EP1761619B1 - Method for producing candles comprising decorative and/or functional elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing candles, to the candles produced by this production method and to the device used in the production thereof. The invention relates to a novel method for producing candles ranging from simple shapes to decorative, ornamental, three-dimensional objects, from slabs of wax, wax profiles and wax molds, comprising an independently inserted wick, e.g. linear, arched or branched, and to a novel device for producing decorative slabs of wax as semi-finished products, inter alia for use in the above-mentioned method for producing candles. The invention also relates to candles that are produced using said device and said method.

Description

The invention relates to candles with decorative and / or functional elements with at least one flammable wick.

There are different ways to make candles. These range from the use of modern technology to the traditional craft. Most candles today are produced with candle centrifuges or powder or plate pressing. Another method is casting wax in molds in the middle of which the wick is stretched. Furthermore, even today one of the oldest methods of candle-making is used, namely the repeated vertical immersion of the wick into a liquid wax mass, as o the drawing of a candle.

All of these methods are based on the principle of axially introduced into the wax mass wick, such as pulling a wick through a wax mass, the vertical stretching a wick in a mold or the clamping of the wick in the center of the plunger.

The various properties of the wax, whether paraffin or stearin based, or their mixtures, both in themselves and in their interaction with the wick and the flame, are far from exhausted by the methods known today.

From the EP 0719855 B1 For example, there is known a method of manufacturing candles which relies on solidifying high-contrast colored layers or paraffin elongated elements and subjecting them to a final cutting operation for shaping.

The GB 2300647 describes a method of manufacturing candles. The production is based on the artisanal casting process.

The problem with the previously known and applied production method for candles is that they do not provide the opportunity without a considerable effort to provide a candle with functional elements. By functional elements, embodiments of a candle are to be understood which have an influence on the burning behavior of a candle, the influencing of the burning behavior being achieved in a targeted manner by the functional elements introduced during the production process.

Furthermore, the presently known manufacturing methods and related devices for candles with respect to the decoration of a candle are limited to the combination of different colored flammable masses in vertically separated layers which have been fused together or the application of decorations on an already finished candle.

From the US 2196509 are known a candle and a manufacturing method, wherein a wick is placed between two candle halves which are then fused by means of heat and pressure.

Out EP 0018839 a candle is known, wherein a plurality of interlocking but not fused candle elements have a common hole for a wick.

Starting from this prior art it is the object of the present invention to provide novel candles which have decorative and functional elements.

The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims.

For the purposes of the present invention, decorative elements should also be understood to mean designs which range from different shapes to decorative, ornamental or even three-dimensional combinations. Furthermore, the generic term of the decorative elements should also be understood to mean the design of a candle with odor substances, which are deliberately released at specific times, depending on the burning time of the candle.

Functional elements are understood to mean the slender construction of a candle, which on the one hand has an influence on the burning behavior of the candle, but on the other hand

Also, in the course of burning a candle takes influence on the design and appearance of the candle.

According to the invention therefore a candle with decorative and / or functional elements with at least meheren flammable wicks according to claim 1 is provided.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one segment is arcuate and / or the wick branches at least once, wherein in the case of a branch also linear wick sections are present as well as arranged at the respective ends elements for connection to other segments.

The wick of a candle according to the invention is preferably encased by a further layer of a combustible mass. It is also provided according to the invention that the combustible mass, which surrounds the wick, differs from the combustible mass of the candle. Furthermore, it is provided that the wick of an embodiment according to the invention comprises a guide made of metal or glue.

In a preferred embodiment of a candle according to the invention, the wicks of non-slippery segments do not touch. The burning behavior of a candle according to the invention is influenced by pigments in the wax and / or in the wick, which in particular influence the burning time of a candle according to the invention. The burning behavior can further by the choice of the Material of the used wick are influenced. Preferably, a porous, combustible material is provided for this, which in addition to combustible portions has a defined proportion of gypsum.

In a further embodiment of a candle according to the invention, cavities are provided in the combustible material of the candle. These cavities are filled depending on the realized embodiment of a candle according to the invention with different colored wax and / or fragrance oils. In this case, the cavities in the form of geometric shapes, numbers, letters or combinations thereof.

Another object is a segment for building a candle with decorative and / or functional elements with one or more flames, consisting of a hardened combustible mass, which is composed of at least two layers in a geometric shape and a running within this geometric shape wick.

In one segment, preferably, the wick is arcuate and / or branches at least once, wherein in the case of a branch also linear wick sections are present as well as arranged at the respective ends elements for connection to other segments.

