US20130302740A1

US20130302740A1 - Candle Safe

Info

Publication number: US20130302740A1
Application number: US13/874,550
Authority: US
Inventors: Brian Belczak
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-05-09
Filing date: 2013-05-01
Publication date: 2013-11-14

Abstract

A motion-sensitive candle holder device is disclosed that extinguishes the flame upon sensing movement. The candle holder device comprises a base for retaining a candle, a motion sensor, and a flame extinguishing device. The motion sensor is secured to the base and detects any vibrations or movements of the base or in the vicinity of the base, and when activated, automatically triggers the flame extinguishing device. The flame extinguishing device is secured to the base and comprises a fan and a motor mechanism for operating the fan. A plurality of air tubes extend upward from the base. The air tubes are hollow and comprise apertures positioned at a predetermined distance along a length of each air tube for expelling air. The motor mechanism engages the fan to expel air up through the plurality of air tubes to be further expelled out of the apertures to extinguish a candle flame.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/644,560 filed May 9, 2012.

BACKGROUND

Unattended lit candles present an increased fire risk and are a safety hazard. For example, lit candles may be bumped by a pet and knocked over, or an item could fall on top of the candle, thereby causing a fire. Further, individuals may worry and panic if they leave the house and accidentally leave a candle burning. Thus, a candle without a security feature is a fire-hazard that can easily ignite surrounding household products and other items if left unattended. Accordingly, without a secure device for extinguishing the flame if the candle is moved, candles can be a dangerous element to keep in a home with pets or small children. A safety feature that prevents candles from causing accidental fires in the home is necessary.
The present invention provides peace of mind for the user by preventing accidental fires in the home. The candle holder device comprises a motion sensor to detect any vibrations around the candle. If the candle holder detects motion in any way, either from being knocked or something falling too close to it, the flame is immediately extinguished. Users will be able to rest easy knowing that whether or not they remembered to blow the flame out, the candle will not be able to accidentally ignite something. Further, users will be able to leave a candle lit while they are away from the home or even overnight while they are sleeping because this candle holder device removes the risk of an accidental fire. If any object were to fall on or come close to the candle, the motion sensor would immediately extinguish the flame. Using this candle holder device can create a sense of relief to a user's candle-using experience, encouraging them to use candles more often and with less risk.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a motion-sensitive candle holder device that extinguishes the flame upon sensing movement. The candle holder device comprises a base for retaining a candle, a motion sensor, and a flame extinguishing device. The base comprises an open top and a bottom portion. The motion sensor is secured to the open top of the base and detects any vibrations or movements of the base, as well as detects any movements above or around the candle holder device. Typically, the motion sensor comprises a motion-sensitive ring secured near a perimeter of the open top of the base which is in electrical communication with the flame extinguishing device. Further, the motion-sensitive ring when activated, automatically triggers the flame extinguishing device. The flame extinguishing device secured to the bottom portion of the base comprises a fan and a motor mechanism for operating the fan.
In a preferred embodiment, the candle holder device comprises a plurality of air tubes that extend upward from the bottom portion of the base. The air tubes are hollow and comprise apertures positioned at a predetermined distance along a length of each air tube for expelling air into the base in the direction of the candle. The motor mechanism engages the fan to expel air up through the plurality of air tubes to be further expelled out of the apertures to extinguish a candle flame. Further, the motor mechanism can be activated automatically via the motion sensor or manually via a release button that is positioned on an outside surface of the bottom portion of the base.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of the candle holder device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the internal structure (fan, motor mechanism, and air tubes) of the candle holder device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the release button of the candle holder device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the candle holder device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the candle holder device in use wherein the flame is extinguished upon movement of a falling object near the candle holder device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof.
