Abstract:
A washable, rechargeable electronic candle, with peripheral elements and a charging system. The electronic candle module is provided with a hermetically closed switch, hermetic charging pad elements and seal between a translucent flame cover. An electronic lighting source is visibly contained within the flame cover and is preferably comprised of multiple spaced apart light sources such as of LED lighting elements in a configuration to thereby create a three-dimensional flame appearance. The flame cover is sized to protect the light sources and to provide light diffusion of the lighting source in the configuration of an ovate candle flame. In addition, an opaque element is provided on the candle body, just below the level of the lighting source to provide an emulative effect of a darkened wick section of a candle. Included is a modular electronic candle emulation system with interchangeable candle modules, charger, shade, decorative bases, and fragrance holders.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to electronic candles and particularly electronic candles used in food environments, such as in restaurants, health spas, hotels and hospitality sites, and entertainment industry uses. The invention particularly relates to features and uses currently unavailable with electronic candles, the absence of which has retarded further growth of electronic candle proliferation and use. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Electronic candles are known, which generally emulate the appearance of flame candles by utilizing electronic or electronic circuitry in combination with light sources such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide a flickering and moving light. Electronic and electric candles are similar to the extent that they emulate a candle flame with an electric current with electric candles often defined as providing a steady unvarying light emulation. As used herein, electronic candles usually utilize electronic circuitry to provide variations in current or optical variations to more closely emulate a candle flame. 
     The electronic candles have become increasingly popular because of their obvious benefits related to environmental and safety considerations. However, by replacing real flame candles, authenticity of appearance must be maintained in order to retain and advance consumer acceptance. Currently available electronic candles are however deficient in this regard especially in the environments in which they are most often utilized. 
     Many of these candles are used for aesthetic appearance where a candle lit ambiance, with subdued lighting is desired but without the inherent dangers of open flames. A primary utilization of flame candles and increasingly electronic candles is in restaurants, particularly with the serving of dinners. There are however, inherent problems with such utilization. It is important, for aesthetic reasons, that an electronic candle be as realistic as possible to avoid an impression of a cheap imitation of a flame candle. Candle lit dinners are the epitome of elegance with a mood being spoiled by artificial looking candles especially by rechargeable electronic candles. Various features of flame candles have however not been successfully emulated. 
     Visual requirements of electronic candles include the necessity of keeping them clean, especially because of their long-term usability (flame candles are generally used once or until an unused portion becomes unsightly and then discarded and replaced). As described above, it is a further requirement that the electronic candles create a real flame appearance, including a real candle flame shape and randomness in an enclosure, rather than just a steady or simple blinking light effect, which constitutes the appearance of many current electric and electronic candles. The appearance emulation further includes candle shape and color suitable for the ambience of a particular environment. This is especially relevant if a partial or fully candle body is visible in a fixture, Other desired features include the emission of a fragrance of real candles or that of environmental aromas, at the user&#39;s discretion (e.g., scented candle emulation), ease of turning the candle on or off and the space minimization of charging fixtures. Presently available electronic candles are generally inadequate in many of the above regards. 
     In addition to appearance considerations, while the electronic candle is lit, the presence of food and food handlers, including the presence of various liquids, in restaurant environments, present cleaning problems with respect to reusable electronic candles. Real candles can simply be discarded and the candle holders washed, or otherwise cleaned. However, electronic candles, with contained electronic circuitry can be damaged by normal cleaning expedients. Though there have been electronic candles which are nominally considered to be waterproof, they often are not configured to be aesthetically emulative of flame candles. Furthermore, they are also usually not structured for maintaining waterproof capability under severe and repeated use or are overly costly. This is particularly true with respect to controls, supply of charging power and use of switching elements, which need to translate outside control movement and operative functions through a sealed wall. Many of such electronic candles therefore have fully contained primary or non-rechargeable batteries and are not adapted to be used with external ports for engagement with chargers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a rechargeable electronic candle module capable of being washed and cleaned and which comprises elements to enhance the realistic appearance and emulation of the flame candle appearance. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide the electronic candle module with an unobtrusive water resistant or hermetic easy access on/off and mode switch of the electronic candle. 
