US3390043A - Decorative non-burning candle device - Google Patents

Description

June 25, 1968 D. B. HUMES DECORATIVE NON-BURNING CANDLE DEVICE Filed Nov. 19, 1964 INVENTOR. DANIEL B. HUME-s Bwmig ww ATTORNEYS United States Patent 0 3,390,043 DECORATIVE NON-BURNING CANDLE IBEVICE Daniel B. Humes, 3236 Paddington lLane, WinstonSalem,N.C. 27106 Filed Nov. 19, 1964, Ser. No. 412,446 2 Claims. (Cl. 16119) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A decorative non-burning candle device characterized by being convertible from a simulated unburned, new candle form to a simulated partially burned candle, as desired. The candle comprises an elongate body adapted to be mounted in a generally upright position and having an exterior appearance closely simulating an authentic unburned candle, an elongate cap having the external appearance closely simulating an authentic partially burned candle and adapted to be removably mounted on the upper end of the elongate body for simulating an authentic partially burned candle and adapted to be removed from the body when a simulated unburned candle is desired, and a convertible wick member in which one end thereof simulates a burned wick and the other end thereof simulates an unburned wick and adapted to be removably mounted in the upper end portion of the elongate body for providing the desired simulated burned or unburned candle appearance.

This invention relates to candles employed for decorative purposes, and more particularly to a decorative, nonburning candle device capable of being employed to realistically and alternatively simulate either an unburned can;

dle or a partially-burned candle.

A large percentage of the candles sold at the present time in this country are employed for purely decorative, rather than utilitarian, purposes. Their complete, and in many cases even their partial, consumption by burning is not contemplated. In the interest of economy, such candles should desirably possess the characteristic of retaining an attractive and ornametal appearance over an extended period of time. Authentic Wax-constructed candles usually do not possess this characteristic, having a tendency to eventually bend, sag or break and to collect particles of dust or grime upon their surface which cannot easily be completely removed. The foregoing deficiencies are well known, as evidenced by there now being commercially available various types of artificialities, usually constructed of glass, intended to simulate an authentic unburned candle and to be used for decorative purposes in lieu thereof. However, many of these artificialities are not satisfactory due to their possessing an unrealistic appearance, and/or being quite susceptible to breakage, and/or being prohibitively expensive. In addition, and of primary importance, the known artificialities fail to evidence recognition of the fact that the features sought in a candle to be used for decorative purposes vary in accordance with both the taste of the particular user and the particular setting in which the candle is to be employed. Thus, while a simulated unburned candle might be desired by one particular person for use in one particular setting, for instance in a candelabra to be employed in conjunction with a formal dinner, a simulated partially-burned candle might be demanded by another individual for use in the same setting or by the first person for use in a less formal environment. Variance also exists relative to the precise features desired by different individuals in a decorative partially-burned candle, some persons desiring only the wick component thereof to be blackened and others desiring the entire upper portion of the candle to present a Wax-dripped appearance. Neither authentic candles nor presently-known simulated ones are capable of being em- Patented June. 25, 15368 ployed so as to completely and economically satisfy these varying needs and tastes of purchasers.

With the foregoing in mind, the primary object of this invention is the provision of a decorative non-burning candle device that can be employed over prolonged periods of time to realistically and alternatively simulate either an unburned candle or a partially-burned candle, so as to satisfy the different aesthetic demands of a variety of potential purchasers and also satisfy the different needs associated with its utilization by any one purchaser in a variety of settings.

Another object is the provision of a device of the type described which is of economical and simple construction, is durable, and is capable of being readily cleaned, such that its benefits can be enjoyed for a relatively small expense due both to its initial low cost and long useful life.

Still other objects and advantages will be in part evident and in part pointed out hereinafter in the following description of an illustrative embodiment of the invention, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIGURE 1 is an exploded elevational view of a device embodying the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an elevational view of the device of FIG- URE l assembled to simulate a partially-burned waxdripped candle;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged vertical cross section taken substantially along the line 3-3 through the device of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged vertical cross section taken substantially along the line 4-ti through a component of the device of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged horizontal cross section taken substantially along the line 5-5 through a component of the device of FIGURE 1.