The present invention provides peace of mind for the user by preventing accidental fires in the home. The candle holder device comprises a motion sensor to detect any vibrations that move the candle, as well as to detect movement of the base or movement in the immediate vicinity of the base/opening. If the candle is moved in any way, either from falling or something falling too close to it, the flame is immediately extinguished. Users will be able to rest easy knowing that the candle will not be able to accidentally ignite something. Further, users will be able to leave a candle lit while they are away from the home or even overnight while they are sleeping because the candle holder device removes the risk of an accidental fire. If an object were to fall on or come close to the candle, the motion sensor would immediately extinguish the flame. Using this candle holder device can create a sense of relief to a user's candle-using experience, encouraging them to use candles more often and with less risk.
The motion-sensitive candle holder device comprises a base for retaining a candle, a motion sensor, and a flame extinguishing device. The motion sensor is secured to the base and detects any vibrations or movements of the base, and when activated, automatically triggers the flame extinguishing device. The flame extinguishing device is secured to the base and comprises a fan and a motor mechanism for operating the fan. A plurality of air tubes extend upward from the bottom portion of the base. The air tubes are hollow and comprise apertures positioned at a predetermined distance along a length of each air tube for expelling air. The motor mechanism engages the fan to expel air up through the plurality of air tubes to be further expelled out of the apertures to extinguish a candle flame.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the motion-sensitive candle holder device 100 that extinguishes the flame upon sensing movement. The candle holder device 100 comprises a base 102 for retaining a candle (not shown), a motion sensor 104, and a flame extinguishing device 106.
The base 102 or holder comprises an open top 108, a bottom portion 110, an interior surface 112, and an exterior surface 114 (as shown in FIG. 1). Typically, the base 102 is spherical in shape and comprises a generally circular outer circumference, however any other suitable shape can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The base 102 would generally be constructed of ceramic, plastic, glass, metal, etc., though any other suitable non-flammable material may be used to manufacture the base 102 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
The base 102 can also comprise a variety of colors and designs to suit user and manufacturing preference. The base 102 is approximately between 4.5 and 5.5 inches high as measured from the open top 108 to the bottom portion 110, and approximately between 3 and 4 inches in diameter at its maximum point. However, the base 102 can be any suitable height and/or diameter, depending on the size and shape of the candle with which it is being used.
Typically, the base 102 is used with any prior art candle that can be sized and shaped to be retained within the base 102. The candles function as prior art candles and generally comprise a wax body and a wick which can be lit to melt down the wax body. The candles comprise a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, fragrances and designs to suit user and manufacturing preference.
The candle holder device 100 can further comprise a motion sensor 104 for activating the flame extinguishing device 106. The motion sensor 104 utilizes known motion detection technology as is known in the art, and can utilize passive or active sensors. For example, the motion sensor can utilize passive infrared sensors, or active ultrasonic, microwave, or tomographic sensors. The motion sensor 104 is secured to the open top 108 of the base 102 and detects any vibrations or movements of the base 102 or in the vicinity of the base 102, and thus functions as a typical motion sensor known in the art. Typically, the motion sensor 104 comprises a motion-sensitive ring secured near a perimeter of the open top 108 of the base 102 (as shown in FIG. 1) in electrical communication with the flame extinguishing device 106, but the motion sensor 104 does not need to be a motion-sensitive ring secured near the perimeter, and can be any suitable motion sensor 104 that detects vibrations and movements of the base 102 or in the vicinity of the base 102 and can be secured to any suitable position on the base 102 as is known in the art. Further, the motion-sensitive ring can be removably secured near the perimeter of the open top 108 and when activated, automatically triggers the flame extinguishing device 106. Thus, the motion-sensitive ring can be removed for cleaning or replacement, and then re-attached to the base 102.
Typically, the motion sensor 104 is hard wired to the flame extinguishing device 106 and thus, in electrical communication with the flame extinguishing device 106. Further, the motion sensor 104 is powered via batteries, an electrical cord, etc., or utilizes any other suitable means for powering the motion sensor 104 as is known in the art. Additionally, the base 102 can also comprise a control (not shown) for setting (or adjusting) a distance for motion detection. The control can be a dial, a button, a switch, etc. positioned on the base 102, and/or even a remote control which can be used to control the amount of distance (or range) for motion detection. A user would be able to increase or decrease the distance range by predetermined distance increments based on whether the user desired a larger or smaller range of motion detection.
