Abstract:
A candle unit including multiple candle characteristics, such as multiple candle colors and/or multiple candle scents. The candle unit is specifically configured and adapted to be invertible/repositionable, such that when the candle unit is in a first orientation, a first characteristic is perceptible, and when the candle unit is in an inverted, second orientation, a second characteristic is perceptible. Thus, the user may effectively change the characteristics of the candle unit simply by inverting/transitioning the candle unit between different operative orientations, as opposed to swapping out the candle unit for a different candle unit.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable 
       STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    1. Technical Field 
         [0004]    The present disclosure relates generally to a candle unit, and more specifically, to a candle unit having multiple candles arranged such that the candle unit can be selectively inverted, flipped, or otherwise transitioned between at least two different configurations to more prominently display and use at least one of the candles. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    Candles are well known and have been used extensively for lighting, ornamental effect, aromatherapy, and ceremonial purposes. A typical candle includes an ignitable wick embedded in a wax material. The wax material typically defines a color and scent which is emitted when the wick is ignited and burns. 
         [0007]    In many instances, a single candle is associated with a single color and also a single scent. Common scents include cinnamon, vanilla, floral scents, fruit scents, seasonal scents, etc. In view of the numerous colors and scents associated with different candles, consumers oftentimes desire a variety of color and/or scents, which typically cannot be accommodated by a single candle and thus, consumers may purchase several candles which are different colors, scents, shapes, etc. 
         [0008]    Although buying several different candles provides additional variety, there are drawbacks associated therewith. For instance, the individual may not be able to use all of the candles at once, and thus, the individual may be required to store several candles during periods of nonuse. In many cases, the additional storage space available to the individual may be limited, and thus, the user may be restricted to the number and variety of candles which can be stored. Additionally, when the user wants to use a candle that is being stored, the user must retrieve the candle from storage, and in some cases, place another candle back in storage. This tends to be tedious, and in many instances, the user will forego swapping out the candles and just settle on the candle currently displayed. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a candle unit that allows for ease in varying the candle(s) displayed by a user. Various aspects of the present disclosure address this particular need, as will be discussed in more detail below. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0010]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is depicted a candle unit including multiple candle characteristics, such as multiple candle colors and/or multiple candle scents. The candle unit is specifically configured and adapted to be invertible/repositionable, such that when the candle unit is in a first orientation, a first characteristic is perceptible, and when the candle unit is in an inverted, second orientation, a second characteristic is perceptible. Thus, the user may effectively change the characteristics of the candle unit simply by inverting/transitioning the candle unit between different operative orientations, as opposed to swapping out the candle unit for a different candle unit. 
         [0011]    According to one embodiment, there is provided a candle unit adapted for use on an underlying support surface in at least two different orientations. The candle unit includes a dividing wall, as well as first and second support surfaces, each being spaced from the dividing wall and located on opposed sides of the dividing wall. A first peripheral wall extends from the dividing wall in a first direction and terminates to define at least a portion of the first support surface. The first peripheral wall and dividing wall collectively define a first recess. A first candle body is located within the first recess. A second peripheral wall extends from the dividing wall in a second direction opposite the first direction and terminates to define at least a portion of the second support surface. The second peripheral wall and dividing wall collectively define a second recess. A second candle body is located within the second recess. The candle unit is selectively transitional between a first orientation and a second orientation. In the first orientation, the second support surface faces toward the underlying support surface and the first support surface faces away from the underlying support surface to enable exposure of the first candle body. In the second orientation, the first support surface faces toward the underlying support surface and the second support surface faces away from the underlying support surface to enable exposure of the second candle body. 
         [0012]    The first peripheral wall may be disposed about a first axis to define a circular configuration. The second peripheral wall may be disposed about a second axis substantially coaxially aligned with the first axis. 
         [0013]    The first candle body defines a first color and the second candle body defines a second color different from the first color. The first candle body may be adapted to emit a first scent and the second candle body may be adapted to emit a second scent different from the first scent. 
         [0014]    The first candle body and the second candle body may both be made of wax. 
         [0015]    The candle unit may further include a first wick located within the first candle body and a second wick located in the second candle body. 
         [0016]    The candle unit may additionally comprise a third peripheral wall extending from the dividing wall in the first direction and terminating to define at least a portion of the first support surface, the third peripheral wall and dividing wall collectively defining a third recess. A fourth peripheral wall may extend from the dividing wall in the second direction and terminate to define at least a portion of the second support surface, with the fourth peripheral wall and dividing wall collectively defining a fourth recess. 
