GB2175994A

GB2175994A - Candles

Info

Publication number: GB2175994A
Application number: GB08609261A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wai-Shi Kwok
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1985-05-31
Filing date: 1986-04-16
Publication date: 1986-12-10
Also published as: GB2175994B; GB8609261D0

Abstract

A candle in the form of a wax body (3) with an embedded wick (4) is supported by a spring (6) within a tubular outer casing 1 which has a thermally-insulating lining 2. A thermally-insulating cover (5) extends across the upper end of the tubular outer casing (1) and the wick (4) extends through an aperture (14) in the cover (5). Thermally conducting wires (20) extend from the aperture (19) in the cover (5) to conduct heat to the periphery of the candle body (3) below the cover (5) to ensure uniform melting of the wax which flows through apertures (7) in the cover (5). As the weight of the candle decreases the spring (6) urges the candle body upwards towards the cover (5) to maintain the burning wick at a generally constant height. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Candles This invention relates to candles and in particularto apparatus for housing a candle and maintaining the burning wick in a substantially constant position.

Candles are known comprising a wax body having an embedded wick. The candle burnsfrom thetop, the wax around the base of the exposed wick melting before it is burnt. It is also known to house a candle in a container and supportthe candle on a compressed spring. As the candle burns itsweight is reduced, allowing thespring to expand and raise the candle, so that the top of the unburnt candle portion remains at a generally constant height.

The present invention provides a cover for a burning candle, comprising a thermally insulating plate adapted to cover the upper surface ofthe candle,the plate having an apparatus orslotthrough which the candle wick projects. Preferably means is providedforconducting heatfromthe region ofthe candlewickto beneath the cover.

By providing the cover, a pool of molten wax can be formed on top ofthe coveraround the burning wick of the candle, whilst the wax immediately belowthe wick is melted by the transfer of heat below the cover to form a reservoir the molten wax passing through the aperture in the coverto replenish the pool of wax above the cover as it is burnt. The cover may provide for more controlled melting ofthe candle across its top surface.

The means for conducting heat beneath the cover may comprise a spiral of thermally conducting material, such as wire, which is provided in the aperture orslot and may serve also to supportthe candle wick. This is particularly applicable for candles of smaller diameter.

For largerdiametercandles in particularthemeans for conducting heat may comprise thermally conducting elements which extend from the aperture or slot beneath the cover to the outer periphery ofthe candle.

Preferablya pluralityofaperturesorslotsare provided to allow molten wax to flow from the reservoirtothe pool above the plate.

A plurality of apertures may be provided. These may befora plurality ofwickswhich may be embedded in the candle, or small fireworks may be supported in the apertures.

Very preferably the cover has a dished lower and/or uppersurface assisting theflow of molten waxfrom beneath plate and/or its collection around the candle wick.

It is envisaged that the cover may rest on the candle, but it is preferred that the cover be supported and the candle is urged towards the cover,for example by a spring. As the candle wax burns,the bottom, unburnt part ofthe candle moves upward underthe pressure ofthespring.

The cover may comprise two layers, an upper layer of heat resistant material to resistthe candle flame, for example of metal, glass or porcelain, and a lower layer of insulating material, for example of plastics.

The cover may be formed of a high temperature thermoset resin which will withstand the candle flame and also be thermally insulating.

Preferably, the cover is supported by a decorated tube housingthecandle.

Another aspect of the invention comprises a candle housed in a curved or bent tube, and means for urging the candle along the tube. The tube may be capped atone end bya thermally insulating cover as defined above.

The meansforurging the candle along thetube may comprise a sphere, to facilitate movement around the bend ofthetube. The sphere may be of wax so that it will burn. If Ifdesired, the candle itself may comprise a plurality of such spheres.

In another preferred form the candle comprises pairs of wedge shaped wax pieces having different melting points. Means is provided to heat the wax in the vicinity ofthe bend and by providing the wax pieces of different melting points the preferential melting of one side of the candle may facilitate movementaroundthe bend ofthetube.

Means for heating the candle in the vicinity ofthe bend may comprise a thermally conducting wire extending down the side of the tube from the region ofthe candle wick.

Another aspect ofthe invention provides a candle which is encased along its length and at its base in a compressible casing. The casing may be of metal foil, such as aluminium foil, or plastics, such as polyethylene.

The invention wiil be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure lisa sectional view of a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view of a second embodimentofthe invention; Figure 3 is a sectional view of a third embodiment ofthe invention; Figure 4 is a partial plan view of the cover of Figure 3; Figure 5is a schematic sectional view of a part of yet another embodiment ofthe invention; Figure 6shows a modification of the embodiment of Figure 5; Figure 7shows a modification oftheembodiment of Figure 6; and Figure 8 is a cross-section showing yet another embodimentofthe invention.

