WO2014165932A1

WO2014165932A1 - An apparatus for simulating a flame

Info

Publication number: WO2014165932A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000413
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregory MILNE; Laura FARNSWORTH; Cassandra BROKAW; Throstur JOHANNSSON
Original assignee: Dusk Australasia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-04-12
Filing date: 2014-04-11
Publication date: 2014-10-16

Abstract

An apparatus for simulating a flame, the apparatus including: a housing including an upper surface; a flame element protruding from the upper surface; a light source configured to illuminate at least a portion of the flame element; and a controller configured to switch power to the light source, so that the portion of the flame element is illuminated intermittently to simulate a flickering flame, wherein the flame element is at least partially reflective of light emitted from the light source so that different portions of the upper surface are illuminated alternatively by the light source.

Description

AN APPARATUS FOR SIMULATING A FLAME

Technical Field

[0001 ] The present invention relates to an apparatus for simulating a flame. In particular, the apparatus includes a light source configured to intermittently illuminate a flame element to simulate a flickering flame. Particularly, but not exclusively, the apparatus includes first and second light sources configured to alternatively illuminate different portions of the flame element to simulate a flickering flame. The present invention has particular, but not exclusive, application in simulating a flickering flame for a flameless candle.

Background of Invention

[0002] Traditional candles with a flame, whilst generally used for their aesthetically pleasing nature, can still be hazardous in certain situations due to the nature of the flame. For instance, it is well known that burning candles have caused significant damage to property when, for example, left unattended near flammable objects such as house curtains. Accordingly, there have been existing efforts made to produce a flameless candle. Many of these existing flameless candles, however, fail to simulate a flickering flame satisfactorily and thus there is still a need for an alternative apparatus for simulating a flame.

Summary of Invention

[0003] Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for simulating a flame, the apparatus including: a housing including an upper surface; a flame element protruding from the upper surface; a light source configured to illuminate at least a portion of the flame element; and a controller configured to switch power to the light source, so that the portion of the flame element is illuminated intermittently to simulate a flickering flame, wherein the flame element is at least partially reflective of light emitted from the light source so that different portions of the upper surface are illuminated alternatively by the light source.

[0004] Another aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for simulating a flame, the apparatus including: a housing including an upper surface; a flame element protruding from the upper surface; a first light source configured to illuminate at least a first portion of the flame element; a second light source configured to illuminate at least a second, different portion of the flame element; and a controller configured to alternatively switch power to the first and the second light sources so that the first and the second portions of the flame element are illuminated alternatively to simulate a flickering flame, wherein the flame element is at least partially reflective of light emitted from the first and the second light sources so that different portions of the upper surface are illuminated alternatively by the first and the second light sources.

[0005] In an embodiment, the apparatus is a flameless candle. For example, the housing is an elongate cylinder preferably having a wax outer shell. Other embodiments are, nonetheless, envisaged such as a flameless lantern or some other ornamental device.

[0006] It will also be appreciated that the apparatus can include one or more light sources for illuminating the flame element. In the case where one light source is employed, the light source is intermittently switched ON to intermittently illuminate a portion of the flame element to simulate a flame. In an example, the intensity of the light source is intermittently varied so that different portions of the flame element are illuminated alternatively. In the case where there are more than two light sources for illuminating different portions of the flame element. The different portions of the flame element can be illuminated alternatively, or in some combination, to simulate a flickering flame being, say, blown in the wind. For example, the apparatus includes three light sources configured to illuminate three different portions of the flame element alternatively. Indeed, the intensity of the light sources can also be varied so that the three light sources can illuminate further different portions of the flame element.

[0007] Preferably, the light sources produce a yellow, flame-like colour. The light sources can be Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or some other suitable light source such as halogen lamps. It will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that other colour temperatures can be produced by the light sources and/or filters can be applied to the light sources to simulate different colour flames. In addition, where multiple colour LEDs are employed, the colour of the flickering flame could be varied and programmed by a user. Indeed, it will also be appreciated that the lux level of the light sources could also be varied and programmed.

