to the bulb.

According to another aspect, a non-combustible candle arrangement is provided. The device includes a housing including a first end, a second end and a lumen between the first and second ends, wherein the first end includes a means to control or prevent access to and from the lumen via the first end. a bottom, and wherein the second end includes an opening allowing access to and from the lumen via the second end; a receptacle disposed within the lumen adjacent to the first end of the housing and including electrical interconnection to a power source; and A bulb, positioned within the cavity and electrically interconnected to the receiver, wherein the bulb emits light through the tubular housing in response to a power source supplying power to the receiver via the power cord.

The device may also include an opening extending through the tubular housing and an eyelet disposed in the opening, wherein the power cord extends through the eyelet.

The eyelet may include a detent configured to prevent the eyelet from passing through the opening.

The eyelet may be configured to prevent movement of the power cord relative to the tubular housing.

The device may also include a switch electrically connected to the receiver, wherein the switch is operable to selectively limit or allow electricity flow from the power source to the bulb.

The switch may be provided as an in-line switch within the power cord.

The device can also include at least one sleeve disposed on the outer surface of the shell and having a translucent graphic.

The device may also include at least one translucent graphic formed in the housing or on an outer surface of the housing.

The shell may be a tubular glass shell.

A light bulb may be provided in the bottom third of the housing.

A receiver may be fitted to the first end of the housing.

The bulbs may include light emitting diode (LED) bulbs.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a non-combustible candle device kit is provided. The kit includes: a tubular shell comprising a first end, a second end and a lumen between the first and second ends, wherein the first end includes a bottom that controls or prevents access to and from the lumen via the first end , and wherein the second end includes an opening allowing access to and from the lumen via the second end; the receiver is disposed within the lumen and adjacent to the first end of the housing and includes an electrical interconnection with a power source; the bulb, positioned within the lumen and electrically interconnected to a receiver, wherein the bulb emits light through the tubular housing in response to a power source supplying power to the receiver via the power cord; and a bulb removal tool. The tool includes: an elongated body having a proximal end for use by a user and a distal end configured to be removably coupled to a light bulb; and a light bulb receiver and clip formed at the distal end and configured to receive and clamp a light bulb , wherein the tool is configured to apply a rotational force to the bulb in response to motion applied by the user to the proximal end of the body.

The kit may also include an opening extending through the tubular housing and an eyelet disposed in the opening, wherein the power cord extends through the eyelet.

The eyelet may include a detent configured to prevent passage of the eyelet through the opening, and the eyelet may be configured to prevent movement of the power cord relative to the tubular housing.

The kit may also include a switch electrically connected to the receiver, wherein the switch is operable to selectively limit or allow the flow of electricity from the power source to the bulb, wherein the switch may be an in-line switch disposed within the power cord.

The kit can also include at least one sleeve disposed on the outer surface of the shell and having a translucent graphic.

The kit can also include at least one translucent graphic formed in the housing or on an exterior surface of the housing.

A light bulb may be provided in the bottom third of the housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of making a non-combustible candle device. The method includes: providing a tubular housing including a first end, a second end and a lumen between the first and second ends, wherein the first end includes a control or prevents movement to and from the lumen via the first end. a bottom for access, and wherein the second end includes an opening allowing access to and from the lumen via the second end; an opening is formed near the first end of the housing and in a side of the housing, the opening being configured to receive a power source Cord; mount receiver in inner cavity, receiver is configured to fix the light bulb used for lighting; extend external power cord to receiver through opening, and power cord is electrically coupled to receiver; fit adjacent to the first end of shell a receiver; and assembling a light bulb in the receiver.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of removing a bulb from a non-combustible candle device for emitting light, wherein the bulb is disposed at a certain depth within the device. The method includes: inserting into the lumen of the device a distal end of a tool, the distal end including an opening for conformally receiving and temporarily coupling at least part of a bulb; applying a force to the tool that translates into a a rotational force applied to the bulb; and removing the tool and the temporarily coupled bulb from the lumen.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a non-combustible candle device according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the candle device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the receiver and bulb of the candle device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the receiver of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an eyelet usable with the candle arrangement of FIG. 1 .

6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light bulb removal tool according to aspects of the invention.

