CANDLE CUP COVER

Apparatuses for, methods of manufacturing, and methods of using a flame extinguisher are disclosed. In some implementations, a flame extinguisher comprises a planar surface with a first end comprising a handle configured to held by a hand, a second end affixed to a hollowed, geometric solid extending out of the planar surface, and a perimeter around the planar surface configured to prevent an underside of the planar surface opposite the hollowed, geometric solid from contacting a surface when laid down with the underside down. The hollowed, geometric solid may be a hollowed, conical solid. The hollowed geometric solid may be sized to extinguish a candle flame when a lit wick is inserted into the interior space of the hollowed, geometric solid.

BACKGROUND

Prior candle extinguishers utilize some means for smothering a candle flame, either by capping or covering the end of the wick with a bell-shaped snuffer or flame extinguisher, or by pinching the wick itself between two surfaces. In each case, oxygen is excluded from the wick for a sufficient period or sufficient heat is withdrawn from the flame to extinguish the flame.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to candle snuffers and candle accessories. Candle extinguishers that operate by enclosing the wick may be advantageous in that they may minimize smoking of the wick when the candle flame is extinguished. Another common issue may be the spread of germs caused by blowing out a birthday candle with breath when no candle extinguisher device is used. Accordingly, there exists a need for safe and novel way for extinguishing candle flames, such as candles on birthday cakes, while not spreading germs.

In addition, prior candle extinguishers typically are not aesthetically pleasing and cannot be displayed or used as a toy. A candle cup cover incorporating custom figurine toppers may be swapped with others when not being used to extinguish candle flames (e.g., birthday candle flames). One problem, common to most types of candle extinguishers, is that accumulated hot wax and/or soot on the extinguisher can be transferred to the table or other resting surface on which the extinguisher is placed after being used to extinguish a candle flame. Consequently, the hot wax and/or soot can damage the table or resting surface on which the extinguisher is placed. The candle cup cover may incorporate a perimeter that raises portions of the extinguisher that may have been in contact with hot wax and/or soot off the resting surface.

In some implementations a flame extinguisher, other apparatus, or device is disclosed comprising a planar surface with a first end comprising a handle configured to be held by a hand, a second end affixed to a hollowed, geometric solid extending out of the planar surface, and a perimeter configured to prevent an underside of the planar surface opposite the hollowed, geometric solid from contacting a surface when laid down with the underside down. The hollowed, geometric solid may be a hollowed, conical solid. The hollowed, geometric solid may be sized to extinguish a candle flame when a lit wick is inserted into an interior space of the hollowed, geometric solid. The hollowed, geometric solid may comprise a material that is the same as a handle material and the material may be continuous from the handle to the hollowed, geometric solid. The handle and the hollowed, geometric solid may comprise one or more molded pieces of material. The handle and the hollowed, geometric solid may comprise 3-D printed materials. The hollow, geometric solid may further comprises a feature allowing for an attachment of an ornamental figure. The feature may be a rib on an outside perimeter of the hollow, geometric solid configured to snap into a groove of the ornamental figure. The feature may be a helical rib shaped like a screw on an outside perimeter of the hollow, geometric solid configured to interface with a helical groove of the ornamental figure.

In some implementations, a device is disclosed comprising a planar object and a hollowed, geometric solid. The planar object may comprise a first end comprising a handle and a second end comprising an aperture. The hollowed, geometric solid may be configured to be affixable to the aperture such that the hollowed, geometric solid extends out of the planar object from the aperture. The hollowed, geometric solid may be sized to extinguish a candle flame when a lit wick is inserted into an interior space of the hollowed, geometric solid. The hollowed, geometric solid may be a hollowed, conical solid. The hollowed, geometric solid may be formed from a material that is the same as a handle material. The handle and the hollowed, geometric solid may be formed in one or more molds. The handle and the hollowed, geometric solid may be created from a 3-D printer. The hollowed, geometric solid may comprise a feature allowing for attachment of an ornamental figure. The feature may be a rib on an outside perimeter of the hollowed, geometric solid configured to snap into a groove of the ornamental figure. The feature may be a helical rib shaped like a screw on an outside perimeter of the hollowed, geometric solid configured to interface with a helical groove of the ornamental figure.

In some implementations, a process is disclosed for creating a flame extinguisher device. The process may comprise form forming a handle with a first end configured to be held by a hand, forming a second end of the handle, forming a hollowed, geometric solid extending out of a plane of the second end of the handle, and forming a perimeter of the handle. The perimeter of the handle may prevent an underside of the handle opposite the hollowed, geometric solid from contacting a surface when laid down with the underside down. The handle and the hollowed, geometric solid may be formed in one or more molds. The handle and the hollowed, geometric solid may be created from a 3-D printer.