     Another object of the present invention is the facility in providing user, decorator or interior designer options and selections such as variations in candle body color and the providing of fragrances, within compartments, which do not detract from the visual appearance of the electronic candle module and its real flame candle emulation. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a rechargeable electronic candle module configured for engagement with a base charger, with a positive engagement, whereby the electronic candle remains constantly powered regardless of charger position or location or any attendant vibrations (e.g., on vehicles or cruise ships). The base charger can be positioned at any angle or even upside down to take advantage of available space and low ceiling applications. Candle modules of various configurations and designs are modularly configured to be interchangeably utilized with add on components such as single and multiple unit chargers, decorative charging bases and the like. 
     It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a modular candle emulation system with an hermetically or waterproof sealed candle emulation element, a charging/decorative base and a modular and interchangeable decorative cover or shade. Control switches and charging elements are otherwise inherently non-hermetic since they provide an operative function between an exterior and an interior of an item such as an electronic candle on/off switch and charging elements. 
     Generally the present invention comprises a washable or waterproof readily cleanable rechargeable electronic candle module element, with peripheral elements and a charging system. The electronic candle module is provided with a hermetically closed switch, hermetic charging pad elements and a hermetic seal between a translucent flame cover and an opaque candle body with different color options for the candle body. An electronic lighting source is visibly contained within the flame cover and is preferably comprised of multiple spaced apart light sources such as of LED lighting elements in a configuration to thereby create a three-dimensional flame appearance. The flame cover is preferably sized to protect the light sources and to provide light diffusion of the lighting source in the configuration of an ovate candle flame. In addition, an opaque element is provided on the candle body, just below the level of the lighting source to provide an emulative effect of a darkened wick section of a candle. The invention further comprises a modular electronic candle emulation system with interchangeable candle modules, charger, shade, decorative bases, fragrance holders and the like 
     The washable, readily cleanable rechargeable electronic candle module comprises: 
     a candle module body containing an electronic circuit and control element and a rechargeable battery for lighting control and powering of the electronic candle; 
     an electronic power and control switch on the candle module body; 
     at least one charging element configured to permit electronic charging of the rechargeable battery by an external power source; and 
     a light source configured to provide candle lighting emulation. 
     The light source extends from the candle module body and is electronically connected to the electronic circuit and control element and the rechargeable battery. The light source is contained within a translucent cover element integrated with the candle module body. All of the electronic power and control switch, the at least one charging element and the translucent cover element are hermetically sealed to the candle module body, whereby water and external fluids are prevented from entering the candle module body and translucent cover element. The rechargeable electronic candle module is accordingly capable of being washed and cleaned without damage to components thereof. 
     The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more evident from the following discussion and drawings in which: 
    
    
     
       SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is an exploded view of the electronic candle module of the present invention with deflecting switch and single unit charger/power supply; 
         FIG. 1B  is a side view of the assembled electronic candle module of  FIG. 1A  with separated deflection switch for positioning; 
         FIG. 1C  is an interior cross section view of the candle module of  FIG. 2B  through the deflection switch and seating base, when co-fitted; 
         FIG. 2A  is a bottom view of the base of the electronic candle module with  FIG. 2B , being a top view of the co-fitting, locking charger/power supply with positional charging switch element; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a multiple charger unit; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the candle module with cutaway section showing the seating and connection of the flame cover with the candle base; 
         FIG. 5A  is a depiction of the candle lighting emulation of the electronic candle of the present invention with a translucent cover with  FIG. 5B  being a view of a typical prior art electronic candle with a depiction of the visible candle lighting emulation through a translucent cover with; and 
         FIGS. 6 and 6A  depicting a modular lampshade on the electronic candle module of  FIG. 1  and a cross sectional view thereof respectively. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In a preferred embodiment, the washable electronic candle module includes an electronic power and control switch, which comprises a touch control switch electronically integrated with the electronic circuit and control element and rechargeable battery. The touch control switch has a portion thereof, which extends through and beyond a wall of the candle module body. This switch portion is covered by a deflection element, with the deflection element being hermetically sealed to the candle module body around the extending portion of the touch control switch. As a result, depression of the deflection element activates control of the touch control switch. For aesthetics and convenience, the switch control is preferably positioned on a side peripheral section of the candle module body. 
