Abstract:
The invention provides a system and a method for improving the delivery of volatiles by providing a stabilized generally laminar gas flow adjacent a volatile-containing molten pool, ensuring an enlarged molten pool by close regulation of thermal transfer between a monolithic mass and the surrounding atmosphere, and minimizing volatile loss through unregulated thermal gradients.

Description:
PRIORITY  
       [0001]     This application claims priority from and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/384,906 filed Mar. 8, 2004, presently allowed, and PCT/US04/06964 filed Mar. 8, 2004, presently pending, the contents of each are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for improving and regulating the delivery of volatiles from a burning candle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system used to improve the delivery of volatiles from a burning candle while both minimizing volatile loss through thermal breakdown and increasing or controlling a molten pool size  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Fragrances, aromas, pesticides, and even anti-microbial compounds are commonly dispersed, into the atmosphere for a wide variety of reasons. Fragrances and aromas are used to improve the ‘feel’ or ‘mood’ of a location, and are often used to either improve an original emotional response or aid in the development of a specific emotional response. To these ends, fragrances and aromas are used in retail spaces to improve and focus customer sales, in emotional therapy (‘aromatherapy’) to soothe the psyche, in work places to invigorate the mind, and in medical therapy to soothe both the practitioner and the patient while improving healing rates in a stressful environment.  
         [0006]     Pesticides and pest repellants are used to either remove or displace unwanted insects from a particular local. Pesticides are used in commercial, retail, and hospital environments to prevent insect damage and maintain property values. Pest repellants are also commonly employed in commercial, medical, and residential cleaning to prevent pest encroachment and provide an enjoyable environment in which to work, play, or rest.  
         [0007]     Anti-microbial compounds are most commonly used to remove, destroy, or inhibit the growth of health-damaging microbes in hospitals and medical facilities, but may also be used in retirement homes or residences to minimize disease transfer and improve health and a sense of well being.  
         [0008]     In sum, fragrances, aromas, essential oils, pesticides, insecticides, pest-repellents, and even the anti-microbial compounds noted above, while containing markedly different compounds with differing molecular weights, may be conveniently referred to as volatiles. These volatiles are stored in, and require release from, a source before they can be used effectively. Together, a volatile-containing source and a method for delivering or dispersing the same may be referred to as a system.  
         [0009]     Many systems are available in the present market place for dispersing volatiles. These systems include aerosol canisters, gaseous ‘bombs’, oil heating pots, burning incense, electric or gas heating pads, burning torches, air filter/blowers, oil lamps, and scented candle systems.  
         [0010]     Unfortunately, each of the current systems has detriments. As one example, aerosol canisters are a common way to deliver an aromatic or insecticide volatile, but the delivery time period is very short, the delivery range is necessarily narrow, and the volatiles delivered do not remain airborne and almost immediately stick to a surface. Additionally, aerosol canisters require repeated manual application to even attempt a continuous delivery stream of the selected volatile. The need for manual application and reapplication, effectively means that the atmospheric concentrations of volatiles delivered by aerosol canisters follows a sinusoidal curve from a maximum to a minimum.  
         [0011]     As a second example, plug-in air fresheners operate as electric heating pads, which warm an adjacent volatile containing source, causing the volatile to disperse. Unfortunately, while this type of system may be used for long-duration volatile delivery, the system is not readily portable, must remain connected to an electrical source, and requires custom-made and non-interchangeable volatile sources. Most commonly, plug-in air fresheners available only for use in small confined spaces immediately adjacent a wall outlet.  
         [0012]     As a third example, air filters/blowers operate as to blow air across a volatile or scent containing solid dispersed on a porous filter. Unfortunately, this type of system is similarly tied to an electrical source, is often very expensive, heavy, and requires a constant supply of expensive porous filters.  
         [0013]     As a fourth example, scented candle systems contain selected volatiles dispersed in solid wax base material that acts as a source. This base material has a certain transition temperature (t g ) at which the solid base material becomes liquid. During use, an operator lights a wick suspended in the solid base material. Heat, as high as 2000 degrees Celsius, immediately surrounds the burning wick, and begins to melt a portion of the base material, turning it into a liquid. As the base material melts, a pool of molten base material is defined from which the selected volatiles are released into the immediate atmosphere. Conventional scented candle systems are easily repositioned at need, are inexpensive, and may be used with commonly available scented candles having a regular shape.  