Furthermore, a segment is provided for constructing a candle with decorative and / or functional elements, consisting of a hardened combustible mass, which is composed of at least two layers in a geometric shape, wherein within the cured combustible mass is at least one cavity which either is filled with a different colored combustible mass or a fragrance oil, and a running within this geometric shape wick, and disposed at the respective ends elements for connection to other segments.

The segments preferably have a groove / tongue, plug and / or clamp connection as connecting elements. The transition of the wick of a segment is designed with a plug-in wire sleeve

If cavities are provided for a segment, these preferably have the form of geometric shapes, numbers, letters or combinations and are filled with wax and / or fragrance oils.

In a segment for building a candle decorative and / or functional elements are visible depending on the burning time of the candle. A segment is provided depending on the embodiment also independently as a candle flammable.

Furthermore, a candle with decorative and / or functional elements is provided, which is composed of at least two identical or combinations of segments.

Another object is a method of making a candle with decorative and / or functional elements. In the manufacturing process, the respectively provided decorative or functional elements are introduced during the manufacturing process by the combination of suitable layers and each layer is individually designed with respect to the required elements by the selection of suitable materials and / or the shaping by first making a positive of the Candle is made of a solid material, this positive is placed in a mold, which is poured out in a horizontal position completely with a suitable material and then the mold in the number of required layers is separated horizontally, creating negatives of the required layers and subsequently the Layers of the candle are created by using the negative, and prior to joining the layers of the candle, at least one linearly extending, one arcuate, or at least one branching wick between the layer n the candle is inserted.

Characteristic of a preferred method is that the candle is constructed of layers having recesses or cavities. Alternatively, the method can also be configured in such a way that the recesses to closed cavities layers are connected to one another by the stacking of different layers.

It is further provided in the method that geometrical shapes, numbers, letters or combinations thereof are formed through and through the assembling of the layers of the candle through the existing cavities of the individual layers. These cavities are filled depending on the design of the method with different colored combustible material or fragrances before or after the complete assembly of the candle.

In the method, a wick is preferably introduced, which is surrounded with a thin, hardened layer of combustible material and thus previously solidified in its intended form as a wick tree, before being introduced into the candle.

To position the wick or wick before joining the layers of the candle, a method step is provided in which spacers are used for this purpose. It is also contemplated that prior to joining the layers, the wick or wicket is first completely poured into one layer of the candle to be made before another layer is applied. Furthermore, it is provided that in the method, a wick made of porous, combustible material is used.

Another object is a device for producing segments for building a candle and a candle with decorative and / or functional elements. The device consists of negatives of the required layers, which are produced by placing a positive of the candle to be made of a solid material horizontally in a mold which is completely filled in a horizontal position with a suitable material and then the negative impression thus obtained in the Number of required layers is separated.

The material of the mold for pouring out, that is, the negative in the form of the produced candle layer of a device is preferably made of silicone.

The invention is a method for producing candles of simple shape to decorative, omamental, three-dimensional objects, of wax plates, wax profiles and wax molds, with an independent inserted wick, e.g. linear, arcuate or branched, as well as a device for the production of decorative wax plates as semi-finished u.a. as a possible use for the above-described candle making. Wax should also be understood as meaning comparable materials such as stearin or paraffin and the like.

The present invention makes it possible to design the product technologically. This opens up new possibilities with regard to decorative products, whose manual production is far too complicated by today's methods. The new process can result in new shapes with optimized burning properties.

The design of a candle is possible by the present invention in its entirety in all three spatial dimensions. Taking into account the burning time of a candle as a factor of time on which the particular appearance of the candle depends, even the time as a dimension that can be designed is included.

The production of a candle with the silicone molds is completely new, because the candle is formed mainly when lying down. First, some wax is poured into the lying mold. And then comes the prefabricated branched wick tree. This must run at each point in the middle in the candle arms. In order to succeed, the wicks have spacers made of wax. A small but effective solution. This wick tree is now completely filled with wax, so it is well embedded.

Now comes the second half of the silicone mold on it. Through an appropriate opening, the remaining cavities are filled with wax. This happens as the only step in an upright position. After cooling, the multi-armed candle is ready

This lying production method opens up unimagined design possibilities of the candle. Thus, in some places a watch point in a different color incorporated become. When burning the following happens: The candle changes color at a certain point. For example, the wax creation changes the number of flames several times within nine hours of burning.

Instead of or as an alternative to the colored wax points, scented oils can also be incorporated. And in different places. So it can happen that the candle suddenly smells of lemon for a short time after an hour and perhaps cinnamon two hours later. At the same time, such a candle also changes its number of flames.

