Abstract:
Double-walled decorative articles such as flower vases and candle holders comprise an inner form defining a receptacle and an outer form, spaced apart from the inner form, to create a cavity. A bottom opening in the outer form enables decorative filler materials to be introduced to the cavity such that the decorative materials do not enter into the receptacle, which may contains flowers, water, candles, hot wax or other substances. A removably replaceable plug or cap is used to close off the bottom opening following the introduction of the decorative filler materials. The inner and outer forms may be provided as a unitary item or separate pieces may be joined. The decorative filler materials may be provided in conjunction with the article as part of a kit, in which case the amount of filler material is matched to the volume of the cavity.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation-in-Part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/931,379, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,706,862, which is a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/265,675, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,173,511, the entire content of both applications being incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to vases, candleholders, and like articles and, in particular, to double-walled articles configured to receive decorative filler materials. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Double-walled vessels have been in existence for many years for various purposes. U.S. Pat. No. 116,401, for example, provides a vase which can be supplied with water by its own action after the reservoir is once filled, and thus save much trouble and time now required to take care of plants in vases used to decorate cemetery lots or other places remote from the residence of the owner. To accomplish this goal, a vase or flower-pot has double walls providing a reservoir for water or air, and the necessary pipes, for the purposes specified. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 650,614 relates to flower pots and vases and the like; and it consists in providing these receptacles with double walls inclosing a stagnant layer of air and in providing the bottoms of the same with inwardly and upwardly extending tubes or pipes instead of the ordinary orifices generally employed. The pot or vase is provided with double walls, closed at the top by an annular ring, and open at the bottom, which closes up the inner wall only. The effect produced by the double-walled pot is that the roots of the plants therein will not be subjected to sudden changes of temperature, because the stagnant layer of air within the walls constitutes a poor conductor of heat, and thus compensates for sudden temperature changes. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,065,016 discloses a compound vessel formed of a transparent material having a spheroidal main body. The main body is comprised of spheroidal inner and outer walls with an annular space defined therebetween. The annular space constitutes an outer vessel of the compound vessel and the space contained by the inner wall constitutes an inner vessel of the compound vessel. The outer and inner walls join at one extremity of the spheroidal main body of the compound vessel to close the outer vessel and form the periphery of a generally circular mouth opening into the inner vessel, the inner vessel being otherwise closed. The outer wall terminates at an opposite extremity of the spheroidal main body of the compound vessel to form the periphery of a generally circular mouth opening into the outer vessel, the outer vessel being otherwise closed. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,950 describes a receptacle usable as a flower vase, and especially adapted to present the illusion of being filled with a liquid to a level called the “illusion line.” The vase has an inner tubular insert sealed to an outer receptacle at the common rim of the outer receptacle and tubular insert. The outer receptacle and tubular insert define between them a cavity or space which can be filled with a transparent fluid. In use, artificial flowers or any decorative material that one might wish to store dry can be placed within the inner tubular insert, and the liquid within the cavity will present the illusion of the receptacle being completely filled with liquid, and the decorative material being immersed in this liquid. 
         [0007]    According to U.S. Pat. No. 7,082,714, a vessel provides a decorative display of a floral arrangement or like items utilizing a reservoir of liquid for providing visual effects, with the items placed within the reservoir and extending upwardly out of the reservoir, and a light source within an inner chamber surrounded by the reservoir, the walls of the reservoir being light-transmitting and the inner chamber being flared radially outwardly and upwardly to dissipate heat from the light source and to deflect the items radially outwardly away from the heat emanating from the light source. 
         [0008]    In U.S. Pat. No. 8,033,412, a double-walled drinking vessel, e.g., a tumbler, is described that is constructed of a downwardly tapered outer wall with a bottom and a continuous side wall with an upper rim; an inner wall with a bottom and a continuous side wall with an upper rim, the inner wall being spaced inwardly from the outer wall and including a first downwardly tapered section extending downwardly from the rim, a second downwardly tapered section extending upwardly from the bottom, and a continuous cylindrical section of a given height and diameter between the first and second tapered sections; and a decorative fabric band secured around the cylindrical section, the band having a width approximately equal to the width of the cylindrical section and a length at least as great as the diameter of the cylindrical band. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    This invention resides in double-walled decorative articles such as flower vases and candle holders. Such articles comprise an inner form defining a receptacle and an outer form, spaced apart from the inner form, to create a cavity. A bottom opening in the outer form enables decorative filler materials to be introduced to the cavity such that the decorative materials do not enter into the receptacle, which may contains flowers, water, candles, hot wax or other substances. A removably replaceable plug or cap is used to close off the bottom opening following the introduction of the decorative filler materials. 
