Gas separation: processes – Filtering
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-18
2001-02-20
Smith, Duane S. (Department: 1724)
Gas separation: processes
Filtering
C055S385100, C055S524000, C095S285000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06190439
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and a device to eliminate or reduce décor damaging fragrant candle emissions. In recent years, candles, and in particular scented candles, have been utilized both to establish a mood and impart fragrance into the air. In addition, fragrant candles have been utilized in aroma therapy.
A problem that has been attendant with the use of these candles is that the by-products of the combustion process (i.e. soot) and the oily substances that are part and parcel of the fragrance collect and remain on walls and ceilings, causing unsightly stains and adherence points for dirt.
2. Description of the Prior Art
U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,360 to Houston which description is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein describes an apparatus and method for removing odors from the air. The apparatus has a candle mounted on a base and a container open at two ends located above the candle. The container houses activated charcoal. The candle causes the odor filled air to move through the container and through the activated charcoal. However, the patent to Houston does not address the problem of eliminating or reducing décor damaging candle emissions. Additionally, the user must store and replace the activated charcoal.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,218,963 to Burnetter which description is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein discloses a ventilating system for votive stands in which smoke and soot from a plurality of burning candies is passed through a plurality of filters. This patent is directed to a system for specifically preventing the staining of walls in churches or other buildings by the soot and smoke emitted by candles. However, this patent requires a cumbersome blower and electricity to power the blower.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,516,232; 4,043,776; 5,141,539; and 5,325,876 which descriptions are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein all disclose ashtray or cigarette smoke filtering devices in which a filtering medium is disposed above and spaced from an ashtray to filter or remove smoke, or in which a filtering medium is disposed above a table surface to filter or remove smoke.
Accordingly, what is needed is a method and a device that will simply, efficiently and effectively eliminate or reduce décor damaging candle emissions yet still allow the fragrance to pass into a room. Additionally, this method and device should provide for ease of maintenance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing problem associated with décor damaging fragrant candle emissions, and the known types of filtering apparatus now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a method and device for simply, efficiently and effectively reducing or eliminating décor damaging fragrant candle emissions while permitting the fragrance to pass into a room. Additionally, this method and device should provide for ease of maintenance. The method comprises the steps of:
a) positioning a filter within a channel having an interior and exterior surface and a superior and inferior opening, such that the superior opening is smaller in diameter than the inferior opening; and
b) positioning the channel above a fragrant candle, such that décor damaging emissions collect on the filter and on the interior surface of the channel without allowing said emissions to recirculate and roll out from under said channel and escape into a room; and
c) allowing the fragrance to pass through the channel and the filter into the room.
In accordance with another form of the invention, a filter is removably positioned within a channel and the channel is then removably positioned above a container containing a fragrant candle such that the décor damaging emissions collect on the interior surface of the filter and the interior surface of the channel.
The device of this invention comprises a filter removably attached to a candle holding base, the filter being removably covered by a channel. The channel has an interior and exterior surface and a superior and inferior opening, such that the superior opening is smaller in diameter than the inferior opening. The filter and the inferior channel opening are positioned such that décor damaging emissions collect on the filter and on the interior surface of the channel without allowing the emissions to recirculate and roll out from under the channel and escape into a room, while allowing the fragrance to pass through the channel and the filter into the room.
The invention resides not in any one of these features alone, but rather in the particular combination of all of them disclosed herein and claimed, and it is distinguished from the prior art in this particular combination of all of its structures for the function specified.
The more important features of the invention have been outlined in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be further described and they will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may be readily utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they did not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 712796 (1902-11-01), Hoffmann
patent: 3516232 (1970-06-01), Gilbertson
patent: 4043776 (1977-08-01), Orel
patent: 4218963 (1980-08-01), Burnetter
patent: 4237097 (1980-12-01), McDuffie
patent: 4781895 (1988-11-01), Spector
patent: 4810185 (1989-03-01), Nakamura et al.
patent: 5032360 (1991-07-01), Houston
patent: 5141539 (1992-08-01), Iovani
patent: 5325876 (1994-07-01), Yang
Bresnahan David
Hess Robert
McNees Wallace & Nurick
Smith Duane S.
Smolow Mitchell A.
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