Abstract:
The automatic flame extinguisher may include a base for selectively positioning the automatic flame extinguisher in relation to a candle. A lid coupled to the base may selectively rotate about a pivot between a first open position that allows a burning wick of the candle to receive sufficient ambient oxygen to continue burning and a second closed position to extinguish the burning wick of the candle. In this respect, a timer may include a clock for selectively activating the pivot to reposition the lid from the first open position to the second closed position after the clock reaches a threshold operation time.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to automatic flame extinguishers. More specifically, the present invention relates to automatic candle flame extinguishers that include a lid automatically pivotable between an open position permitting burning of a candle flame and a closed position whereby the lid seals the candle thereby extinguishing the flame as a result of a lack of oxygen therein. 
         [0002]    Candles are widely known in the art and may be formed by enclosing a thread within a wax-based material such as beeswax or paraffin. In this respect, the wax-based material may be formed into various different sizes, shapes, and designs during manufacture. After igniting an exposed end of the thread extending out from the wax-based material (e.g., generally the top), heat from the burning wick may liquefy the wax into a flammable fuel that allows the flame to continue to burn. In respect, candles may be designed to generate various light output, emit various aromas, disperse chemical agents (e.g., insect repellant), etc. as the flame burns the wax-based material underneath. The wick of the candle will generally continue to burn so long as there is enough of the wax-based material to liquefy and burn. 
         [0003]    Additionally, candles may be used with various accessories, including candle holders, shades, toppers, trays, etc. that may serve aesthetic and/or functional purposes. As an example, candle holders may range from a simple flat dish for a single candle to an ornate multi-candle chandelier, depending on candle placement and use (e.g., candle size and/or desired light output). Despite the variety of candle holders known in the art designed for light-emitting purposes, aesthetic purposes, and/or aromatic qualities, one drawback is that no reliable mechanisms are known in the art to automatically extinguish a burning candle that may be forgotten. Unattended candle burning is certainly undesirable as it wastes the candle and may be a fire hazard. 
         [0004]    Although, certain candle extinguishers are known in the art that may be used to manually snuff out candles while preventing contact burns and minimizing the unwanted spread of liquid wax that may result from rapidly forcing air over a burning wick, e.g., to blow out or extinguish the flame. Such candle extinguishers resemble cups mounted to the end of long rods to distance the user from the flame. The problem is that such extinguishers require direct user involvement. That is, candles inadvertently left burning (e.g., forgotten) will not extinguish on their own, thus leaving the hazardous flame exposed and unattended, as mentioned above. 
         [0005]    There exists, therefore, a significant need in the art for an automatic flame extinguisher that includes a lid pivotable about a joint between a first open position permitting a candle flame to burn and a second closed position wherein the lid overlies the flame thereby extinguishing the flame, the lid being automatically pivotable between the first and second positions after a predetermined or preset duration. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    One embodiment of the automatic flame extinguisher as disclosed herein includes a base for positioning the automatic flame extinguisher in relation to a candle and a lid coupled to the base about a pivot and being selectively positionable between a first open position and a second closed position to extinguish a burning wick of the candle. Moreover, the automatic flame extinguisher may include a timer that includes a clock for selectively activating the pivot to reposition the lid from the first open position to the second closed position after the clock reaches a threshold operation time. The pivot may include a revolute joint or a helical gear actuable by the timer in response to the clock reaching the threshold operation time. In one embodiment, each of the base, the lid, and the timer may be made from a flame resistant material or a heat insulative material to prevent burning. The base may also include a spring-loaded clip selectively attachable to the candle. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, the base may include an elongated container having a size and shape for select reception and retainment of the candle therein. Here, the elongated container may include an upper rim having a size and shape for selectively receiving the lid for seated reception thereon when the lid is in the second closed position. Additionally, the container and the lid may cooperate with one another to substantially close an interior of the container off from the atmosphere to starve the burning wick of oxygen. Once the oxygen content within the interior runs out, the flame burns out due to a lack of fuel. 
         [0008]    The elongated container may also be a cylindrical container that includes a plurality of telescoping wall segments for selectively changing a height of the cylindrical container. Here, the automatic flame extinguisher may be compatible with a variety of candles that vary in height. Additionally, the plurality of telescoping wall segments may each include an upper segment selectively movable relative to a lower segment about a medial expansion plate. The cylindrical container may also include a plurality of curved wall segments with vertical subduction gaps in between respective adjacent curved wall segments. Each of the plurality of curved wall segments may be selectively slidable relative to one another in overlapping relationship about the respective subduction gaps for inward and/or outward radial translation to vary an internal diameter of the cylindrical container. The base may also include a plurality of movable platform blades each separately and articulably coupled to an adjustable inner rim of the base. A plurality of subduction gaps positioned generally between each of the plurality of movable platform blades may similarly permit selective sliding movement of adjacent movable platform blades relative to one another in an overlapping relationship. This way, the automatic flame extinguisher may be compatible for use with candles that vary in width. The lid may also include a plurality of movable lid blades, each separately and articulably coupled with a lid cap and movable relative to one another to vary a diameter of the lid. 
         [0009]    In another aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein, the base may include an annular mounting ring having an upper surface generally complimentary with the lid for seated reception thereon and an internal channel having a size and shape for select compression fit engagement with an upper rim of a container retaining the candle. 
         [0010]    The timer may include a hand-operable timer or an electronic timer operable via an externally accessible input. Moreover, the timer may include a display showing an elapsed time or the threshold operation time so the user knows when the automatic flame extinguisher will pivot the lid from the first open position to the second closed position to extinguish the candle flame. Here, the timer may also include a lid activation button that allows a user to manually or automatically selectively position the lid between the first open position and the second closed position. The timer may also be in communication with a sensor coupled with an indicator switch identifying whether the lid is in the first open position or the second closed position. In one embodiment, the indicator switch may include a first lead generally exposed underneath the lid and a second lead generally exposed thereunder and in non-contact relation relative thereto when the lid is in the first open position and in contact relation relative thereto when the lid is in the second closed position. In some embodiments, the second lead may generally couple with the base, a rim of a container housing the candle, a clip coupling the base to the rim of the container housing the candle, or an annular mounting ring. A remote controller may be communicatively coupled with the timer and in operable relation relative thereto, including allowing a user to remotely set the timer and/or identify whether the lid is in the first open position or the second closed position based on readings from the sensor coupled to the indicator switch. Here, the user may be able to remotely close the lid by way of the remote controller when the sensor identifies that the lid is still in the first open position. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment, the lid may include an inner annular seal that includes a flexible material selectively form fitting to an upper rim of a container of the candle and cooperating therewith to seal the candle from atmosphere when the lid is in the second closed position. Here, the lid may further include a transparent cover generally positioned to an interior of the inner annular seal for viewing a wick of the candle when the lid is in the second closed position. In this embodiment, the user may be able to verify whether the burning wick has been extinguished by looking through the transparent cover into the interior of the candle container. 