         [0017]    According to another embodiment, there is provided an invertible candle unit adapted for use on an underlying support surface in multiple configurations. The invertible candle unit includes a first support surface adapted to be disposable adjacent the underlying support surface for supporting the candle unit in a first orientation. The candle unit further includes a second support surface adapted to disposable adjacent the underlying support surface for supporting the candle unit in a second orientation inverted relative to the first orientation. A first holder body defines a first recess and at least a portion of the first support surface. A second holder body defines a second recess and at least a portion of the second support surface. A first candle body is located within the first recess and a second candle body located within the second recess. 
         [0018]    According to yet another embodiment, there is provided a multi-sided candle unit adapted for use with an underlying support surface, the multi-sided candle unit includes a candle body having a plurality of outer surfaces angularly offset from each other, and a plurality of recesses extending into the candle body from respective ones of the plurality of outer surfaces, with the plurality of recesses being spaced from each other. A plurality of candles are located in respective ones of the plurality of recesses. The candle body is selectively positionable over the underlying support surface in a plurality of different orientations, with each orientation being associated with a different outer surface facing toward the underlying support surface. 
         [0019]    The plurality of outer surfaces may collectively form a polyhedron. 
         [0020]    The present disclosure will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is an upper perspective view of a first embodiment of a candle unit adapted to be invertible between two orientations; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is an upper perspective view of the candle unit depicted in  FIG. 1 , with a pair of candles being exploded from the candle holder; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a side sectional view of the candle unit depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a second embodiment of a candle unit adapted to be invertible between two orientations; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a side sectional view of the candle unit depicted in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a top view of a third embodiment of a candle unit adapted to be invertible between two orientations; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a side sectional view of the candle unit depicted in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a six-sided candle unit; and 
           [0030]      FIGS. 9 and 10  are perspective view of different candle units each forming a polyhedron with a different number of sides. 
       
    
    
       [0031]    Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to indicate the same elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a candle unit and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the various structure and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments, but it is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent structure and/or functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one entity from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , there is depicted a first embodiment of a candle unit  10 , which generally includes a candle holder  12  and a pair of candles  14 ,  16  which are located within respective recesses  18 ,  20  formed in the candle holder  12 . The candle unit  10  is adapted for use on an underlying support surface  22  in at least two different orientations. A first orientation is shown in  FIG. 3 , with a first candle  14  being positioned for use and the second candle  16  being positioned under the first candle  14  and positioned between the candle holder  12  and the underlying support surface  22 . However, the candle unit  10  may be easily inverted to swap the positions of the first and second candles  14 ,  16 . In particular, when the candle unit  10  is in the second position, the second candle  16  is positioned for use and the first candle  14  is positioned under the second candle  16  and between the candle holder  12  and the underlying support surface  22 . Therefore, the candle unit  10  serves multiple purposes, as it allows a user to quickly and easily swap one candle for another, thereby changing the characteristics of the displayed candle, such as the scent and color of the candle being burned. The candle unit  10  also allows for convenience storage or placement. 
         [0034]    According to one embodiment, the candle unit  10  includes a first holder body  24  and a second holder body  26 . In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second holder bodies  24 ,  26  are integrally coupled to each other to define a single unit, although it is contemplated that in other embodiments, the first holder body  24  may be detachably coupled to the second holder body  26 , such as via a cooperative threaded engagement, or through the use of magnets or other mechanical fasteners known in the art. The first holder body  24  includes a first peripheral wall  28  disposed about a first axis  29 , and the second holder body  30  includes a second peripheral wall  30  disposed about a second axis  31 , with the first and second peripheral walls  28 ,  30  being minor images of each other. A dividing wall  32  extends between the first and second recesses  18 ,  20 , such that the first recess  18  is collectively defined by the dividing wall  32  and the first peripheral wall  28  and the second recess  20  is collectively defined by the dividing wall  32  and the second peripheral wall  30 . The first peripheral wall  28  extends from the dividing wall  32  in a first direction and terminates to define a first support surface  34 , while the second peripheral wall  30  extends from the dividing wall  32  in a second direction and terminates to define a second support surface  36 . As will be explained in more detail below, the first and second support surfaces  34 ,  36  are configured to individually support the candle unit  10  on the underlying support surface  22 . 
         [0035]    The first and second holder bodies  24 ,  26  may take on various shapes and sizes. In the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , the first and second peripheral walls  28 ,  30  define a tapered, cylindrical configuration, with the diameter of each peripheral wall  28 ,  30  being the smallest adjacent the dividing wall and increasing to a maximum diameter at the respective support surface  34 ,  36 . Although the exemplary embodiment includes tapered peripheral walls  28 ,  30 , it is contemplated that the candle unit  10  may include non-tapered peripheral walls  28 ,  30 . Furthermore, while the holder bodies  24 ,  26  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  include a circular cross sectional configuration, it is understood that the holder bodies may be quadrangular, triangular, polygonal, or any other shape or configuration known in the art. 
