System and method for generating a flickering flame effect

A system for creating a flickering effect comprising a simulated candle housing, a light communicating channel on the housing, a source of ultraviolet light disposed in the channel, and a simulated flame having ultraviolet material thereon movable back and forth from its vertical axis mounted in the housing, the light focused on the simulated flame simulating a flickering flame.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to the creation of artificial light effects for entertainment and novelty applications.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

The generation of a flickering flame effect is important in entertainment applications, since it provides a mechanism for simulating the flicker of a candle without actually using a candle. This is important since it provides numerous safety benefits as well as an ability to keep the artificial flame “burning” in the presence of significant air pressure variations.

One type of device that generates an artificial flame is commonly known as a “wiggle wire ball.” Specifically, this device is a relatively large ball that has a flat filament, wherein the current in the filament takes a random path which alters from time to time, thereby simulating a flickering flame effect.

Another such device includes a series of orange and white LEDs that are cast in resin having a flame shaped surface. A current supplied to the LED's in a particular sequence gives rise to a flickering flame effect.

Yet another device is commonly referred to as a “silk flame.” The silk flame includes a piece of silk that is blown upwards by a fan, causing it to undulate. A light projected on the silk piece is reflected off of the silk while it is moving, thereby creating a flickering flame effect. Another device for generating an artificial flickering flame effect is a lamp having a flicker circuit, wherein the flicker circuit is used to modulate the glowing light source within the bulb, thereby giving an appearance of a candle burning inside a lantern or a sconce.

Another flickering flame device is a light bulb inside a flame shaped plastic object, which has wires incorporated into it. The wires interact with electromagnets causing the flame shaped object to tilt from side to side under control of an electronic circuit.

SUMMARY

The foregoing devices are either bulky, unsafe or do not provide a realistic flickering flame effect. Thus, the system discussed below includes an apparatus and a method for synthesizing an artificial flame that provides a realistic flickering flame effect that is safe and easy to manufacture.

In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/915,794, there is disclosed an artificial flickering effect that simulates the flickering of a candle flame. In this aspect, the apparatus comprises: (i) at least one light communicating channel, (ii) a flame shaped surface in communication with a first end of the at least one light communicating channel, (iii) a mount for rotatably securing the at least one channel, (iv) a fiber optic cable spaced from the at least one channel for delivering the light signal to a second end of the at least one channel, wherein the rotation of the at least one channel about at least one axis of the mount creates an artificial flickering flame on the flame shaped surface. Additionally, the at least one channel may be designed to rotate about the orthogonal axes of the mount. The apparatus may further comprise a thin rod in communication with the flame shaped surface, wherein the rod is sensitive to air pressure variations, thereby causing the flame shaped surface to rotate about the orthogonal axes of the mount.

In still another aspect of the invention, in application Ser. No. 10/915,794 a flame portion simulating a candle flame is provided with an ultraviolet coating and, under illumination from an ultraviolet LED light source, oscillates back and forth at the top of a simulated candle.

In another aspect of the system, disclosed in application Ser. No. 10/915,794, a method for generating diffused light is disclosed comprising: (i) receiving a light signal at a first end of an at least one fiber optic channel, wherein the at least one channel is rotatably secured on a mount and wherein the at least one fiber optic channel rotates about at least one axis of the mount, (ii) delivering the light signal to a diffuser surface which is in communication with a second end of the at least one channel, wherein the rotation of the at least one fiber optic channel about an least one axis of the mount creates diffused light about the diffuser surface. Additionally, the method may further include the steps of rotatably securing the ring to a cylindrical enclosure surrounding the ring and providing a light signal from a light source, wherein the light source is a light-emitting diode (LED).

In the instant application, ultraviolet LEDs are used to focus ultraviolet light and a simulated flame having ultraviolet material thereon which oscillates back and forth to simulate a flickering candle flame.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Although specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by the way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the present disclosure. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the present disclosure as further defined in the appended claims.