When burning the candle, the candle reveals a secret: the outer wicks are supported at the end of wire racks. In this wire frame colorful beads can be incorporated. And at this point also the outer wicks end, so that after nine hours only one flame burns, just like at the beginning.

Furthermore, it is possible with the technology to produce modular building blocks (segments), from which multi-threaded and multi-flame candles can be assembled by a special connector. In this case, various modules are produced, which differ in the respective curvature and / or thickness of the fuel. This modular principle also makes it possible to build up three-dimensional candles which, for example, have a triangular or circular basic shape in plan view.

The subject of the present invention is therefore also a "3-D ball candle". The special feature of this candle is that it has a non-combustible scaffolding. This can consist of different materials: metal Wick gefiecht or Carbonfibre wick gefiecht. Around this braid structure then the individual wax component halves, which were previously produced horizontally in molds attached. The spherical candle offers the possibility that it can be hung. Namely, the wire-carbon frame will also provide a way out of the candle structure to fix it.

In the following, exemplary but not conclusive, various embodiments of some production processes are described:

1.0 Method of making candles with linear or branched wick

The candles can be designed from a simple shape to decorative, ornamental, three-dimensional objects, wax plates, wax profiles and wax forms, with an independent wick inserted.

Two or more wax plates, profiles or shapes are frictionally connected to one another by low heating and low pressure of the mutually facing surfaces.

Before the wax plates, profiles or shapes are pressed, the wick is inserted into the surface. In the case of the casting process, the wick is inserted between two casting operations.

After pressing, the wick is firmly inserted between the wax plates, profiles or molds.

The position and direction of the wick, linear oblique or branched, is thus, in contrast to all current and known methods, independent of the wax mass.

The thickness and Beschaffendheit the wicking fabric can be made depending on the desired Brenneigenschaft. Thus, e.g. at branches and at oblique candle parts the wick may be thinner than at vertical candle parts, thus the burning behavior can be controlled. The candle can be used in any standard candle holder or be self-standing depending on the design.

1.1 Production from wax plates

According to the manufacturing method described in section 1.0, any candle molds can be cut out of wax plates along the position of the linear, arcuate or branched wick. This new solution enables the industrial mass production of conventional candles such as household candles or stumps with a wick in the center of the combustible mass:

Such as household candles made of wax plates and the associated design options. Furthermore, this allows the economical production of ornamental candles with one or more wicks in the center of the combustible mass.

After punching out or cutting out along the wick axis, a new, ornamental wax candle with special firing properties is created: During firing, a flame can produce several flames that continually change the shape of the candle along its ornamental course.

1.2 Production from wax profiles

According to the manufacturing method described under point 1.0, wax molds can be used to produce any type of candle. The wax profiles required for this can be produced beforehand by casting or pressing.

This new solution enables industrial mass production. Traditional candles such as household candles or stumps with a wick in the center of the flammable mass, as well as ornamental candles with a wick in the center of the combustible mass or branched wicks for creative candle shapes.

1.3 Process for producing candles from wax molds

According to the manufacturing method described under point 1.0 can be made of wax molds any candle shapes. The wax molds required for this purpose can be produced beforehand by casting or pressing. This new solution makes it possible to produce novel omamental candles with one or more branched wicks with optimized burning behavior. Example: 3D candle.

1.4 Post-processing

• ■ Eine substraktive Nachbearbeitung erfolgt durch Fräsen und Schneiden des Querschnitts, maschinell oder durch Handarbeit.
• ■ Eine additive Nachbearbeitung erfolgt durch Aufbringen von zusätzlichen Schichten oder tauchen, spritzen, lackieren, maschinell oder durch Handarbeit.
• ■ Die Verformung ist ein weiteres Verfahren der Nachbearbeitung und erfolgt thermisch, maschinell oder durch Handarbeit.

All the aforementioned candle molds or production processes can be reworked as follows:

• Subtle post-processing is done by milling and cutting the cross-section, by machine or by hand.
• ■ Additional post-processing is done by applying additional layers or dipping, spraying, painting, by machine or by hand.
• ■ Deformation is another reworking process that takes place thermally, mechanically or by hand.

2.0 method for the production of three-dimensional, u.a. movable ornamental candles with branched wick. For example

According to the manufacturing method described under point 1.0, e.g. be made by punching or milling a two-dimensional candle die.

By turning along the wick axis, a three-dimensional, movable, ornamental wax candle with special firing properties is produced from the matrix. Depending on the shape of the candle, the wick at the pivot point can be reinforced with metal sleeves.