         [0012]    In another aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein, the automatic flame extinguisher may include a lock that retains the lid in the second closed position. In one embodiment, the lock may include a housing that retains a rotatable wheel coupled with an upwardly extending lever and a latch. The upwardly extending lever may extend into a position wherein it is actuable by the lid when the lid pivots from the first open position to the second closed position. As such, the lid may rotate the lever downwardly about the wheel coupled thereto, which causes the wheel to simultaneously rotate the latch into an overlying position relative to the lid to lock the lid in the second closed position. Releasing the lid from the locked position may require manually pivoting the latch off the lid, which then causes the lever to extend upwardly and push the lid back into the first open position. 
         [0013]    The lid may also include a solar panel thereon for generating electrical energy to power the timer. In this respect, the pivot may also include a cam actuable by the timer in response to the clock reaching the threshold operation time. Here, the cam may move between a first disengaged position in non-contact relation relative to an actuation lever when the lid is in the first open position and an engaged position contacting the actuation lever to reposition the lid in the second closed position. The activation lever may be made from an electrically conductive material that selectively couples with an electrical contact triggering repositioning of the lid to the second closed position. In this embodiment, the electrical contact may be powered by the timer, such as by way of a battery, hardwire power source, or the solar panel. 
         [0014]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an automatic flame extinguisher having a pivotable lid coupled to a housing for selectively receiving and retaining a candle therein; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the automatic flame extinguisher of  FIG. 1 , further illustrating the pivotable lid in an open and generally upright vertical position; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the automatic flame extinguisher of  FIGS. 1-2 , further illustrating the pivotable lid in a closed position sealing a wick inside the housing; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the automatic flame extinguisher, further illustrating a timer having a display and multiple input buttons for operating the pivoting lid and specifying a duration the pivoting lid remains open before closing; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the pivoting lid, including an annular channel formed between a relatively rigid circumferential lid wall and an inner flexible annular seal for improved sealing to an upper rim of the candle container; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of an adjustable automatic flame extinguisher, including a diametrically adjustable housing and a diametrically adjustable lid; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a top elevation view of the adjustable automatic flame extinguisher of  FIG. 6  without the diametrically adjustable lid, further illustrating the diametrically adjustable housing having a set of movable blades; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of a clip-on automatic flame extinguisher mounted to a candle container with the lid in an open vertical position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher of  FIG. 8 , further illustrating pivoting movement of the lid to a closed position over the candle container; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher annularly mounted to a candle container, with an alternative lid in a vertical open position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher of  FIG. 10 , further illustrating the alternative lid in a horizontal and generally closed position over the candle container; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic side view of the automatic flame extinguisher in wireless communication with a remote controller; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic side view of the automatic flame extinguisher similar to  FIG. 12 , further illustrating wireless communication with the remote controller that the lid is in a “closed” position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the automatic flame extinguisher similar to that of  FIGS. 1-3 and 12-13 , further illustrating an indicator switch in a non-contact position when the lid is open; 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the automatic flame extinguisher similar to  FIG. 14 , further illustrating the indicator switch in a contact position when the lid is closed; 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher similar to that of  FIGS. 8-9 , further illustrating the indicator switch in a non-contact position when the lid is open; 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a side view of the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher similar to  FIG. 16 , further illustrating the indicator switch in a contact position when the lid is closed; 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is a side view of the annularly mounted automatic flame extinguisher similar to that of  FIGS. 10-11 , further illustrating the indicator switch in a non-contact position when the lid is open; 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the annularly mounted automatic flame extinguisher similar to  FIG. 18 , further illustrating the indicator switch in a contact position when the lid is closed; 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  is an enlarged side view of a cam positioned in initial non-contact relation relative to an actuator level; 
           [0036]      FIG. 21  is an enlarged side view of the cam illustrated in  FIG. 20 , further illustrating pivoted engagement of the cam with the actuation level to reposition the lid into the closed position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 22  is an enlarged side view of another embodiment of a cam in non-contact relation relative to a switch that activates a mechanical or electrical contact switch; 
           [0038]      FIG. 23  is an enlarged side view of the alternative cam of  FIG. 22 , further illustrating engagement of the activation switch with the contact; 
           [0039]      FIG. 24  is a partial cut-away side view of a lid lock in a position unlocked position; 
           [0040]      FIG. 25  is a side view of the lock of  FIG. 24 , further illustrating extension of a pin and a latch from a lock housing; and 
           [0041]      FIG. 26  is a partial cut-away side view similar to  FIG. 24 , further illustrating pivoted engagement of the latch overlying the lid when in the closed position, thereby locking the lid. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0042]    As shown in the exemplary drawings for purposes of illustration, the present invention for an automatic flame extinguisher is generally referred to by the reference numeral  10  in  FIGS. 1-4 and 12-15 ; as numeral  12  with respect to an adjustable automatic flame extinguisher in  FIGS. 6-7 ; as numeral  14  with respect to a clip-on automatic flame extinguisher in  FIGS. 8-9 and 16-17 ; and as numeral  16  with respect to an annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher in  FIGS. 10-11 and 18-19 . In one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 , the automatic flame extinguisher  10  may include a container-like housing  18  having an internal cavity  20  for holding a candle  22 . Furthermore, the automatic flame extinguisher  10  may include a timer  24  coupled to the housing  18  and pivotally coupled to a lid  26  via a revolute joint  28 . The housing  18  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  as a cylindrical housing, but the housing  18  may alternatively be formed in a variety of other hollow shapes, such as a square, rectangle, prism, etc. The housing  18  may be made from a transparent flame resistant or retardant material such as glass, metal, ceramic, etc. Additionally, the exterior of the housing  18  may optionally be insulated from heat generated by the flame within the cavity  20 , to facilitate handling. For example, the housing  18  itself may be made from an insulative material that prevents heat conduction; or the internal or external sidewalls of the housing  18  may include an additional insulative layer (not shown) to substantially reduce heat conduction to the exterior of the housing  18 . 