         [0014]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a burning candle  11  includes a wax pool  12  and a candle flame  13 . Candle  11  contains volatiles, which may include fragrances, essential oils, insect repellents, insecticides, and anti-microbial compounds. During use, the strongest outside air flows A 1 , A 2  are drawn into candle flame  13 . Candle flame  13 , as hot as 2000° C., warms air flows A 1 , A 2  and, in combination with the combined pressure from both air flows A 1 , A 2  creates a broad and strong hot airflow as updraft A 6 . With these combined pressures, updraft A 6  remains hot enough to damage and render ineffective most volatiles within several unit lengths of candle flame  13 , as will be explained.  
         [0015]     During use, thermal energy A 5  radiates from candle flame  13  and creates wax pool  12 . A plurality of volatiles volatilize from wax pool  12  along pathways A 3 , A 4 , are influenced by outside air flows A 1 , A 2 , pass adjacent or through candle flame  13 , and are consumed in significant amounts and broken down into smaller non-effective or harmful elements. Only a small portion of volatiles directed along pathway A 3  might randomly escape thermal consumption either directly in candle flame  13 , or thereafter in updraft A 6 . Volatiles directed along pathway A 4  are completely consumed.  
         [0016]     In this conventional system, air flow A 2  is just as strong as or stronger than air flow A 1 . Consequently, when the vector forces of air flows A 1  and A 2  are combined, an inward pressure vector towards candle flame  13  exists which substantially prevents volatile escape. Furthermore, since the pressure vectors of air flows A 1  and A 2  exist around the circumference of candle flame  13 , a great deal of turbulence exists around candle flame  13  and within updraft A 6 . This turbulence further minimizes the distribution of any escaped volatiles beyond a narrow range adjacent burning candle  11 . In other words, air flows A 2 , A 1  are not efficiently harnessed to aid volatile movement away from candle flame  13  and are not effectively harnessed to distribute any volatiles that survive.  
         [0017]     As noted above, conventional candle systems have many disadvantages that result in the unsatisfactory delivery of the volatiles, most commonly selected fragrances or aromas. The principal disadvantages of the presently known candle systems are unregulated volatile distribution and unpredictable volatile combustion, namely that a large percentage of the volatiles pass through the 2000° C. flame and are thermally broken down into smaller molecules and substances. Many of these smaller molecules are either harmful to others or have no fragrance or aroma value. A secondary cause of this unregulated combustion is the formation of irregular molten pools, many of which can only release the volatile compounds immediately adjacent to or directly into the flame, causing an even greater percentage of thermal breakdown.  
         [0018]     As a result of the multiple disadvantages inherent with conventional delivery candle systems, manufacturers have been forced to respond by (1) improving the thermal resistance of the active volatiles placed in the base material, (2) increasing the concentration of volatile components within the base material to an expensive and unnecessarily high level, (3) selecting volatile compounds which have non-harmful combustion components, (4) changing or limiting desirable volatile (fragrance) components requiring while increase in secondary non-desirable and expensive volatile components, (5) changing the wax base material to a more expensive substance, (6) changing the wick material to a more expensive one having a lower temperature of combustion, and (7) placing hoods above the wick in attempts to minimize wick flare-ups and re-radiate heat downward to minimize irregular molten pool shapes.  
         [0019]     Unfortunately, available commercial candle based systems are only positioned to protect the candle flame from being blown out or for pleasing decoration or design purposes. Many candle hoods substantially decrease volatile performance because of inadequate design and use.  
         [0020]     A candle hood, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,439, is narrower at the top than the bottom and the candle is retained within walls extending above the molten pool level. Consequently, volatiles that escape from the molten pool are forced into a narrow cone containing the hot combustion gasses, and are thermally consumed. Volatiles that do escape the hot combustion gasses experience the additional turbulence resulting from the pressure gradient between the wide bottom and narrow top openings of the hood. U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,439 also teaches a filter at the top of the hood that further limits volatile diffusion, increases volatile combustion risk, and drastically minimizes laminar air flow away from the burning wick by creating a backpressure.  
         [0021]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,728 discloses a fragrance dispensing candle holder which requires an elaborate, and expensive to produce, annular shoulder portion and holder for a limited candle size. Consequently, this design is not interchangeable with multiple candles from differing manufacturers, is difficult to operate accurately, and does not adequately protect the burning wick from air disturbances.  
         [0022]     Aromatic systems, similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,710, are expensive, require electrical power, and operate by warming a base wax. This type of aromatic system requires volatile compounds which are different from those conventionally used in candle systems, require expensive scientific review of each new volatile compounds, cannot be easily transported during use, and further requires a flameless heat source to operate effectively.  
