US3326021A

US3326021A - Butane candle

Info

Publication number: US3326021A
Application number: US448513A
Authority: US
Inventors: Eddy D Latulippe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1965-04-15
Filing date: 1965-04-15
Publication date: 1967-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 1984-06-20

Description

June 20, 1967 E. D. LATULIPPE BUTANE CANDLE 2 Sheets-$heet 1 Filed April 15, 1965 FIQZ INVENTOR. EDDY D. LATULIPPE A TTORNEX June 20, 1967 E. D. LATULIPPE 3,326,021

BUTANE CANDLE Filed April 15, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. EDDY D. LA TUL/PPE .4 T TORNEX United States Patent 3,326,021 BUTANE CANDLE Eddy D. Latulippe, 700 Palisade Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ. 07632 Filed Apr. 15, 1965, Ser. No. 448,513 Claims. (CI. 67-87) This invention relates to a gas fueled candle construction, and more particularly concerns a candle construction having improved valve means for regulating the flow of gas to the candle tip.

Various combustible gases in liquid or gaseous form are available for fueling devices such as stoves, lamps, cigarette lighters, heaters and the like. It has been suggested that simulated candle constructions might be fueled by such gases. However, the regulation of gas flow to the candle tip presents a number of problems, particularly when the candle flame is snuffed out or extinguished.

Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide an improved gas fueled candle construction having a novel valving arrangement which insures a complete shut off of the gas supply at the candle tip when the flame is to be extinguished; and further, which readily lends itself to initiating a flame by the mere application of igniting means such as a burning match to the candle tip.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a gas fueled candle construction of the character described, improved valve means for regulating the flow of gas to the candle tip wherein such valve means is compact, simple in construction and does not adversely affect the normal outward appearance of 'a candle simulating structure.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an improved candle construction of the character described, which is readily fueled, ignited and snuffed out or extinguished, as desired.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide in a gas fueled candle of the character described, improved gas control valve means which lends itself to economical production procedures, ease of assembly of parts, and simplified operation in use.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a gas fueled candle construction embodying the invention, with parts in section;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the upper burner tip portion thereof, with parts in section;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view with parts in section, showing the valve details thereof; and

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the burner tip thereof.

In accordance with the instant invention, there is provided a gas fueled candle construction including a gas holding reservoir at the base thereof, a simulated candle body rising from the reservoir with a simulated candle tip at the upper end thereof, together with temperature responsive valve means within the candle tip portion which is operative to pass gas to the tip when the same is to be ignited, and to shut off the gas supply when the candle flame is to be snuffed out or extinguished.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, designates a gas fueled candle construction embodying the invention. The same comprises a base member 11 formed of wood, metal, molded plastic or the like, which may simulate a candle holder of selected exterior design. Within base member 11 is suitably mounted a container or reservoir 12 for holding a supply of liquified or pressurized combustible gas such as butane or the like. Container 12 is replenished with gas when necessary, by way of a conventional gas 3,325,021 Patented June 20, 1967 "ice inlet valve generally indicated at 13, which valve is accesible from a recess 14 in bottom wall 15 of said container 12. It is understood that gas refueling cartridges of known construction, not shown, may be connected to valve 13 to transfer gas from such cartridge to said container 12, in a manner known in the art.

The gas container 12 in base member 11 is provided with an outlet means in the form of an externally threaded nipple 16 upstanding from a central portion of top wall 17 of said container and in communicating relation therewith. The base member 11 may be formed with a central recess 18 to receive therein the lower end of a simulated tapered candle assembly generally indicated at 19.

Assembly 19 includes an outer, tubular shell member 20, which may be formed of wood, decorated or formed on its outer surface to simulate the outward appearance of a conventional candle. The upper portion 21 of shell 20 has an inverted metal thimble 22 press fitted therein, said thimble having an annular wall portion 23 in contact with the inner surface of shell portion 22. The thimble 22 further includes a top wall portion 24 formed with a central opening 25 and a series of circumferentially arranged air vent openings 26, for the purposes hereinafter pointed out. The top wall portion 24 of thimble 22 may be bowed outwardly somewhat and merges at its periphery with annular edge 27 of shell 20.

Gas conduit means, together with valve means therein, extends from the nipple 16, coaxially related to shell member 20, with a tip portion generally indicated at 28 projecting through the central opening 25 in thimble 22. Such conduit and valve means comprises small bore metal tubing 29 which is in threaded connection at its lower end with nipple 16 by way of a threaded sleeve 30 and a gasket 30A. Tubing 29 extending upwardly through shell member 20 terminates at its upper end in an externally threaded portion 31.