         [0043]    In the embodiment illustrated with respect to  FIG. 1 , the wax material of the candle  22  resides within a protective glass container  30  that may be placed within the cavity  20  of the housing  18  as shown. Alternatively, the wax material of the candle  22  may be poured directly into the interior of the cavity  20 , wherein the candle  22  is basically integrally formed with the housing  18  of the automatic flame extinguisher  10 . Here, the wax material may take on the same or similar shape as the housing  18  (e.g., cylindrical, prism, rectangular, etc.). In this embodiment, the wax material may occupy a portion of the cavity  20  or substantially the entire cavity  20 . Additionally, the candle  22  may include an upwardly protruding and exposed wick  32  that burns during use. 
         [0044]    The timer  24  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 and 6-9  as a rectangular box-shaped module secured to the exterior of the housing  18  adjacent a rim  34  and may be manually (e.g., hand-wound) or automatically motorized (e.g., a powered circuit). The timer  24  may be coupled to the revolute joint  28 , and include a display  36 , an input button  38 , a lid activation button  40 , and/or an internal actuator mechanism configured to pivot the revolute joint  28 . The timer  24  may be formed from the same or similar fire resistant or retardant material as the housing  18 , or the timer  24  may be formed from a different durable non-fire retardant material. The timer  24  may include a hatch panel that provides internal access to the internal actuator mechanism for maintenance and/or repairs. Alternatively, the timer  24  may be a removable module that selectively engages (e.g., snap-fit engagement) the exterior of the housing  18 . In this embodiment, the timer  24  may selectively engage the revolute joint  28  when attached to the housing  18 , and may selectively disengage the revolute joint  28  when removed therefrom. Here, the revolute joint  28  may be coupled directly to the housing  18 , such as adjacent to or directly coupled with the rim  34 . 
         [0045]    The revolute joint  28  may be the articulable interface between the lid  26  and the internal actuator mechanism within the timer  24 , and may be formed from a variety of durable materials (e.g. metal, plastic, or the like). In one embodiment, the revolute joint  28  may be a spring-loaded hinge capable of being locked in an open position by a locking mechanism associated with the actuator mechanism inside the timer  24 . When the display  36  reaches “00:00”, the actuator mechanism inside the timer  24  may release the locking mechanism, thereby activating the spring and allowing the revolute joint  28  to pivot the lid  26  from an open position (e.g.,  FIG. 1 or 2 ) to a closed position (e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). Alternatively, the revolute joint  28  may include an exterior helical gear  42  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 4, 6, and 7 ) that couples to a complementary threaded gear of the internal actuator mechanism (e.g., a motorized timer) within the timer  24 , to pivot the revolute joint  28 . In this alternative embodiment, the timer  24  may also include an internal power source (e.g., a battery or wire line connection) to power the motorized internal actuator mechanism. In another embodiment, the revolute joint  28  may include a series of parallel axial indentations that translate rotation of a complementary cylindrical gear affixed to the internal motorized actuator mechanism within the timer  24 . 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the lid  26  may couple to the revolute joint  28  and may be pivoted thereby between the open positions shown in  FIG. 1 or 2  and the closed position shown in  FIG. 3 . Such opening and/or closing pivoting action may occur at a constant or variable speed, depending on the desired application. Alternatively, the input button  38  may permit selection of the desired speed the internal actuator mechanism opens and/or closes the lid  26 . In this respect, the operational speed of the internal actuator mechanism may translate directly to the optional speeds of the revolute joint  28 . The lid  26  in  FIGS. 1-3  is circular in shape, but the lid  26  may alternatively be one of a variety of shapes (e.g. triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, or the like) so long as the lid  26  is of sufficient size to cover an upper opening  44  of the housing  18 . In another embodiment, the lid  26  may be a domed hemispherical shape or some other three-dimensional shape having a large enough footprint to sufficiently cover the upper opening  44 . The lid  26  may be made from a durable fire-proof material, such as the same or a similar material as the housing  18 . 
         [0047]    As shown in the progression from  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 , the lid  26  may substantially close the upper opening  44  by pivoting about the revolute joint  28 . As an example, the lid  26  may start pivoting movement from the substantially horizontal position shown in  FIG. 1  or the substantially vertical position shown in  FIG. 2 . In the example of  FIG. 2 , the lid  26  may only need to pivot approximately ninety (90) degrees to close the upper opening  44 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . When in the closed position, the lid  26  may seal around the rim  34 , thus depriving the wick  32  of environmental oxygen outside the cavity  20 . The seal formed between the lid  26  and the rim  34  may be non-airtight, but must still preclude enough oxygen from reaching the wick  32  when the lid  26  is in the closed position to starve the burning wick  32  of oxygen to cease combustion. The lid  26  may be lighter than the combined weight of the housing  18  and the timer  24  such that the lid  26  does not cause the automatic flame extinguisher  10  to move, shift, or tilt during pivoting movement. 