         [0023]     The candle holder taught by Lee in U.S. Pat. No. 5,197,454 only diminishes fragrance or volatile performance in a number of ways. A retainer element is required that extends above the molten pool level and prevents the air from picking up the volatiles and transporting them away from the flame before combustion, while at the same time increasing the odds of combusting any volatiles which do escape from the molten pool. The volatile and smoke exit rate is so slow as to prevent almost any real distribution of fragrance within a room. The Lee system further minimizes performance volatile distribution by trapping the volatiles and combustion gasses below a bowl (and cup) thus creating a positive downward pressure and increased turbulence to further minimize volatile distribution.  
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0024]     An object of the present invention is to provide a system or apparatus, and a method for improving the delivery of volatiles from a burning candle, which overcomes the limitations described above.  
         [0025]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system for improving the delivery of volatiles from a candle by improving and regulating a laminar air flow to minimize combustion of volatiles, to create a more voluminous liquid wax pool for release of volatiles, while maintaining or reducing production and fabrication costs.  
         [0026]     The present invention relates to a system and a method for improving the delivery of volatiles from a burning candle by providing a stabilized laminar gas flow adjacent a volatile-containing molten pool, ensuring an enlarged molten pool by close regulation of thermal transfer between a monolithic candle mass and the surrounding atmosphere, and minimizing volatile loss through unregulated thermal gradients.  
         [0027]     According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is a volatile release system, comprising: a candle on a first surface, the candle having a wick, the candle including a plurality of volatiles disposed within wax, a chimney on the first surface extending equidistant to an outer surface of the candle, the chimney defining a top and a bottom section, the top opening being an unrestricted opening, a plurality of air inlets extending through the chimney, proximate both the first surface and the outer surface of the candle, a top of each the plurality of air inlets being between a top surface of the candle and the first surface, the chimney extending above the top surface of the candle, and an aspect ratio Y, of a height of the chimney to a diameter of the chimney, being 1.0≦Y≦2.50, whereby during a use when the wick is lit, a laminar air flow forms proximate the outer surface and draws the volatiles away from the wick and out the top opening.  
         [0028]     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a volatile release system, wherein: a ratio X, of a diameter of the top opening to a diameter of the bottom section is: 60%≦X≦160%.  
         [0029]     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a volatile release system, wherein: the ratio X is: 80%≦X≦120%.  
         [0030]     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a volatile release system, wherein: the ratio X is: 95%≦X≦105%.  
         [0031]     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a volatile release system, wherein: the aspect ratio Y is: 1.0≦Y≦2.0.  
         [0032]     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a volatile release system, wherein: the aspect ratio Y is: 1.2≦Y≦1.8.  
         [0033]     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for releasing a volatile, comprising the steps of: providing a candle on a first surface, the candle having a wick, the candle including a plurality of volatiles disposed within wax, lighting the wick, and providing a chimney on the first surface equidistant to an outer surface of the candle, the chimney comprising: a top opening and a bottom section on the chimney, a plurality of air inlets extending through the chimney proximate both the first surface and the outer surface of the candle, a top of each the plurality of air inlets being between a top surface of the candle and the first surface, the chimney extending above the top surface of the candle, and an aspect ratio Y, of a height of the chimney to a diameter of the chimney, being 1.0≦Y≦2.50, whereby after the steps of lighting the wick and providing the chimney, a laminar air flow forms proximate the outer surface and draws the volatiles away from the wick and out the top opening.  
         [0034]     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a volatile release system, comprising: a candle on a first surface of a base plate, the candle having a wick, the candle including a plurality of volatiles disposed within wax, the base plate including a plurality of air inlets on an outer surface, a chimney extending away from the first surface, equidistant to an outer surface of the candle, the chimney defining a top and a bottom opening, the top opening being an unrestricted opening, the plurality of air inlets extending through the base plate to a respective plurality of inner openings on the first surface proximate the outer surface of the candle, and an aspect ratio Y, of a height of the chimney to a diameter of the chimney, being 1.0≦Y≦2.50, whereby during a use when the wick is lit, a laminar air flow forms proximate the outer surface and draws the volatiles away from the wick and out the top opening.  
         [0035]     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a volatile release system, wherein: respective pluralities of the air inlets and the inner openings define a plurality of closed pathways in communication between the first surface adjacent the outer surface of the candle, and an outer edge surface of the base plate.  
         [0036]     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a volatile release system, further comprising: a recess on the first surface, and the recess effective to receive an edge of the bottom opening of the chimney, whereby the recess prevents a movement of the chimney relative to the base plate during the use.  
         [0037]     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a volatile release system, wherein: respective pluralities of the air inlets and the inner openings define respective open channels between the first surface adjacent the outer surface of the candle, and an outer edge surface of the base plate.  