This die can be marketed as a kit. The end user can transform the matrix into a three-dimensional object by rotating individual candle parts about an axis and adjusting them in a defined position. The metal sleeves at the pivot points serve to reinforce and fix and prevent a cutting of the wick.

However, the object can also be marketed as a ready-fixed, three-dimensional candle.

The candle can be used in any standard candle holder or be self-standing depending on the design.

3.0 Process for producing wax plates as semi-finished products for candle production

The combination of several wax plates or blocks or the special shaping of wax plates or blocks results in a cut novel wax plates. These plates can be used as semi-finished products for the production of candles or other wax forms.

3.1 Additive methods 3.1.1 pixel matrix plates

By joining and pressing of wax pencils, depending on the design desired color contrasted, created in the cut a novel wax plate, which can be used as a semi-finished for the production of novel candles or other wax forms.

This method can be used to produce a precise, technically controllable pixel matrix.

3.1.2 Merging

By joining prefabricated, color-contrasting, differently thick wax panels, depending on the desired design, a novel decorative wax panel is created in the gate.

The resulting wax plates can be reassembled and cut again, so that in turn creates a new wax plate. Depending on the desired design, this process can be repeated. These plates can be used as semi-finished products for the production of candles or other wax forms.

3.1.3 pressing

By pressing together any blocks of wax and shapes in any desired colors, a wax mass traversed by cavities is created, which results in a novel wax plate in the initial cut. These plates can be used as semi-finished products for the production of candles or other wax forms.

3.1.4 Complete

The cavities of the wax mass mentioned under 3.1.3 can be filled by pouring with liquid wax in any desired colors. The bleed creates a novel wax plate. These plates can be used as semi-finished products for the production of candles or other wax forms.

3.1.5 Incorporation of non-flammable objects

By inserting non-flammable objects between wax plates and / or in wax masses, a novel wax plate is produced, which can be used as a semi-finished product for producing novel candles or other wax forms.

3.1.6 Treatment of the surface

By color coating, spraying or painting one or both sides of a wax plate creates a novel wax plate, which can be used as a semi-finished for the production of novel candles or other wax forms.

3.2 Subtractive Procedures 3.2.1 Milling or drilling

Milling or drilling in wax blocks or plates creates cavities that can be filled or functionally filled. The filling could e.g. be: scented oil, colored liquid, non-flammable objects and much more. The resulting wax plates can be used as semi-finished products for the production of candles or other wax forms.

3.2.2 Reusable moldings

By pressing in and taking back moldings (13) in wax blocks or plates, cavities (10) are created which can be filled or functionally filled. The resulting wax plates (12) can be used as semi-finished for the production of candles or other wax forms.

3.3 Combination of different process steps

Additive and subtractive methods can be combined in any number of steps.

4.0 Process for the production of technical candles 4.1 Decorative, technical pillar candle

Using the method described above under point 4 creates a novel decorative, technical pillar candle.

When not lit, the candle is a purely decorative object. During the firing process, however, planned and / or random effects arise through the interactions of the individual, functionally assigned layers. These effects may be e.g. Controlling the burning time by voids in the fuel mass, changing the visible surface, such as. the appearance of a hitherto hidden image, the change of integrated, thermally sensitive objects or layers, the appearance of lettering or similar. by the controlled entry of wax liquefied by the firing process or other liquids into cavities in connection with the visible surface.

Other functional features can be: targeted use of fragrance oil, gel or colored liquids, sounds, music, chemically produced flame colors and much more.

The firing process may be controlled such that a previously designed sculptural wax mold or decorative cavities appear on the visible surface, or that the candle burns out completely.

In addition, this product can be combined with all the aforementioned new processing techniques. The shape of the candle is arbitrary.

4.2 Multifunctional candle

By combining all the methods described above with conventional casting techniques, new products in larger dimensions can be combined with several

Utility functions arise, e.g. a fruit bowl or flower vase of decorative wax that is burned as a candle after use.

A e.g. A wax mold made by casting is bonded to a second, matched wax mold by light pressure. Before the wick is inserted between the two wax forms.