Referring more specifically to the drawing, the device shown in FIGURE 1 includes generally a base member 19, a main body member 12, a cap member M, and a plug member 16 which includes a wick member 38. All of the components of the device, with the exception of wickrn-ember 18, are preferably formed from a plastic material such as polyethylene, to which a suitable sub stance has been added to impart a white or other desired color thereto, which can be quickly and economically formed by a molding operation into the desired shapes. When its components are so formed, the device closely simulates to a remarkable degree an authentic waxconstructed candle, both to the eye and to the touch, and is additionally readily cl anable and substantially nonbreakable.

Main body member 12 of the device comprises, as shown, an elongate hollow body having the circular crosssection, smooth exterior surface, and the upwardly-extending taper, from its open lower end 28 to its closed upper end 22, of one well-known type of authentic waxconstructed candle. Base member Iii of the device similarly has the circular cross-sectional shape, verticallyfluted exterior surface, and downwardly-extending taper or" the base portion of such an authentic wax constructed candle, which base portion is adapted to be received within a candle holder or the like for mounting the candle in a generally upright position. Base member Iii may constitute and'be formed as an integral part of body member 12. The molding operation by which the device is preferably produced is facilitated, however, if base member Iii is formed as a separate component, as shown, in which event it is provided with an upwardly extending, reduced-diameter boss 24 adapted to be closely received within the open lower end 2i) of main body member 12 so as to secure base member It by a friction fit to the lower end of member 12.

The wick component of the present device similarly might comprise a small length of yarn or other flexible wick-simulating material formed integral with and extending a short distance upwardly from the upper end 22 of main body member 12. The preferred construction, however, is that shown in the drawing and in which the upper end 22 of body member 12 is provided with an axially-extending bore 2s therethrough. Bore 26 is of a size and shape adapted to closely receive and thus removably retain plug member 16 of the device therewithin. Plug member in is of a enerally cylindrical shape and is provided at its opposite ends with centrally-located concave and convex surfaces, 16, 16", respectively. Wick member 18, which may be formed of yarn, extends axially of plug member in and has its medial portion permanently embedded therewithin. One end length 18 of wick member 18 extends a short distance beyond concave surface 16 of plug member 16 and the opposite end length 18 similarly extends a short distance beyond convex surface 16''. End length 18' of Wick member 18 is frayed and blackened, as by coloring or actual charring thereof, so as to simulate an authentic partiallyburned candle wick, while end length 18" simulates the exposed wick portion of an authentic unburned candle.

Cap member 14 of the device comprises a tubular sheath-like body having an open lower end 28 and closed upper end 36, and is adapted to be removably mounted upon and to snugly enclose, in telescopic or mating relationship, the upper end portion of main body member 12. in the case of the specific embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawing, therefor, the inner surface of cap member 14 is circular in vertical cross section (see FIGURE 5) and of an upwardly-decreasing diameter closely approximating the upwardly-decreasing outer diameter of the upper portion of body member 12. Cap member 14- is intended to simulate the upper portion of an authentic wax-constructed candle of the same size and type as simulated by body member 12, but which has been partially burned. To this end, cap member 14 is of a relatively thin-walled construction, which it may be even to the point of transparency since supported along all or a substantial portion of its length by body member 12, and has randomly spaced upon its exterior surface a plurality of tear-drop projections simulating the wax-drippings found upon a partially-burned authentic candle. The lower end 28 of cap member 14 is irregularly formed such that the projections upon its exterior surface do not all terminate at the same horizontal plane, but rather are randomly staggered in the manner of authentic wax drippings.