Referring firstlyto Figure 1 of the drawings, the candle device shown therein comprises a tubular outercasing 1,an inner lining 2of thermally-insulating material, a candle in the form of a wax body 3 with an embedded wick 4, an apertured thermally-insulating cover5 extending across the upper end of the tubular outer casing 1 and a helical compression spring 6within the casing 1 below the wax body3.

The outer casing 1 can be formed of any appropriate material such as porcelain, plastics, marble, metal, glass, fibre, wood orcardboardand can be provided with a plain or decorative external surface.

The lining 2fits snugly in the casing 1 and hasa tubular sleeve portion with an integral base portion and an annular outwardly extending flange at its upper end which covers the uppermost edge ofthe casing 1 The lining 2 also has an internal annular groove nearto its upper end forreceiving thecover5 as a snap fit. This ensures that the cover 5 will not accidentally become detached from the lining.

Thewaxbody3 ismountedwithinthe lining 2 below cover5 and is subjected to an upwardly directed force exerted by the compression spring 6.

The cover 5 which is made of thermally insulating material such asa hard, high melting pointthermoset resin material, comprises an innerfunnel-shaped portion,an outersleeve portion having an outwardly directed lip which is snap fittably received in the annular groove in the lining, and an intermediate portion extending between the inner and outer portions. The cover has a central aperture 19through which thewick4extends and a plurality of other openings 7 through which molten wax can flow. The number of openings depends on the type of wax used for the body 3 and the diameter of the cover 5.

Thermally conducting metal wires 20 extend from the aperture 19 to conduct heat to the periphery ofthe candle belowthe cover 5, to meltthe wax acrossthe full diameter ofthe candle. One ofthe wires 20 forms a conical spiral 21 supporting the wick in the aperture 19.

For small diameter candles the spiral 21 may be sufficientto conduct heat below the coverto meltthe candle. For larger diameter candle it is preferred to use wires 20, it being preferable also a spiral 21 to supportthe wick.

Slots, preferably extending radially from the centre, may be provided in place of or as well as a plurality of discrete apertures.

In use, as the candle burns, molten wax 9 is formed above the solid wax body 3. There is of course also a transition zone beween the solid and molten wax where the wax is soft but not molten. The molten wax flows into the region defined bythefunnel-shaped portion ofthe cover 5 via the opening or openings 7 to a level just below the uppermost part ofthe cover 5.

The downward force exerted by the weight of the body 3 and molten wax 9 becomes less due to wax loss while burning with the resultthatthe spring 6 is able to relax and move the body 3 upwards in such a mannerthatthe surface level ofthe molten wax is maintained substantially constant. The flame extends above the open upper end ofthe casing 1, butwax does not flow over the casing 1.

The casing 1 ofthis candle device maintains its external appearance and can be used with replaceable wax bodies 3.

Referring now to Figure 2 ofthe drawings, the candle device shown therein is generally similarto that shown in Figure 1. However, the wax body 3 has a rigid base plate 12 attached to its lowermost end. The wick4whilst being embedded in the wax body 3 is attached to the centre ofthe plate 12 by means of a clip 16on an apertured aluminium disc11 to prevent sideways movementofthe lower end ofthewick when burning of the wax body 3 is nearly complete and a stiffsupport member 10, for example of bamboo fibre, is provided within the wick 4to keep the latter upright.

The wax body 3 and base plate 12 are enclosed in an open-topped cylindrical sheet of pliable foil 14, for example, of aluminium foil of plastics such as polyethylene. Circular plates 13 and 15 are provided between the upper end ofthe springs 6 and the foil 14 and between the lower end ofthe spring 6 and the lining 2, respectively, to protectthefoil and lining from damage by the spring and to ensure thatthe force of the spring 6 is applied uniformallyto the base ofthe wax body 3.

Thethermally insulating cover 5 differs from that of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 in thatthe inner portion in this case is a flat apertured member and the outer portion is a cylindrical, upwardly extending rim attached to the inner portion. Moreover, the rim has an external screwthread 17 which screwthreadably cooperates with an internal thread 18 on the lining 2 to clamp the upper end ofthe pliable foil 14.

The cover comprises an upper section 5a of flame resistant material, such as metal or porcelain, on a lower section Sbofthermallyinsulating material, such as plastics or wood. The covers illustrated in Figures 1 and 3 may be ofthe same construction.

The spring 6 of either of the above described embodiments could be replaced by any other appropriate device for moving the candle towards the upper end of the casing.