Figure 7 is a sequence of steps related to one embodiment of a method for replacing a light bulb of a non-combustible candle device in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

detailed description

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which assist in illustrating various pertinent features of the various novel aspects of the present disclosure. The following description is presented for purposes of illustration and description. Additionally, the description is not intended to limit the inventive aspects to the forms disclosed herein. Accordingly, changes and modifications commensurate with the following teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of aspects of the invention.

1-2 illustrate a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of one embodiment of a non-combustible candle device according to aspects of the present invention. In this embodiment, candle device 100 generally includes a tubular body 104 having first and second inner ends 108, 112 that collectively define a Lumen 124 . The outer surface 120 of the candle arrangement 100 may include a pattern or image illuminated by a light bulb 132 disposed within the tubular body 104, such as a symbol representing the light of God or, in particular, the light of Jesus the Redeemer. In some embodiments, outer surface 120 may take the form of a translucent sleeve adhered to or disposed over or around at least a portion of tubular body 104 . The sleeve may include a pattern or image to be illuminated. In other embodiments, the tubular body itself may be translucent and patterned to achieve the same or similar lighting effects.

The first end 108 may be closed to substantially limit access to and from the lumen via the first end. Here, a separate cap, cap, or other covering may be positioned over first end 108 . Alternatively, the tubular body 104 and cover may be formed, eg molded, from a common material such that a single piece of material provides both the tubular body 104 and the cover at the first end 108 . In such cases, the first end may be considered integral to the tubular body 104 . For example, the tubular body 104 and first end 108 may be fabricated as a single elongated glass body or structure having a cavity or recess configured to receive the bulb 132 and an associated cavity configured to hold and provide power to the bulb. parts and/or materials.

The second end 112 may be open to allow access to and from the lumen 124 via the second end 112 for reasons that will be discussed more fully below. Body 104 may be configured to have any suitable dimensions.

In one arrangement, the body 104 may be approximately 8 inches high and approximately 3 inches in diameter. In some embodiments, the bulb may be disposed in the bottom third of the body 104 , for example resting substantially on or within two inches of the first end 108 .

Associated parts and/or materials configured to hold and power bulb 132 may be referred to generally as receiver 128 positioned within lumen 124 .

3 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the receiver 128 and bulb 132 of the candle arrangement 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 . FIG. 4 is a plan view of the receiver 128 of FIG. 3 .

A receptacle 128 may be disposed within the lumen 124 adjacent or adjacent to the first end 108 . Receiver 128 is configured to maintain light bulb 132 and to provide electricity for use in powering light bulb 132 . Bulb 132 may be an LED, an incandescent light, a compact fluorescent light, or another light bulb type and configuration known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Bulb 132 may have a conductive base 168 that supports an outer bulb 170 that may communicate with any suitable power source, such as an outlet.

In one arrangement, the receptacle 128 may include a support 136 that fits and/or supports the receptacle 128 on, toward, or adjacent to the first end 108 of the body 104 . The receiver 128 may also include a light socket 140 supported by the support 136 , wherein the light socket 140 is configured to receive and establish electrical connection with the light bulb 132 . For example, receptacle 128 may be a chandelier-type light socket with one or more mounting clips on the inner wall of socket 140 or it may be threaded to receive a correspondingly threaded light bulb. Receptacle 128 may have any suitable size suitable for positioning within cavity 124 and for receiving bulb 132 in socket 140 . In one arrangement, receiver 128 may have a height between about 1-2", such as between about ¹ _1/4 " and ^{1 3/4} " and between about _3/4 " and ¹ _1/4 " _. the inner diameter between.

The support 136 may be disposed on, eg coupled to or rest on, the bottom region of the body 104 at or near the first end 108 in any suitable manner. In one arrangement, the support 136 may include one or more mounting holes 144 disposed through the support, the one or more mounting holes being respectively sized to receive one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, show). For example, the mounting holes 144 may be aligned with corresponding holes (not shown) disposed at least partially through the first end 108, and the fasteners may be threaded or otherwise inserted into the aligned set of holes to provide for the first end 108. One end 108 is fitted with a receiver 128 . In another embodiment, the first end may include one or more upward protrusions configured to extend through the mounting aperture 144 . However, this manner of assembling or positioning receiver 128 is not necessary to the invention.