FIG. 1is an exemplary depiction of a candelabrum4holding several artificial flickering flame devices6mounted on a table2. The devices6are shown as candle shaped and are positioned on individual supports8of the candelabrum4. Of course, the devices6may be other shapes, and need not resemble cylindrical candles per se, but could be any whimsical or geometric shape, just as candles can be found in myriad shapes, such as cartoon figures, pyramids, motor vehicle shapes, flowers, sculptures etc. Furthermore, the candelabra and table2are not necessary and any suitable support may be used. An artificial flame device6may also be fully or partially enclosed within a surrounding structure, such as in a globe or other container.

FIG. 2is a view of one of the artificial flicker flame device6ofFIG. 1. In this embodiment, the artificial flickering flame effect is created through air-pressure variations applied to the reflecting surfaces13,15(see alsoFIG. 3) of element12, which may be somewhat flame shaped,FIG. 2, and/or to the stem10attached to element12and extending generally upwardly therefrom. In other words, air moving against the components, such as airflow created by a fan, or air injected upwardly through the open bottom of the candle housing in any suitable manner, such as an air tube, which thus causes the components to move on a gimbal mechanism, as described below.

The device inFIG. 2may comprises a generally cylindrical housing32open at both ends31,33, respectively (see alsoFIG. 3). A light conduit30, such as a fiber optic cable,FIG. 2, is positioned near a light source34, and is held in position in open end31by a support frame28. Support frame28includes a central hub27, through which conduit30extends, and at least two outwardly oppositely extending arms28fixed to hub27and the inner wall of housing32.

A gimbal mechanism is mounted in the open end33of housing32having a ring-shaped member20. Ring-shaped member20is supported within housing32by a pair of pins22,23, respectively, each pin22,23being fixedly secured to the outer periphery of member20and rotatably secured to the inner wall of housing32. The pins22and23thus permit the member20of the gimbal mechanism to rotate about the longitudinal axes of the pins22and23.

The member20includes a pair of spaced grooves24and24′ on its upper surface. A rod18is disposed in the grooves24,24′ and acts as a support for mutually communicating cables that are designed to carry a light signal, such as optical cables14and16.

The cables14,16rotate about at least one axis (viz., the longitudinal horizontal axis passing along the length of the rod18, as seen in The cables14and16(FIG. 2) may be coupled together by a connector26through which they extend (see alsoFIG. 2). Positioned in between the two cables14and16is a teardrop shaped element12, simulating a flame. Element12may be made of plastic, rubber, or any other composite material, either substantially transparent or opaque material, and may be appropriately colored to heighten the perception of a flickering flame effect. Additionally, a substantially long thin wire or stem10may be attached by any suitable means to the flame shaped element12to create a wispy smoke effect.

As seen inFIG. 3, a gap35separates the light carrying cable30from the light carrying cables (14,16), the flame shaped element12, the member20and pins22,23.

The rotation of the gimbal mechanism20,22,23and the mutually connected light carrying cables (14,16), along with the flame shaped element12and member20about rod18, causes the lower end of the mutually connected cables (14,16) to be displaced from their stationary position ofFIG. 3to the positions illustrated in the dotted lines inFIG. 4.

FIG. 5illustrates how element12is bonded to the stem10which is in the form of a thin rod, by any suitable adhesive39.

FIG. 6illustrates the rotation of the structure comprising the gimbal mechanism (20,22,23), and the mutually connected light carrying cables (14,16), and the flame shaped element12about an horizontal axis passing through pins22and23. This causes the lower end37of the connected cables (14,16) to be displaced from the stationary position ofFIG. 3. As heretofore mentioned, the same effect occurs along the axis of rod18as discussed with respect toFIG. 4.

Thus, in summary, there are at least two degrees of rotation in the artificial candle (viz., rotation of the flame shaped element12about rod18, and rotation of the flame shaped element12about the pins22,23).

