WO2019214790A1

WO2019214790A1 - A candle

Info

Publication number: WO2019214790A1
Application number: PCT/DK2019/050142
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander RINDOM-ANDERSEN
Original assignee: Løgumkloster Lys A/S
Priority date: 2018-05-07
Filing date: 2019-05-07
Publication date: 2019-11-14
Also published as: DK201870274A1

Abstract

A method for decorating candles (1), wherein the method at least comprises the following steps in the order mentioned: • A candle (1) is heated and softened to a temperature below the melting point of the candle, • The candle (1) and a die (7,8,9) are pressed against each other, · The candle (1) and the die (7,8,9) are moved relative to each other whereby a method for decorating a candle (1) via a plastic deformation of the candle (1) itself, whereby part of the material of the candle is thus formed, moved, pulled or pressed, but still kept as a part of the original candle (1).

Description

A candle

The present invention relates to a method for decorating candles, a decorated candle made by using the method as well as an apparatus for executing the method for decoration of candles.

Prior art

Candles are known to have many different forms, shapes, sizes and colours, such as for instance rustic candles, taper candles and block candles.

The material of candles is known as stearin made of vegetable fat and animal fat, paraffin made of crude oil and wax made of for instance beeswax or palm wax, and finally a mixture of these or other materials not mentioned here is possible. Moreover, candles can be pressed, cast or dipped. Candles can also be dyed throughout or have a coloured coating, which is most often coloured wax.

Wicks can be the first thing to start with as regards dipped candles, or wicks can be inserted into a candle already pressed, which for instance is subsequently surface-treated with a wax.

A common feature for all of them is that decorations - in the form of i.a. text, drawings, figures and photos - can be made on the surface of candles. Candles can also be decorated by printing the desired decoration directly on the surface of the candle. Furthermore, a finished decorative print can be applied and glued onto the surface of the candle, or a decoration can be melted into the candle surface.

In this context, decoration does not only mean ornamentation intended to make the candle prettier to look at, as a decoration can also have the form of an advertising text, a firm name or a logo. Specifically logos and the seal of a business are known decorations, which for instance via a small heated metal stamp are melted into the candle. However, the melting is typically applied to the bottom of candles and are not as such intended to have a beautifying effect that should be visible when the candle is lit.

It is also known that numbers - for instance on advent candles - are melted into the candle. Nor is this actually intended to be a beautifying effect when the candle is lit, but is rather meant to have a functional effect. However, numbers that are melted into candles do not have sharp delineations as the edges become blurry or slightly unclear due to the heating.

Finally, it is known to decorate candles with a form of embossing or rather a form of ornamentation by means of a casting mould, for instance of a silicone material, in which embossings or ornaments have been formed, usually negative embossings so that the embossings or the decorations will be positive on the final candle. However, this process is very slow and costly, as casting moulds will first have to be made, and a casting mould can typically only be used for manufacturing one or few candles daily due to the necessary conditioning time. Thus, it takes a very long time to execute a large order in one single mould, or it takes a long time to manufacture a large series of casting moulds for speeding up the manufacturing process. This is manual work, where the silicone mould will have to be stripped off the candle very carefully in order not to ruin the desired cut-outs, ornaments or, overall, just decorations.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a method for decorating a candle via a plastic deformation of the candle itself, wherein part of the material of the candle is thus formed, moved, pulled or pressed, but still retained as a part of the original candle. Thus, it does not involve melting or removing material.

Another object of the invention is to provide a process, which is suitable and profitable as regards the work related to manufacturing decorated candles. Compared with the complexity of using casting moulds and the possibilities thereof as well as the possibilities and expressions resulting from the prior art in the form of prints on candles, it is also an object of this invention to achieve new and more creative possibilities of decorated candles without it necessarily leading to unrealistically high production and selling prices.

The object also relates to a method for achieving a candle, which both lit and unlit appears with an attractive and hitherto unseen surface structure, which will have a handicraft appearance, and when lit, can also appear with lighter and less light shades exactly because of decorations executed as plastic deformations in the surface of the candle.