Thermally conducting wires 20 extend from the region ofthe flame 8 underneath the cover 5 as in the embodiment of Figure 1.

Apertures 22 in the cover Sallow molten waxto pass from the beneath the coverto the surface.

Additional wicks may be provided, extending through the apertures 22,which may be widened for this purpose. Also the bamboo rod 10 may be replaced by a coiled spiral 21 as in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a third embodiment in which a cover plate 24 has dished upper and lower surfaces 24a, 24b of generally hemispherical shape. The upper surface 24a ensures that molten wax collects in the centre around the candle flame 8, and the lower surface 24b guidesthe molten was 25 upthrough the central aperture 26. The cover 24 has an H-shaped cross section at its outer edge, the downwardly pointing legs of the H enclosing the sides of a container 39 which houses a spring, shown schematically at87 and a candle body 3 atits upper end. The candle body 3 is enclosed in a compressible lining 27 as in the embodiment of Figure 2 and is supported bye plate 28 on top of the spring, so asto move upwardly as described previously in connection with Figure 2. A plate 29 is positioned beneath the spring 27.

An annularseal 30, of rubber of fibre or the like, is positioned atthe top ofthe inner container 26 to prevent molten wax seeping out pastthe legs ofthe cover 24.

A decorative outer container 31 surroundsthe device.

The cover 24 has a conical coil 32 supporting a wick 35. The coil is supported by metal hooks 31 set in the wall of the aperture 35.

As seen in Figure 4, a plurality of outer apertures 35 is provided. These may each support a coil 32 and a respective wick 33 or some fireworks (not shown in Figure 4) on hooks 34.

Figure 4 shows the path of thermally conducting wires 36 which extend belowthe cover, underthe surface 24bto conduct heatfrom around the flame 8 to the outer edges of the candle.

The coil 32 maytake on a numberofshapes,for example, generally cylindrical, an inverted cone shape with the upper end spiralling inwardly in a planeto supportthe wick at its centre, or a double cone shape tapering to its upper and lower ends.

The H-shape cross-section outer rim 84 may be formed separately to the inner dished portion 85, the inner dished portion sitting within the rim as indicated bythe dotted lines in Figure3. The rim serves two protect the upper edge ofthe outer casing 31.

The inner casing is preferably ofthermally insulating material.

The compressible lining 27 is preferably sandwiched between a limb of H-shape cross-section and the inner casing 39.

As the candle melts and is raised the lining compresses in concertina fashion (see Figure 2). The lining serves to retain the molten wax and is particularly useful towards the end ofthe candle life, holding a pool of molten wax beneath the cover 24.

The use of the lining 27 forms another aspect ofthe invention.

In place of a wick embedded in the wax body, a replaceable wick may be used, the wick being supported in the spiral 32.

The H-shape cross-section rim is particularly useful forsmall diameter candles to protectthe outer casing 31.

A metal support 86 may be located between the upper limbs ofthe H-shape cross-section rim to support a glass cover (notshown). The support86 is omitted from Figure 4for clarity.

The means for urging the candle upwardly may take a numberofforms.

Figure 5 shows a bellows 40 which is filled with compressed airandsupportsa plunger41 which slides in a collar 42 and supports a candle body 43.

The upper end ofthe candle body 43 and container44 are capped by a cover as described in previous embodiments.

As the candle wax is burnt the weight on the bellows4 reduces so the bellows expands to urge the candle up. fixed amount of air may be kept in the bellows.

Figure 6 shows an arrangement in which a flexible elasticdiaphragm 50 supportsthe bottom ofplunger.

Afixed quantity of liquid is contained beneath the diaphragm. As the weight ofthe candle 43 decreases the diaphragm relaxes, returning eventuallyto a planarcondition at line 51, the liquid displaced bythe plunger41 being raised above line 51 to counterthe weightofthe plunger and candle as a candle is placed on the plunger.

Figure 7 shows a system in which a candle 61 in a container 62 is raised by a motor63 which winds a string orwire 64 about an axle 65, the string passing around pulleys or eyelets 66. The motor may be controlled to raise the container 62 at a particular rate, e.g. 2mm in 15 minutes, or it may be operated by sensors which detect, for example, the height of the surface ofthe melted wax. Atemperature sensor may be placed atthetop ofthecontainerto indicatewhen the candle has been lit and to switch on the motor.

Figure 8 shows another embodiment ofthe invention. A benttube 71 houses a candle 72 which is in cylindrical segments 73. Tube 71 may be of any suitable material, such as metal, plastics, porcelain, cardboard.