         [0038]     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for releasing a volatile, comprising the steps of: providing an candle on a first surface of a base plate, the candle having a wick, the candle including a plurality of volatiles disposed within wax, the base plate including a plurality of air inlets on an outer surface, the plurality of air inlets extending through the base plate to a respective plurality of inner openings on the first surface proximate an outer surface of the candle, lighting the wick, and providing a chimney extending away from the first surface and equidistant to the outer surface of the candle, the chimney comprising: a top and bottom opening on the chimney, the top opening being an unrestricted opening, the chimney extending above a top surface of the candle, and an aspect ratio Y, of a height of the chimney to a diameter of the chimney, being 1.0≦Y≦2.5, whereby after the steps of lighting the wick and providing the chimney, a laminar air flow forms proximate the outer surface and draws the volatiles away from the wick and out the top opening.  
         [0039]     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for releasing a volatile, wherein: in the step of providing a candle on a first surface of a base plate, respective pluralities of the air inlets and the inner openings define a plurality of closed pathways in communication between the first surface adjacent the outer surface of the candle, and an outer edge surface of the base plate.  
         [0040]     According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for releasing a volatile, wherein: in the step of providing a candle on a first surface of a base plate, respective pluralities of the air inlets and the inner openings define respective open channels between the first surface adjacent the outer surface of the candle, and an outer edge surface of the base plate.  
         [0041]     The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conduction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate the same elements.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0042]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of air flow around a conventional burning candle.  
         [0043]      FIG. 2  is another schematic view of air flow around a burning candle and a chimney according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0044]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0045]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0046]      FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view along lines I-I in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0048]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0049]      FIG. 8  is an exploded side view of the third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0050]      FIG. 9  is another alternative embodiment of the present invention with an alternative stand design.  
         [0051]      FIG. 9A  is an exploded view of  FIG. 9 .  
         [0052]      FIG. 10 . is an alternative embodiment of a stand according to the present invention.  
         [0053]      FIG. 11  is another alternative embodiment of the present invention with adjustable airflow ports.  
         [0054]      FIG. 12  is an alternative embodiment of  FIG. 11  shown with adjustable airflow ports.  
         [0055]      FIG. 13  is an alternative embodiment of the present invention providing an improved airflow design. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0056]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a tube  15  includes a plurality of inlets  14  positioned about an outer circumference having a top opening  16  and a bottom opening  16 A. Tube  15  surrounds candle  11 , candle flame  13 , and a larger sized wax pool  12 B, as will be explained. Top opening  16  and bottom opening  16 A are aligned vertically and walls of tube  15 , joining top opening  16 , inlets  14 , and bottom opening  16 A, are smooth and either in parallel or positioned in a generally outward-opening cone-shape. Inlets  14  are below a top surface of candle  11 . Inlets  14  are sized to supply all the air necessary to exceed the normal combustion requirements for candle flame  13 .  
         [0057]     It is to be understood, that opening  16  may be greater in diameter than opening  16 A by up to about 20%, but thereafter the effectiveness of the present system decreases and outside turbulence detrimentally effects the system, as will be explained. It is to be further understood, that walls of tube  15  have a length at least twice the distance between a top of inlets  14  and the top of candle  11 .  
         [0058]     During use, the design of the present invention provides much larger amounts of active volatiles into the air and a greatly reduced rate volatile destruction by critically supplying and redirecting the air flow adjacent to wax pool  12 B and candle flame  13 .  
         [0059]     During use, pluralities of fresh air flow A 21  passes through respective inlets  14 , confronts candle  11 , and is redirected solely into vertical updrafts A 22 , in the form of a laminar tube surrounding sides of candle  11 . As updrafts A 22  rise, they gain kinetic energy and uninterrupted momentum by passing between sides of candle  11  and walls of chimney  15 . In this condition, updrafts A 22  form a substantially laminar flow path, undisturbed by outside pressure. Simultaneously, a hot air flow A 26  rises directly from candle flame  13 , and undisturbed by non-parallel/non-laminar air currents, passes vertically through opening  16 . Undisturbed candle flame  13  further produces an undisturbed and uniform radiant energy A 25  downward toward candle  11  and creates a larger and uniform wax pool  12 B. Consequently, wax pool  12 B is volumetrically much larger than conventional wax pools and releases a greater volume of active volatiles A 24 .  
         [0060]     As updrafts A 22  reach the top of candle  11  no and even negative pressure drops occur, and consequently only minor and random inward air flows  22 B exist, as shown. The majority of updrafts A 22  continue to rise vertically and as a result updrafts A 22  draw active volatiles A 24  away from candle flame  13  and incorporate them into a broad updraft A 23 . Broad updraft A 23  includes fresh updraft A 22 , active volatiles A 24  and, gaining velocity and momentum, becomes stronger as it rises.  