     The charging element of the candle module preferably comprises two conductive elements electronically connected to the rechargeable battery. The conductive elements extend through the candle module body and are configured for external electronical contact with a charging device, with the conductive elements being hermetically sealed to the candle module body. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, which permits the candle modules to positioned nearly anywhere, the conductive elements extend through the base of the candle module body with the base of the candle module body comprising a releasable locking element configured for locking engagement and disengagement with the charging device. The locking element is configured to effect electronical charging contact between the conductive elements and the charging device when the locking element is in a locked engaged position. The charging base can then be attached to any surface for holding the candle module in position. 
     In a preferred decorative embodiment, the charging device is configured to ornamentally remain on the base of the candle module body to provide an ornamental stand for the washable electronic candle module. 
     With reference to the drawings and  FIGS. 1A-C ,  FIG. 1A  is an exploded view of electronic candle  1  with its component parts including charger base stand  30 . The interior operative components of the candle (electronic assembly  9 ) are shown as control circuit board  3  integrally fixed to and electronically connected to power supplying rechargeable batteries or cells  2   a  and  2   b , via electronical connection elements  5   a  and  5   b  respectively. The circuit board is further electronically integrated with candle flame emulating LEDs  6   a  and  6   b  and touch switch  4 . Rechargeable batteries  2   a  and  2   b  are connected via conductors  7   a  and  7   b  respectively to charging contact pads  8   a  and  8   b  (shown in  FIG. 2A ). 
     The electronic assembly  9  is seated in a specific fixed position on base element  20  via insertion of the lower end corners of the circuit board  3  into close fitting channels  21   a  and  21   b . The upper end corners of the circuit board fit into corresponding close fitting channels  19   a  and  19   b  of cylindrical case  15 . Conductors  7   a  and  7   b  extend through apertures  28   a  and  28   b  and terminate in conductive pads  8   a  and  8   b  seated in the apertures  28   a  and  28   b  respectively (as seen in  FIG. 2A ). 
     Cylindrical case  15  is configured to enclose the electronic assembly  9  and to be hermetically sealed to base element  20 . Translucent flame section  11  extends from the case  15  and through conical section  12  and serves to closely enclose candle flame emulating LEDs  6   a  and  6   b . Opaque ring  12   a  is seated at the top of the conical section  12 . As shown in the cutaway section of  FIG. 4 , flame section  11  is a separable element hermetically sealed to case  15 . LEDs  6   a  and  6   b  are vertically stacked within the flame section  11  with the base of lower LED  6   b  below the area of illumination being peripherally enclosed by the opaque ring  12   a . This effectively blocks light from emanating from the peripherally enclosed area thereby realistically emulating the darkened wick area of a flame candle. Trough area  12   b  surrounds the conical section and is suitable for containment of aromatic liquids. 
     Control switch area  13  of case  15  is shown as a rectangular depression with a planar base in the outer wall of case  15 . A shown in  FIG. 1A , a horizontally asymmetrical cross through cut  13   a , is formed in the planar base  13 ′ thereof and configured to be aligned with touch switch  4  on the control circuit board  3 . The deflection or membrane switch element  40 , shown in  FIG. 1A  is a plastic rectangle  41  of outer dimension sized relative to the rectangular depression  13  for a close fit therewithin. The thickness of plastic rectangle  41  is less than the depth of depression  13  to prevent or retard disengagement of the rectangle from the depression  13 , when positioned therewithin, and to provide a tactile recognizable area. The plastic rectangle  41  further comprises an integral cross shaped boss  43  configured to closely fit into cross through cut  13   a , with the asymmetrical difference between the upper and lower cross segments serving as a key to ensure properly aligned placement of the plastic rectangle  41  within rectangular depression  13 . An adhesive coated compressible air cell foam  44  is adhered to the plastic rectangle  41  around the boss  43 . The adhesive on foam  44  anchors the plastic rectangle  41  to the base  13 ′ and helps to seal the periphery of the cross through cut  13   a . Plastic rectangular  41  functions as a deflection switch to activate touch switch  4  to an on/off control and into various lighting modes. Finger pressure on rectangle  41  causes it to flex inwardly whereby boss  43  protrudes slightly through cut  13   a  and into aligned momentary contact with touch switch  4  to provide the operative controls in an unobtrusive and hermetically sealed manner (see  FIG. 1C ). Alignment of the switch  4  with boss  43  is effected by means of the fixed anchoring of the circuit board  3  within the upper and lower retaining channels  21   a ,  21   b  in base  20  and  19   a ,  19   b  on case  15 . In a preferred embodiment, the switch is configured to cycle through the modes of fast flicker (for candles positioned to be seen at a distance), slow flicker (for candles positioned to be seen at a close proximity), steady light (for use in constant lighting conditions such as a night light) and off. The order of the modes may vary and additional modes, such as increased illumination intensity and the like may be further included. 