         [0010]    The inner and outer forms may be provided as a unitary item or separate pieces may be joined. The inner and outer forms may be made of glass, plastic or other transparent or translucent materials. The inner and outer forms may have the same or different cross sections. The decorative filler materials may be provided in conjunction with the article as part of a kit, in which case the amount of filler material is matched to the volume of the cavity by way of an initial pouring in to the cavity, for example. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  shows the article of  FIG. 1  with loaded filler material(s); 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  depicts a two-piece, double-walled construction; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  shows the edge associated with joining the inner and outer forms of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  shows various cross sections applicable to either the inner or the outer forms; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  presents side views that may be used for at least the outer form; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  shows how a square outer shape may be combined with a cylindrical inner form; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  illustrates other possible form and shape combinations; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  illustrates options that may be desirable is some instances; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10A  is a cross section of a votive candle vase constructed in accordance with the invention including a set of preferred dimensions; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10B  is an oblique view of the votive candle vase of  FIG. 10A ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10C  is a side view of the votive candle vase of  FIG. 10A ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10D  is a top view of the votive candle vase of  FIG. 10A ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 10E  is a bottom view of the votive candle vase of  FIG. 10A ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 11A  is a cross section of a tea light vase constructed in accordance with the invention including a set of preferred dimensions; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11B  is an oblique view of the tea light vase of  FIG. 11A ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11C  is a side view of the tea light vase of  FIG. 11A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11D  is a top view of the tea light vase of  FIG. 11A ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11E  is a bottom view of the tea light vase of  FIG. 11A ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12A  is a cross section of a standard pillar vase constructed in accordance with the invention including a set of preferred dimensions; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12B  is a cross section of a tall pillar vase constructed in accordance with the invention including a set of preferred dimensions; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12C  is an oblique view of a pillar vase; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12D  is a side view of the pillar vase of  FIG. 12C ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 12E  is a top view of the pillar vase of  FIG. 12C ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12F  is a bottom view of the pillar vase of  FIG. 12C ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 13A  is a cross section of a large tapered floral vase constructed in accordance with the invention including a set of preferred dimensions; 
           [0037]      FIG. 13B  is a cross section of a standard tapered floral vase constructed in accordance with the invention including a set of preferred dimensions; 
           [0038]      FIG. 13C  is an oblique view of a tapered floral vase; 
           [0039]      FIG. 13D  is a side view of the tapered floral vase of  FIG. 13C ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 13E  is a top view of the tapered floral vase of  FIG. 13C ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 13F  is a bottom view of the tapered floral vase of  FIG. 13C ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 14A  is a cross section of a floral bud vase constructed in accordance with the invention including a set of preferred dimensions; 
           [0043]      FIG. 14B  is an oblique view of the floral bud vase of  FIG. 14A ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 14C  is a side view of the floral bud vase of  FIG. 14A ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 14D  is a top view of the floral bud vase of  FIG. 14A ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 14E  is a bottom view of the floral bud vase of  FIG. 14A ; 
           [0047]      FIGS. 15A-15F  show the way in which an article according to the invention may be turned upside down to receive filler material(s); 
           [0048]      FIG. 16  is a drawing used to illustrate certain dimensions associated with preferred embodiments of the invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 17  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein a removeably replaceable plug also function as a vessel base; 
           [0050]      FIG. 18  is a view in partial cross section that illustrates how a vessel fits into the base of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 19  is top-down view of the base of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 20  is bottom-up view of the base of  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 21  is a detailed diagram showing how resilient ribs are deformed to achieve a liquid-tight seal; 
           [0054]      FIG. 22  shows how resilient ribs may be placed on an opposing wall of a groove in the base; and 
           [0055]      FIG. 23  depicts resilient ribs on both opposing walls of a groove in a base. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0056]    This invention resides in double-walled articles and methods of making the same. The preferred embodiments include different shapes and sizes of flower vases and candle holders.  FIG. 1  is a drawing of an embodiment of the invention. All embodiments include an aperture formed on a lower surface for gaining access to the space between the double walls. This enables the articles according to this invention to be filled with decorative filler materials that do not interfere with the candle or plant holding receptacles which may contain hot wax or water. In all embodiments a cap may be provided to seal off the aperture once the decorative filler materials have been introduced. 