[0008] In an embodiment, the flame element is at least partially translucent to light emitted from the light sources. In the embodiment, the flame element is shaped like a typical candle flame with an elongate body having a wider base tapering to a point. Furthermore, in an embodiment, the flame element is cream coloured to transmit and reflect yellow coloured light. In any case, a user viewing the apparatus of this embodiment views yellow light transmitted through the flame element on alternate different portions of the flame element emulating a flickering flame. In this

embodiment, the light sources are both disposed behind the flame element.

[0009] As discussed, the flame element is at least partially reflective of light emitted from the light sources so that different portions of the upper surface are illuminated alternatively by the first and second light sources to further simulate or emulate the flickering flame. It will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that one or more light sources may be employed by the apparatus and that the flame element is at least partially reflective of light emitted from these light sources so that different portions of the upper surface of the apparatus are illuminated alternatively by these light sources. The first and the second light sources are, preferably, disposed on or near the upper surface adjacent the flame element to illuminate the first and second portions of the flame element. Accordingly, the first and the second light sources emit light from a position that is reflected from the flame element onto the upper surface to simulate a flickering flame. Furthermore, the flame element casts a first and a second, different shadow across the upper surface when illuminated by the first and second light sources to further simulate the flickering flame. The first and second light sources disposed near the upper surface can be configured in different embodiments; for example, both light sources are disposed behind the flame element; both in front of the flame element; and one light source in front and one behind. Also, further light sources may additionally be located near the upper surface adjacent the flame element. That is, it will also be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that multiple configurations are envisaged, such as having three light sources located in front of the flame element. In any case, the flame element reflects light emitted from these light sources to the user and to different portions of the upper surface of the candle so that portions of the flame element and the upper surface are alternatively illuminated to simulate the flickering flame.

[0010] With reference to one example, a user viewing the apparatus views light transmitted through the flame element on alternate different portions of the flame element, light reflected onto the upper surface from the flame element on alternate different portions of the upper surface, and shadows cast on the upper surface on alternate different portions of the upper surface emulating a flickering flame. These flickering alternate portions serve to produce a realistic flickering flame.

[001 1 ] As described, where the first light source is disposed in front of the flame element and the second light source is disposed behind the flame element, the user viewing the flameless candle views light transmitted through the flame element and light reflected from the flame element on alternate different portions of the flame element emulating a flickering flame as well as on alternate portions of the upper surface

[0012] In an embodiment, the upper surface includes a dished surface with the flame element centrally located in the dished surface; that is, in the form of a typical shaped candle. As described, the first and the second light sources are disposed on or near the dished surface adjacent the flame element. In addition, or in the alternative, the upper surface includes a raised portion extending at least partially circumferential ly around an edge of the upper surface also simulating a typically shaped candle. The dish shaped surface and the raised portion provide a typical shaped surface for viewing light reflected thereon and shadows cast thereon from the flame element thus better emulating a flickering flame. To further enhance the emulation, the first and the second light sources are also obscured from view when viewed in a normal operating position by being located at least partially beneath the upper surface.

[0013] In an embodiment, the controller is further configured to alternatively switch power to the first and the second light sources for respective designated time periods. In another embodiment, the controller is further configured to alternatively switch power to the first and the second light sources for respective random time periods. In the latter embodiment, the first and the second light sources are switched ON and OFF for random time periods, but are not switched on or off at the same time.

[0014] In an embodiment, the apparatus further includes a scent element disposed within the housing for distributing scent from the housing. In the

embodiment, the scent element includes a diffuser containing the scent. It will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that other forms for containing the scent are envisaged such as a sealed container with suitably placed holes or a sponge for distributing the scent.

[0015] In addition, or in the alternative, the scent element further includes a diffuser upper surface forming at least part of the upper surface having a plurality of holes for distributing the scent contained on the sponge from the housing. For example, the diffuser is a ceramic diffuser with a plurality of holes for distributing the scent at a desired rate of distribution. In some cases, some of the holes are coverable so that the rate of distribution can be altered. In another embodiment, the diffuser has a single hole for filling the diffuser with scent and for diffusing scent. In an example, the scent element is a calcium silicate diffuser. Here, the diffuser is filled with oil (e.g. oil suitable for use with a reed type diffuser) to distribute scent into the air via evaporation.