Description of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object stated above is obtained by a method as initially described, wherein the method at least comprises the following steps in the order mentioned:

• A candle is heated and softened to a temperature below the melting point of the candle,

• The candle and a die are pressed against each other,

• The candle and the die are moved relative to each other.

This enable decoration of the candle by means of a plastic deformation of the candle material, wherein the material can for instance be stearin, paraffin or wax or a combination thereof. Pressure against each other means that it is thereby possible to press the candle against a die, wherein the die is for instance horizontal, and wherein the candle is pressed down against the die. Opposite pressure is also a possibility, wherein a force is applied to the candle, and another opposing force is applied to the die, or the candle could for instance lie on a table, while a die is pressed down against the candle and perhaps moves across the candle at the same time, whereby the candle is rotated about its centre axis. Alternatively, a convex die can be rolled or tipped across the surface of a candle.

A relative movement of the candle versus the die means a movement, in which the candle and the die move relative to each other at the same speed, but in different directions. If the candle has a rounded cross section along its entire centre axis, the candle can roll relative to the die, either horizontally or vertically or at any angle between these. An obvious possibility for uncomplicated decorations of candles with rounded cross sections is to lay a die on a table and subsequently roll candles across such die.

At least one die means that one, two or more dies can be in use. The dies can for instance be used in extension of each other, next to each other, so that candles can be decorated in a continuous process. Moreover, the dies can be positioned opposite each other, so that candles can pass between them, for instance by moving the dies in opposite directions, and the candle can stand on a revolving plate and merely rotate about its own centre axis. Furthermore, the die or the dies can be constituted by continuous bands that are moved relative to a surface of a candle, or by one or more rolls or convex objects with an embossed pattern on the surface, wherein such roll or convex object is moved relative to a surface of a candle. The dies can also be divided for use for several different decorations, so that one embossing can decorate the lower part of the candle, while another embossing could decorate the upper part of the candle. Alternatively, a candle can be embossed in several stages, so that a first part of a decoration is carried out, and then one or more decorations are made upon or between previously made partial decorations.

In another aspect, the present invention also relates to a method, whereby the heating and softening of candles take place by means of at least one of the following processes: dipping in warm wax, water bath, steam, fan heater, heat lamp, heating cabinet, infra-red heating, other radiant heat and heat from the die.

Dipping of candles in warm wax enables surface treating the candle with a colour and at the same time heating up the candle. The wax bath can be constituted by a mixture of for instance 50% wax and 50% paraffin, and the wax bath may for instance have a temperature of around 75 °C. The temperature of the wax bath also affects the dipping speed. Several dips in the wax bath can be carried out, two dips give a really great surface and at the same time very good heating of the candle.

In the case of a completed and possibly already dyed candle, the heating can thus take place through one of the other heating processes mentioned. These other processes can also be applied if, for various reasons, a surface treatment with wax is not preferred.

In a third aspect, the present inventions also relates to a method, whereby the die is heated by means of at least one of the following processes: hot fluid, heating element in connection with the die, infra-red heating and other radiant heating.

This makes is possible to dip or rinse the die and at the same time clean it by means of a hot fluid. Another possibility can be a heating element placed directly or indirectly on the back of the die, so that the same heating element can be used when replacing the dies, which makes it cheaper and also easier to replace a heating element. Infra-red heating and other radiant heating can also be possibilities, wherein the dies are for instance heated in time intervals between the passage of candles. Regardless of the heating process, the die must only be heated to a temperature below the melting point for the material of the candle in question, as it is only the intention to soften the surface of the candle and not to carry out a melting. A heated die can also be used for supplementing heating of the surface of the candle itself by one or more of the methods mentioned previously.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention also relates to a method, whereby the die comprises at least one of the following embossings: positive, negative, the combination of positive and negative embossing and with cut outs.