A tubular valve seat member of brass or the like, generally indicated at 32 is affixed to threaded portion 30 of tubing 29. Member 32 comprises an upper externally threaded portion 32A having a central bore 33 which is open at the upper end thereof. Bore 33 is formed at its lower end with a conical valve seat 34 which communicates with a short bore portion 35 of reduced diameter and thereafter an enlarged bore portion 36 which is internally threaded at its upper end as at 37 to receive the threaded upper end portion 31 of tubing 29. Valve seat member 31 is formed along its lower portion with annular cooling fins 38, for the purpose hereinafter appearing.

The tip 28 includes a tubular member generally indicated at 39 which is formed with a gas passage 40, an internal-1y threaded ferrule 41 at the lower end thereof, for threaded engagement with the threaded portion 32A of valve seat member 31, a gasket 42 making a gas tight connection therebetween. The member 39 includes at its upper end, a portion 43 of somewhat reduced outer diameter with a short passage 44 also of reduced diameter and in communication with bore 40. The wall of sleeve portion 43 is formed with transverse gas outlet vents 45 which communicate with passage 44.

A sleeve member 46 of tubular shape and having a tapered upper portion 47, is mounted about tubular member 39 and connected thereto by interengaged threaded

portions

48, 49. The tapered upper portion 47 forms an annular gas passage with respect to tubular portion 43 and a reduced diameter, internally threaded extension portion 50 which projects through the upper edge 51 of sleeve portion 47.

A small diameter elongated valve stem 52 is coaxially mounted within tubular member 39, being adjustably fixed in respect to said member by threaded interengagement of the upper end portion 53 of said valve stem and internal threads 54 on extension portion 50. The upper end 55 of said valve stem 52 terminates short of the upper end of extension 50, a cross slot 56 in stem end 55 permitting adjustment of the longitudinal position of valve stem 52 in relation to

members

39 and 31. A set screw 57 with a cross slot 58, threaded into the upper end of extension 50 serves to lock valve stem 50 in a selected position.

A conical valve member 59 is secured to the lower end of valve stem 52 for movement toward and away from valve seat 34, as hereinafter described.

The valve stem 52 is formed from a metal or alloy different from that from which tubular member 39 and sleeve 46 are formed, so that there will be different heat expansion ooeflicients. Thus, member 39 and sleeve 46 are formed of aluminum, whereas valve stem 52 is formed from stainless steel.

In the original assembly of the parts forming the tip assembly, the normal position of valve member 59 is in tight engagement with seat 34, thus closing communication between container 11 by way of nipple 16, and gas passage 40. When candle 19 is to be ignited, a flame, as from a match or the like, is held immediately adjacent the sleeve portion 47 thereby rapidly raising the temperature thereof and of tubular member 39, as well as that of the valve stem 52.

The differential heat expansion of

aluminum members

39, 46 and stem 52 will be effective to lift valve member 59 off valve seat 34, as indicated in dotted lines, FIG. 3, to thus allow the passage of gas from container 12 by way of nipple 16 to tubing 29, by way of passage 40, and thence to passage 44 and outwardly through vents 45 to form an annular flow of gas issuing from annular passage 60 between sleeve edge 51 and extension portion 50, the gas then being ignited and thus giving the appearance of a conventional candle.

The flame produced by candle 10, may be adjusted by removing set screw 57, to allow the valve stem 52 to be turned by a suitable tool applied to slot 56 thereof, while the sleeve 46 and member 39 is in a heated condition, thus setting the spacing between valve member 59 and seat 34. The set screw 57 is then replaced and turned into tight engagement with valve stem 52.

When the flame from candle is to be extinguished, the same may be snuffed out or blown out. The

members

39, 46 cool rapidly "and thereby contract to their normal condition, which in turn moves valve member 59 back into tight engagement with seat 34, to close off the gas supply via tubing 29 to gas passage 40. It follows, that the gas supply is automatically shut off in response to extinguishment of the flame which leads to cooling of the metal parts. Since the metal parts of tip assembly 28 are heated during the burning of candle 10, the air between shell and the tip assembly moving toward vents 26 is cooled by fins 38, as the same passes outwardly of vents 26.

As various changes might be made in the embodiment of the invention herein disclosed without departing from the spirit thereof, it is understood that all matter shown or described herein shall be deemed illustrative and made by way of limitation except as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A gas fueled candle construction comprising a gas container, tubing extending upwardly from said container with its bore in communication with said container, a valve seat means mounted on the upper end of said tubing, a tubular member mounted on said valve seat member and upstanding therefrom, a sleeve member mounted on the upper end of said tubular member, said tubular member including an extension portion extending from the upper end thereof, said tubular member having gas vents at the juncture of the upper end thereof and said extension portion, valve stem means fixed at the upper end thereof in said extension portion and passing coaxially of said tubular member into the upper bore portion of said seat member, and a valve member at the 5 lower end of said valve stem arranged for movement toward and away from the seat portion of said seat member, the upper portion of said sleeve member and opposed portions of the upper portion of said tubular member and the extension portion thereof forming an annular out-let for gas issuing from said vents, said valve stem being formed of a metal having a thermal expansion coefficient different from that of the metal from which said tubular member and sleeve member are formed and said valve member being movable to an open position relative to said seat member in response to the differential thermal expansion of said valve stem and seat member.