         [0061]     Due to wide opening  16 , broad updraft A 23  quickly disperses from the system and avoids being drawn downward. A narrow opening at the top of chimney  15  would cause broad updraft A 23  to turn back upon itself, join hot air flow A 26 , and either immediately consume active volatiles A 24  or turn them downward into candle flame  13  for thermal consumption and generation of other undesirable or harmful volatiles. Further, use of retainer elements that block the top of candle  11 , would increase inward pressure drop and consumption of volatiles A 24  in wax pool  12 B.  
         [0062]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , one embodiment of the present invention includes a tube  32  defining a top opening  31  and a bottom opening  33 . A plurality of inlets  34  is spaced around an outer circumference of tube  32  at a height adjacent to the outer circumference of scented candle  11 , and below a top surface of candle  11  after an assembly. The inner walls of tube  32  are not interrupted in any manner other than by inlets  34  thereby limiting sources for turbulence origination.  
         [0063]     During use, candle flame  13  is ignited and tube  32  is centered and placed over candle  11  on a flat surface (not shown). As a broad and stable wax pool  12 B forms, fresh air enters inlets  34 , meets walls of candle  11 , and is redirected upward as a laminar tube surrounding the outer circumference of candle  11 . As fresh air rises smoothly along walls of tube  32  volatiles (not shown) are drawn outward from wax pool  12 B, preventing their destruction in candle flame  13  or recapture in downdrafts. Consequently, volatiles within the fresh air easily escape top opening  31 , which increase the viable volatiles available for use.  
         [0064]     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 through 6 , an alternative embodiment to the present invention includes a tube  62  and a tube base  65 . Tube  62  includes a wide top opening  61  and an equally wide bottom opening  63 . Base  65  includes a centrally located recess  67  having a shape similar to the outer circumference of tube  62 . During an assembly, tube  62  is placed in recess  67  and walls of recess  67  (shown, but not described) prevent tube  62  from moving sideways relative to base  65 . In this manner base  65  firmly supports tube  62 .  
         [0065]     Base  65  includes a plurality of inlet tunnels  64  allowing fresh air to enter from respective outer surfaces of base  65  to respective inner openings  66 , each adjacent walls of scented candle  11 . Inner openings  66  are located proximate an outer circumference of candle  11 .  
         [0066]     During use, candle  11  is lit and centered on base  65 . Tube  62  is lowered over scented candle  11  and positioned within recess  67 . Next, fresh air enters inlet tunnels  64  and, in passage, is redirected in to a vertical flow exiting inner openings  66 . Upon exiting inner openings  66 , the fresh air flow forms a laminar tube surrounding candle  11  rising uniformly along the outer circumference of candle  11 . As a consequence of this design, fresh air rises smoothly along walls of tube  62  past stable wax pool  12 B and, due to the resultant lower pressure gradient at the top of candle  11 , volatiles (not shown) are drawn outward from wax pool  12 B, preventing their destruction in candle flame  13  and recapture in downdrafts. Consequently, volatiles within the fresh air easily escape top opening  31 , and increase the allowable volatiles available for use.  
         [0067]     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a tube  62 B and a base  65 B. Tube  62 B includes a wide top opening  61  and an equally wide bottom opening  63 B. Base  65 B provides a firm and flat surface to support bottom opening  63 B.  
         [0068]     Base  65 B includes a plurality of inner openings  66 B allowing fresh air to enter from respective inlet openings  64 B, on outer areas of base  65 B, and pass under bottom opening  63 B. Inner openings  66 B and inlet openings  64 B are parts of respective channels formed in base  65 B. Each inner opening  66 B is adjacent respective inner walls of tube  62 B and an outer circumference of candle  11 . For manufacturing convenience, the present embodiment positions inner openings  66 B proximate the walls of tube  62 B, thus eliminating the need to form openings in tube  62 B and reducing manufacturing costs.  
         [0069]     In this embodiment, inner openings  66 B extend more than one-half of the distance between the outer circumference of candle  11  and the inner wall of tube  62 B. Consequently, inner openings  66 B are effective to provide fresh air in a laminar tube rising around the outer circumference of candle  11  and transporting any volatiles released during use safely away from candle flame  13 .  
         [0070]     In combination, the above embodiments provide substantial benefits over conventional designs. Namely, the above embodiments allow the use of conventional scented (volatile) candles, which eliminates any need to reformulate the candle/volatile compositions and eliminates any additional research and development costs. Further, the above embodiments allow more effective distribution of volatiles during use over a conventional scented candle used alone, while maintaining easy repositioning of the system without a need for electrical fans or expensive filters. Finally, since the present design allows greater volatile economy per use, manufacturers may lower the required additive percentage of volatiles per candle, further reducing manufacturing costs.  