         [0048]    In operation, a user may open the lid  26  (if not open already) either by pressing the lid activation button  40  or by physically rotating the lid  26  up and away from the rim  34 . When in the open position (e.g.,  FIG. 1 or 2 ), the wick  32  is exposed and may be lit, and will burn while in the presence of oxygen. The user may set the duration the lid  26  will remain open by way of, e.g., the input button  38 . The display  36  may provide a visual indication of the time remaining before the lid  26  will close, thereby extinguishing the burning wick  32 . The input button  38  may be used to start, stop, or clear the timer  24 . In an alternative embodiment, the timer  24  may function automatically after the lid  26  is pivoted open, thus obviating the need to program or use one or more of the input button  38  or the lid activation button  40 . Once the duration shown on the display  36  reaches zero (e.g., “00:00”), the internal actuator mechanism may activate the revolute joint  28  to pivot the lid  26  from the open position (e.g.,  FIG. 1 or 2 ) to the closed position (e.g.,  FIG. 3 ). The speed with which the lid  26  pivots closed may depend on the pivoting speed of the revolute joint  28 . In one embodiment, the lid  26  may close at a predetermined and fixed speed, while in an alternative embodiment, the lid  26  may close at an optional speed set by the user (e.g., accessible by way of the timer  24 ). 
         [0049]      FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of the automatic flame extinguisher  10 . In this respect,  FIG. 4  more specifically illustrates the display  36  having a clock  46  (currently set to “00:00”) along with an hour input button  48 , a minute input button  50 , and the lid activation button  40 . The hour input button  48  may add and/or subtract hours to the clock  46  and the minute input button  50  may add and/or subtract minutes to the clock  46 . The time on the clock  46  represents the duration the lid  26  will remain open, before the internal actuator mechanism activates to pivot the lid  26  closed. For example, when the display  36  reaches zero (i.e., “00:00”) as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the internal actuator mechanism activates the revolute joint  28  to pivot the lid  26  down into the closed position over the rim  34 . In this embodiment, the lid  26  may be a fixed circular shape and the housing  18  may be a fixed cylindrical shape. The revolute joint  28  shown in  FIG. 4  includes the exterior helical gear  42  coupled to the interior actuator mechanism, such that the timer  24  may control the upward and/or downward pivoting movement of the lid  26 . Pressing the lid activation button  40  while the lid  26  is in the closed position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 3 ) may cause the internal actuator mechanism of the timer  24  to engage the helical gear  42  on the revolute joint  28  to pivot the lid  26  to the open position. Alternatively, pressing the lid activation button  40  while the lid  26  is in the open position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 1 or 2 ) may start and/or stop the clock  46  on the display  36 . That is, if the clock  46  is actively counting down, pressing the lid activation button  40  may stop the clock  46 . On the other hand, if the clock  46  is stopped, pressing the lid activation button  40  may start the clock  46 , thereby continuing the countdown before the lid  26  closes. 
         [0050]      FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of the lid  26  having a size and shape to fit over the rim  34  (shown best in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) of the housing  18 . The lid  26  illustrated in  FIG. 5  may include an exterior relatively rigid circumferential lid wall  52  and an inner flexible annular seal  54  that form an annular channel  56  therebetween. The lid  26  illustrated in  FIG. 5  may further include a cover  58  that seals off external access to the wick  32 , thereby starving the cavity  20  of oxygen when the lid  26  is in the closed position (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 3 ). The timer  24  and the revolute joint  28  may securely attach to any point along the circumferential lid wall  52  to pivot the lid  26  into and out from engagement with the rim  34 . In this respect, when in the closed position illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the rim  34  may extend up into and engage the annular channel  56  for friction fit engagement to form a seal therebetween. The circumferential lid wall  52  may be made from a relatively rigid material of the type and quality to provide a protective outer casing for the relatively pliable material of the inner flexible annular seal  54  within the annular channel  56 . This may allow the inner flexible annular seal  54  to conform to the contours of the rim  34 , thereby forming a substantial air-tight seal when engaged thereto and more efficiently extinguishing the burning wick  32 . Although, the lid  26  may be at least made from fire proof or fire retardant materials to maximize safety because the cover  58  is generally positioned in close proximity to the wick  32 , which burns during use. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the adjustable automatic flame extinguisher  12 . In this embodiment, the adjustable automatic flame extinguisher  12  includes an adjustable housing  60  that may increase and/or decrease in diameter (e.g., thereby having a variable cavity  62 ) and/or height to accommodate a variety of different candle sizes. For example, the sizing of the adjustable automatic flame extinguisher  12  may be manually changed or changed through programming and operation of the timer  24  coupled thereto. 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the adjustable housing  60  may adjust in height through use of multiple curved telescoping wall segments  64 ,  64 ′, each including a respective upper segment  66 ,  66 ′ and a respective lower segment  68 ,  68 ′ movably interconnected to a medial expansion plate  70 ,  70 ′. The upper segments  66 ,  66 ′ opposite the expansion plates  70 ,  70 ′ terminate in a segment rim  72 ,  72 ′, which, in combination, form a variable housing rim  74  ( FIG. 7 ). The height of the adjustable automatic flame extinguisher  12  may be adjusted by moving the upper segments  66 ,  66 ′ relative to the lower segments  68 ,  68 ′ about the medial expansion plates  70 ,  70 ′. This allows the adjustable housing  60  to accommodate candles of different heights. Moreover, the adjustable housing  60  may be adjusted over time to better form fit to the height of the candle as it shrinks due to burning. 
         [0053]    To adjust the diameter of the adjustable automatic flame extinguisher  12 , a vertical sliding subduction gap  76  may be disposed between each of the curved telescoping wall segments  64 ,  64 ′ to allow one curved wall segment (e.g., the wall segment  64 ) to overlap and slide relative to another of the curved wall segments (e.g., the curved wall segment  64 ′) to accommodate radial expansion and/or contraction of the adjustable housing  60  relative to an axial center point  78 . 