Additionally, the base 140 can have first and second ends 148 , 152 , inner and outer surfaces 156 , 160 and define an interior cavity 164 configured to receive a base 168 of the bulb 132 . The base first end 148 may be coupled to the support 136 in any suitable manner (eg, integrally formed with the base 136, welded or glued to the base, etc.).

The socket 140 may include any suitable feature for removably securing the bulb 132 to the receiver 128 . In one arrangement, the inner surface 156 of the socket 140 may include a series of threads (not shown) designed to mate with a corresponding series of threads (not shown) on the outer surface 172 of the base 168 of the bulb 132 . In another arrangement, the top portion 176 of the support 136 of the receiver 128 may have one or more features (eg, relative to a keyhole). In this arrangement, the protrusions can be inserted into the slots and the bulb 132 can then be twisted to removably lock the bulb 132 to the receiver 128 as is known in the art.

In any event, at least two electrical connections are established between the base 168 of the bulb 132 and the receiver 128 when the base 168 is assembled in the socket 140 to allow electrical current to pass through lighting components (not shown) within the outer bulb 170. Transmits light so that light can be emitted from the outer bulb 170.

The circuit arrangement eg within the outer bulb 170 may comprise a plurality of LEDs, wherein each LED comprises a cathode lead and an anode lead respectively interconnected to an LED chip or a diode for emitting light. In one arrangement, as will be described in more detail below, at least a portion of the outer surface 172 of the base 168 of the bulb 132 may be made of a conductive material (such as metal) that is electrically connected to the circuitry within the outer bulb 170, and At least a portion of the inner surface 156 of the socket 140 may be made of a conductive material (eg, metal) that is electrically connected to a power source. In this regard, bringing the outer surface 172 of the base 168 into contact with the inner surface 156 of the socket 140 can be used to establish a neutral connection between the circuitry in the outer bulb 170 and the power source. Additionally, the base 168 of the bulb 132 may include a conductive contact 184 designed to contact the top portion 176 of the support 136 of the receiver 128 to establish a "thermal" connection between the circuitry in the outer bulb 170 and the power source. Contact 180. In one arrangement, bulb 132 may be a 1.5W bulb (eg, a 1.5W LED or incandescent bulb) that produces a flickering effect to simulate an actual flame. In another arrangement, the light bulb 132 may be a 7W light bulb as an example. The present invention is not limited by the type of bulb.

In another arrangement, and where the top portion 176 of the support 136 of the receiver 128 has opposing slits sized to receive corresponding protrusions on the base 168 of the bulb 132, one of the protrusions may contact the slit Conductive contact in one of the slits or adjacent to one of the slits to establish a neutral connection between the circuit arrangement in the outer bulb 170 and the power supply, while the other of the protrusions may contact the other in the slit or with the other phase. Adjacent conductive contacts are made to establish a thermal connection between the circuit arrangement in the outer bulb 170 and the power supply. In some variations, any suitable epoxy may be used to cover or encase one or more of the conductive contacts, protrusions, and the like. Other arrangements are also contemplated and encompassed within the scope of this disclosure.

Candle arrangement 100 may include any suitable arrangement for interconnecting receiver 128 and bulb 132 to a power source, such as an alternating current (AC) power source. In one arrangement and turning to FIGS. 1-2, the device 100 may include a mains cable 188 having a flexible cord 192 and a plug 196 having at least two prongs that may be suitably connected to a power source such as By inserting the plug into an electrical socket. Cord 192 may have a first end 200 that may be inserted through opening 202 in body 104 and electrically interconnected to receiver 128 and a second end 204 that is electrically connected to plug 196 . For example, the cord 192 may comprise a neutral wire electrically connected to the inner wall 156 of the socket 140 of the receiver 128 (or other neutral contact of the receiver 128 ) and one of the prongs of the plug 196 in any suitable manner such as welding, wire nuts, etc. A wire and "thermal" wire electrically connects to the conductive contact 184 on the top portion of the support 136 (or other thermal contact of the receiver 128 ) and the other of the prongs of the plug 196 . That is, the mains cable 188 may be a standard A/C power cord, optionally including an in-line switch 194 .