         [0000]     Experiments 1:  
         [0071]     Commercial candles (Glade, strawberry-cream-scent, SC Johnson &amp; Sons., Inc. Racine, Wis.) were purchased and trained panelists evaluated the volatile (fragrance) performance and an expert perfumer gave volatile (fragrance) descriptions. In this experiment, the scent is the volatile.  
         [0072]     Two types of one-piece tubes (chimneys) were used in the evaluation test. Tube A had a height of 15 cm, an open bottom diameter of 11 cm, an open top diameter of 7 cm, and no inlet. Tube B had a height of 15 cm, an open bottom diameter of 11 cm, an open top diameter of 7 cm, and four (4) inlets equally positioned around a bottom diameter adjacent a candle. Tube C had a height of 20 cm, an open bottom diameter of 9 cm, a narrow open top diameter of 2 cm, and four (4) inlets equally positioned around a bottom diameter adjacent a candle. The respective tube aspect ratios (height/bottom diameter) are: Tube A (15 cm/11 cm)=1.36, Tube B (15 cm/11 cm)=1.36, Tube C (20 cm/9 cm)=2.22. The results are shown below in Table I:  
                               TABLE I                       Tube/           Wax Pool           Chimney   Time   Temperature   Size (DIA   Description       type   (hrs)   at top opening   in mm)   of volatile                   No Chimney   2   Warm   35   Very weak odor       Type A   2   Warmer   50   Very weak and       (no inlet)               inconsistent odor       Type B   2   Comfortably   55   Strong, natural,               Warm       pleasant, well                       balance odor       Type C   2   Uncomfortably   60   No distinctive               Warm       odor                  
 
 Experiment 2: 
 
         [0073]     Again, commercial candles (Glade, berry-scent, SC Johnson &amp; Sons., Inc. Racine, Wis.)) were purchased and trained panelists evaluated the volatile (fragrance) performance and an expert perfumer gave volatile (fragrance) descriptions. In this experiment, the scent is the volatile.  
         [0074]     Three types of tubes were used as chimneys in conjunction with a base formed as base  65 B. Tube type D was 16 cm in height and 10 cm in diameter. Tube type E was 23 cm in height and 10 cm in diameter. Tube type F was 19 cm in height and 13 cm in diameter. Each of the tubes was made of quartz (Pyrex). A measure of the air flow rate in each test was performed using a commercial smoke device positioned adjacent inlet passages  64 B, and qualitative measurements were taken. The respective tube aspect ratios (height/bottom diameter) are: Tube D (16 cm/10 cm)=1.60, Tube E (23 cm/10 cm)=2.30, Tube F (19 cm/13 cm)=1.46. The results are shown below in Table II:  
                       TABLE II                       Type of               tube/chimney   Smoke   Performance                   Without   Randomly distributed   Poor with weak odor       Chimney   around burning candle       Type D   Very fast updraft   Fair with remarkable odor           and smoke exited           along wall of tube       Type E   Fast updraft and   Good with remarkable and           little smoke existed   distinctive odor           around candle       Type F   Moderately fast   Excellent with warm and           updraft and a   well balanced berry odor.           moderate amount           of smoke went           out by candle.                  
 
         [0075]     After review of both Experiment I and Experiment II it is generally apparent: (1) that fresh air inlets are mandatory for any performance increase, (2) that laminar-type air flow to pull volatiles away from the wax pool is required for performance increase or economic benefits, (3) that there should be no barrier immediately adjacent the top surface of the candle in order to minimize back pressure into the flame, (4) that where the up draft is very fast, mixing between volatiles and fresh air is poor, and consequently only a limited quantity of volatiles is properly distributed, (5) that where the updraft is very slow there is little volatile distribution and greater combustion and loss of volatiles, (6) that where an aspect ratio of a chimney (height/diameter) is between about 1.00 and 3.50 there is an improved opportunity for improved volatile distribution depending upon other related factors including candle height, (7) that a ratio of a tubes top to bottom diameters is between about 60% to 160% to promote unrestricted smooth laminar air flow, and (8) that where the updraft is moderate, both volatile mixing with fresh air is superior and volatile distribution is superior. Finally, it is also clear that rapid exit of the moderately mixed fresh air and volatiles from the tube and candle flame is required to minimize any remixing, volatile degradation, additional turbulence, and maximize volatile performance at low cost.  
         [0076]     Referring now to  FIGS. 9 and 9 A wherein an alternative system embodiment  70  of the present invention includes a tube or chimney  71  and a stand  74  having a plurality of air openings  76  disbursed about an outer perimeter of stand  74 . In the present embodiment, air openings  76  extend from a top portion  76 A of stand  74  to a bottom portion  76 B.  