         [0036]    The holder bodies  24 ,  26  may be made of any material known in the art that is commonly used in forming a candle holder. For instance, the holder bodies  24 ,  26  may be formed from glass, plastic, metal or other suitable materials. The holder bodies  24 ,  26  may be transparent, opaque, frosted, stained, etched, or have other finishes applied thereto. 
         [0037]    Each candle  14 ,  16  includes a respective candle body  38 ,  40  and a wick  42 ,  44  extending through the corresponding candle body  38 ,  40 . The candle bodies  38 ,  40  may be the same or different. For instance, the candle bodies  38 ,  40  may have different colors, different scents, different accents (e.g., items embedded within the candle wax), different wicks (e.g., string or wood), or other characteristics which may differ. 
         [0038]    The candle unit  10  is selectively transitional between a first orientation and a second orientation, depending on which candle  14 ,  16  the user wants to more prominently feature or display. In the first orientation, which is shown in  FIG. 3 , the second support surface  36  faces the underlying support surface  22  and the first support surface  34  faces away from the support surface  22  to enable exposure of the first candle  14 . When the candle unit  10  is in the first orientation, the support surface  22  effectively closes the second recess  20  so as to contain the second candle  16  therein. The candle unit  10  is adapted to be easily transitioned from the first orientation to the second orientation. In the second orientation, the first support surface  34  faces toward the underlying support surface  22  and the second support surface  36  faces away from the support surface  22  to enable exposure of the second candle  16 . When the candle unit  10  is in the second orientation, the support surface  22  effectively closes the first recess  18  so as to contain the first candle  14  therein. 
         [0039]    The ease in transitioning the candle unit  10  between the first and second orientations is as easy as inverting the candle unit  10  on the support surface  22 . In this respect, the candle unit  10  is multi-functional, as it allows for display of one candle, along with simultaneous storage or containment of another candle at the same location. Therefore, the user is not required to store the other candle in a remote storage location. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 1-3  show the candle unit  10  as being two-sided, with one candle on each side. Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is depicted another embodiment of a candle unit  110  which is two-sided, but includes multiple candles on each side. The candle unit  110  is selectively transitional between first and second orientations, with the candles on a first side are exposed when the candle unit  110  is in the first orientation, and the candles on a second side are exposed when the candle unit  110  is in the second orientation. 
         [0041]    The candle unit  110  includes seven first side candles  112  on a first side of the candle unit  110  and seven second side candles  114  on a second side of the candle unit  110 . Each first side candle  112  is received within a respective first side holder body  116 , with each first side holder body  116  defining a respective recess  118  adapted to receive one of the candles  112 . Likewise, each second side candle  114  is received within a respective second side holder body  120 , with each second side holder body  120  defining a respective recess  122  adapted to receive one of the candles  114 . 
         [0042]    In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 5 , all of the holder bodies  116 ,  120  are integrally formed with each other to define a single unit. However, it is understood that the holder bodies  116 ,  120  may be detachably engaged with each other. For instance, the candle unit  110  may include a separating plate (not shown) to which the holder bodies  116 ,  120  may be detachably engaged. 
         [0043]    A dividing wall  124  extends between the first and second recess  118 ,  122  and partially defines the recesses  118 ,  122 . The recesses  118 ,  122  are further defined by a plurality of peripheral walls which extend from the dividing wall  124 . In particular, a plurality of first side peripheral walls  126  extend from the dividing wall  124  in a first direction and terminate to collectively define a first support surface  128 , while a plurality of second side peripheral walls  130  extend from the dividing wall  124  in a second direction and terminate to collectively define a second support surface  132 . 
         [0044]    The candle unit  110  is selectively transitional between a first orientation and a second orientation, depending on which set of candles  112 ,  114  the user wants to more prominently feature or display. In the first orientation, the second support surface  132  faces the underlying support surface  22  and the first support surface  128  faces away from the support surface  22  to enable exposure of the first set of candles  112 . When the candle unit  110  is in the first orientation, the support surface  22  effectively closes the second recesses  122  so as to contain the second set of candles  114  therein. The candle unit  110  is adapted to be easily transitioned from the first orientation to the second orientation. In the second orientation, the first support surface  128  faces toward the underlying support surface  22  and the second support surface  132  faces away from the support surface  22  to enable exposure of the second set of candles  114 . When the candle unit  110  is in the second orientation, the support surface  22  effectively closes the first recesses  118  so as to contain the first set of candles  112  therein. 