The tube 71 is capped by a cover 73 ofthetype described previously but a single aperture is illustrated.Asingleaperture is found suitablefor candles of smaller diameter. Forlargerdiametersa plurality of apertures, or a radially extending slot or slots may be provided.

Aspring 74 bears on two spheres 75 via a plate 76. A cup 77 rests on the upper sphere 75a and bears against the candle 72.

Wires 78 extend down the inside wall ofthe tube 71 from the region of the wick79 in aperture 80. The wires 78 conduct heat down the the bend 81 in the tube to soften the periphery ofthe wax cylinders 72 so thattheyareurged pastthe bend 81 bythe spring 76.

Thespheres75will pass around the bend, transmitting the force ofthe spring 76, without the spring having to turn the bend.

For a larger bend, or greater distance above the bend more spheres may be used.

In anotherform each cylinder 72 comprises an outer skin of low melting point wax which is more easily softened at the bend which may be some distance from the burning wick 79.

As indicated at 72a a cylinder may comprise two wedge shape pieces of wax at different melting points, the innerwedge shape 82 having a higher melting pointthan the outerwedge 83.

To facilitate insertion ofthecandlethetube71 may beformed in two parts joined atthe bend 81,for example by a screw fitting or bayonet connection.

Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and it is desired to include all such modification as fall within the scope ofthe accompanying claims.

Claims

1. Acoverfora candle, comprising athermally insulating plate adapted to cover an upper surface of the candle, the plate having an aperture or slot through which the candle wick projects.

2. Acoveras claimed in claim 1,comprising means for conducting heat from the region of the candle wick to beneath the cover.

3. A cover as claimed in claim 1 or2, having a spiral for supporting the candle wick and conducting heatfrom the region ofthe candle wick.

4. Acoverasclaimed in claim 3, wherein the spiral is of thermally conducting material, such as metal wire.

5. Acover as cliamed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the spiral is supported on hooks embedded in the wall of the aperture or slot.

6. Acoverasclaimed in claims 1,2,30r4,wherein the means for conducting heat comprises a wire extending from the aperture or slot to the peripheral region ofthe candle beneath the cover.

7. A cover as claimed in any one ofthe claims 1 to 5, comprising a plurality ofaperturesforthe passage of molten wax from beneath the cover to above it.

8. A cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the upper surface ofthe cover is dished so that molten wax collects about the candle wick.

9. A cover as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lower surface ofthe cover is dished to direct molten wax from beneath the cover to the wick.

10. A cover as claimed in any one ofcliams 1 to8, comprising an upper layer offlame resistant material and a lower layer of therm ally insulating material.

11. A candle device comprising a candle housed in a container, and a cover as defined in any one of claims 1 to 9, located on top of the container, wherein means is provided to urge the candle upwardly to the cover.

12. A device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the urging means comprises a spring.

13. A device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the urging means comprises a sealed bellows supporting the candle the bellows being compressed bythe weight ofthe candle and expanding to raise the candle as the candle weight is reduced.

14. Adevice as claimed in claim l0whereinthe urging means comprises a flexible elastic diaphragm, the candle being supported on one side ofthe diaphragm and substantially in compressiblefluid being held on the other side ofthe diaphragm.

15. A device as claimed in claim 10,wherein mechanical means is provided for urging the candle upwardly.

16. Adeviceas claimedin any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the candle is encased in a flexible casing.

17. A candle device comprising a candle housed in a bentorcurvedtube and means for urging the candle along the tube as the candle is burntto maintain the flame of the burning candleata substantially constant position.

18. A device as claimed in claim 16,whereinthe meansforurgingthecandlealongthetube comprises a sphere at an end ofthe candle distal of the flame.

19. A device as claimed in claim 18, wherein a plurality of spheres is provided.

20. A device as claimed in claims 17,18, or 19, wherein the means for urging the candle along the tube comprises a spring.

21. A device as claimed in anyone of claims 17to 19, comprising a cover as defined in any one of claims 1to9.

22. A device as claimed in any one of claims 17to 21, comprising means for conducting heatfrom the region of the wick to the periphery of the candle atthe bendorcurveofthetube.

23. Adevice as claimed in any one of claims 17to 22, wherein the candle comprises a plurality of cylindrical segments.

24. A device as claimed in claim 23, wherein each segment comprises two wedge shaped portions of different melting points.

25. A device as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 23,wherein the candle has an outer layer of lower melting pointwax.

26. A candle encased in a thin flexible casing.

27. A candle as claimed in claim 24, wherein the casing is of metal foil or plastics.

28. A coverfor a candle, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3 or Figure4 ofthe accompanying drawings.

29. Acandle device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.