In one embodiment, eyelets 208 are used to provide protected passage of cord 192 through tubular body 104 as shown. Eyelet 208 may be configured to also secure cord 192 to body 104 so as to limit movement of cord 192 into and/or out of lumen 124 of body 104 .

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 5 , the eyelet 208 may include a housing 212 interconnected to a detent 216 . Shell 212 may be tubular, polygonal, or other shapes. For example, the shell 212 may be square or hexagonal in shape when viewed from above. Housing 212 and detent 216 define an aperture 220 extending therethrough that is sized to receive and surround cord 192 in any suitable manner. For example, cord 192 may be inserted through aperture 220 and second end 200 may be inserted through opening 202 in body 104 and suitably electrically connected to receiver 128 . Subsequently, the housing 212 of the eyelet 208 may be inserted into the opening 202 in the body 104 so that the stopper 216 is in proximity to or in contact with the outer surface 120 of the body 104 and prevents the eyelet 208 from passing completely through the opening 202 and in the tubular body 104. internal.

In one arrangement, the shell 212 of the eyelet 208 may be press fit into the opening 202 of the body 104 . In another arrangement, the housing 212 of the eyelet 208 may include any suitable feature, such as a spring arm protrusion or the like, that functions to limit movement of the eyelet 208 in a direction away from the lumen 124 of the body 104 . Still further, the housing 212 of the eyelet 208 may include any suitable feature for limiting movement of the cord 192 into and/or out of the lumen 124, such as spring arms, protrusions, and the like.

In another arrangement and although not shown, candle device 100 may include an opening provided in tubular housing 104 sized to receive at least one battery. For example a pair of electrical contacts, such as a spring tab and a fixed contact, may be disposed within the opening, wherein one of the contacts may be electrically connected to the neutral contact of the receiver 128 and the other of the contacts may be electrically connected to the receiver 128 thermal contact. In this case, the battery may be disposed in the opening such that the positive side of the battery is electrically connected to one of the contacts and the negative side of the battery is electrically connected to the other of the contacts to supply power to the circuit arrangement in the outer bulb 170 .

The candle device 100 may include a switch 194 at any suitable location, such as on the outer surface 120 of the body 104, on the cord 192 of the mains cable 188 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ), the switch being operable to The electrical current flow to the circuitry of the outer bulb 170 is selectively allowed or denied when manipulated (eg, flipped, pressed, etc.). In one arrangement, the cord 192 may be a UL rated SPT-1 cord (e.g. 6') with an on/off roller switch 194.

Once the receiver 128 is properly fitted within the inner cavity 124 at the first end 108 of the body 104 and is properly interconnected to arrangements such as mains cables 188, opposing contacts of the battery opening, etc. to allow connection to a power source, the light bulb 132 The base 168 of the bulb 132 may be threaded or otherwise inserted into the socket 140 of the receiver 128 to establish an electrical connection between the circuitry in the outer bulb 170 of the bulb 132 and the receiver 128 . Current may then be allowed to flow through the circuitry in the outer bulb 170 by inserting the plug 196 into the socket, inserting the battery into an opening with opposing contacts, etc., either of which may or may not require The switches are manipulated as discussed for delivering current.

Referring again to FIG. 2 , it can be seen and understood that the light emitted from the outer bulb 170 of the bulb 132 can be emitted primarily from the first end 108 of the body 104 in a manner similar to light emitted from the flame of a traditional candle due to the burning of fuel. Travels away through the lumen 124 and out the second end 112 of the body. Additionally, light emitted from outer bulb 170 may illuminate inner cavity 124 . At least some of the emitted light may be seen through an outer surface 120 of the candle arrangement 100, such as a glass surface. In some embodiments, a package having a design can be disposed over at least a portion of tubular body 104 to form at least a portion of surface 120 . Here, too, at least some of the emitted light can be seen through the packaging, which may be translucent.

Unlike traditional candles, the non-flame candle device 100 disclosed herein poses much less risk of causing accidental fire, soot emission, and the like. As an A/C electric candle device 100, the present invention combines safety with long life and convenience since no batteries need be included. In various embodiments, candle arrangement 100 is well suited for many purposes in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Additionally, the use of a light bulb 132 rather than an open flame affords a greater range of potential materials from which to construct the device 100 . For example, body 104 may be constructed of glass and/or various types of plastic, among others. To reduce scattering of light before second end 112 of body 104 exits lumen 214, body 104 may be constructed of or otherwise include any suitable opaque material, surface, coating, etc. .