         [0054]    In this respect,  FIG. 7  more specifically illustrates the full set of the curved wall segments  64 ,  64 ′,  64 ″,  64 ′″ and the vertical subduction gaps  76 ,  76 ′,  76 ″,  76 ′″ forming the relatively cylindrical adjustable housing  60 . Each of the curved wall segments  64 ,  64 ′,  64 ″,  64 ′″ may overlap one another when the adjustable housing  60  is contracted toward the axial center point  78 , but are narrow enough to still substantially restrict the passage of environmental oxygen into the variable cavity  62  when the lid  26  (or an adjustable lid  80 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) is closed over the variable housing rim  74 . Each of the curved wall segments  64 ,  64 ′,  64 ″,  64 ′″ essentially form a set of movable platform blades  82 ,  82 ′,  82 ″,  82 ′″ that separately and articulably connect to an adjustable circumferential inner rim  84 . When the adjustable housing  60  contracts, the movable platform blades  82 ,  82 ′,  82 ″,  82 ′″ slide to overlap one another and rotatably collapse the circumferential inner rim  84  toward the axial center point  78 . As such, the diameter of the circumferential inner rim  84  may become smaller. Although, the adjustable automatic flame extinguisher  12  may be configured so the movable platform blades  82 ,  82 ′,  82 ″,  82 ′″ may not completely collapse on to the axial center point  78  to close the circumferential inner rim  84  (since a usable candle would still have something of a diameter). Upon expansion of adjustable housing  60 , the movable platform blades  82 ,  82 ′,  82 ″,  82 ′″ may rotatably unfurl away from the axial center point  78  and slide outwardly to expand the footprint of the adjustable housing  60 , thereby also enlarging the circumferential inner rim  84 . The movable platform blades  82 ,  82 ′,  82 ″,  82 ′″ may overlap each by way of the vertical subduction gaps  76 ,  76 ′,  76 ″,  76 ′″ to substantially restrict passage of environmental oxygen into the variable cavity  62  regardless of the radial footprint of the adjustable housing  60 . 
         [0055]    The adjustable lid  80 , as shown in  FIG. 6  in a general vertical open configuration, may include a set of movable lid blades  86 ,  86 ′,  86 ″,  86 ′″, each separately and articulably connected to an inner lid cap  88 . The diameter of the adjustable lid  80  may be expanded or contracted in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the diameter of the adjustable housing  60 . More specifically, the movable lid blades  86 ,  86 ′,  86 ″,  86 ′″ may slidably overlap each other by way of a set of lid subduction gaps  90 ,  90 ′,  90 ″,  90 ′″. This allows the adjustable lid  80  to retract or expand the inner lid cap  88 , thereby changing the overall diameter of the adjustable lid  80 . The exterior helical gear  42  may secure to one of the movable lid blades  86 ,  86 ′,  86 ″,  86 ′″ such that when the adjustable lid  80  contracts, the exterior helical gear  42  moves in toward the inner lid cap  88 . Conversely, when the adjustable lid  80  expands (i.e., the movable lid blades  86 ,  86 ′,  86 ″,  86 ′″ unfurl from the inner lid cap  88 ), the helical gear  42  moves further away from the inner lid cap  88 . Thus, the adjustable lid  80  may consistently maintain its point of rotational contact relative to the timer  24  and the adjustable housing  60 , thereby allowing the adjustable lid  80  to neatly overlap the variable housing rim  74  with an approximately equivalent diameter. The adjustable housing  60  and the adjustable lid  80  may be manually set to a desired size before a candle is placed within the variable cavity  62 , and may be further manually adjusted depending on the size, shape, and/or appearance desired. 
         [0056]    The base of the adjustable housing  60  may be formed by a set of moveable blades, similar to the movable plate form blades  82 ,  82 ′,  82 ″,  82 ′″, extending from the bottom of the telescoping curved wall segments  64 ,  64 ′,  64 ″,  64 ′″ and attaching to a cap similar to the inner lid cap  88  of the adjustable lid  80 . This may enable the base of the adjustable housing  60  to expand and contract as the adjustable housing  60  and adjustable lid  80  expand and contract. 
         [0057]    The timer  24  illustrated with respect to  FIG. 6  similarly includes the display  36  with the clock  46 , the hour input button  48 , the minute input button  50 , and the lid activation button  40 . Moreover, the timer  24  may also include a similar internal actuator mechanism for operating movement of the adjustable lid  80 , such as by way of the external helical gear  42 . The timer  24  may further include an internal power source (e.g., a battery or wire line connection) to operate the respective electrical components. The timer  24  and/or the exterior helical gear  42  may connect to the exterior of one of the curved telescoping wall segments  64 ,  64 ′,  64 ″,  64 ′″ so that, when the adjustable housing  60  contracts, the timer  24  and/or the exterior helical gear  42  move toward the circumferential inner rim  84 , resulting in the housing  60  collapsing on the axial center point  78 . Conversely, when the adjustable housing  60  expands (i.e., the curved wall segments  64 ,  64 ′,  64 ″,  64 ′″ unfurl from the circumferential inner rim  84 ), the timer  24  and/or the exterior helical gear  42  move further away from the circumferential inner rim  84 . Once the size of the adjustable housing  60  and/or the adjustable lid  80  are set and the adjustable automatic flame extinguisher  12  is ready for use, the duration the adjustable lid  80  remains open may be set by way of the timer  24 . After activation, the timer  24  counts down to zero, wherein the adjustable lid  80  is moved from the open position to the closed position, wherein the interior of the cavity  20  is deprived of environmental oxygen to help extinguish the wick  32  after a short amount of time, if the wick  32  is still burning. 
         [0058]      FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate an embodiment of the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher  14 . In this embodiment, the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher  14  attaches to an upper candle container rim  92  of the container  30  such as by way of a clip  94 . As shown, the wick  32  and the wax material of the candle  22  (e.g., the solid fuel mass) are disposed within the container  30  (and below the upper candle container rim  92 ) such that the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher  14  does not require its own housing (e.g., the housing  18 ) to operate. The clip  94  may be spring-loaded and attach to the upper candle container rim  92  by compression fit engagement, as generally shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The clip  94  may also be integrated with the timer  24 , which may similarly include the display  36 , the input button  38  (which may include one or more of the hour input button  48  and/or the minute input button  50 ), and the lid activation button  40 . In this embodiment, the lid  26  may couple to the timer  24  about a spring-loaded joint  96  rotatably coupled thereto. Similar to the embodiments disclosed above, an internal actuator mechanism may operate the spring-loaded joint  96 , such as by way of coiling and/or uncoiling a spring.  FIG. 8  illustrates the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher  14  with the lid  26  in a generally vertical and open position, whereas  FIG. 9  illustrates the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher  14  with the lid  26  in a closed position covering the upper candle container rim  92 . 