The operation of the artificial candle6for creating a flicker flame effect is described as follows. A light signal, generated by a light source30, propagates through the optical cable30, and is emitted at one end29of the cable30into the air gap35, which may be about 80 thousandths of an inch wide. In a stationary condition (i.e., when there is substantially no displacement of the thin rod10), the light arriving from cable30is delivered to at least one of the two mutually connected cables (14,16). The light carried by at least one of the two cables (14,16) is then delivered to at least one face13or15of the flame shaped element12presenting the perception of a flame. In the condition where air-pressure variations induce motion of the structure comprising (i) the gimbal mechanism (20,22,23), (ii) the mutually connected light carrying cables (14,16), and (iii) the flame shaped element12, movement of the lower end37of the cables (14,16) away from the stationary state will cause light to reflect or diffuse, completely or partially, on at least one of the faces of the flame shaped surface, thereby creating an artificial flickering flame effect.

Specifically,FIG. 3shows a stationary state situation where light arriving via the optical cable30is delivered to both of the mutually connected cables (14,16) via the gap35. Subsequently, the light signal propagates through both of the mutually connected cables (14,16) towards the flame shaped element12to be reflected or diffused about both faces13and of element15, thereby giving the appearance of a flame.

As shown inFIG. 4, when there is a substantial rotational movement by an angle □ about rod18(i.e., the angle between the vertical and thin stem10)18, of the structure comprising: (i) the gimbal mechanism (20,22,23), (ii) the mutually connected light carrying cables (14,16), and (iii) the flame shaped element12, the lower portion of the mutually connected cables is displaced from its stationary position (FIG. 3) in a manner that light from the cable30is reflected off face13of the flame shaped element12. In the case where the rotational angle □ is large, the light is attenuated significantly (as it does not propagate through cable14) and hence there is a lower reflection off of face13.

In another exemplary embodiment, an artificial candle300, as shown inFIG. 7, includes a control board302having suitable electronics (e.g., current pulsing circuits, memory module, micro-controller, portable power source, power converter, etc.), represented by microcontroller408, a solid state device (e.g., an LED)308positioned on a mount306, and a heat sink304for efficient extraction of heat from the LED308. At least one lens system (shown herein as two separate lenses, such as condenser lens310and ball lens312in one exemplary aspect) is positioned on the mount306to allow optimal focusing of the LED light output. Electromagnets316may be positioned on a base314for generating an electromagnetic field. A tube318, which may be of a composite material of nylon and aluminum, provides a guiding means for the light arriving from the LED system. In one aspect, the combination of the control board302, the heat sink304, the solid state device308(including mount306and lenses310,312), and the electromagnets316may be housed inside the tube318.

A gimbal structure324, having a cylindrical housing322, may be in contact with a spacer320for substantially separating the gimbal structure324from the tube318, in order to allow optimal projection of the light output from the LED system onto the flame shaped element326(similar to element13ofFIG. 1). A rod328which may be solid or hollow, with a base330, is in communication with the flame shaped element326and allows light to be conducted or delivered onto the reflecting surfaces of element326. It is to be understood that housing322has a pair or outwardly extending pins400,401(seeFIG. 8) rotatably secured to both the inner wall402of cylindrical housing322and inner cylindrical member403having rod328extending therethrough and reciprocal therein. Thus, rod328, and element326, move about the elongated axes of pins400,401and up and down within member403.

A thin member10,FIG. 7, similar to member10ofFIG. 1, may be fixed to element326extending upwardly therefrom.

The operation of the artificial flame candle300is as follows. The desired movement pattern of the flame shaped surface326may be encoded and stored in the memory module408of the control board302in the form of digital data or control signals. The control board302may include a micro-controller (not shown), which excites the electromagnets316based on the encoded digital data arriving from the memory module408on the control board302. Specifically, the electromagnets316are arranged on the base314and are excited by the signal from the control board302to create a field with a certain polarity around the electromagnets316. In one aspect, the digital data may be programmed from an external computer (not shown). Furthermore, the control board302may be either battery operated (e.g., with a 5V battery) or it could be energized through an AC power supply.

