Combustion – Candle – e.g. – taper – etc. – Having structure additional to wax and wick
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-21
2001-08-07
Yeung, James C. (Department: 3743)
Combustion
Candle, e.g., taper, etc.
Having structure additional to wax and wick
C431S288000, C362S161000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06270341
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to candle holders and, more specifically, to a decorative candleholder for a spring-loaded candle sleeve.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It has been well known for decades that the glow and aura of candlelight can be both romantic and therapeutic. As a result, many fine restaurants and clubs have incorporated the use of candles to enhance the ambiance and romantic setting for their customers. In addition, candles are often used for relaxation and stress reduction. Consequently, candles are enormously popular and widely utilized.
One style of candle that has been popular for many years is the elongated candle. This candle is generally elongated and has a wick at its distal end. Traditionally, the candle is held in an upright position by frictionally engaging the proximal end of the candle within a candle holder. In use, as the candle burns, the wax surrounding the wick melts and evaporates and thus the length of the candle shrinks. To maintain a consistently level flame and the appearance of an ever-burning non-shrinking candle, a spring-loaded candle sleeve was invented.
The spring-loaded candle sleeve typically is constructed of an elongated rigid outer shell forming a cavity therein for receiving a candle. As such, the candle sleeve is shaped and dimensioned substantially similar to a candle. In use, the candle sleeve is secured in the upright position by inserting the bottom of the candle sleeve into any one of many known candle holders.
A spring-loaded insert typically is positioned concentrically within the candle sleeve and extends generally the length thereof for urging the candle up to an aperture formed at the upper portion of the candle sleeve, wherein the wick of the candle extends therethrough. Consequently, as the candle burns and shrinks longitudinally due to the evaporation, consumption of the wax, the spring-loaded insert continuously urges the candle upwardly toward the aperture. Thus, a consistent horizontally positioned flame results. More specifically, as viewed by an observer, the candle sleeve gives the appearance of an ever-burning, non-shrinking candle.
The spring-loaded candle sleeve alone, however, is disadvantageous. For instance, because of its size, shape and functionality, the prior art candle sleeve is reasonably incapable of being formed into various configurations and is further limited as to its degree of possible ornamentation. Unfortunately, candle-holding bases are often unappealing and fail to provide a decorative means for encasing the entire candle sleeve.
Accordingly, a new and improved decorative candle holder for a spring-loaded candle sleeve is needed that provides a decorative means for encasing the entire candle sleeve.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly described, in a first preferred form the present invention both overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, and meets the recognized need for such a device, by providing a freestanding holder for a spring-loaded candle sleeve.
Generally, the present device comprises a holder in the form of a decorative cover forming a cavity therethrough, wherein the cover has an upper aperture and a lower aperture. The lower aperture and the cavity are dimensioned for receiving the candle sleeve therein. In the preferred form, the upper aperture has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the sleeve such that the tip of the sleeve rests within the upper aperture, but does not extend therethrough. The bottom of the sleeve is frictionally secured within the lower aperture, preferably by a flexible ring that is slidably engaged with the sleeve and is of sufficient thickness to snugly fit radially between the bottom of the sleeve and the walls of the lower aperture. Optionally, feet or friction material can be attached to the bottom of the holder to help support the holder in an upright position.
Because the holder can be of almost any shape, a plurality of decorative and appealing designs, artwork and insignia can be formed thereon. Consequently, the holder is not limited to the shape of a candle.
In use, a candle is inserted within the sleeve with the wick of the candle extending to the top of the sleeve. With the sleeve inserted into the holder, the wick extends out of the holder through the upper aperture. As the candle burns and shrinks due to evaporation of the wax surrounding the flame, the spring-loaded sleeve urges the candle up against the upper aperture. Thus, a consistently horizontally level flame is produced. When it is necessary to replace the candle, the bottom of the sleeve and the spring-loaded insert are removed, another candle is inserted into the sleeve and the insert is replaced. The bottom of the sleeve, in the preferred form, extends slightly below the holder to allow replacement of the candle without removing the entire sleeve from the holder.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved candle holder that supports a spring-loaded candle in an upright position.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved candle holder that encases and conceals a spring-loaded candle.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved candle holder that is decorative and can be formed into a multitude of appealing shapes, styles, designs, etc.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved freestanding candle holder for holding a spring-loaded candle.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved candle holder for holding a spring-loaded candle wherein the candle can be replaced within the candle sleeve without removing the entire candle sleeve from the holder.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved candle holder for holding a spring-loaded candle to provide a consistent horizontally level flame.
REFERENCES:
patent: 166651 (1875-08-01), Swann
patent: 2480333 (1949-08-01), McClory
patent: 3371508 (1968-03-01), Nelson
patent: 4186430 (1980-01-01), Britton
patent: 4681534 (1987-07-01), Schneke et al.
patent: 16003 (1891-01-01), None
Garcia Group, Inc.
Gardner Groff Mehrman & Josephic P.C.
Yeung James C.
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