         [0059]    The timer  24  may be a digital or analog display that indicates the time remaining before the internal actuator mechanism closes the lid  26  onto the upper candle container rim  92 . The timer  24  may close the lid  26  by releasing the spring-loaded joint  96  from a locked open position (e.g., shown in  FIG. 8 ), thus allowing the spring within the joint  96  to forcibly pivot the lid  26  down onto the upper candle container rim  92  (e.g., shown in  FIG. 9 ). The speed and/or force of closing the lid  26  may depend on the strength of the spring force exerted by the spring-loaded joint  96 . 
         [0060]    Moreover, the input button  38  may control the length of time remaining before the spring-loaded joint  96  releases, as disclosed above. The timer  24  may also include the lid activation button  40  that may mechanically raise and/or lower the lid  26  as needed and/or desired. In this way, the timer  24  may activate and raise and/or lower the lid  26  by way of the spring-loaded joint  96  without the need for direct hand manipulation, thus limiting the chance of harmful burns in the event the lid  26  is hot. The clip  94  may be a durable spring tensioner that laterally presses onto an interior sidewall of the container  30 . As such, the clip  94  may securely position the timer  24  with respect to the container  30 , and may ensure that the lid  26  consistently and completely closes over the upper candle container rim  92 . The clip  94  may be outwardly and/or downwardly extendable from the timer  24 , and thus adaptable to fit the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher  14  onto a variety of candle containers that vary in size and shape (e.g., height and/or thickness). The spring-loaded joint  96  may be a single revolute joint interconnected with the internal actuator mechanism and/or the lid activation button  40 . In this embodiment, e.g., the lid activation button  40  may be a mechanical switch that simply engages and/or disengages the spring-loaded joint  96  and/or the lid  26 . In an alternative embodiment, the joint  96  may include exterior threads or grooves that operably mesh with a motorized internal actuator mechanism within the timer  24 , thus allowing for electronically-controlled raising and/or lowering of the lid  26  at constant and/or various speeds. 
         [0061]    In  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the lid  26  is illustrated being circular in shape, but the lid  26  may be other shapes known in the art that provide consistent contact with the upper candle container rim  92  when the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher  14  is in the closed position. In one alternative embodiment, the lid  26  may be formed to resemble the lid  26  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In another embodiment, the lid  26  may be adjustable in a similar manner as the adjustable lid  80  illustrated and described above with respect to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The timer  24  and the lid  26  may be formed from a durable fire-proof or fire retardant material. Alternatively or in addition to, the lid  26  may optionally be insulated to limit heat transfer from the internal cavity  20  to the outer sidewalls of the container  30 . 
         [0062]      FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate another embodiment of the annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher  16  mounted on the container  30 . The annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher  16  may include an annular mounting ring  98  with a circumferential stabilizing wall  100  having an annular upper rim  102  for seated reception of the pivoting lid  26 . Furthermore, the annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher  16  may include a pivoting joint  104  coupled to the pivoting lid  26  that includes a gear-driven electronic opener  106  coupled thereto. In this embodiment, the operational controls, such a cover display  108 , a duration input button  110 , an opener  112 , and/or a photovoltaic cell  114  (e.g., to generate energy) may be integrated into the pivoting lid  26  as shown. In other embodiments, the pivoting lid  26  may also include a battery to store energy generated by the photovoltaic cell  114 .  FIG. 10  illustrates the annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher  16  with the pivoting lid  26  in a generally vertical open position, whereas  FIG. 11  illustrates the same annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher  16  with the pivoting lid  26  in a closed position seated on the annular mounting ring  98 . 
         [0063]    The mounting ring  98  may be formed from a durable fire-proof or fire resistant material, and may rest or otherwise engage the upper candle container rim  92  of the container  30 . The circumferential stabilizing wall  100  may also selectively engage the container  30  by way of friction fit, thus further anchoring and sealing the annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher  16  onto the container  30 . The annular rim  102  may be formed from a durable yet pliant fire-proof or fire resistant material that forms an air-tight seal with the pivoting lid  26  when in the closed configuration shown in  FIG. 11 . The pivoting joint  104  may secure to the mounting ring  98  apart from the annular rim  102  such that pivoting movement of the pivoting lid  26  does not interfere with the seal between the pivoting lid  26  and the annular rim  102 . The mounting ring  98  may have a constant diameter (e.g., to fit a specific diameter upper candle container rim  92 ) or the mounting ring  98  may have a variable diameter wherein the annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher  16  may be used with candle containers having different diameter upper rims (e.g., similar to the embodiments disclosed above with respect to  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). Additionally, the pivoting lid  26  may be made from an insulated and durable fire-proof material and may be formed in a variety of shapes and/or sizes so long as it is able to maintain a relatively tight seal with the annular rim  102 . In another embodiment, the pivoting lid  26  may be adjustable, as described above, to accommodate candle containers that vary in size. 
         [0064]    The gear-driven electronic opener  106  may be disposed on the side of the pivoting lid  26  closest to the open flame of the container  30 , and thus is constructed from a similarly insulated durable fire-proof material that may withstand direct exposure to open flames. 
         [0065]    The cover display  108  may provide a digital readout of the time left until the lid  26  pivots from the open position shown in  FIG. 10  to the closed position shown in  FIG. 11 . In an alternative embodiment, the cover display  108  may include an analog indicator showing the time left until the pivoting lid  26  closes onto the mounting ring  98 . The duration input button  110  may be used to set and/or extend the duration before the pivoting lid  26  closes onto the annular rim  102 . The opener  112  may be used to operate the gear-driven electronic opener  106  to move the pivoting lid  26  to an open position (after being closed), or begin the timer count-down when the pivoting lid  26  is already in the open position. The photovoltaic cell  114  may capture and generate renewable energy (e.g., solar power) to automatically power the gear-driven electronic opener  106  without the need for batteries or the like. Although, the photovoltaic cell  114  may provide power to an internal battery and/or may charge an internal power storage unit within the pivoting lid  26 . 
