Abstract:
As described, the present invention provides a drip wax collector device configured to collect drip wax from a burning candle. The device may comprise a shell and removable liner, wherein the shell may obscure visibility of the collected drip wax. The drip wax collector may comprise stabilizing features on one or both the shell and the removable liner, wherein the stabilizing features may secure the position of the candle and the drip wax collector within the cavity of a candlestick holder.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/882,464, filed on Sep. 25, 2013, and is incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a drip wax collector comprising a shell and removable liner. More particularly, the present invention relates to a drip wax collector configured to stabilize a candle within the cavity of a candlestick holder. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Candles were historically necessary to illuminate the dark and their popularity endures despite the introduction of electricity. Today, the light of a candle may offer a softer lighting option than an electrical source, and candles are often used to transform the ambience. The drippings of hot wax from a lit candle may be damaging and unsightly. A traditional solution to collecting drip wax includes adding ledges into the design of the candlestick, which may prevent the wax from damaging a tabletop or tablecloth. However, the wax drippings are usually visible and difficult to remove. Solutions that are more recent involve cheap and disposable discs that may be slipped over the candle, which may allow for easier removal of the wax but are still unattractive. 
         [0006]    Another issue particularly associated with tapered candles is stabilizing the candle within the candlestick holder. The candle is rarely tailored to a particular candlestick holder, and maintaining the candle in an upright position often requires patience and technique. Some individuals may drip some of the wax into the cavity of the candlestick holder prior to placing the candle, allowing the wax to establish a foundation for the candle. Often, an individual will adjust the candle throughout use, as the uneven dripping of the wax down the candle may destabilize the position of the candle within the candlestick holder. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Accordingly, there exists a need for a better wax collector, one that may solve multiple issues in a safe, convenient, and aesthetically appealing way. The present invention provides a device to collect drip wax from a burning candle, wherein the device may comprise a shell and removable liner. In some exemplary embodiments, the shell may obscure visibility of the collected drip wax. The drip wax collector may comprise stabilizing features on one or both the shell and the removable liner, wherein the stabilizing features may secure the position of the candle and the drip wax collector within the cavity of a candlestick holder. 
         [0008]    One general aspect comprises a drip wax collector device configured to stabilize a candle, the drip wax collector including: a removable liner configured to collect drip wax from the candle. The drip wax collector device may also comprise a shell, where the shell comprises a stabilizing ring located at a base of the shell, where the stabilizing ring is configured to align the shell and the removable liner with a candle-holding cavity, a wall extending in at least a partially vertical direction from a perimeter of the base, where the wall is configured to obscure the drip wax collected in the removable liner, and a first opening on the base configured to receive the removable liner and the candle. 
         [0009]    Implementations may comprise one or more of the following features. The drip wax collector device where the removable liner further comprises a stabilization feature configured to stabilize the candle within one or both the removable liner or the candle-holding cavity. The drip wax collector device where the stabilization feature comprises a candle-piercing mechanism. The drip wax collector device where the removable liner comprises a disposable material. The drip wax collector device where the removable liner comprises a plurality of removable liners, where the plurality of removable liners are arranged in layers. The drip wax collector device where the disposable material comprises a foil. The drip wax collector device where the removable liner comprises a reusable material. The drip wax collector device where the reusable material comprises a silicone. The drip wax collector device where the wall comprises a decorative feature. The drip wax collector device where the decorative feature comprises one or more petals of a flower, where the one or more petals are configured to form the wall. 
         [0010]    The drip wax collector device where the shell comprises a first material and the removable liner comprises a second material. The drip wax collector device where the removable liner further comprises a fitting mechanism configured to stabilize the removable liner within the candle-holding cavity. The drip wax collector device where the fitting mechanism comprises a texturing on an exterior of the removable liner. The drip wax collector device where the texturing comprises a series of flexible protrusions. The drip wax collector device where the wall comprises a metal. The drip wax collector device where the wall comprises a formable polymer. The drip wax collector device where the wall comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, where the outer layer comprises a heat-resistant material. The drip wax collector device where the outer layer comprises a porcelain. The drip wax collector device where the stabilizing ring comprises a slip-resistant material. The drip wax collector device where the stabilizing ring comprises a rubber. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an assembled drip wax collector with a shell and removable liner, wherein the drip wax collector may be capable of stabilizing a candle. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2A  illustrates exemplary process steps for assembling the drip collector and placing the drip collector in a candlestick holder. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2B  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an assembled drip wax collector placed in a candlestick holder. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an assembled drip wax collector placed in a candlestick holder, wherein the drip wax collector may be collecting wax drippings from a lit candle. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3B  illustrates exemplary process steps for removing a previously lit candle and the removable liner from the drip wax collector and candlestick holder. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate exemplary embodiments of a drip wax collector placed in a candlestick holder, wherein the drip wax collector may accommodate candles within a range of heights and diameters and may fit in candlestick holders within a range of diameters. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of an assembled drip wax collector  100  with a shell  150  and removable liner  115 , wherein the removable liner  115  comprises stabilization features  110 ,  105 , is illustrated. In some exemplary embodiments, the shell  150  may comprise a wall  130  capable of limiting the visibility of collected candle wax. The wall  130  may comprise the borders of the receiving portion  140 , which may comprise an opening capable of receiving the removable liner  115  and a candle. The wall  130  may be sloped to guide the removable liner  115  to the center of the shell  150 . 