Because the candle device 100 provides a safer alternative to traditional combustible candles, it can be made possible to be used by the elderly, children, individuals with various disabilities, and others who heretofore may have been deemed unsafe.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a light bulb removal tool 200 in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

The tool 200 may take the form of or consist essentially of a tubular body 202 having first and second ends 204, 206, respectively. Second end 206 is configured to receive a light bulb, such as light bulb 132 . The second end 206 can be configured to receive the bulb with a moderate compression and clamping fit, such as an unruptured bulb when the outer bulb 170 is received in the second end 206, after which rotational force can be applied to remove the bulb or place a new one. The bulb is in place. Tool 200 may be configured from a material that is not electrically and/or thermally conductive and/or may be configured from a material that has electrically and/or thermally insulating properties to protect the user.

Tool 200 may be formed from non-disposable or disposable materials. In some embodiments, the tool may be formed from cardboard, ie, a material that does not easily crack or break and is unlikely to damage the bulb, or the like. Alternatively, the tool may be formed from one or more materials including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, wood, rubber, etc., or combinations thereof. Likewise, the portion of the tool configured to receive a bulb should have sufficient flexibility of its unbroken bulb.

At least one of the ends 204, 206 includes or defines an opening constructed and arranged to receive at least a portion of a bulb 132 threaded in a candle fixture bulb socket 140, such as the candle fixture 100 described herein. One end, such as second end 206, may be referred to as the distal end, while the other end, such as first end 204, may be referred to as the proximal end.

The tool 200 may include dimensions that allow the tool to be inserted into the inner cavity 124 of the candle arrangement 100 and have at least an inner portion configured to conformally receive the bulb 132 . In one embodiment, the tool 200 is at or about 7.5-10 inches long, has a wall thickness of at or about 0.060 inches, and/or the opening at the distal end 206 has an inner diameter of at or about 0.875 inches. Tool 200 may have other dimensions that allow tool 200 to receive bulb 132 . For example, bulb 132 may be a 4WC4 bulb, and tool 200 may receive an inner diameter of 0.875 inches to conformally receive at least part of a 4W C4 bulb and apply a non-rupturing, clamping force that allows tool 200 to temporarily engage bulb 132 with sufficient force The bulb 132 is removed from the socket 140 using rotational force. The length of the tool is selected primarily based on the depth of the bulb within the candle device 100 so that the tool 200 can access the bulb 132 without the user forcing his or her hand into the interior cavity 124 of the candle device 100.

The tool 200 may provide a force that allows the tool 200 to rotate the bulb 132 relative to the socket 140 in which the bulb 132 resides and remove the bulb 132 from the interior cavity 124 of the candle device 100. A replacement bulb may be at the distal end 206 of the tool. Inserted and subsequently inserted into the socket 140 in the interior 124 of the candle arrangement 100 .

7 is a series of diagrams illustrating a sequence of steps associated with one embodiment of a method 300 for changing a light bulb of a candle fixture, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

At step 310 , candle device 100 is preferably, but not necessarily, disconnected from an electrical outlet or other power source (not shown), so that no voltage is applied to bulb 132 . Tool 200 is inserted into lumen 124 of candle device 100 .

At step 320 , the distal end 206 of the tool 200 is positioned to receive and receive at least a portion of the bulb 132 . Movement imparted to the tool 200 by a human hand may be translated into a rotation of the tool 200 . As shown in step 330, the force generated by the distal end 206 of the tool 200 by rotating the tool 200 can cause the bulb 132 to rotate, whereby the bulb 132 can be removed, e.g., unscrewed, and removed from its socket 140 by the tool 200 The candle device 100 is removed.

At step 340 , the replacement bulb 132a may be inserted into the socket 140 of the device 100 by removably coupling the bulb 132a to the tool 200 through an opening at the distal end 206 of the tool 200 . Once the base of the bulb is positioned in the socket of the candle device, the tool 200 can be used to rotate the bulb 132a in a clockwise direction, for example about an axis extending in the direction of extension of the device 100, until the bulb is securely seated in the socket 140. .