[0016] In an embodiment, the diffuser has a hole for filling a sponge with scent. Accordingly, in this embodiment, a user can fill the sponge with a scent of their choice by, say, pouring scented oil though the hole onto the sponge. Also, the user can refill the sponge with further scented oil once the scent has been largely diffused.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, the housing is at least partially translucent and the apparatus further includes a third light source disposed within the housing configured to illuminate the housing from an interior of the housing. For example, the light source is a red LED which is switched on by the controller to cause the housing to glow red and "blush".

Brief Description of Drawings [0018] In order that the invention be more clearly understood, examples of embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for simulating a flame on a flameless candle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 is a top view of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0021 ] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 4 is a further perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing some internal components in dashed lines;

[0023] Figure 5 is a further perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 4 showing the internal components including a scent element;

[0024] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an apparatus for simulating a flame on a flameless candle according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 is a further perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 6;

[0026] Figure 8 is a top view of the apparatus of Figure 6; and

[0027] Figure 9 is a further perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 6 showing the internal components including a scent element.

Detailed Description

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus 10 for simulating a flame, as shown in Figure 1 . The apparatus 10 includes a housing 12 including an upper surface 14, a flame element 16 protruding from the upper surface 14, a first light source 18 configured to illuminate at least a first portion of the flame element 16, a second light source 20 configured to illuminate at least a second, different portion of the flame element 16, and a controller (not shown) configured to alternatively switch power to the first 18 and the second 20 light sources so that the first and the second portions of the flame element 16 are illuminated alternatively to simulate (or emulate) a flickering flame. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the housing 12 is an elongate cylinder and the apparatus 10 is a flameless candle 10. Also, the housing 12 has a raised rear portion 22 extending partially circumferential ly on the upper surface 14 of the housing 12 to emulate a candle shape. In addition, in an embodiment, the housing 12 is made from wax to for a more realistic candle.

[0029] The controller (not shown) includes a processor, or some other

programmable logic device, to process instructions to switch power to the first 18 and the second 20 light sources, and a memory storing instructions for performing the switching. The memory can be volatile or non-volatile memory and is programmed to store instructions for the controller. As described, the memory can be programmed to switch power to the first 18 and the second 20 light sources for respective designated time periods or random time periods. Also, the memory can be programmed for the respective time periods to be repeated in a pattern. For example, the first light source 18 can be programmed to be switched ON first for 0.5 seconds and then switched OFF, and the second light source 20 can be programmed to be switched ON for 0.6 seconds when the first light source is switched OFF, and for this pattern to be repeated for say 20 seconds before a different pattern of designated time periods is adopted by the controller. In another example, the controller is configured to alternatively switch power to the first 18 and second 20 light sources for random time periods in between say 20 second periods of switching with designated time periods. As described, the first 18 and the second 18 light sources are switched ON and OFF for random time periods, but are not switched ON or OFF at the same time.

[0030] Figure 1 also shows the first 18 and second 20 light sources disposed on the upper surface 14 adjacent the centrally located flame element 16 on the same side as the flame element 16. Also, in the embodiment, the first 18 and second 20 light sources are Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) configured to illuminate the flame element 16. As described, the LEDs could be located with one on either side of the flame element 16. Nonetheless, in the embodiment shown in the Figures, it can be seen that the LEDs are obscured from view by a user by the flame element 16 when the flameless candle 10 is in a normal operating position. This is better shown in Figure 3 where the flame element 16 completely obscures the LEDs from view. [0031 ] Preferably, the first 18 and second 20 LEDs produce a yellow, flame-like colour in the colour temperature range of 1900-2100K. As described, however, other colours can be produced by the LEDs and, in some cases, the memory of the controller can be programmed so that a pattern of different colours can illuminate the flame element 16 to produce different flame colours on the flameless candle 10.

