Chemical apparatus and process disinfecting – deodorizing – preser – For deodorizing of – or chemical purification of – or... – Including means adding material into environmental gas
Reexamination Certificate
2001-03-12
2001-10-23
McKane, Elizabeth (Department: 1744)
Chemical apparatus and process disinfecting, deodorizing, preser
For deodorizing of, or chemical purification of, or...
Including means adding material into environmental gas
C044S275000, C044S530000, C044S600000, C431S288000, CD26S006000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06306353
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
(Not Applicable)
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to decorative candles and more particularly to a decorative candle including uniquely shaped, integral flanged gel components.
Candles have become popular for decorative purposes and as such are being formed in different styles, shapes, and colors. Additionally, scented candles are gaining popularity for their perceived therapeutic value in aromatherapy. Typically, there are three different types of candles: tapered, molded and container. The candles may be manufactured from a wax such as paraffin, vegetable, or beeswax.
A container candle is formed by pouring melted wax into a container having a wick disposed therein. The wick is extensible through the wax such that as the wick is burned, the wax around the wick will melt thereby providing fuel for the wick to burn. A molded candle is formed by pouring melted wax into a mold containing a wick. The wax is allowed to cool such that it solidifies and is then removable from the mold thereby forming the candle. Tapered candles are formed by dipping a wick into melted wax. Each time the candle is dipped into the melted wax, the wax adheres to itself thereby forming the tapered candle.
Different types of paraffin waxes may be used for different types of candles. For instance, candles made in a container may be formed from container wax. This wax has a relatively high oil content and a relatively low melting point of between about 125° F. and 138° F. or lower. The relatively high oil content of this type of wax allows for a long burning candle. Mold wax which has a melting point between 139° F. and 143° F. is used for molded candles because the wax does not contain much oil and therefore can retain its form after removal from the mold. Tapered candles are formed from dipping wax which typically has a melting point of around 145° F. The high melting temperature allows the wax to adhere to itself as it is being dipped thereby forming a tapered candle.
Additionally, pigments and/or fragrances can be added to the wax to give the candle a unique appearance and/or scent. Typically, the fragrance and/or pigment is mixed with the wax when in a melted 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. The scent produced by the fragrance may become more pronounced as the candle and therefore the fragrance are being burned.
In addition to making candles out of wax, mineral oil has been used to make candles (e.g., gel candles). The mineral oil is gelatinous at room temperature such that it can generally retain its form unsupported. Typically, a gel candle is formed by pouring melted mineral oil into a container having a wick. The mineral oil is allowed to cool to its gelatinous state thereby forming a candle within the container. Gel candles burn longer than candles made from paraffin wax because of the high oil content of the gel. As with traditional paraffin wax candles, gel candles may additionally be scented and/or colored to add more variety.
The present applicant has previously originated and developed a unique candle which is a combination of paraffin wax and gelatinous mineral oil components. Such a combination is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/245,098 filed on Feb. 8, 1999, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. The novel candle described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/245,098 has gained widespread acceptance for its aesthetic value. However, over time the gelatinous mineral oil components of the candle described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/245,098 may migrate during transport or when heated.
The present invention comprises a candle fabricated from paraffin wax and gelatinous mineral oil components as well as an improved method of forming such candle by way of using one or more pre-formed flanged gelatinous mineral oil components. The components are used as a decorative element that additionally allow the candle to burn longer. Therefore, the candle of the present invention has a distinctive decorative style and burns longer than traditional wax candles. Non-flanged gelatinous components may migrate or dislodge during transport or when heated. The flanged configuration of the gelatinous components ensures that the gelatinous components will be held securely in place.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a decorative candle comprising the step of providing a candle fabricated from a wax material (e.g., paraffin wax) which defines a bottom (support) layer having a top surface. At least one flanged gelatinous component is placed onto the top surface of the bottom layer. A top layer of wax material is placed on top of the bottom layer of wax material such that the flange portion of the component is completely covered with the wax material while the top, decorative (non-flange) portion of the component protrudes above the top surface of the top layer of the wax material.
The candle may be fabricated by first providing a container and placing a wick therein. Next, a quantity of wax is melted and poured into the container. The wax is allowed to cool until it hardens into the candle. A pigment and/or a fragrance may be added to the wax while it is in a molten state in order to give the wax a desired color and/or scent. Alternatively, a pre-formed candle or puck may be inserted into the container.
The flanged gelatinous component may be fabricated by melting a quantity of a mineral oil gel and then forming the molten gel using a mold with a cavity formed in the shape of the desired flanged component. While the gel is molten, a pigment and/or a fragrance may be added to the gel to produce a desired color and/or scent. Alternatively, the flanged gelatinous components may be fabricated using a die cut process in which a layer of gelatinous material is compressed prior to cutting the gelatinous component. The component decompresses after the component is cut out of the layer of gelatinous material.
The above mentioned steps produce a decorative candle comprising a container having an open end and a quantity of wax disposed therein. The wax has a top surface that is adjacent to the open end of the container. The candle additionally comprises a wick disposed within the wax and protruding upwardly from the top surface, and at least one flanged gelatinous component partially disposed within the top surface of the wax, wherein the flanged portion of the gelatinous component is completely covered by the wax. Although not by way of limitation, the wick may protrude through a flanged gelatinous component when the gelatinous component lies above as opposed to adjacent the wick. Typically, the wax will be a paraffin based wax and the flanged gelatinous component will be formed from mineral oil gel. Both the wax and the gel component may comprise a pigment and/or a fragrance. The container may be a metallic container or a glass container.
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Asbury Frank H.
Freeman Faith
Savoit, IV Leon J.
McKane Elizabeth
Primal Elements, Inc.
Stetina Brunda Garred & Brucker
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