         [0057]      FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention. The article, preferably of glass, includes an inner wall  102 , and an outer wall  104  creating a volume that may be filled with decorative materials  202  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Generally the article is turned upside, down as shown in  FIGS. 15A-15F , or on its side to feed the filler materials into the volume  106 . Such materials may include glass gems, glass pebbles, sea glass, decorative sands, decorative stones and pebbles, plastic gems and icons, wood, liquid and any other alternatives as long as the materials can be loaded through removable/replaceable plug  110 . Inner wall  102  creates a vase  108  that may be filled with water, flowers, etc. Due to the way in which the article is constructed, the decorative accents do not contact with the contents of the vase  108 . 
         [0058]    Articles according to the invention may be constructed entirely from pressed or blown glass, though such techniques may be expensive. As such, a two-piece construction may be used as shown in  FIG. 3 . This process involves an outer form  302  connected to an inner form  304 . An advantage of this approach is that the inner and outer forms may be made of different colors of glass, or even different materials. For example, the outer form may be made of clear glass and the inner shape may be colored glass. Alternatively, the inner shape may be made of plastic or metal, with the outer shape being made of glass or plastic. 
         [0059]    In  FIG. 3 , outer form  302  includes an upper edge  303  that is joined to an edge  305  of inner form  304 . Inner form  304  may include a formed lip  405  enabling filler material to occupy volume  106  further up the completed article.  FIG. 4  shows the edge  402  associated with joining the inner and outer forms  304 ,  302 . If both forms are of glass such as borosilicate glass, interface  402  may be formed and closed with a torch. If different glasses or other materials are used, interface  402  may be made with a suitable bonding agent, including ultraviolet-cured adhesives. 
         [0060]    While  FIGS. 1-4  show conical inner and outer forms, different shapes may be mixed and matched.  FIG. 5  shows various cross sections applicable to either the inner or the outer forms.  FIG. 6  shows side views that may be used for either form.  FIG. 7  shows, for example, a square outer shape with a cylindrical inner shape. A myriad other combinations are possible.  FIG. 8 , for example, illustrates outer shapes directed to holidays, and the like. In each case, a simpler inner form such as a cylindrical cup is used to hold flowers, candles, etc. Although not apparent in  FIG. 8  the bottom of each form further includes a port and cap to receive and retain filler material(s). 
         [0061]      FIG. 9  illustrates options that may be desirable is some instances. For example, areas  902 ,  904  may be strengthened or fortified against filler materials striking these areas during filling. Further, a central portion of the bottom  906  may be recessed so that plug, typically made of plastic or rubber, does not extend outwardly from the bottom, which may lead to instability. A double-walled vase and filler material may be provided in a kit form, in which case the volume of the cavity between the inner and out walls may be measured (with water, for example), enabling a precise amount of filler material to be provided in the kit to fill the cavity to a desired level, including full, ⅔ full, half full, and so forth. 
         [0062]      FIG. 10A  is a cross section of a votive candle vase constructed in accordance with the invention including a set of preferred dimensions.  FIG. 10B  is an oblique view of the votive candle vase of  FIG. 10A ;  FIG. 10C  is a side view,  FIG. 10D  is a top view, and  FIG. 10E  is a bottom view. 
         [0063]      FIG. 11A  is a cross section of a tea light vase constructed in accordance with the invention including a set of preferred dimensions.  FIG. 11B  is an oblique view of the tea light vase of  FIG. 11A ;  FIG. 11C  is a side view,  FIG. 11D  is a top view, and  FIG. 11E  is a bottom view. 
         [0064]      FIG. 12A  is a cross section of a standard pillar vase constructed in accordance with the invention including a set of preferred dimensions.  FIG. 12B  is a cross section of a tall pillar vase constructed in accordance with the invention including a set of preferred dimensions.  FIG. 12C  is an oblique view of a pillar vase;  FIG. 12D  is a side view,  FIG. 12E  is a top view, and  FIG. 12F  is a bottom view. 
         [0065]      FIG. 13A  is a cross section of a large tapered floral vase constructed in accordance with the invention including a set of preferred dimensions.  FIG. 13B  is a cross section of a standard tapered floral vase constructed in accordance with the invention including a set of preferred dimensions.  FIG. 13C  is an oblique view of a tapered floral vase,  FIG. 13D  is a side view,  FIG. 13E  is a top view, and  FIG. 13F  is a bottom view. 
         [0066]      FIG. 14A  is a cross section of a floral bud vase constructed in accordance with the invention including a set of preferred dimensions.  FIG. 14B  is an oblique view of the floral bud vase of  FIG. 14A ;  FIG. 14C  is a side view,  FIG. 14D  is a top view, and  FIG. 14E  is a bottom view. 