[0032] Referring now to Figure 2, the first LED 18 illuminates a first portion of the flame element 16 adjacent the first LED 18 with the portion of the flame element 16 closest to the first LED 18 being most intensely illuminated. The second LED 20 illuminates a second, different portion of the flame element 16 adjacent the second LED 18 with the portion of the flame element 16 closest to the second LED 20 being most intensely illuminated. As described, the flame element 16 is shaped like a typical, tear drop candle flame with an elongate body 26 having a wider base 27 tapering to a point 29 so that light from the first 18 and second 20 LEDs illuminate the flame element 16 to better simulate a candle flame.

[0033] Also, as described, the flame element 16 is at least partially translucent to and reflective of light emitted from the LEDs 18 20. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the first 18 and second 20 LEDs are located behind the flame element 16 so that a user viewing the flameless candle 10 views yellow light transmitted through the flame element 16 on alternating different portions of the flame element 16. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 9, the first 18 and second 20 LEDs are located in front of the flame element 16 so that a user viewing the flameless candle 10 views yellow light reflected from the flame element 16 on alternating different portions of the flame element 16. As described, the flame element 16 is at least partially reflective and also reflects light onto the upper surface 14 from the first 18 and second 20 LEDs. In this embodiment, it can be seen in Figures 6 to 9 that the first 18 and second 20 LEDs are disposed at least partially beneath the upper surface 14 so as to be largely obscured from view from a user. The first 18 and second 20 LEDs are therefore located in a position relative to the upper surface 14 so that light from the first 18 and second 20 LEDs can be reflected off the flame element 16 to the viewer and to the upper surface 14 to simulate a flickering candle.

[0034] Furthermore, in both the embodiments, the light emitted alternatively from the first 18 and the second 20 LEDs is reflected onto the raised rear projection 22 and the upper surface 14 to further simulate a flickering flame. That is, different portions of the upper surface 14 and the raised rear projection 22 are illuminated alternatively by reflection from the flame element 16. At the same time, the flame element 16 casts a first and a second, different shadow across the upper surface 14 and the raised rear projection 22 when the first 18 and second 20 LEDs are switched ON. As described, the flickering reflected light and shadows further simulates a flickering flame for the flameless candle 10. This effect is enhanced when the upper surface 14 is a dished surface, which is shown in Figure 5.

[0035] The first 18 and second 20 LEDs are alternatively switched ON by the controller which is housed in a casing 28, shown in Figure 4, internal of the housing 12. The casing 28 is located immediately beneath the LEDs 18 20, and includes the LED circuitry and power leads to supply power to the LEDs and the controller from a battery. The battery is contained in a battery casing 30 internal of the housing 12. In an example, the battery casing 30 houses two AA batteries, although it will be appreciated that other configurations are available such as a dedicated battery. In the example of the dedicated battery, the battery casing 30 also includes a means to recharge the dedicated battery and the housing 12 has an opening for a charging port. In any case, electrical leads from the battery housing 30 to the controller casing 28 are enclosed in a central shaft 32. The battery casing 30 and the batteries are located at the bottom of the housing 12 to provide the base of the flameless candle 10 with some weight to enhance the stability of the candle 10.

[0036] Disposed on the central shaft 32 is a third LED light source 34 for illuminating the housing 12. As described, the housing 12 is at least partially translucent so that the third LED 32 can illuminate the housing 12 from an interior of the housing 12. For example, the third LED 32 is a red LED which is switched on by the controller to cause the housing to glow red and "blush". It will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that operation of the red LED 32 can be programmed in the memory of the controller to be switched ON at, say, designated times for designated time periods or can be switched manually.