This makes it possible to make a die, so that it only has a positive embossing, i.e. protrusions, while a second die only has negative embossing, i.e. depressions. It is also possible that each die has both a negative and a positive embossing and thus constitutes a combination. There is a large variety of options depending on the desired decoration, which patterns, figures etc. that the candle is intended to have as decoration. Cut-outs mean dies with drilled holes, milling or otherwise removed material in the entire thickness of the material. The alternative to cut-outs is holes with bottom, so- called pocket holes or depressions.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention also relates to a method, whereby the candle is pressed together with or against a die by a least one of the following forces: manual, semi-automatic, and full-automatic.

This makes it possible, in each production, to use the form of forces most optimal for the job. In the case of small series of more complicated decorations, it may make most sense to do it manually, while it will be optimal to manufacture larger series of less complicated decorations full- automatically. Decoration/embossing on cylindrical candles is especially suitable for an automatic process.

In a sixth aspect, the present invention also relates to a method, whereby the contact surface between the candle and the die substantially constitutes a line.

This makes it possible, where the candle is for instance round, to obtain a contact surface, which substantially constitutes a line in parallel with the centre axis of the candle or has an acute angle, for instance taper candles, whereby the surface pressure between the candle and the die will be as low as possible and can be made in one single operation. However, a triangular, quadrangular or multangular candle in a plane die offers a much larger surface pressure. The least possible surface pressure can thus be obtained by either the candle or the die having a convex surface. The dies can therefore also be curved, usually only single-curved, but for embossings on candles with special forms, dies with double-curved surfaces can advantageously be used.

In a seventh aspect, the present invention also relates to a method, whereby the candle comprises a decoration of at least 10% of the candle's surface, wherein the decoration comprises a plastic deformation of the candle material.

This makes it possible to carry out extensive decoration of candles, thereby increasing the possibilities of using different patterns on the side of the candle and in the candle's full height.

In an eighth aspect, the present invention also relates to a method, whereby the candle preferably comprises at least a rounded cross section. This enables decoration of candles, which, perpendicularly to the wick, have a round, oval, egg-shaped cross section, or a candle, which partially has one of these cross sections, while other cross sections on the candle can be multangular or so-called polygonal, be it regular or irregular.

In a ninth aspect, the present invention also relates to an apparatus for executing the method for decoration of candles, wherein the apparatus comprises a heat source for heating a candle, a conveying device for conveying candles, a die with a movement mechanism for at least one of the following positionings: stationary, forward/backward and rotating, where the positionings are relative to the conveying path of a candle, wherein the candle and the die by means of pressure devices are pressed against each other, and by means of the conveying device and the movement mechanism are moved relative to each other.

This makes it possible to carry out the process with a minimum of automation and machinery though the apparatus claim also enables use of full-automatic devices with sensors of for instance temperature, placing and speed as well as, wherein a conveying device can also involve driven conveyor belts, conveyors and tabletops with ball rollers.

In a tenth aspect, the present invention also relates to an apparatus, wherein the apparatus is further suitable for decoration of clay and earthenware.

This makes it possible to decorate formable clay and earthenware, i.e. clay which has not been hardened or burnt into ceramics yet. The apparatus can also be used for objects of identical or similar shapes, which can be embossed on the surface or part of the surface applying the same principles as mentioned above, such as for instance decoration of wax figures or other things that can withstand plastic deformation under pressure. Drawing

The invention will be explained further through description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a candle, a basin and the softening process of the candle,

Fig. 2 shows a candle, which is heated and softened by a heat source,

Fig. 3 shows a candle standing next to a first die,

Fig. 4 shows a candle lying next to a die,

Fig. 5 shows a candle that is pressed against and moved relative to a die,

Fig. 6 shows a candle decorated by a die,

Fig. 7 shows a candle with finalized embossing

Fig. 8 shows a candle during and after embossing with a second die,

Fig. 9 shows a candle during embossing with the first die,

Fig. 10 shows a candle on a third die, where the die is divided into a first pattern and a second pattern.

Fig. 11 shows a quadrangular candle during embossing with a convex fourth die.