In keeping with the alternative construction previously mentioned with respect to main body member 12, cap member 14, might be formed with a simulated wick permanently embedded within and projecting upwardly from its upper end 36. However, the preferred form of the invention shown in the drawing provides in lieu thereof 7 an axial opening or bore 32 extending through the upper end 30 of cap member 14. Bore 32 corresponds generally in size and shape to bore 2% in body member 12, although it may additionally be provided with a slight downwardlyextending irregularity 32, as shown, and is so located as to be alined with bore 26 when cap member 14 is mounted upon body member 12.

The versatility of utilization of the present device is readily apparent. When it is desired to simulate an authentic unburned candle, one merely attaches base member to body member 12, assuming that they have neither been integrally formed or previously connected, and inserts plug member 15 within bore 26 such that convex surface 16" of the former is uppermost and approximately level with the terminal exterior surface of end 22 of member 12. All features of the resulting assembly, including the then-exposed convex surface 16" and end length is" of wick member 18 coincide with the appearance of an authentic unburned candle of the same size and shape. If it should be desired to simulate a candle which has been partially burned to a minor extent, plug member 16 is merely removed from bore 26, inverted, and then reinserted therewithin. The then-uppermost concave surface 16' of plug member 16 and blackened end length 18' of wick member 18 immediately cause the thus-modified assembly to present the desired appearance. If simulation of an authentic candle which has been burned to a greater extent is desired, then cap member 14 is mounted upon the upper end portion of body member 12 as shown in FIGURE 2 of the drawing, with the cap member enclosing and overlying the upper end portion of the body member and with concave surface 16' of plug member 16 and end length 18 of wick member 13 projecting through the bore 32. In the latter regard, any res-adjustment of plug member 16 which might be desired to more realistically position concave surface 16 thereof relative to the exterior surface of end 3% of cap member 14 can be easily made merely by pulling slightly upon end length 33' of wick member 18.

It will thus be seen that there has been provided a device realizing the objects and possessing the benefits and advantages hereinbefore noted. The device is capable of being employed ti realistically simulate authentic candles in their original unburned state, or in partially burned states, and is inexpensive, durable and capable of being readily cleaned when necessary.

Although a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is understood that this was for purposes of illustration only, and not for purposes of limitation, since various modifications and alternative embodiments within the scope of the invention and of the following claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, other types and shapes of authentic candles, such as those possessing fluted surface along their entire heights, might be simulated. Further and as previously mentioned, a simulated wick member might be permanently embedded at the upper end of main body member and/or cap member of the present device. If the cap member were provided with such a permanent simulated wick, it would of course preferably have the appearance of a partially-burned one, and it would be unnecessary for the cap and main body members to fully and completely mate together.

That which is claimed is:

1. A decorative non-burning candle device characterized by being convertible from a simulated unburned, new candle form to a simulated partially burned candle form, said candle device comprising:

(a) elongate body means adapted to be mounted in a generally upright position and having an exterior appearance closely simulating an authentic unburned candle;

(b) elongate cap means removably mounted upon and surrounding the upper end portion of said body means and having an external appearance closely simulating an authentic partially burned candle when mounted on said body means and allowing said candle device to simulate an unburned, new candle when removed from said body means; and

(c) a reversible wick means removably mounted in the upper end of said body means and having a wick portion on one end thereof simulating a burned candle wick and a wick portion on the other end thereof simulating an unburned candle wick and adapted to be mounted in the body means of said candle device with either the unburned wick portion or the burned wick portion exposed and extending from the upper end of the candle device to simulate either a partially burned candle or a new, unburned candle.

2. A decorative, non-burning candle device, as set forth in claim 1 in which said reversible wick means further comprises a generally cylindrical shaped plug member having an axial bore therethrough, an elongate continuous wick member of yarn disposed within and extend- 5 ing through said bore beyond each end thereof a short distance and presenting a frayed, blackened surface on one end thereof simulating a burned wick and presenting a surface on the other end thereof simulating an unburned wick.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS ROBERT F.

Sidwell 161-19 Deckert 161-19 X Grieves et a1. Saier. Raymond 161-19 X BURNETT, Primary Examiner.

JACOB H. STEINBERG, Examiner.

10 W. A. POWELL, Assistant Examiner.

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