[0037] In an embodiment, the flameless candle 10 also emits a scent or fragrance. In this embodiment, the candle 10 includes a scent element 36 disposed within the housing for distributing the scent from the housing 12, as shown in Figure 5. The scent element 36 includes a calcium silicate diffuser 38 containing the scent. It will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that other configurations for distributing scent can be employed. For example, the housing 12 can be filled with scent or a sealed container can be disposed within the housing 12 to contain the scent.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the scent element 36 further includes a diffuser upper surface 40 forming at least part of the upper surface 14 having a plurality of holes 42 for distributing the scent contained on the calcium silicate diffuser 38 located beneath the diffuser upper surface 40. The diffuser upper surface 40 can have one or more fragrance fill holes 24 for distributing the scent at a desired rate of distribution. As described, any holes may be made coverable so that a user can vary the rate of distribution of the scent from the flameless candle 10.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, the scent element 36 includes a poly-plastic case housing the calcium silicate diffuser 38. In the embodiment described where the scent is contained by the housing 12 or a separate container in the housing 12, the scent can be drawn to the diffuser upper surface 40, with a wick that is dipped into a scented liquid contained in the housing 12 or the separate container.

[0039] The case for the scent element 36 is located in the housing 12 and is fixed in position to the housing 12 by way of a frame (not shown) disposed in the housing 12. Furthermore, the battery casing 30 is also fixed in position to the housing 12 at the base of the housing 12 by way of the frame. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the battery casing 30 is located in a base 44 that is configured to be fixed to the base of the frame of the housing 12.

[0040] Referring back to Figures 2 and 3, the upper surface 14 includes a scent fill hole 24 for either a user or the factory to fill the calcium silicate diffuser 38 with scent, for example in the form of scented oil. In the embodiment of the housing 12

containing the scented liquid or containing a separate container for the scented fluid, the scent fill hole 24 can be employed to fill or refill the flameless candle 10 with scented fluid. In this way, the user can, say, refill the calcium silicate diffuser 38 with a scent of their choice once the scent has been largely diffused. In addition, while not shown, the fill hole 24 can further include a plug to reduce the amount of diffusion of scent coming from the fill hole 24. Furthermore, in the embodiment where the scented fluid is contained in a container, it will be appreciated by those persons skilled in the art that the upper surface 14 of the candle 10 can be removably connected to the housing 12 so that the scent container can be readily replaced.

[0041 ] It is to be understood that various alterations, additions and/or modifications may be made to the parts specifically described without departing from the ambit of the present invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows

1 . An apparatus for simulating a flame, the apparatus including:

a housing including an upper surface;

a flame element protruding from the upper surface;

a first light source configured to illuminate at least a first portion of the flame element;

a second light source configured to illuminate at least a second, different portion of the flame element; and

a controller configured to alternatively switch power to the first and the second light sources, so that the first and the second portions of the flame element are illuminated alternatively to simulate a flickering flame,

wherein the flame element is at least partially reflective of light emitted from the first and the second light sources so that different portions of the upper surface are illuminated alternatively by the first and the second light sources.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the flame element is at least partially translucent to light emitted from the first and the second light sources.

3. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first and the second light sources are disposed in front of the flame element.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first and the second light sources are disposed near the upper surface adjacent the flame element to illuminate the first and second portions of the flame element.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flame element casts a first and a second, different shadow across the upper surface when illuminated by the first and second light sources.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper surface includes a dished surface with the flame element centrally located in the dished surface.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the upper surface includes a raised rear portion extending at least partially circumferential ly on the upper surface.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the controller is further configured to alternatively switch power to the first and the second light sources for respective designated time periods.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the controller is further configured to alternatively switch power to the first and the second light sources for respective random time periods.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, further including a scent element disposed within the housing for distributing scent from the housing.

1 1 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the scent element includes a diffuser containing the scent.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the diffuser is a calcium silicate diffuser.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the diffuser has a hole for filling the scent element with the scent.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the housing is at least partially translucent and the apparatus further includes a third light source disposed within the housing configured to illuminate the housing from an interior of the housing.

15. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the apparatus is a flameless candle.

16. An apparatus for simulating a flame, the apparatus including:

a housing including an upper surface;

a flame element protruding from the upper surface;

a light source configured to illuminate at least a portion of the flame element; and a controller configured to switch power to the light source, so that the portion of the flame element is illuminated intermittently to simulate a flickering flame,

wherein the flame element is at least partially reflective of light emitted from the light source so that different portions of the upper surface are illuminated alternatively by the light source.