In the description of the figures, identical or corresponding elements will have the same reference numerals in the different figures. Thus, there will not be given an explanation of all details in connection with each figure/embodiment. List of reference numerals

1 Candle

2 Basin

3 Medium

4 Wheel

5 Heat source

6 Arrow, rotational direction 7 First die

8 Second die

9 Third die

10 First pattern

11 Second pattern

12 Fourth die

Detailed description of the invention Fig. 1 shows a candle 1 , which can for instance be a block candle with a rounded cross section. The figure also shows a basin 2, which can be either stationary or, as shown here, mobile with wheels 4. In the basin 2, there is a medium 3, for instance in the form of wax, in which the candle 1 is dipped, for instance as stated here 2 times, whereby the candle is also softened.

Fig. 2 also shows a candle 1 that is heated and softened by a heat source 5, which could for instance be a fan heater. The arrows 6 in the figure indicate that the candle 1 rotates during heating. The candle 1 could also be stationary during heating, which depends on the type of heat source 5 used.

Figs 3 to 7 show the process of the actual decoration of a candle 1 after heating of the candle 1 itself, where Fig. 3 shows a candle 1 next to a first die 7, which may have a positive, negative or a combination of positive and negative embossing, with or without cut-outs, Fig. 4 shows the candle 1 that lies next to the die 7, Fig. 5 shows the candle 1 that is pressed against and moved relative to the die 7, Fig. 6 shows the candle 1 that is rolled off the die 7, and Fig. 7 shows the candle 1 with the finalized embossing, comprising a decoration of at least 10% of the candle surface, and wherein the decoration has been carried out as a plastic deformation of the candle material. Fig. 8 shows a candle 1 during and after embossing with a second die 8, wherein the die 8 does not emboss the candle (1) on the entire surface, but only on part of it. Fig. 9 shows a candle 1 during embossing with the first die 7,

Fig. 10 shows a candle 1 on a third die 9, wherein the die 9 is divided into a first pattern 10 and a second pattern 11 , wherein different parts of the candle can thus be embossed with different patterns.

Fig. 10 shows a candle 1 , which here has a quadrangular cross section, where the fourth die 12 is executed as a roll, namely with a convex surface that is moved relative to the surface of the candle. Such a die can be configured as a closed roll, corresponding to a 360 degree closed circumference, but it can also be configured as part of a circle, for instance 45, 90, 180, 270 degrees or more or less, as required.

Claims

1. A method for decorating candles (1), characterized in that the method at least comprises the following steps in the order mentioned:

· A candle (1) is heated and softened to a temperature below the melting point of the candle,

• The candle (1) and a die (7,8,9) are pressed against each other,

• The candle (1) and the die (7,8,9) are moved relative to each other.

2. A method according to claim 1 , characterized in that the heating and softening of candles (1) take place by means of at least one of the following processes: dipping in warm wax, water bath, steam, fan heater, heat lamp, heating cabinet, infra-red heating, other radiant heat and heat from the die.

3. A method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the die (7,8,9) is heated by means of at least one of the following processes: hot fluid, heating element in connection with the die, infra-red heating and other radiant heating.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the die (7,8,9) comprises at least one of the following embossings: positive, negative, the combination of positive and negative embossing and with cut outs.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the candle (1) is pressed together with a die (7,8,9) by at least one of the following forces: manual, semi-automatic, full-automatic.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the contact surface between the candle (1) and the die (7,8,9) substantially constitutes a line.

7. A decorated candle (1) manufactured by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the candle (1) comprises a decoration of at least 10% of the candle surface, wherein the decoration comprises a plastic deformation of the candle material.

8. A decorated candle (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the candle (1) preferably comprises at least a rounded cross section.

9. An apparatus for executing the method for decoration of candles according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the apparatus comprises a heat source (5) for heating a candle (1), a conveying device for conveying candles (1), a die (7,8,9) with a movement mechanism for at least one of the following positionings: stationary, forward/backward and rotating, where the positionings are relative to the conveying path of a candle (1), wherein the candle (1) and the die (7,8,9) by means of pressure devices are pressed against each other, and by means of the conveying device and the movement mechanism are moved relative to each other.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the apparatus is further suitable for decoration of clay and earthenware.