Figur 1

Vorrichtung für ein horizontales Herstellungsverfah- ren für Stumpfenkerzen

Figur 2

Aufbau einer aus Segmenten bestehenden Kerze

Figur 3a

Schematische Seitenansicht einer Kerze aus zwei- dimensional kombinierten Segmenten

Figur 3b, c

Schematische Aufsicht auf Kerzen aus zweidimen- sional kombinierten Segmenten mit einfachen Ver- zweigungen

Figuren 4a, b

Schematische Aufsicht auf Kerzen aus zweidimen- sional kombinierten Segmenten mit doppelten (Fig. 4a) und dreifachen (Fig. 4b) Verzweigungen

Figur 5a, b

Schematische Darstellung des Herstellungsverfah- rens einer mehrflammigen Kerze

Figur 5c

Schematische Angabe der Anzahl an Flammen in verschiedenen Ebenen einer mehrflammigen Kerze

Figur 6

Aufriss und Darstellung des Dochtverlaufes einer mehrflammigen Kerze

Figur 7a, b

Schematische Darstellung des Herstellungsverfah- rens einer dreidimensionalen, mehrflammigen Ker- ze

Figur 7c

Schematische Darstellung und Aufsicht auf die Ro- tationsebenen einer dreidimensionalen, mehrflam- migen Kerze

Figur 8

Erstellung von Wachsplatten mit Hohlräumen

Figur 9

Kombination von ausgehärteten brennbaren Mas- sen mit Hohlräumen

Figur 10

Einbringen dekorativer Elemente in Wachsplatten mit Hohlräumen

Figur 11

Schematische Ansicht von Platten mit komplexen Hohlräumen

Figur 12

Einbringen dekorativer Elemente in Platten mit komplexen Hohlräumen

Figur 13a

Explosionszeichnung einer aus Platten aufgebauten Kerze mit verzweigtem Docht sowie dekorativen und funktionalen Elementen

Figur 13b

Außenansicht einer aus Platten aufgebauten Kerze mit verzweigtem Docht sowie dekorativen und funk- tionalen Elementen

Figur 14a

Außenansicht (oben), Querschnitt (Mitte) und Längsschnitt (unten) einer Sylvesterkerze mit funk- tionalen und dekorativen Elementen

Figur 14b

Zeitstrahl (t) der Erscheinungsformen der Sylvester- kerze aus Fig. 14a im Verlauf des Abbrennens

Figur 15a, b

Räumliche Darstellung einer hohlkugeligen, mehr- dochtigen Kerze

Figur 16a

Schematische Aufsicht auf eine hohlkugelige, mehr dochtige Kerze

Figur 16b

Querschnitt einer hohlkegeligen, mehrdochtigen Kerze

Figur 16a

Explosionszeichnung der Schichten einer hohlkuge- ligen, mehrdochtigen Kerze

Further advantageous measures are described in the remaining subclaims; the invention will be described in more detail with reference to embodiments and the following figures; it shows:

FIG. 1

Device for a horizontal production process for blunt candles

FIG. 2

Construction of a segmented candle

FIG. 3a

Schematic side view of a candle made of two-dimensional combined segments

FIG. 3b, c

Schematic view of candles from two-dimen- sionally combined segments with simple branches

FIGS. 4a, b

Schematic view of candles made of two-dimen- sionally combined segments with double ( Fig. 4a ) and threefold ( Fig. 4b ) Branches

FIG. 5a, b

Schematic representation of the production process of a multi-flame candle

FIG. 5c

Schematic of the number of flames in different levels of a multi-flame candle

FIG. 6

Outline and representation of the wick course of a multi-flame candle

FIG. 7a, b

Schematic representation of the production process of a three-dimensional, multi-flame candle

FIG. 7c

Schematic representation and supervision of the rotation planes of a three-dimensional, multi-flame candle

FIG. 8

Creation of wax plates with cavities

FIG. 9

Combination of hardened combustible masses with cavities

FIG. 10

Placing decorative elements in wax plates with cavities

FIG. 11

Schematic view of plates with complex cavities

FIG. 12

Placing decorative elements in panels with complex cavities

FIG. 13a

Exploded drawing of a candle with branched wick and decorative and functional elements

FIG. 13b

Exterior view of a sheet-metal candle with branched wick and decorative and functional elements

Figure 14a

Exterior view (top), cross section (center) and longitudinal section (below) of a sylvester candle with functional and decorative elements

FIG. 14b

Timeline (t) of the manifestations of New Year's Eve candle Fig. 14a in the course of burning off