         [0066]    In an alternative embodiment, the annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher  16  may be entirely mechanically operable, meaning that no electrical energy is needed and/or used to operate the mechanism that causes the pivoting lid  26  to pivot between open and closed positions. Instead of the photovoltaic cell  114 , the internal energy storage unit, the gear-driven electronic opener  106 , the internal actuator mechanism, and/or the timer  24  could operate entirely on a spring-loaded mechanism similar to that described above in relation to the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher  14  illustrated in  FIGS. 8-9 . 
         [0067]    In another aspect of the embodiments disclosed herein, a remote controller  116  may communicate (e.g., wirelessly or by a wire line connection) with one or more of the automatic flame extinguisher  10 , the adjustable automatic flame extinguisher  12 , the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher  14 , and/or the annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher  16  as disclosed herein. More specifically with respect to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the remote controller  116  is illustrated having a communication circuit that generates a wireless communication signal  120  (e.g., radio frequency, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) for reception by a receiver circuit  122  integrated with, e.g., the timer  24  coupled to the automatic flame extinguisher  10 . In one embodiment, the remote controller  116  may communicate with the automatic flame extinguisher  10  via one-way communication, i.e., the wireless communication signal  120  generates from the remote controller  116  for reception only by the receiver circuit  122  mounted within the timer  24 . In this embodiment, the remote controller  116  may control certain aspects of the automatic flame extinguisher  10 , as described herein, but the automatic flame extinguisher  10  may not be able to communicate information back to the remote controller  116 . 
         [0068]    Alternatively, the timer  24  may also include a signal generator  124  for generating a responsive signal  126  communicative with the remote controller  116 . In this embodiment, the automatic flame extinguisher  10  may be able to communicate certain information (e.g., the “open” or “closed” status of the lid  26 ) to the remote controller  116 . For example, the remote controller  116  may include a Smartphone such that a user is able to check the status of the lid  26  remotely. Additionally, the remote controller  116  may be integrated with other smart home equipment so the user may more easily access and verify the status of the automatic flame extinguisher  10  (e.g., whether the lid  26  is in an “open” or “closed” position). For example, the remote controller  116  may be able to “open” or “close” the lid  26 , adjust the time the lid  26  (or the adjustable lid  80 ) remains in the “open” position (e.g., by remotely adjusting the input button  38 , the hour input button  48 , and/or the minute input button  50 ), and adjust the size of the curved telescoping wall segment  64  and/or the adjustable lid  80 , with respect to embodiments for the adjustable automatic flame extinguisher  12 . Similar features of the timer  24  are also usable with any of the adjustable automatic flame extinguisher  12 , the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher  14 , and/or the annually mounted automatic flame extinguisher  16 . Of course, the remote controller  116  may be controllable by a user, a program that runs automatically, and/or a combination of both. 
         [0069]    More specifically,  FIG. 12  illustrates the lid  26  in an “open” position. Next, the remote controller  116  may generate the wireless communication signal  120  for reception by the receiver circuit  122  embedded within the timer  24 . The wireless communication signal  120  may include instructions to move the lid  26  from the “open” position illustrated in  FIG. 12  to the “closed” position illustrated in  FIG. 13 . In this respect, after receiving the wireless communication signal  120 , the timer  24  may activate and pivot the lid  26  according to the embodiments disclosed herein. An indicator switch  128  may include a lid lead  130  and a housing lead  132  that may couple to circuitry within the interior of the timer  24  to provide information back to the remote controller  116 , such as a sensor  134 , regarding the “open” or “closed” status of the lid  26 . More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , each of the lid lead  130  and the housing lead  132  are in non-contact relation with one another. Here, the timer  24  may relay information back to the remote controller  116  by way of the signal generator  124  and the responsive signal  126  that the lid  26  is in an “open” position. Although, in  FIG. 13 , the lid lead  130  contacts the housing lead  132  when the lid  26  pivots to the “closed” position as shown therein. Here, the timer  24  may relay the “closed” status of the lid  26  to the remote controller  116  by way of the responsive signal  126 . This way, the user of the remote controller  116  may immediately identify the “open” or “closed” status of the lid  26  in real-time. 
         [0070]    In an alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , an indicator switch  128  may also be used with the lid  26  as illustrated with respect to  FIG. 5  above. Here, the lid lead  130  may be positioned within the annular channel  56  ( FIG. 14 ). The housing lead  132  may be positioned on the rim  34  of the housing  18  and be positioned underneath the lid lead  130  when the lid  26  pivots to the closed position illustrated in  FIG. 15 . When the lid  26  is in the “open” position illustrated in  FIG. 14 , each of the lid lead  130  and the housing lead  132  may be exposed and in non-contact relation relative to one another. When the lid  26  pivots to the “closed” position illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the exposed lid lead  130  and the exposed housing lead  132  may make contact with one another and complete a circuit that relays a signal back to the sensor  134  that the lid  26  is now in the “closed” position. The timer  24  may relay the status to the remote controller  116  as described herein. Similarly, when the lid lead  130  and the housing lead  132  do not complete a circuit when the lid  26  is in an “open” position, the sensor  134  may identify said “open” position and the timer  24  may relay the same to the remote controller  116 , as described above. 
         [0071]      FIGS. 16-19  further illustrate integration of the indicator switch  128  and the sensor  134  with respect to the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher  14  ( FIGS. 16-17 ) and the annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher  16  ( FIGS. 18-19 ). More specifically,  FIGS. 16-17  illustrate a similar embodiment where in the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher  14  includes the timer  24  housing the sensor  134 . As shown, the sensor  134  also couples to the lid lead  130  positioned up underneath the lid  26 , as described above. Although, in this embodiment, the automatic flame extinguisher  14  clips to the container  30  (i.e., there is no housing  18 ), so the sensor electrically couples to a clip lead  136  coupled to the clip  94  and exposed for contact with the lid lead  130 . In this respect, pivoting the lid  26  from the “open” position illustrated in  FIG. 16  to the closed position illustrated in  FIG. 17  causes the lid lead  130  to contact the clip lead  136 , thereby completing a circuit therein. This, of course allows the sensor  134  to identify that the lid  26  is, in fact, in the “closed” position. Integrating the clip lead  136  with the clip  94  may provide for a compact and portable version of the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher  14  usable with a variety of candles  22 , as opposed to needing to separately wire the lid lead  130  and/or the housing lead  132 /the clip lead  136  for each deployment. 