In some implementations, an apparatus is disclosed for extinguishing birthday candle flames in a safe manner preventing the need to physically blow out the birthday candle eliminating the chance to contaminate the product under the birthday candle. The apparatus may further comprise a hollowed cone attached to an elongated fishlike shape with a larger rounded outer perimeter to minimize surface contact with the hollowed cone and affixed into position held by a ribbed torus shape. In some implementations, the apparatus may resemble the shape of a fish. The apparatus may comprise a custom figurine topper. The apparatus may comprise an outer round perimeter, which is taller than a surface of the apparatus and wherein the outer round perimeter supports the apparatus in a horizontal position such that extinguishing members do not contact the support surface. In some implementations, the custom figurine topper may be detachable from the apparatus. In some implementations, the hollowed cone may comprise a ribbed torus shape to hold the custom figurine topper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary implementations in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. Additionally, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in any methods disclosed herein are merely example approaches. Based upon design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps of any disclosed methods or processes can be re-arranged while remaining within the scope of the invention. Thus, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or acts in a sample order, and the invention is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless expressly stated otherwise.

The present disclosure concerns a candle extinguisher referred to in this disclosure as a candle cup cover or (“Candle Cup Cover”). The candle cup cover, in some implementations, may be useful for extinguishing flames such as candle flames. For example, a candle flame on a birthday cake may be extinguished without the potential spread of germs while affixable collectable custom figurine toppers can be swapped with other candle cup cover owners.

A candle cup cover may be for extinguishing birthday candle flames in a safe manner and has a custom figurine topper which can be swapped out with other candle cup cover custom figurine toppers. In some implementations, the candle cup cover includes a hollowed cone attached to an elongated fishlike shape with a larger round perimeter to ensure the candle cup cover underside does not contact the surface it is laid onto after use.

In some implementations candle cup cover is fish-like shaped apparatus with a cone shape on one end, which allows custom figurine toppers to be attached and displayed as a decorative or game piece when the apparatus is not being used to extinguish a birthday candle flame. In addition, the candle cup cover may be used with other multiple color candle cup cover owners. The apparatus also includes a rounded bottom perimeter to support for placing on a surface, with the outer ring being designed to support the candle cup cover such that the extinguishing underside cone does not contact the support surface. Desirably, the candle cup cover is designed to support the holder in a horizontal position. In a disclosed embodiment, the candle cup cover custom figurine toppers can be removed from the candle cup cover and replaced with other candle cup cover custom figurine toppers but may comprise of a different look, size, color and or material. A method of using a candle cup cover according to one embodiment includes extinguishing a birthday candle flame with the candle cup cover. After extinguishing the candle flame, the candle cup cover is supported in a horizontal position on a surface to minimize the candle cup cover underside from touching the support surface. These and other features of the invention will be more fully appreciated when the following detailed description of the invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In the figures, while words may be embossed or otherwise appear on portions of the candle cup cover, any words in the figures are illustrative for example purposes only and are not limiting.

FIG. 1Ais an illustration of a candle cup cover100in a perspective view according to two example implementations.FIG. 1Bis a version of the illustration ofFIG. 1Aof a candle cup cover in a perspective view according to two example implementations. In some implementations, the candle cup cover100comprises a containment piece110, a handle piece120, a helical rib210, and a perimeter140. The containment piece110may be conical and hollowed, such that the hollowed conical solid that comprised the containment piece110extends out from a plane formed by the handle piece120. While a conical shape is illustrated for the containment piece110, other geometrical solid shapes may be used. The helical rib210may be present on an outside perimeter of the geometrical solid shape of the containment piece110. The helical rib210may extend out of the outside surface of the containment piece110. The helical rib210may be configured to screw into a corresponding groove (e.g., helical groove1110) in an ornamental piece that attaches to the outside of the containment piece110. In another implementation (not shown), a helical rib may instead extend out the inside surface of the ornamental piece and interface with a corresponding groove on the outside of the containment piece. The perimeter140may be affixed to all edges of the handle piece120. In some implementations, the perimeter140may not be continuous, but only affixed to certain portions of the edges of the handle piece120. The perimeter140may be configured to prevent the underside of the handle piece120from contacting a surface when the candle cup cover100is placed upon the surface. The containment piece110may be formed from a material that is contiguous with the material of the handle piece120. For example, both the handle piece120and the containment piece110may be formed from a single mold using injection molded plastic. Other materials such as metal, glass, ceramic, etc., may be used. In some implementations, biodegradable materials may be used. In some implementations, thermoplastics may be used that are primarily based on castor beans. For example, a thermoplastic may be used based on castor beans that is a long chain polyamide 4-10 (PA 4-10) grade reinforced with glass fiber. For example, 30% glass fiber may be used for reinforcement. In other implementations, the containment piece110may attach to the handle piece120. For, example, the containment piece may contain a groove that allows it to snap into a cutout in the handle piece120.