In one arrangement, one or more pictures, icons, graphics, designs, colors, etc. may be formed on the body 104 or the light bulb 132 of the device 100 as appropriate. For example, a customer may be able to upload one or more pictures or graphics (e.g., JPEG, TIFF, etc.) printed or otherwise formed.

As another example, one or more stickers, decals, or other wrapping around at least a portion of the inner and/or outer surfaces 116, 120 of the candle device 100 having any suitable graphics or pictures thereon may be sized To be received on the inner and/or outer surfaces 116 , 120 of the device 100 . In one variation, the sticker or decal may be at least partially opaque or transparent to allow transmission of light generated by bulb 132 through body 104 and the sticker or decal. As yet another example, outer bulb 170 of bulb 132 may include one or more desired colors (eg, yellow, red, etc.).

In various embodiments, the tool and candle device 100 may collectively form a non-combustible candle device kit.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Thus, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art are within the scope of aspects of the invention.

The embodiments described above are also intended to illustrate the best known modes for carrying out the inventive concept and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventive concept or other embodiments and with various modifications as may be required for a particular application or use of the inventive concept . It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Claims (19)

1. A non-combustible candle apparatus comprising: A housing comprising a first end, a second end, and a lumen between the first and second ends, wherein the first end includes controls or prevents movement to and from the lumen via the first end. a base for access, and wherein said second end includes an opening allowing access to and from said lumen via said second end; a receiver disposed within the lumen adjacent to the first end of the housing and including an electrical interconnect to a power source; and A light bulb located within the lumen and electrically interconnected to the receiver, wherein the light bulb emits light through the tubular housing in response to the power source supplying power to the receiver via a power cord. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an opening extending through the tubular shell; and An eyelet is disposed in the opening, wherein the power cord extends through the eyelet. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the eyelet includes a detent configured to prevent passage of the eyelet through the opening. 4. The device of claim 2, wherein the eyelet is configured to prevent movement of the power cord relative to the tubular housing. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: A switch electrically connected to the receiver, wherein the switch is operable to selectively restrict or allow the flow of electricity from the power source to the light bulb. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the switch is an in-line switch disposed within the power cord. 7. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one sleeve disposed on an outer surface of the housing and having a translucent graphic. 8. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one translucent graphic formed in the housing or on an outer surface of the housing. 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the shell is a tubular glass shell. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the light bulb is disposed in a bottom third of the housing. 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is fitted to the first end of the housing. 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the light bulb comprises a light emitting diode light bulb. 13. A non-combustible candle device kit comprising: a tubular shell comprising a first end, a second end, and a lumen between the first and second ends, wherein the first end includes a control or prevents passage to and from the lumen via the first end and wherein the second end includes an opening allowing access to and from the lumen via the second end; a receiver disposed within the lumen and adjacent to the first end of the housing and including an electrical interconnect to a power source; a light bulb located within the lumen and electrically interconnected to the receiver, wherein the light bulb emits light through the tubular housing in response to the power source supplying power to the receiver via a power cord; and Bulb removal tool, including: an elongated body having a proximal end for use by a user and a distal end configured to be removably coupled to a light bulb; and a bulb receiver and clip formed at said distal end and configured to receive and clamp said bulb, Wherein the tool is configured to apply a rotational force to the bulb in response to user motion applied to the proximal end of the body. 14. The kit of claim 13, further comprising: an opening extending through the tubular shell; and An eyelet is disposed in the opening, wherein the power cord extends through the eyelet. 15. The kit of claim 14, wherein the eyelet includes a detent configured to prevent passage of the eyelet through the opening, and the eyelet is configured to prevent movement of the power cord relative to the tubular housing . 16. The kit of claim 13, further comprising: a switch electrically connected to said receiver, wherein said switch is operable to selectively limit or allow electricity to flow from said power source to said bulb, Wherein the switch is an in-line switch arranged in the power cord. 17. The kit of claim 13, further comprising at least one sleeve disposed on an outer surface of the shell and including a translucent graphic. 18. The kit of claim 13, further comprising at least one translucent graphic formed in said shell or on an exterior surface of said shell. 19. The kit of claim 13, said light bulb being disposed in a bottom third of said housing.