         [0077]     According to this design, stand  74  is particularly adaptive, allowing air passage through the outer surface opening, where a support surface blocks airflow via bottom portion  76 B. Where stand  74  is positioned allowing airflow through into air openings  76  form three directions (top, bottom, and side), air supply to a central burning candle or lamp is easily supplied at a regular velocity, minimizing candle flame flicker and aiding volatile distribution as noted earlier.  
         [0078]     An alternative design for embodiment  70 , (as shown) includes a retaining groove  75  to receive the bottom rim generally defining a bottom opening  72 B opposite a top opening  72 A. Retaining groove  75  minimizes shifting between tube  71  and stand  74  during use and transport. As shown a generally central depression  77  acts to position a candle or candle support generally centrally relative to stand  74 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that depression  77  and groove  75  are not mandatory elements to the present invention, but are instead provided in this embodiment for user convenience and ease.  
         [0079]     As can be best seen in  FIG. 9A , bottom opening  72 B of tube  74  traverses a portion of air openings  76 , allowing airflow into tube  71  from air openings  76 . In the present embodiment, the bottom rim of tube  74  crosses generally at a midpoint of air openings  76 , although this is not required by the present design. It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that tube  74  may be positioned anywhere along the length of air openings  76  to aid both functionality as described, and present a pleasing visual appearance to a user.  
         [0080]     During operation, a candle system  73  having a retaining a candle pot  73 A surrounding a candle  73 B having a wick and flame  73 C is positioned on stand  74  and ignited. During operation, the air adjacent flame  73 C rises and draws air into tube or chimney  71  via air openings  76 , and assumes a laminar flow path proximate flame  73 C. As described above, a candle containing volatiles may be used as candle  73 B for the purposes noted.  
         [0081]     While the present candle system  73  includes a pot  73 A, nothing contemplated herein requires such a design and those skilled in the art should recognize that pot  73 A may be excluded without negatively impacting the present embodiment. Thus, while pot  73 A provides a convenient candle container and allows a user to conveniently transport candle  73 B.  
         [0082]     In another embodiment of the present invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that stand  74  may be incorporated into an extending support (a taller stand), or placed upon a high stand or bench allowing airflow vial air openings  76  from at least two (side and top, or side and bottom) of three directions (top, bottom, and side). As a consequence, the present design for stand  76  enables ready adaptation to a variety of differing designs without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.  
         [0083]     Referring now to  FIG. 10  an alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a new stand embodiment  90  constructed as a generally cylindrical unit with an upper wall  95  and a bottom support  91 . A chamfered edge  92  joins wall  95  with bottom  91 . A plurality of openings  94  span bottom  91 , wall  95  and, in this embodiment, chamfered edge  92  to allow airflow into stand  90 .  
         [0084]     During use, a tube or chimney (not shown) similar to that described in the previous embodiments is positioned within stand  90 . The bottom edge of the tube or chimney is positioned within wall  95  in a manner allowing air to flow inwardly via openings  94  and into the tube or chimney, thereby creating the desired laminar flow and quick transport of volatiles from the liquid wax pool.  
         [0085]     In the present embodiment, stand  90  provides openings  94  that traverse all three surfaces and include a side opening part  96 A on upper wall  95  and a bottom opening part  96 B on support surface  91 . Due to this design, openings  94  traverse vertical wall  95 , chamfered edge  92  and support surface  91 . In alternative designs, openings  94  may be wholly or partially positioned on support surface  91 . According to the design of the present embodiment, air flow can easily occur into opening  94  and within portion  96 B enter the tube or chimney (not shown) to establish the desired generally smooth laminar air flow and regular rise of volatiles from the candle system.  
         [0086]     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention provides a system  110  including a chimney or tube  111  and a stand or support member  112 , arranged as shown.  
         [0087]     Chimney or tube  111  includes a top opening  1117  opposite a bottom opening  1118 . A plurality of threaded projections  1114  are molded into an outer surface of chimney or tube  111 , as shown. A corresponding plurality of threaded grooves  1116  are molded into an inner surface sidewall  1115  of stand  112  enabling a threaded engagement between tube  111  and stand  112 . This threaded connection prevents unintended separation and easy adjustment, as will be described.  
         [0088]     Side wall  1115  defines a top opening  1120  for receiving tube  111  as shown for threaded engagement. A plurality of side openings  113  interrupt threads  1114  and allow an airflow-access into an inner portion of tube  111 . During use and assembly, a user positions tube or chimney  111  on stand  112  and theadably engages threads  1114  with troves  1116 , allowing a top rim of side wall  1115  to adjustably close a bottom portion of side openings  113  and thereby define an open area for side openings  113 , regulating inward air flow, and hence the delivery of desired volatiles.  