Continuing withFIGS. 1A and 1B, in some implementations, the candle cup cover100comprises a containment piece110, a handle piece120, a rib130, and a perimeter140. The containment piece110may be conical and hollowed, such that the hollowed conical solid that comprised the containment piece110extends out from a plane formed by the handle piece120. While a conical shape is illustrated for the containment piece110, other geometrical solid shapes may be used. A rib130may be present on an outside perimeter of the geometrical solid shape of the containment piece110. The rib130may extend out of the outside surface of the containment piece110. The rib130may be configured to interact and/or snap into a corresponding groove in an ornamental piece that attaches to the outside of the containment piece110. The perimeter140may be affixed to all edges of the handle piece120. In some implementations (not shown) the rib may instead be on the inside surface of the ornamental piece and configured to interact and/or snap into a corresponding groove on the outside of the containment piece. In some implementations, the perimeter140may not be continuous, but only affixed to certain portions of the edges of the handle piece120. The perimeter140may be configured to prevent the underside of the handle piece120from contacting a surface when the candle cup cover100is placed upon the surface. The containment piece110may be formed from a material that is contiguous with the material of the handle piece120. For example, both the handle piece120and the containment piece110may be formed from a single mold using injection molded plastic. Other materials such as metal, glass, ceramic, etc., may be used. In some implementations, biodegradable materials may be used. In some implementations, thermoplastics may be used that are primarily based on castor beans. For example, a thermoplastic may be used based on castor beans that is a long chain polyamide 4-10 (PA 4-10) grade reinforced with glass fiber. For example, 30% glass fiber may be used for reinforcement. In other implementations, the containment piece110may attach to the handle piece120. For, example, the containment piece may contain a groove that allows it to snap into a cutout in the handle piece120.

FIG. 2Ais an illustration of a plan view200of a candle cup cover in a top view according to an example implementation.FIG. 2Bis a version of the illustration ofFIG. 2Aof a plan view of a candle cup cover in a top view according to an example implementation. In some implementations, a candle cup cover100comprises a containment piece110. The containment piece110may comprise a helical rib210. The helical rib210may be present on an outside perimeter of the geometrical solid shape of the containment piece110. The helical rib210may extend out of the outside surface of the containment piece110. The helical rib210may be configured to screw into a corresponding groove (e.g., helical groove1110) in an ornamental piece that attaches to the outside of the containment piece110. In another implementation (not shown), a helical rib may instead extend out the inside surface of the ornamental piece and interface with a corresponding groove on the outside of the containment piece. Dimensions and measurements may be shown as an example implementation but are not limiting.

FIG. 3Ais an illustration of a side view300of a candle cup cover in a side view according to an example implementation.FIG. 3Bis a version of the illustration ofFIG. 3Aof a side view of a candle cup cover according to an example implementation. Dimensions and measurements may be shown as an example implementation but are not limiting.

FIG. 4Ais an illustration of a collection of candle cup covers400demonstrating an example implementation where the containment piece110is removable.FIG. 4Bis a version of the illustration ofFIG. 4Aof a collection of candle cup covers demonstrating an example implementation where the containment piece is removable. In some implementations, the containment piece110may snap into place in a cutout of the handle piece120.

FIG. 5is an illustration of a before and after of a candle cup cover500when affixing a figurine topper to the containment piece in an example implementation.FIG. 5Bis a version of the illustration ofFIG. 5Aof a before and after of a candle cup cover when affixing a figurine topper to the containment piece in an example implementation. In some implementations, where the containment piece110comprises a helical rib210, a figurine topper510may be affixed to the containment piece110by screwing a corresponding groove to the helical rib210of the figurine topper510on to the containment piece110. In some implementations a circular groove of the figurine topper510may snap on to a circular rib of the containment piece110. SeeFIG. 10description. Other methods and ways of affixing the figurine topper510to the containment piece110may be used. The illustration of a before and after of a candle cup cover500shows both the position of the figurine topper510before attachment to the containment piece110and after. The form and shape of the figurine topper510inFIG. 5is an example implementation only and is not limiting.