FIG. 15a, b

Spatial representation of a hollow spherical, multi-colored candle

FIG. 16a

Schematic view of a hollow spherical, more wicked candle

FIG. 16b

Cross section of a hollow conical, multi-threaded candle

FIG. 16a

Exploded view of the layers of a hollow-spherical, multi-filament candle

FIG. 1 shows a device for a horizontal production method for blunt candles, consisting of an upper mold part 3a and a lower mold part 3b. The mold parts 3a, 3b serve to create one half of the candles to be produced by a horizontal casting process. For this purpose, impressions are first removed from a positive of the candle to be produced by pouring out containers in which the positives are located with a suitable material. The two mold parts 3a, 3b are preferably made of silicone. Both in the upper mold part 3 a, and in the lower mold part 3 b, a liquid, combustible mass 2 is filled until it is flush with the upper edge of the respective molded part After the combustible mass 2 has cured, is in the produced candles 5 a Wick 1 inserted. This is preferably done by placing on the halves of the lower mold part 3b. After the wicks 1 have been placed, now the upper mold part 3a is placed accurately on the lower mold part 3b. As a result, the two halves of the candle to be produced 5 are joined together in a candle assembly 4. After the two halves of the candle 5 to be produced have been joined together, the two mold parts 3a, 3b are removed. The still in a candle assembly 4 located candles 5 are now separated from each other. Thus, individual candles 5 are obtained.

FIG. 2 shows the structure of a segment consisting of 6 candle. Each segment has a wick 1. This wick 1 preferably runs centrally oriented in the combustible mass 2. The in FIG. 2 Segments 6 shown each have simple branches 8. For joining the segments 6, these special guides 7 are wound up. In this case, the wick 1 protrudes at the top of the segment out of this. Furthermore, either a segment 6 has a guide 7 on the upper side, or a segment 6 has a guide 7 on the underside on. In FIG. 2 Segments 6 are shown, which have the guide 7 in each case at the upper edge.

In FIG. 3a is a schematic side view of a candle of segments 6 shown, which are combined in two dimensions, namely in width and in height. The segments 6 each have different shapes and degrees of branching. For example, there are segments with a double branch 8b and also with a triple branch 8c. The combination of the segments 6 both in height and in width, creates a spatial candle.

In the FIGS. 3b and 3c is shown in a schematic plan view that the individual segments can take different spatial configurations. In both figures, only simple branches 8a are shown, which have the segments 6 or connect to each other. Thus, by means of such a combination of simple branching 8a and segments 6, a linear candle object ( FIG. 3b ), as well as an angled candle object ( Figure 3c ).

FIGS. 4a and 4b 2 shows a schematic plan view of a combination of segments 6 for constructing a plug with double branches 8b (FIG. FIG. 4a ). In FIG. 4b For example, combinations of a triple branch 8c with simple branches 8a for connecting candle segments 6 are shown. From the FIGS. 4a and 4b It can be seen that a variety of three-dimensional design possibilities with regard to the branching of a candle can be achieved using the branching and segments according to the invention.

The FIGS. 5a and 5b show a schematic representation of the manufacturing process of a multi-flame candle 5. Here, as already in FIG. 1 described an upper mold part 3a and also a lower mold part 3b used. These were obtained by pouring a positive of the candle to be produced. Between the mold parts 3a, 3b, the wick tree 19 is now arranged. The wick tree 19 is a wick 1 that branches and is held in a desired shape by a thin, enveloping, combustible layer which has cured.

At the beginning of the production of a multi-flame candle both mold parts 3a, 3b are each poured out with combustible mass. After this has hardened, the wick tree 19 is placed on the combustible mass of the lower molding 3b. The two mold parts 3a, 3b are positively connected to each other and the wax halves of the candle to be produced, consisting of the cured combustible mass 2, are connected together. The wick tree 19 protrudes from the combustible mass 2 at one end of the multi-flame candle.

In FIG. 5c is in the right part of a multi-flame candle 5, made after the in the FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrated methods shown. This is located in a foot 9. At the top of the wick tree 19 protrudes from the combustible mass 2 out. In the right part of the FIG. 5c are indicated by the small arrows, the cutting planes and the direction of supervision on the respective cutting plane. The dashed line is in the left part of the FIG. 5c the respective supervision of the specified section plane shown.

The wick tree 19 sheathed by the combustible mass 2 can be seen. It can easily be seen that in each case a different number of ends of the wick tree 19 protrudes from the combustible mass 2 in the different cutting planes. When the candle 5 is being burned off, this causes it to burn with a corresponding number of flames in the respective cutting planes. Thus, the candle 5 starts with a flame, which branches into three flames. These three flames will branch out into four flames in the further course and finally reduced again shortly before the foot 9 to a flame.

FIG. 6 shows an elevation of a multi-flame candle showing the wick guide. Thus, according to the invention, it is also provided that the wick guide does not necessarily have to consist of a wicking tree 19 connected to the all point. Rather, 10 parts of the wick tree can be connected to each other by a wire. This ensures that the flames burn off evenly in a horizontal plane. This ensures the effect of the different number of flames in each level. For controlling the burning behavior thus interruptions of the wicking tree 19 or wire guides 10 are provided.