     The base  20  of candle  1 , is shown in  FIG. 2A  as having elevated apertures  28   a  and  28   b  into which conductive pads  8   a  and  8   b  are hermetically sealed. The pads  8   a  and  8   b  have planar surfaces for charging connection with spring-loaded charging elements  31   a  and  31   b  respectively of charger  30 , shown in  FIG. 2B . Charging engagement between the electronic candle  1  and the charger  20  is positively effected by keyed fitting of candle base sections  24   a  and  24   b  (with different sizes to ensure proper orientation) into corresponding cutouts  34   a  and  34   b  of charger  30 . Turning of candle base  20  relative to the charger  30  causes candle base sections  24   a  and  24   b  to fit within circular undercut  35  and to be positively held thereby in a bayonet type mounting connection. Rotational movement and positional control between the candle base and the charger is effected between initial insertion connection and a locking stop, into the position wherein conductive pads  8   a  and  8   b  electronically contact spring loaded charging elements  31   a  and  31   b . This positional control is effected by engagement between straight ridge  23  of base  20  and circular ridge  32  with an arc cutout  32   a . Straight ridge  23  laterally engages circular ridge end  32   b , as a terminal stop, when candle base sections  24   a  and  24   b  are in alignment with cutouts  34   a  and  34   b  at initial engagement or at removal of charger from candle. Ridge  23  laterally engages circular ridge end  32   c  as a second terminal stop, when the pads  8   a  and  8   b  are brought into direct electronic contact with charging elements  31   a  and  31   b.    
     Engagement between charger and base is a positive locking one, independent of position or of gravitational considerations. The charger can thus be positioned anywhere, conveniently available, including walls, ceilings, under cabinets and the like. In addition, with the locking engagement, the charger can readily be used as a decorative stand for constant powering of the candle.  FIG. 3  depicts a multi-charge station  100  with six units  100   a - f , each of which is essentially identical to candle engaging and charging elements of the charger  30  of  FIG. 2B . 
       FIG. 4  shows a cutaway section of the candle  1 , showing the positioning of the LEDs  6   a  and  6   b  within flame element  11  in dotted line and wherein the flame element is hermetically sealed to the case  15 . Since the flame element  11  and the case  15  are separate elements they may be decoratively varied in color, if desired. As shown, the base of lower LED  6   b  is encircled by opaque ring  12   a  at a point just below the light emitting section of the LED  6   b . This provides the darkening below the flame emulation to further emulate the darkening section of a wick in a flame candle. 
     A decorative translucent cover  200  is shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  as placed over the candle  1  of the present invention and that of prior art electronic candle  90  respectively. The visible flame  210  in  FIG. 5A  is the typical ovate shape as normally seen with flame candles. The flame  91  of the prior art candle is that of a sharp illumination area  92  surrounded by a diffused glow  93 . The difference in appearance is attributable to the close encircling of the LEDs  6   a  and  6   b  by translucent flame element  11 , which retards diffusion. In contrast, prior art electronic candles typically have broad conical flame covers which results in diffusion and reduced realistic flame emulation of flame candles. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 6A , a removable modular translucent lamp shade  220  is shown as being seated on candle  1 , with lamp shade  220  having a short cylindrical interior base  225  configured to engage and be seated on the case  15  and closely configured to fittingly engage the sides of trough  12   b  but without covering and preventing the aromatization of an aroma substance contained in the trough from permeating into the surrounding area. 
     In the preferred modular system of the present invention modular candle elements, while decoratively varied, maintain similar dimensions such that the modular peripheral elements, such as the aforementioned shades, covers and charging stands are interchangeable with connection with each other. 
     It is understood that the above describe and drawings are merely exemplary of the candle emulation modules of the present invention and peripheral operational and decorative attachments and that changes may be made to the components and structure including additional elements, without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.