         [0045]    The candle unit  110  may be desirable when the user wants to display a plurality, set, or grouping of candles at once. With a single flip or inversion of the candle unit  110 , the user may change the candles displayed by the candle unit  110 . As with the candle unit  10  discussed above, the candles included in candle unit  110  may be similar or different. For instance, the first set of candles  112  may be warm colors (red, orange, etc.), while the second set of candles  113  may be cool colors (blue, green, etc.). Furthermore, the scents may vary from one candle to the next. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show a variation of a candle unit  210  which functions in a similar manner to the candle unit  110  discussed above. Therefore, the following discussion will focus on the unique features of the candle unit  210 , which primarily relates to its shape. In particular, the candle unit  210  includes a plurality of first side candles  212  arranged on a first side of the candle unit  210  and a plurality of second side candles  214  arranged on a second side of the candle unit  210 . Each first side candle  212  is located within a first side recess  216 , and each second side candle  214  is located within a second side recess  218 . From the perspective shown in  FIG. 6 , the candle unit  210  includes a quadrangular outer peripheral  220  and pair of diagonal walls  222 ,  224  extending between opposed corners of the peripheral wall  220  to define the triangular shaped recesses  216 ,  218 . In this respect, portions of the outer peripheral wall  220  as well as portions of the diagonal walls  222 ,  224  define the peripheral walls of the respective recesses  216 ,  218 . A dividing wall  226  extends between the recesses  216 ,  218  and further defines a portion of the recesses  216 ,  218 . 
         [0047]    The candle unit  210  includes opposed first and second support surfaces  228 ,  230  for supporting the candle unit  210  on an underlying support surface  22  in different orientations. In particular, second support surface  230  faces toward the underlying support surface  22  to place the candle unit  210  in a first orientation for exposing candles  212 . Conversely, first support surface  228  faces toward the underlying support surface  22  to place the candle unit  210  in a second orientation for exposing candles  214 . 
         [0048]    According to another embodiment, and referring now specifically to  FIG. 8 , there is depicted a candle unit  310  which is configured similar to a die (e.g., singular of dice), and thus, is of a cuboid shape, including six sides  312 ,  314 ,  316 ,  318 ,  320 ,  322 . Each side  312 ,  314 ,  316 ,  318 ,  320 ,  322  includes a different number of recess(es) formed therein, with a candle  315  being located in each recess. In particular, a first side  312  includes one recess, a second side  314  includes two recesses, a third side  316  includes three recesses, a fourth side  320  includes four recesses, a fifth side  318  includes five recesses and a sixth side  322  includes six recesses. The recesses are arranged on the respective sides similar to the markings/dots on a conventional die. Each recess is defined by a peripheral wall  324  which extends into the candle unit  310  from the respective side. 
         [0049]    The candle unit  310  may be placed in one of six different orientations, with each side  312 ,  314 ,  316 ,  318 ,  320 ,  322  being positionable in a direction facing an underlying support surface  22  when the candle unit  310  assumes the various orientations. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 8 , the candle unit  310  is oriented with side  318  facing downwardly (and presumably toward a support surface  22 ), with side  314  facing an upward direction. The side  314  includes two recesses, which correspond to the number 2 on a die. 
         [0050]    The candle unit  310  differs from the previous candle units described above in that the previous candle units were two sided, and thus, one candle (or group of candles) was exposed, while the other candle (or group of candles) was concealed when the candle unit was in the first or second orientation. In contrast, the candle unit  310  includes several groups of candles which are exposed when the candle unit is in any one of the six different orientations, while only one group of candle(s) remains covered. For instance, in  FIG. 8 , side  318  is the only side which faces downwardly, and thus, the candles on sides  312 ,  314 ,  316 ,  320 , and  322  may remain exposed. 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , there is shown different embodiments of candle units  410 ,  510 , each of which are polyhedrons (e.g., a three dimensional solid figure in which each side is a flat surface) generally resembles a spherical shape. In this respect, the term “spherical” is used broadly as the polyhedron candle units  410 ,  510  are not perfectly round, and rather, the outer periphery is defined by a plurality of generally planar surfaces. However, those planar surfaces are arranged in a generally spherical configuration, similar to a spherical ball. Each of the candle units  410 ,  510  is comprised of a plurality of triangular outer surfaces  411 ,  511  and triangular recesses  412 ,  512  extending into the candle unit  410 ,  510  from a respective triangular outer surface  411 ,  511 . Each recess  412 ,  512  includes a candle  415 ,  515  located therein. As noted above in relation to the previously described candle units, the candles located in candle units  410 ,  510  may be the same or different. The primary difference between candle unit  410  and candle unit  510  is that candle unit  510  includes more recesses  512  than candle unit  410 . The candle units  410 ,  510  may be supported by at least one of the triangular outer surfaces  411 ,  511 . In this respect, the candle unit  410 ,  510  may be rolled or rotated to a desired position to display the candles  415 ,  515  which are preferred by the user. 
         [0052]    The particulars shown herein are by way of example only for purposes of illustrative discussion, and are not presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show any more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the different features of the various embodiments, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how these may be implemented in practice.