The FIGS. 7a and 7b show a schematic representation of the manufacturing process of a multi-flame, three-dimensional candle 5. Also in this candle 5 halves of the candle to be produced 5 are first cast in an upper mold part 3a and a lower mold part 3b. This happens after to the FIGS. 1 and 5a, b described horizontal casting. On the combustible mass of the lower mold part 3b, a wick tree 19 is now placed but has a central wire guide. After the positive joining of the molded parts 3a, 3b, the combustible mass 2 of the candle to be produced 5 is connected to each other. After detachment of the interconnected parts of the candle 5, these can be removed from the molded strips 3a, 3b ( FIG. 7b right).

In FIG. 7c is in the right part of the side view of a multi-flame, three-dimensional candle 5 indicating the sectional planes of the views of the right part of FIG. 7c shown. The candle 5 is in a foot 9. In the right part is given by the small rotation circles (arrows), the orientation of the wire guide. This allows rotation of the symmetrical objects along this axis. The wick tree 19 has connections along the axis of the wire guide, respectively.

In FIG. 7c on the right is through the sectional plane, the orientation of the supervision in the left part of FIG. 7c specified. The nested parts of the candle can now rotate on circular paths 12, which correspond to their respective outer diameter. Since these diameters are different, the parts are freely rotatable along the axis of rotation. The result is a three-dimensional candle, which was produced in a two-dimensional horizontal casting process.

FIG. 8 shows the creation of wax plates with cavities 13. For this purpose, 2 spacers 15 are introduced into a combustible mass. After removal of the spacers 15 (indicated by the arrows), thus, the cavities 13 are formed in the combustible mass 2. These correspond to the shape of the spacer 15. Alternatively, the cavities 13 can also be obtained by cutting, sawing or milling.

FIG. 9 shows the combination of hardened combustible masses 2 which have cavities 13. However, these cavities 13 of different segments 6 do not necessarily have the same shape (not shown).

In FIG. 10 It is shown how decorative elements 17 are introduced into the cavities 13 of a cured combustible mass 2. The cavities 13 are closed at the bottom with a plate 14. In this now closed down cavities liquid combustible mass 2 is filled. After curing of this mass, this segment 6 now has a decorative element.

A plate 14 can also be used to close down a cavity 13 when it is not filled with a hardening combustible mass 2 but, for example, with a fragrance oil or a colored liquid (not shown).

FIG. 11 shows a schematic view of plates with complex cavities 13. These cavities 13 are located between hardened combustible mass 2. Shown are each 2 segments 6 with cavities 13. The small arrows indicate that the combination and nesting of wax parts of different hardened combustible masses 2 can lead to the formation of the cavities 13.

FIG. 12 shows that by filling a still liquid combustible mass 2, or even of fragrant oils or colored liquids, the cavities 13, which are located between the cured combustible masses 2, can be filled. In this way decorative elements are introduced in the sense of the present invention.

In the FIG. 13a an exploded view of a plate constructed candle with branched wick 19 and decorative and functional elements 16, 17 and also cavities 13 is shown. In the respective plates 14, which consist of hardened combustible mass, various shaped cavities 13 are introduced. These can optionally be filled with functional elements 16. These can be elements that develop sounds or even objects that only become visible in the course of the burning of a candle. Furthermore, the plates also have decorative elements 17. These may be differently colored wax fillings of cavities 13, or else the filling of the cavities with fragrance oils or colored liquids.

FIG. 13b shows the outside view of a candle, which consists of the in FIG. 13a shown plates 14 is composed. At the top of the wick 1 or the tip of a wick tree 19 protrudes from the candle. On the side of the candle, the differently structured, hardened combustible masses 2 are visible. These structures can be achieved by targeted successive layers of horizontally cast wax plates.

Figure 14a shows the top of the outside view of a candle 5, which is provided with functional and decorative elements. This is a Sylvesterkerze 5. At the top of several tips of a wick 1 protrude. The candle 5 itself consists of a hardened combustible mass 2 to which the number "2004" is applied.

By the arrows in the upper part of the Figure 14a the cutting plane is indicated, which is in the middle of the Figure 14a is shown. In this cross section, both the course of the wick 1 can be seen, which branches in the middle part to a functional element 16. The functional element 16 in the present case is the numbers of the number "2005". The candle 5 further comprises cavities 13 and decorative elements 17.

In the middle part of the Figure 14a is in turn by the smaller arrows, the sectional plane of the lower part of the Figure 14a specified. This cut is a longitudinal section of the Sylvesterkerze. Also in this longitudinal section of the branching course of the wick 1 to the figures of the number 2005 can be seen. Furthermore, cavities 13 are shown, inter alia, within these cavities 13 are the individual digits of the number 2005. The candle furthermore has decorative elements 17. The numbers in the number 2005 are functional elements. The rods, which act as a holder of the numbers, are also functional elements 16 in the sense of the present invention.