2. A gas fueled candle construction comprising a base member and a tubular she-ll member upstanding from said base member, gas container means within said base member, and a fuel passage assembly within said shell member, said assembly comprising a tubular conduit extending upwardly from said container and in communication therewith, a tubular seat member comprising longitudinally related bore portions with a seat portion at the juncture of said bore portion, means for connecting the upper end of said conduit with the lower bore portion of said seat member, a tubular member having a first bore portion, a second enlarged bore portion extending from the lower end of said first bore portion, the other upper bore portion of said seat member being received in the enlarged bore portion of said tubular member, said tubular member including an extension portion extending upwardly from said first bore portion, a valve stem coaxially disposed in the first bore portion of said tubular member with the upper end thereof fixed in said extension portion, a valve member on the lower end of said valve stem for engaging the seat portion of said seat member, a sleeve member mounted on said tubular member, said sleeve member having a tapered upper portion enclosing an upper portion of said tubular member and a lower portion of said extension portion, gas vent means in said upper portion of said tubular member, the upper edge of said tapered portion of said sleeve member and opposed portions of said extension portion forming an annular gas passage therebetween, said valve stem being formed of a metal having a thermal expansion coefficient different from that of the metal from which said tubular member ,and sleeve member are formed and said valve member being movable to an open position relative to said seat member in response to the differential thermal expansion of said valve stem and seat member.

3. A candle construction as in claim 2 wherein said valve stem is adjustable longitudinally relative to said tubular member to adjust the spacing between said valve member and said valve seat upon differential thermal expansion of said valve stem and tubular and sleeve members at elevated temperatures.

4. A candle construction as in claim 3 and further including means for locking said valve stem in a selected position thereof.

5. A candle construction as in claim 2 wherein said tubular member and sleeve member is formed of aluminum and said valve stem is formed of stainless steel.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,749,733 6/1956 Smith et al. 6787 70 3,252,308 5/1966 Goddard 67-116 FOREIGN PATENTS 7,037 4/1894 Great Britain.

JAMES W. WESTHAVER, Primary Examiner.

Claims

1. A GAS FUELED CANDLE CONSTRUCTION COMPRISING A GAS CONTAINER, TUBING EXTENDING UPWARDLY FROM SAID CONTAINER WITH ITS BORE IN COMMUNICATION WITH SAID CONTAINER, A VALUE SEAT MEANS MOUNTED ON THE UPPER END OF SAID TUBING, A TUBULAR MEMBER MOUNTED ON SAID VALVE SEAT MEMBER AND UPSTANDING THEREFROM, A SLEEVE MEMBER MOUNTED ON THE UPPER END OF SAID TUBULAR MEMBER, SAID TUBULAR MEMBER INCLUDING AN EXTENSION PORTION EXTENDING FROM THE UPPER END THEREOF, SAID TUBULAR MEMBER HAVING GAS VENTS AT THE JUNCTURE OF THE UPPER END THEREOF AND SAID EXTENSION PORTION, VALVE STEM MEANS FIXED AT THE UPPER END THEREOF IN SAID EXTENSION PORTION AND PASSING COAXIALLY OF SAID TUBULAR MEMBER INTO THE UPPER BORE PORTION OF SAID SEAT MEMBER, AND A VALVE MEMBER AT THE LOWER END OF SAID VALVE STEM ARRANGED FOR MOVEMENT TOWARD AND AWAY FROM THE SEAT PORTION OF SAID SEAT MEMBER, THE UPPER PORTION OF SAID SLEEVE MEMBER AND OPPOSED PORTIONS OF THE UPPER PORTION OF SAID TUBULAR MEMBER AND THE EXTENSION PORTION THEREOF FORMING AN ANNULAR OUTLET FOR GAS ISSUING FROM SAID VENTS, SAID VALVE STEM BEING FORMED OF A MEATAL HAVING A THERMAL EXPANSION COEFFICIENT DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF THE METAL FROM WHICH SAID TUBULAR MEMBER AND SLEEVE MEMBER ARE FORMED AND SAID VALVE MEMBER BEING MOVABLE TO AN OPEN POSITION RELATIVE TO SAID SEAT MEMBER IN RESPONSE TO THE DIFFERENTIAL THERMAL EXPANSION OF SAID VALVE STEM AND SEAT MEMBER.