Fuel and related compositions – Candle composition
Reexamination Certificate
2001-04-30
2004-03-16
Medley, Margaret B. (Department: 1714)
Fuel and related compositions
Candle composition
C431S288000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06706081
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to candles, and more particularly, to candles having decorative material dispersed therein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Candles have become popular for decorative purposes, and as such are being formed in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and colors.
There are generally three different classes of candles: tapered, pillar and container. A container candle may be formed, for example, by pouring molten matrix material into a container having a wick disposed therein. The wick extends through the matrix such that as the wick is burned, the matrix material around the wick will melt thereby providing fuel for the wick to burn. A pillar candle is commonly formed by pouring the melted matrix into a mold, wherein the mold preferably contains a wick. The matrix is allowed to cool such that it solidifies and is then removed from the mold, thereby forming a free-standing or “pillar-type” candle. A tapered candle may be formed by repeatedly dipping a wick into melted matrix material. Each time the candle is dipped into the melted matrix material, the melted matrix material adheres to the cooled matrix already formed about the wick, thereby forming the tapered candle. Many variations on these general processes have been developed over time and are being practiced.
Fragrances and/or coloring agents are often added to the candle matrix to give the candle a unique appearance. Typically, the fragrance and/or pigment is mixed with the wax when in a molten state. The wax containing the fragrance and/or pigment is then formed into the preferred type of candle. The pigment will give the candle a desired coloring, while the fragrance gives the candle a preferred scent.
Often, candlemakers incorporate extraneous material into the candle matrix for visual appeal. The incorporation of certain extraneous material, however, can present issues relating to safety, regulatory, and toxicity concerns, both in the pre-ignition and ignition states of the candle.
Glitter and glitter-type materials have been incorporated into a variety of applications for its visually appealing effects. Exemplary applications include paints, glues, crayons, and cosmetic-based applications such as lotions, lip balms, bath products, etc. These applications have tended to use glitter materials, and reflective flakes, comprising metallic and non-metallic materials. For example, metallic-based glitter as used in many of these applications includes particles or flakes of base metals including aluminum, brass, copper, gold, and silver. Further, non-metallic formulations have included particles or flakes of cellulose, acetate, poly(ethylene terephthalate), polymethacrylate, poly(vinylbutyral), and the like. More recently, metalized glitters have been used comprising a reflective material coating, such as a metal coating, on a suitable substrate, such as a polymer or other solid organic substrate. Examples of these type include coated metallized materials such as coated aluminum metallized cellulose acetate, metallized poly(ethylene terephthalate), polymethacrylate, poly(vinylbutyral), and the like.
Glitter compositions found in other applications, however, may not be appropriate for the unique requirements of candle operations. Specifically, when glitter materials are used in candle matrices, emission characteristics, among other things, in both the ignition and pre-ignition states of the candle should be considered. Combustion and the high heat environment of candle matrices in operation may create safety, regulatory, and toxicity concerns relating to specific components of certain common glitter formulations. For example, some glitter formulations may comprise substantial quantities of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. The present inventors have found that such glitter materials may give rise to toxic emissions in the preignition, ignition and/or burn/combustion states. Other glitter type formulations may also comprise other materials, which may present additional safety issues, apart from thermal reactivity concerns, such as handling, safety, and the like.
In addition, of course, glitter formulations are also driven by marketing considerations such as consumer preferences and acceptability of glitter materials and its visual impact on the candle product. Moreover, the type of glitter materials chosen may also affect processing feasibility, based on particle size and weight, processing parameters, and mixing requirements.
Thus, a need in the art exists for the identification of a suitable glitter materials for use in candles that are visually appealing and easily processable, and that avoid the disadvantages that can be associated when conventional glitter materials are incorporated into candle matrices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
While the way in which the present invention addresses the disadvantages of the prior art will be described in greater detail hereinbelow, in general, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention, glitter materials are selected for incorporation into a candle matrix, which glitter materials are selected so as to not likely give rise to such safety, regulatory or toxicity concerns as may exist when conventional glitter materials are incorporated therein. Moreover, such glitter materials are appropriately selected such that conventional candle matrices and conventional processing techniques can be utilized to prepare the decorative candles of the present invention having glitter materials dispersed therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
The following descriptions are of exemplary embodiments of the invention only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description is intended to provide convenient illustrations for implementing various embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.
In accordance with various aspects of the present invention a decorative candle composition is provided which comprises a candle matrix and a suitable glitter formulation, such that the glitter formulation incorporated into a candle matrix is safe. Preferably, the glitter material is capable of withstanding high heat and/or combustive environments without producing harmful or toxic effects.
As used herein, “candle matrix” refers to any base material from which the candles of the present invention can be made. While exemplary candle matrices will be described herein, it should be appreciated that a variety of candle matrices are contemplated by the present invention, for example, polymers, polymer resins, petroleum-based waxes, natural beeswax, vegetable waxes, synthetic waxes, gels, styrene rubbers, and other now known or later developed materials suitable for use in candles.
In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a decorative polymer, metallic, or other material having reflective and/or iridescent characteristics is suitably incorporated into the candle matrix. Suitable glitter formulations, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention, are preferably those formulations that are safe, or are substantially free of toxins and heavy metals, or are comprised primarily of polyesters, copolyesters, aluminum, silicon, and/or mica based materials.
Turning first to the candle matrix as noted above, it may comprise virtually any base material suitable for use in candles. Preferably, the candle matrix material selected can effectively suspend the desired glitter material in accordance with the present invention. Moreover, preferably, the candle matrix is chosen such that candles made in accordance with the present invention do not darken or smoke while burning. However, virtually any candle matrix now known or hereafter devised may be utilized in accordance with the present invention.
For purposes of illustration only, and without limitation, specific ref
Davis DeAnn
Mack Karen
Medley Margaret B.
Snell & Wilmer LLP
The Dial Corporation
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