The candle holder device 100 further comprises a flame extinguishing device 106 secured to the bottom portion 110 of the base 102 in electrical communication with the motion sensor 104. Typically, the flame extinguishing device 106 comprises a fan 116 and a motor mechanism 118 for operating the fan 116 (as shown in FIG. 2). However, the flame extinguishing device 106 does not have to include a fan 116 and a motor mechanism 118, but can be any suitable mechanism for extinguishing a candle flame in the base 102.
The candle holder device 100 further comprises a plurality of air tubes 120 that extend upward from the bottom portion 110 of the base 102 (as shown in FIG. 2). Typically, the air tubes 120 are cylindrical or rod-like in shape, however any other suitable shape can be used as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention. The air tubes 120 would generally be constructed of plastic, glass, metal, etc., though any other suitable non-flammable material may be used to manufacture the air tubes 120 as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention.
The air tubes 120 can also comprise a variety of colors and designs to suit user and manufacturing preference. Typically, the air tubes 120 are sized to be retained in the base 102 and can be any suitable length and diameter, depending on the size and shape of the base 102 with which they are being used. Further, the air tubes 120 can be curved to follow the interior shape of the spherical base 102, or can be straight and extend vertically from the bottom portion 110 to the open top 108 of the base 102, or can be any suitable configuration as is known in the art.
Additionally, the plurality of air tubes 120 are hollow and comprise apertures 122 positioned at a predetermined distance along a length of each air tube 120 for expelling air. The motor mechanism 118 engages the fan 116 to expel air up through the plurality of air tubes 120 to be further expelled out of the apertures 122 to extinguish a candle flame. Further, a plate 124 or other flat, horizontal surface is positioned on top of the fan 116 to create a separate chamber 130 for the fan 116 and the motor mechanism 118. A candle, placed in the base 102 would be supported by this plate 124. The plurality of air tubes 120 would then be inserted through openings 126 in the plate 124 (and separate chamber 130) and secured. Thus, the plate 124 acts to force air produced by the fan 116 into the plurality of air tubes 120. Air then travels up the air tubes 120 and out the apertures 122 to extinguish the candle flame, regardless of how far down the candle may have burned in the base 102.
Furthermore, the motor mechanism 118 can be activated manually or via the motion sensor 104. For example, a release button 128 can be positioned on an outside surface of the bottom portion 110 of the base 102 which manually controls the motor mechanism 118 (as shown in FIG. 3). A user could press the release button 128 manually to extinguish the candle flame when picking the candle holder device 100 up. Thus, pressing the release button 128, turns on and off the motor mechanism 118. Further, the motor mechanism 118 can be activated automatically by the motion sensor 104. For example, the motion sensor 104 is secured to the open top 108 of the base 102 and detects any vibrations or movements of the base 102 or in the vicinity of the base 102, and when the motion sensor 104 is activated, it automatically triggers the motor mechanism 118. The motor mechanism 118 then engages the fan 116 to expel air up through the plurality of air tubes 120 to be further expelled out of the apertures 122 to extinguish the candle flame. Typically, the motor mechanism 118 and fan 116 are hard wired to the motion sensor 104 and thus, in electrical communication with the motion sensor 104. Further, the motor mechanism 118 is powered via batteries, an electrical cord, etc., or utilizes any other suitable means for powering the motor mechanism 118 as is known in the art.
FIGS. 4-5 illustrate the motion-sensitive candle holder device 100 in use and wherein the flame 404 is extinguished upon movement of a falling object 500 near the candle holder device 100. In operation, a user (not shown) would choose the color and/or specific design of the base 102 that meets their needs and/or wants. The user would then determine what candle 400 to place in the base 102. The user then positions the candle 400 on the plate 124 in the base 102 and lights the wick 402 (as shown in FIG. 4).
Once the candle 400 is lit, the user places the candle holder device 100 on a counter top, table top or any other flat, horizontal surface of their choosing. Then, if movement of the candle holder device 100 or in the vicinity of the candle holder device 100 is detected by the motion sensor 104, the motor mechanism 118 is triggered which engages the fan 116. The fan 116 expels air up through the plurality of air tubes 120 which then expels air out the apertures 122 to extinguish the candle flame 404, thus preventing the candle from causing an accidental fire in the home (as shown in FIG. 5).
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A motion-sensitive candle holder device comprising:

a base for retaining a candle, wherein the base comprises:

an open top and a bottom portion;

a motion sensor secured to the open top; and

a flame extinguishing device secured to the bottom portion in electrical communication with the motion sensor.

2. The candle holder device of claim 1, wherein the flame extinguishing device comprises a fan and a motor mechanism which are encased in a separate chamber from the base.

3. The candle holder device of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of air tubes that extend upward from the bottom portion of the base and wherein an end of each air tube is secured within the separate chamber.

4. The candle holder device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of air tubes are hollow and comprise apertures positioned at a predetermined distance along a length of each air tube.

5. The candle holder device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of air tubes are curved to follow an interior shape of the base.

6. The candle holder device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of air tubes are straight.

7. The candle holder device of claim 4, wherein the motor mechanism engages the fan to expel air up through the plurality of air tubes to be further expelled out of the apertures to extinguish a candle flame.

8. The candle holder device of claim 7, wherein the motor mechanism is activated manually or via the motion sensor.

9. The candle holder device of claim 8, further comprising a release button positioned on an outside surface of the bottom portion of the base which manually controls the motor mechanism.

10. The candle holder device of claim 8, wherein the motion sensor comprises a motion-sensitive ring secured near a perimeter of the open top of the base.

11. The candle holder device of claim 10, wherein the motion-sensitive ring is removably secured near the perimeter of the open top and when activated, automatically triggers the motor mechanism.

12. A motion-sensitive candle holder device comprising:

a base for retaining a candle, wherein the base comprises:

an open top and a bottom portion;

a motion-sensitive ring secured to a perimeter of the open top; and

a fan and a motor mechanism in electrical communication with the motion-sensitive ring, for expelling air to extinguish a candle flame; and

wherein the fan and the motor mechanism are encased in a separate chamber from the base.

13. The candle holder device of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of air tubes that extend upward from the bottom portion of the base and wherein an end of each air tube is secured within the separate chamber.

14. The candle holder device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of air tubes are hollow and comprise apertures positioned at a predetermined distance along a length of each air tube.

15. The candle holder device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of air tubes are curved to follow an interior shape of the base.

16. The candle holder device of claim 15, wherein the motor mechanism engages the fan to expel air up through the plurality of air tubes to be further expelled out of the apertures to extinguish the candle flame.

17. The candle holder device of claim 16, wherein the motor mechanism is activated manually or via the motion-sensitive ring.

18. The candle holder device of claim 17, further comprising a release button positioned on an outside surface of the bottom portion of the base which manually controls the motor mechanism.

19. A motion-sensitive candle holder device comprising:

a base for retaining a candle, wherein the base comprises:

an open top and a bottom portion;

a motion-sensitive ring secured to a perimeter of the open top;

a fan and a motor mechanism in electrical communication with the motion-sensitive ring;

wherein the fan and the motor mechanism are encased in a separate chamber from the base and are activated by the motion-sensitive ring for expelling air; and

a plurality of hollow air tubes that extend upward from the bottom portion of the base and that comprise apertures positioned at a predetermined distance along a length of each air tube; and

wherein an end of each air tube is secured within the separate chamber; and

wherein the motor mechanism engages the fan to expel air up through the plurality of air tubes to be further expelled out of the apertures to extinguish a candle flame.

20. The candle holder device of claim 19, further comprising a release button positioned on an outside surface of the bottom portion of the base which manually controls the motor mechanism.