The magnetic base330will either move away or towards the electromagnets316depending on whether the electromagnetic field is of the same polarity as the base330or not. The movement of the magnetic base330towards or away from the electromagnets316will induce a rotational motion of the gimbal structure324about the horizontal (or vertical) plane. Due to this rotational motion of the gimbal structure324, light arriving from the LED308will be reflected, completely or partially, off at least one of the faces of the flame shaped surface326, thereby creating an artificial flicker flame effect.

In another embodiment, a dichroic filter404(FIG. 9-likenumerals referring to like parts ofFIG. 7) may be positioned between the LED308and the condenser lens310. The dichroic filter404alters the wavelength of the LED light output signal, rendering the light output to be of arbitrary color, thereby allowing the artificial flickering flame to be of any color. Alternatively, as seen inFIG. 10, wherein like numerals refer to like parts ofFIGS. 7 and 8, an array405of LED's having different operating wavelengths may be housed on the LED mount306, and electronic switching (not shown) of the array405of the LED's may permit arbitrary an color flickering flame effect.

It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the disclosure. Possible modifications to the system include, but are not limited to, including the solid-state device308, the condenser lens310and ball-lens321ofFIG. 7in the embodiment ofFIG. 2. This is shown in the candle406ofFIG. 11wherein like numerals refer to like parts ofFIGS. 2 and 7. Although particular embodiments have been disclosed, variations thereof may occur to an artisan and the scope of the disclosure should only be limited to the scope of the appended claims. The artificial candle406may have the control board302within a unitary structure inside of candle406or the control board302may be external to the artificial candle (not shown). The artificial candle406could also have a light bulb screw end407to secure the candle406to a base (not shown).

Although the flame device inFIG. 2shows a pair of cables or light transmitting channels, a single light transmitting channel may be used. Thus, as seen inFIG. 12, wherein like numerals refer to like parts of the embodiment ofFIG. 2, a single light transmitting or light carrying channel500is shown in place of cables14,16. A teardrop shaped element502, identical to element12inFIG. 2, is secured in any suitable manner to the upper end of channel500. Rod18now passes through hole503in channel500. The operation of channel500is otherwise identical to the movement of cables14,16.

It can be seen that there is disclosed a flame shaped reflector or diffuser integrated with a light pipe (single or multi-channel) which is articulated by a natural and chaotic external or internal force (such as wind, magnetism); above one or more collimated light sources (e.g. fiber optic, LED, incandescent). The reflector or diffuser is balanced with its center of gravity (or movement between the reflector/diffuser and the light source) on a gimbal mechanism allowing movement on a minimum of two axes. The reflector or diffuser moves randomly simulating blowing in the wind.

In another embodiment of the invention, as shown inFIG. 13, a single candle600is shown having an outer translucent base cover601(seeFIG. 14), open at both ends and generally cylindrical, an inner candle base602, and a flame assembly603. Base602is preferably opaque and preferably of a dark material and open at bottom604. Base602is also generally cylindrical and press fit into base cover601.

As seen inFIGS. 13 and 14, a plurality, such as two, of elongated channels or grooves605,606are formed along the outer external surface607of candle base602. Both grooves605,606terminate at bottom before the terminal end of base602to provide exits at open slots608for electrical wires (not shown) as will be discussed.

The upper end or upper wall609of base602(seeFIG. 15) has a generally T-shaped slot610therethrough. Wall609is of a thickness to accommodate two spaced angular holes611,612extending from the upper ends of each groove605,606. That is, each groove605,606has an enlarged opening613(FIG. 14) at its upper end with holes611,612extending upwardly therefrom (see alsoFIG. 16) at an angle to the longitudinal axis of base602opening at top as seen inFIG. 15.

An ultraviolet LED, such as LEDs613,614, is mounted in each hole611,612, respectively (seeFIG. 16). These LEDs are angled upwardly to project cones of ultraviolet light when activated. Electrical wires615,616are connected to LEDs613,614, respectively, and are trapped between the outer wall607of base602and the inner wall617(FIG. 14) of cover601. Both wires615,616extend out their respective slots608and are coupled to a suitable source of electrical power618, such as a battery assembly. Of course, an external source of power may be used, such as the light source34inFIG. 2.