         [0019]    In such exemplary embodiments, the wall  130  may additionally comprise a decorative function. For example, the wall  130  may be designed to have the appearance of flower petals. Accordingly, a candle placed through the receiving portion  140  of the drip wax collector may appear to be held by a flower, such as a lily or a tulip. 
         [0020]    In some aspects, the wall  130  may comprise a formable polymer, such as a silicone or acrylic. In some embodiments, the wall  130  may comprise a metal, such as, for example, silver, aluminum, iron, or stainless steel. In some embodiments, the wall may comprise a formable material that may be coated in a heat-resistant layer, such as porcelain. In some implementations, the wall  130  may be colored, wherein the coloration may be added through painting, tinting, or dyeing, for example. 
         [0021]    In some exemplary embodiments, the shell  150  may further comprise a stabilizing ring  120 , which may stabilize the contact area between the shell  150  and the candlestick. In some such embodiments, the stabilizing ring  120  may comprise a more pliable material than other portions of the shell  150 . For example, the stabilizing ring  120  may comprise a rubber or plastic that may displace the weight differences that may be caused by uneven contact between the surface of the candlestick holder and the stabilizing ring  120 . The stabilizing ring  120  may also reduce slippage between the shell  150  and the candlestick holder. 
         [0022]    In still further exemplary embodiments, the shell  150  may comprise a centering or locking mechanism  125 . The locking mechanism  125  may secure the position of the removable liner  115  within the drip wax collector  100 . By securing the position of the removable liner  115 , the locking mechanism  125  may also stabilize the position of the shell  150  relative to the candlestick holder. 
         [0023]    In some exemplary embodiments, the removable liner  115  may comprise a concave shape that may fit within a cavity of a candlestick holder. In such examples, the removable liner  115  may cover most or all the surface of the cavity, limiting or preventing contact between the candlestick holder and wax drippings. In exemplary embodiments, the removable liner  115  may comprise a heat resistant material capable of withstanding the temperatures associated with a burning candle and melted candle wax, which may range from 30 to 70 degrees Celsius, for example. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, the removable liner  115  may comprise a heat-resistant disposable material, wherein the removable liner  115  may be discarded after use. A disposable removable liner  115  may be used for multiple uses or for a single use. In some embodiments, the removable liner  115  may comprise multiple layers of the disposable material, wherein a layer may be removed after each use. For example, the disposable removable liner  115  may comprise a paper, a foil, a fabric, or any other formable material. 
         [0025]    Alternatively, the removable liner  115  may comprise a reusable material, wherein the collected wax drippings may be washed or scraped from the reusable material. For example, the removable liner  115  may comprise a formable polymer, such as a pliable and slick rubber or plastic or silicone, wherein the removable liner  115  may be flipped inside out allowing for easier wax removal. In such examples, the wax may not adhere to the reusable material, which may allow the wax to be peeled off. 
         [0026]    In some exemplary embodiments, the removable liner  115  may comprise a candle stabilizer feature  105 , which may center and secure the position of a candle within the removable liner  115 . As an illustrative example, the candle stabilizer feature  105  may comprise a spike or other candle-piercing mechanism that may pierce the candle, such as at the bottom or the sides. The spikes may be arranged to accommodate a range of diameters, for example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4A-4C . As another example, the sides of the removable liner  115  may comprise downward facing protrusions, wherein a candle may be placed in the removable liner and a vertical pull may allow the protrusions to pierce the candle. 
         [0027]    In exemplary embodiments, the removable liner  115  may comprise a fitting feature  110 , which may secure the removable liner  115  within a candlestick holder. The fitting feature  110  may be located on the portion of the removable liner  115  that may be in contact with the candlestick holder. In some examples, the fitting feature  110  may comprise a textured material that may increase the friction between the exterior surface of the removable liner  115  and the candlestick holder. As an illustrative example, the fitting feature  110  may comprise pliable hairs, which may bend when placed in contact with the candlestick holder, such as illustrated in  FIG. 2B . 
         [0028]    In other embodiments, the stabilizer feature  105  and the fitting feature  110  may be integrated with the material of the removable liner  115 . For example, the removable liner  115  may comprise a rigid but foldable or bendable material, such as aluminum foil. In such examples, the removable liner  115  may comprise a general concave shape that may be further shaped to fit the base of a candle and the cavity of a candlestick holder. 