         [0072]    Similarly,  FIGS. 18-19  illustrate that the lid  26  of  FIGS. 10-11  may include a similar compact design wherein the indicator switch  128  includes the lid lead  130  coupled to the lid  26  as described above, and a ring lead  138  coupled to a portion of the annular mounting ring  98 . Here, the ring lead  138  is generally positioned underneath the lid lead  130  for contact thereof once the lid  26  pivots to the “closed” position illustrated in  FIG. 19 , similar to the embodiments discussed herein with respect to  FIGS. 12-17 . Additionally, in this embodiment, the sensor  134  may be integrated with the lid  26  as illustrated in  FIGS. 18-19 . To this end, the annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher  16  may include communication circuitry that allows the annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher  16  to communicate with, e.g., the remote controller  116 , such as by wireless communication and/or wireline communications as disclosed herein. 
         [0073]    In another aspect of the features disclosed herein, the timer  24  may house a cam  140  that acts as a timing and/or actuating mechanism for the lid  26  (or the adjustable lid  80 ). The cam  140  may be translationally fixed within the timer  24  at an axis of rotation  142 . The cam  140  may be motorized or spring loaded to enable rotation about the axis  142 ; and the cycle time of the cam  140  may be set as a function of the time the lid  26 ,  80  is to stay open. In  FIG. 20 , the oblong shape of the cam  140  is illustrated in spaced and non-contact relation with a spring-loaded actuation lever  144 . Initially, the lid  26  is in a generally vertical position, held open by the spring-loaded joint  96 . The actuation lever  144  couples to the lid  26  at an angle so that the oblong cam  140  may protrude outward from the timer  24  and into contact with the actuation lever  144 , as shown by the rotational progression from  FIG. 20  to  FIG. 21 . As such, in  FIG. 21 , the cam  140  rotates approximately 90 degrees into contact with the actuation lever  144 , thereby causing the lid  26  to pivot about (and against) the spring-loaded joint  96 . Such rotational movement of the cam  140  causes the actuation lever  144  to pivot the lid  26  to the “closed” position illustrated in  FIG. 21 . Thereafter, the cam  140  may rotate back to the position illustrated in  FIG. 20 , thereby allowing the spring-loaded joint  96  to pivot the lid  26  back to the generally vertical and “open” position. Of course, the cam  140  could with other lids as disclosed herein, including the adjustable lid  80 . 
         [0074]    In an alternative embodiment,  FIGS. 22-23  illustrate that the cam  140  housed within the timer  24  may be used to activate a switch  146  that electrically activates mechanical rotation or pivoting movement of the spring-loaded joint  96  to pivot the lid  26  to the “closed” position. In  FIGS. 22-23 , the cam  140  is located inside the timer  24  along with the switch  146 . Pivoting the cam  140  from the generally horizontal and non-contact position illustrated in  FIG. 22  to that of the generally vertical position illustrated in  FIG. 23  causes the oblong cam  140  to engage and push the switch  146  into engagement with a contact  148 . In one embodiment, the contact  148  may be a mechanical switch wherein, when the switch  146  meets the contact  148 , the contact  148  mechanically causes the spring-loaded joint  96  to pivot the lid  26  to the “closed” position, similar to that described above with respect to  FIGS. 22-23 . Alternatively, the contact  148  may be an electrical switch wherein, when the switch  146  meets the contact  148 , the contact  148  completes a circuit within the timer  24  that electrically causes the lid  26  to pivot to the “closed” position. 
         [0075]    In an alternative embodiment, a locking mechanism may be used to ensure that the lid  26  remains in the “closed” position in the event it is desired to extinguish the candle  22 . Such a locking mechanism may provide enhanced safety with respect to any of the automatic flame extinguisher  10 , the adjustable automatic flame extinguisher  12 , the clip-on automatic flame extinguisher  14 , and/or the annularly-mounted automatic flame extinguisher  16  since the lid  26  may have a greater propensity to remain in the “closed” position (e.g., in the event the candle  22  is inadvertently tipped over). In one embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 24-26 , a lock  150  includes a lock housing  152  and a lock cavity  154  within the housing  152 . The lock housing  152  may couple to the housing  18  as shown in  FIGS. 24-26 , although in other embodiments the lock housing  152  may attach to the adjustable housing  60  or the annular mounting ring  98 . A wheel  156  within the lock cavity  154  may attach to a pin  158  and a latch  160 . The pin  158  may protrude out of an upper opening  162  ( FIG. 25 ) of the housing  152  and the latch  160  may protrude out of a lateral or side opening  164  of the housing  152 , as best shown in  FIG. 25 . In this respect,  FIG. 25  best illustrates the outward projection of each of the pin  158  and the latch  160  from the enclosed housing  152 , whereas  FIGS. 24 and 26  are partial cut-away views illustrating internal operation thereof. 
         [0076]    In operation, initially as illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the lid  26  is in an “open” position (not shown in  FIG. 24 ) relative to the  18 . Here, the lock  150  is unlocked. As illustrated in  FIG. 26 , when the lid  26  rotates or pivots to the “closed” position relative to the housing  18 , the bottom of the lid  26  engages the pin  158 , thereby pushing the pin downwardly relative to its position illustrated in  FIG. 24 . As such, the wheel  156  coupled thereto rotates counter-clockwise in response, thereby also repositioning the latch  160  from the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 24-25  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 26 , i.e., generally positioned over the lid  26 . Covering the lid  26  in this manner may help prevent rotation of the lid  26  from the “closed” position illustrated in  FIG. 26  back toward the “open” position. To unlock the lid  26 , the user may rotate the latch  160  about the wheel  156  in a clockwise direction to move the latch  160  from a position overlying the lid  26  so that the lid  26  may pivot back into the “open” position. Once disengaged, the pin  158  again protrudes out from the top of the lock housing  152 . Of course, the lock  150  could be used with any of the embodiments as disclosed herein, and persons of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other locking mechanisms may be used to help ensure that the lid  26  remains in the “closed” position once activated to snuff out a burning wick  32 . 
         [0077]    Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.