Referring again toFIG. 14, a flame rod or pin618, which may be cylindrical and of a metallic material, such as brass, extends through a hole619through the wall of base602between holes611,612and transverse to the central axis of base602. As seen inFIG. 15, pin618extends across the wider portion of T-shaped slot610to generally the midpoint thereof.

Flame assembly603includes an upper flame portion619(FIG. 14), simulating a flame, an integral curved portion620, and a downwardly extending elongated portion621.

Portions620,621may be of one piece material, such as plastic, and may be black in color. As can be seen inFIG. 16, portions620,621may also be of a flat material. Flame portion619is secured to curved portion620in any suitable manner, as by gluing, and is also relatively thin as seen inFIG. 16. Flame portion619is preferably of an ultraviolet material, such as a plastic material, or may be of a suitable material, such as plastic, coated with an ultraviolet material.

As seen inFIG. 18, the lowermost end of flame portion619terminates in a pointed end622which is adapted to enter a groove623in pin608. Alternatively, as seen inFIG. 19, wherein like parts refer to like parts of the embodiment ofFIG. 18, curved portion620may terminate in a downwardly extending point624with flame portion625being straight along its bottom626. Point624is adapted to rest in groove623as seen inFIG. 18. In still another embodiment of the invention, as seen inFIG. 20wherein like numerals refer to like parts of the embodiment ofFIGS. 18 and 19, instead of a groove623, a small magnet626is provided in pin625at the terminal end of a pin627extending upwardly and, secured to flame portion625. Magnet626may be disposed on top of pin625or in a small cavity therein.

As seen inFIG. 17, it can be appreciated that the pointed end622of flame portion619rests in groove623with curved portion620extending about pin618and down to portion621. The width of flame portion619and curved portion620is such that the same will abut against the inner walls of slot610(FIG. 15) when they oscillate back and forth under air currents, wind, external fans, air from the bottom etc. The embodiments ofFIGS. 19 and 20will oscillate in like manner.

The LEDs, when illuminated, will focus on flame portions619,625as they oscillate creating an ultraviolet light effect suggesting a flame.

Any suitable ultraviolet LEDs can be used, such as LEDs 5 mm in size and 385 nonometer UV LEDs. Any suitable materials may be used for the base202and cover601. For example, Debrin translucent plastic, a trademarked plastic of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Corp. of Wilmington Del., may be used.

Angling of the LEDs as disclosed catches more reflected light.

As seen inFIG. 21, instead of cover601, a cover700may be used of the same configuration and dimensions and material as cover601. However, protrusions701and702of varying lengths and configurations may be provided on the outer surface703to simulate dripping wax. The simulated drippings ;may be of the same translucent material as cover700.

Although candles600may be used as self-supporting or standalone candles, as shown previously inFIG. 1, the candles600may be incorporated in a candelabra704having a base705and a plurality of upstanding spaced arms706to708terminating in candle holders709, as shown, each supporting a candle600. Normal air currents will cause the simulated flame to flicker. If desired, a source of air currents (Not shown), such as a fan, may be provided remote from candelabra704to “blow” the flame portions619as previously discussed. For example, as seen inFIG. 23, wherein like numerals refer to like parts ofFIG. 16, a small air tube800, coupled to a suitable source of air, such as an electrically activated blower801, may be provided for blowing air upwardly through the interior of base602. Of course, such a source of air may be provided in any one of the candles in this application. The wires (not visible inFIG. 22) may extend through the arms706to708to base705and may there be coupled to a suitable source of electricity (not shown inFIG. 22), and to a remote electrical outlet.

Although particular embodiments of the disclosure have been discussed, variations thereof may occur to an artisan and the scope of the invention should only be limited by the scope of the appended claims.