FIG. 6is an illustration of a cross-sectional side view600of the candle cup cover with an affixed figurine topper in an example implementation. In some implementations a circular groove of the figurine topper510may snap on to a circular rib of the containment piece110. In some implementations (not shown) the circular rib may instead be on the inside surface of the ornamental piece and configured to interact and/or snap into a corresponding groove on the outside of the containment piece. Other methods and ways of affixing the figurine topper510to the containment piece110may be used. The form and shape of the figurine topper510inFIG. 6is an example implementation only and is not limiting.

FIG. 7is an illustration of a cross-sectional side views700of figurine toppers affixed to the containment pieces. In some implementations a circular groove710of the figurine topper510may snap on to a circular rib of the containment piece110. In some implementations (not shown) the circular rib may instead be on the inside surface of the ornamental piece and configured to interact and/or snap into a corresponding groove on the outside of the containment piece. Other methods and ways of affixing the figurine topper510to the containment piece110may be used. The form and shape of the figurine topper510inFIG. 7is an example implementation only and is not limiting.

FIG. 8depicts an illustration of a candle cup cover as used to extinguish a birthday candle on a cupcake in an example implementation. There is shown one embodiment or implementation of a candle cup cover being used to extinguish a flame on the wick of a candle. When the candle cup cover is not being used to extinguish a flame (e.g., a birthday candle flame), it may be placed in a horizontal position or placed in a candle cup cover collection bag. A perimeter140of the candle cup cover may prevent the handle piece120from contacting a surface when laid to rest on the surface.

FIG. 9depicts an illustration of a candle cup cover in a cross-sectional side view as used to extinguish a birthday candle on a cupcake in an example implementation. There is shown one embodiment or implementation of a candle cup cover being used to extinguish a flame on the wick of a candle in a cut-away view. When the candle cup cover is not being used to extinguish a flame (e.g., a birthday candle flame), it may be placed in a horizontal position or placed in a candle cup cover collection bag. A perimeter140of the candle cup cover may prevent the handle piece120from contacting a surface when laid to rest on the surface.

FIG. 10is an illustration of a before and after of a candle cup cover1000when affixing a figurine topper to the containment piece in an example implementation. In some implementations, where the containment piece110comprises a rib130, a figurine topper510may be affixed to the containment piece110by snapping a corresponding groove (e.g., an internal circular groove710) on to the helical rib210of the figurine topper510on containment piece110. In some implementations (not shown) the rib may instead be on the inside surface of the ornamental piece and configured to interact and/or snap into a corresponding groove on the outside of the containment piece. Other methods and ways of affixing the figurine topper510to the containment piece110may be used. The illustration of a before and after of a candle cup cover1000shows both the position of the figurine topper510before attachment to the containment piece110and after. The form and shape of the figurine topper510inFIG. 10is an example implementation only and is not limiting.

FIG. 11is an illustration of various perspectives of a candle cup cover with a different example figurine topper in an example implementation. The form and shape of the figurine topper510inFIG. 11is another example implementation only and is not limiting.

FIG. 12is an illustration of a flowchart for a process of creating a candle cup cover or flame extinguisher device. The process may comprise a first step1210of forming a handle with a first end configured to be held by a hand. The process may comprise a second step1220of forming a second end of the handle. The process may comprise a third step1230of forming a hollowed, geometric solid extending out of a plane of the second end of the handle. The process may comprise a fourth step of1240of forming a perimeter of the handle. The perimeter of the handle may prevent an underside of the handle opposite the hollowed, geometric solid from contacting a surface when laid down with the underside down. The perimeter of the handle may be configured to prevent an underside of the handle opposite the hollowed, geometric solid from contacting a surface when laid down with the underside down. The perimeter of the handle may be formed in a configuration to prevent an underside of the handle opposite the hollowed, geometric solid from contacting a surface when laid down with the underside down. In some implementations, the handle and the hollowed, geometric solid may be formed in one or more molds. In some implementations, the handle and the hollowed, geometric solid may be created from a 3-D printer.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments and/or implementations, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments and implementations (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments and/or implementations are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The term “affixed” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the systems and methods shown in the various exemplary embodiments or implementations are illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment or implementation may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment or implementation disclosed herein.