         [0089]     In the present embodiment, an optional candle system  73 , as described above is positioned generally centrally on stand  112 , and in one alternative embodiment, a fixing device (not shown) may be positioned on stand  112  (or any of the other stands described herein), that enables candle system  73  or a candle to be elastically or fixably retained on the stand.  
         [0090]     In this alternative embodiment, the fixing device (not shown) may include a plurality of springing fingers for gripping the sides of the candle and preventing unintended lateral movement relative to the stand. Where the stand is formed from metal (for example in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ), the springing fingers (for example four fingers) may be punched from the stand as long rectangles with one end defining a central region surrounding candle system  73 , and the cut portion bent upwardly away from the bottom surface to grip candle system  73 . As described, the fixing device (not shown) acts to retain candle system  73  (or a lamp or other air heating system—including an electric lamp or electric heater) generally centrally relative to the plurality of air flow openings, enabling a generally uniform air flow from multiple sides of the air heating system, and thereby function to create a generally uniform distribution of volatiles.  
         [0091]     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , another alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of side openings  121  in sidewall  1115 , as shown. As noted above, while threads  1114  threadably engage grooves  1116 , side openings  1113  are adjusted in air-flow-area. During rotation between chimney  111  and stand  112 , side openings  121  complement side openings  1113  in chimney or tube  111  and provide an additional level of airflow control. As noted above, the embodiment noted in  FIG. 12  may also include a fixing device for securing candle system  73  generally centrally on stand  112 , thereby minimizing detrimental shifting.  
         [0092]     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , an alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a candle system  130  having a candle  132  and a shaped pot  131 , as shown. Shaped pot  131  includes a curved side having a smaller cross section near air openings and a wider cross section proximate the top surface of candle  132 . In the present embodiment, the curved edge of shaped pot  131  generally has a slope that increases with a distance from the center (parabolic), but any slope, including a linear slope, is effective as will be described. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present embodiment of candle system (candle system  130 ) may be adaptively used in any of the previous embodiments and adapted to be retained in a fixing device (not shown).  
         [0093]     During use of the present emebodiment, air enters air openings  76 , as discussed with  FIGS. 9 and 9 A, and thereafter flows upwardly drawn by pressure to enter a zone  133  of relative compression (higher pressure) proximate the top surface of candle  132 . Zone  133  is created by the reduced flow area provided by the expanding sides of shaped pot  131 . The increased pressure in zone  133  in turn accelerates air flow proximate the edge of candle  132  to provide a slight increase in velocity in that region to aid volatile transport immediately adjacent the liquid wax pool. In this embodiment, as the area above pot  131  is uniformly shaped, the air flow returns to a smooth laminar flow to speed the distribution of volatiles.  
         [0094]     In one adaptation of the present invention, it should be understood, that the tube or chimney may be shaped into a narrower waist region (not shown) immediately adjacent the top of the candle allowing a similar velocity increase as the design provided in  FIG. 13 .  
         [0095]     It should be understood by those skilled in the art that, as noted hereinabove and as used in the claims, the phrase volatile(s) refers interchangeably to a variety of fragrances, aromas, essential oils, pesticides, insecticides, pest-repellents, and anti-microbial compounds, and may also include soot and other particulate matter carried by thermal currents away from the liquid wax pool.  
         [0096]     It should also be understood by those skilled in the art that while tubes (chimneys) and candles may have different shapes from cylindrical to angular, positioning the tube centered on or equidistant to the candle allows for the smoothest airflow around the sides of the candle.  
         [0097]     It should also be understood by those skilled in the art, that as used herein, phrases referring to a fluid proximate a flame refers to at least one of a liquid wax pool containing volatiles proximate a candle flame, and volatiles contained in a lamp or other petroleum based fluid product drawn through a wick proximate a wick flame.  
         [0098]     As used herein, the various embodiments of the present invention include mechanisms to increase laminar airflow proximate a liquid pool containing volatiles. These include but are not limited to the various techniques provided herein for imparting a generally smooth and laminar to the airflow proximate the volatile liquid containing pool and thereby improve volatile pick-up in the airflow and thereafter distribution of the same. Airflow distribution as used herein involves the release and distribution of volatiles from a liquid pool into the air and thereafter distribution on air currents.  
         [0099]     In the claims, means- or step-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described or suggested herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt may not be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction between a wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw&#39;s helical surface areas positively engages the wooden part, and a bolt&#39;s head and nut compress opposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by those skilled in the art as equivalent structures.  
         [0100]     Although only a single or few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiment(s) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.