         [0067]      FIGS. 15A-15F  show the way in which an article according to the invention may be turned upside down to receive filler material(s).  FIG. 15A  shows the article being turned upside down.  FIG. 15B  shows the plug or stopper being removed.  FIG. 15C  illustrates decorative accents being added to the volume between the inner and outer forms.  FIG. 15D  shows the plug being re-inserted. The article is turned over at  FIG. 15E , and water (or candles or other substances) are added at  FIG. 15F . 
         [0068]    Given that embodiments of this invention are constructed from glass, and that the articles are configured to receive decorative filler materials as described above, the dimensions associated with the bottom filler hole are important.  FIG. 16  is a drawing used to illustrate these dimensions. Specifically, X 1  is defined as the Strike Point Distance Limit; X 2  is the Base Opening Diameter Limit; and X 3  is the Base Opening Thickness Limit. 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIG. 16 , X 1  is the distance between the “Strike Point” (the bottommost point on the surface of the outer wall of the inner vessel) and the inner surface of the outer form surrounding the opening or hole in the base or bottom of the vessel. X 2  is the diameter (or minimum dimension) of the opening or hole itself. Given that articles anticipated by the invention may be filled with solid objects, a minimum value of X 1  and X 2  is necessary for a reasonable amount of different kinds and sizes of solid objects to be introduced into the interior cavity of the vessel. While larger distances may be desirable for larger filler materials such as rocks, shells, and the like, a preferred minimum dimension for X 1  and X 2  is in the range of 0.25-0.5 inches to accommodate the practical use of the decorative products described herein. Note that while X 1  and X 2  may be the same, they need not be. 
         [0070]    X 3  is the thickness of the outer form or vessel in the immediate vicinity where the opening is cut, cored or otherwise formed. The minimum thickness of X 3  is in the range of 0.12-0.25 inches. This minimum dimension is important to the ergonomics of the invention; in particular, that the interior cavity is readily accessible via a re-sealable cap to be easy or efficiently to opened/closed by hand and functionally work. A certain amount of space or thickness is necessary for fingers to be able to grab onto an opening mechanism, and it has been discovered that X 3  in the range of 0.12-0.25 inches is fundamental for the practical use of the decorative product described herein. 
         [0071]    Whereas embodiments thus described include a removable/replaceable plug enabling the bottom of the vessel itself to rest on a support surface, in alternative embodiments the removable/replaceable plug may cover more of the bottom of the vessel and act as a base for the vessel. As an example,  FIG. 17  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein a removably replaceable plug  1704  also function as a base for vessel  1702 , which may or may not be double-walled as shown. 
         [0072]      FIG. 18  is a view in partial cross section that illustrates how a vessel fits into the base of  FIG. 17 . The vessel  1702  has a bottom opening defined by a rim with an inner concave wall surface  1806 , an outer convex wall surface  1804 , and a bottom wall surface  1808  that may be flat as shown. The wall surfaces  1804 ,  1806  may be oriented vertically and parallel to one another. In preferred embodiments the rim and receiving groove in the base  1704  are circular though oval and other shapes are possible particularly with rounded corners. 
         [0073]    The base  1704  has a continuous groove  1810  defining an inner concave sidewall  1814 , an outer convex sidewall  1812 , and a bottom surface  1818 . One or more ribs or corrugations  1816  extend from one or both of the sidewalls  1814 ,  1812 , such that when the rim of the vessel is received by the groove a liquid-tight seal is achieved.  FIG. 18  shows three ribs or corrugations extending from the inner sidewall, extending radially outwardly into the groove  1810 , with the understanding that more or fewer such ribs or corrugations  1816  may extend from either or both of the sidewalls.  FIG. 22  shows ribs from the outer sidewall  1812 , and  FIG. 23  illustrates ribs extending outwardly from both sidewalls. 
         [0074]    The invention is not limited in terms of exact dimensions. However, in preferred embodiments the height of the base may be in the range of 1 to 2 inches, with a radius in the range of 2 to 6 inches or more. The rim of the vessel may have a thickness “z” on the order of 0.25 to 0.75 inches, more preferably about 0.5+/−0.125″. The width of the groove including the ribs or corrugations is slightly less than the thickness of the rim to ensure that the ribs distal edge of the rib(s) deform against a wall surface of the rim to provide a water-tight seal.  FIG. 21  shows three ribs  1816 ′ pressing against the inner concave wall surface of the vessel rim. 
         [0075]    In the preferred embodiment, the base is molded from a single piece or compressible/resilient material such as silicone. The upper surface of the base may include a concave depression  1826  largely for decorative purposes, whereas the bottom surface may also include a depression  1822  to that the base rests on a more stable edge  1820  which may be circular. When seated in the base, surfaces  1828  and  1830  may abut one another for a smooth transition between the vessel and the base.