The FIG. 14b shows along a time axis t, the respective appearance image of the Sylvesterkerze 5, as in Figure 14a is shown constructed. So this shows at the beginning of the applied on the outside number 2004, which is replaced in the course of burning by the bent in the candle number 2005. Through the cavities or functional and decorative elements 16, 17, the burning behavior can be controlled so that the number 2005 is visible only at a defined time. This is of course preferably in such a candle at the time of the actual New Year.

In the FIGS. 15a and 15b a spatial view of a three-dimensional Mehrdochtigen candle 5 is shown. Visible are in each case the wick 1 at the top of the hollow spherical three-dimensional candle and the hardened combustible mass 2.

The FIGS. 16a-c show a schematic plan view of a hollow-spherical, mehrdochtige candle 5 ( FIG. 16a ) indicating the sectional plane of the cross section (Figure 16b) and a schematic exploded view of the layers ( FIG. 16c ). So is in FIG. 16a to see that the candle has cavities 13. Furthermore, this candle also consists of two layers, namely an inner wax mold 20 and an outer wax mold 21. In between, a wick 1 is arranged in each case at the points indicated.

In FIG. 16a the cutting plane is indicated, which in FIG. 16b you can see. It can be seen that the wicks 1 are the ends of a wick tree 19, which branches around the cavities 13. In the cross section in FIG. 16 b, furthermore, the inner wax mold 20 and the outer wax mold 21 can be seen.

In FIG. 16c is in each case the explosion of inner wax mold 20 and outer wax mold 21 with the intervening wick 1 to see.

All embodiments shown in the figures are only exemplary representations and not to be understood as concluding representations of possible inventive embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

wick

2

combustible mass

3a

upper molding

3b

lower molding

4

candles composite

5

candle

6

segment

7

guide

8a

simple branching

8b

double branch

8c

triple branching

9

foot

10

wire

11

11 axis

12

orbit

13

13 cavity

14

plate

15

spacer

16

functional element

17

decorative element

18

flame

19

wick tree

20

inner wax mold

21

outer wax shape

Claims (11)

1. Candle with decorative and/or functional elements with a plurality of inflammable wicks, comprising

   - at least one segment (6) which is made up of a cured inflammable mass (2), wherein a segment (6) is composed of at least two layers in a geometrical form, and at least one inflammable wick (1, 19) that extends within the geometrical form,

   - wherein the wricks (1, 19) are situated at such a distance to each other in and/or between the individual candle segments (6), that the flame jumps to the next wick (1,19) within the segment (6) or of the respective next segment (6), while the candle (5) is burning.
2. Candle according to claim 1, wherein the wicks (1, 19) of different segments do not touch.
3. Candle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wick (1, 19) comprises a lead made of metal (10) or glue.
4. Candle of claim 1, 2 our 3, wherein the wicks (1, 19) are thinly coated and fixed in a desired form by an additional cured, inflammable layer.
5. Candle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one segment (6) is curved and/or the wick (1, 19) branches at least once, wherein, in the case of branching, linear wick sections (1) are present as well as elements, arranged at the respective ends, for connection (7) with additional segments (6).
6. Candle according to one of the preceding claims,

   - wherein in a respective upper candle segment (6) the wick(s) (1, 19) project from the inflammable mass (2), and

   - in a central candle segment (6) the wick(s) (1, 19) does(/do) not protrude from the inflammable mass (2) and is(/are) fixed at the lower end by lead (7)

   - wherein the wick (1, 19) is held at its lower end by a lead (7) in a respective lower candle segment (6).
7. Candle according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the inflammable mass (2) that coats the wick (1, 19) differs from the inflammable mass of the candle (5).
8. The candle according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein pigments in the inflammable mass (2) and/or in the wick (1, 19) influence the burning behaviour, in particular in respect of the burning time.
9. The candle according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the wick (1, 19) consists of a porous, inflammable material, wherein the wick's porous, inflammable material shows a specific content of plaster and wherein the wick's (1, 19) porous, inflammable material is suited to control the candle's (5) burning behaviour.
10. The candle according to at least one of the preceding claim, comprising cavities (13).
11. The candle according to claim 10, wherein the cavities (13) are filled with different-coloured inflammable mass (2) and/or fragrant oils and/or liquids and/or objects and/or the cavities (13) have the shape of geometrical forms, numbers, letters or combinations thereof.

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