         [0029]    Referring now to  FIG. 2A , exemplary process steps for assembling the shell  250  and removable liner  215 , and placing the drip collector  215 ,  250  in a cavity  265  of a candlestick holder  260  are illustrated. In some exemplary embodiments, the removable liner  215  may be placed through the receiving portion  240  of the shell  250  and secured in placed by the locking feature  225  of the shell  250 . The removable liner  215  may be placed within the cavity  265  of the candlestick holder  260 , and the stabilizing ring  220  of the shell  250  may be placed in contact with the rim  263  of the candlestick holder  260 . 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, the order of placement may be varied. For example, the removable liner  215  may be placed in the shell  250  prior to placement in the cavity  265  or the reverse may occur. Similarly, the shell  250  may be placed on the rim  263  of the candlestick holder  260  prior to receiving the removable liner  215 . 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 2B , an exemplary embodiment of an assembled drip wax collector  200  placed in a candlestick holder  260  is illustrated. In some exemplary embodiments, the fitting feature  210  may be in contact with the walls of the cavity  265  of the candlestick holder  260 . As an illustrative example, the fitting feature  210  may comprise pliable hairs that may shift when placed in contact with the walls of the cavity  265 . The directional shift of the hairs may secure the position of the removable liner  215  within the cavity  265 . In some exemplary embodiments, the fitting feature  210  may allow a removable liner  215  to fit a range of candlestick  260  cavity  265  sizes, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 4B and 4C . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 3A , an exemplary embodiment of an assembled drip wax collector  300  placed in a candlestick holder  360 , wherein the drip wax collector  300  may be collecting wax drippings  385  from a lit candle  380 , is illustrated. In some exemplary embodiments, the candle  380  may be secured in place by the stabilizing feature  305  on the removable liner  315 . The position of the candle  380  within the removable liner  315  may allow the wax drippings  385  to pool within the removable liner  315 , limiting or preventing contact with the surfaces of the shell  350  and the cavity  365  of the candlestick holder  360 . In some embodiments, the walls  335  may be angled away from the candle  380  to further limit wax from dripping onto the shell  350 . In some exemplary embodiments, the walls  335  of the shell  350  may extend above the removable liner  315  obscuring the collection of wax drippings  385 . 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 3B , exemplary process steps for removing a previously lit candle  380  and the removable liner  315  from the shell  350  and cavity  365  of the candlestick holder  360  are illustrated. In some exemplary embodiments, a previously lit candle  380  may have dripped wax  385  into the removable liner  315 . The candle  380  may be removed from the candlestick holder  360  and the removable liner  315 , leaving the wax drippings  385  in the removable liner  315 . The removable liner  315  may contain the wax drippings  385 , limiting wax buildup on the surfaces on the walls  335  of the shell  350  and the cavity  365  of the candlestick holder  360 . 
         [0034]    In some exemplary embodiments, such as described in relation to  FIG. 1 , the wax drippings  385  may be cleaned out of the removable liner  315 , which may allow for multiple uses of the removable liner  315 . In some aspects, the removable liner  315  and wax drippings  385  may be discarded, and a new removable liner may be placed in the cavity  365  of the candlestick holder  360 . In embodiments where the removable liner  315  may be reusable, the fitting feature  310  may resume a neutral or reformable shape. Such attribute may allow for subsequent uses in the same or different candlestick holder  360  without significant loss of fitting capabilities. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A -4C , exemplary embodiments of a drip wax collector  400  placed in a candlestick holder  460 ,  473 , wherein the drip wax collector  400  may accommodate candles  470 ,  490  within a range of heights and diameters and may fit in candlestick holders  460 ,  473  within a range of cavity sizes, are illustrated. Referring to  FIG. 4A , in some exemplary embodiments, the removable liner  415  of a drip wax collector  400  may accommodate a candle  490  with a larger diameter. Referring to  FIG. 4B , in some exemplary embodiments, the removable liner  415  of the drip wax collector  400  may accommodate and stabilize a candle  470  with a smaller diameter in a candlestick holder  460  with a larger cavity  465 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 4C , in some exemplary embodiments, the removable liner  415  may fit in a candlestick holder  473  with a smaller cavity  475  and may accommodate a candle  470  with a smaller diameter. In  FIGS. 4A-4C , the stabilizing features  405  of the removable liner  415  may secure the positions of a candle  470 ,  490  of various sizes. Similarly, the fitting features  410 ,  405  may secure the position of the removable liner  415  within various sizes of cavities  465 ,  475 . In some exemplary embodiments, the stabilizing ring  420  may be larger than the candlestick holder  460 , wherein a portion of the stabilizing ring  420  may hang off the edge of the candlestick holder  460 . 
         [0037]    Although shown and described in what is believed to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it may be apparent that departures from specific designs and methods described and shown will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The present invention is not restricted to the particular constructions described and illustrated, but should be constructed to cohere with all modifications that may fall within the scope of the appended claims.