A CANDLE HOLDER

Abstract: The invention relates to a candle holder for styrene candles or candles of other compositions that shorten as they burn and comprising a lower part (1) which includes a candle supporting device (3).The invention is characterised in that the candle holder also includes an upper part (2) which is hinged to the lower part (1) so that it can swing between a first end position in which the upper part (2) and the lower part (1) are in mutual abutment so as to define a closed cavity between said parts, and a second end position in which said upper part (2) is essentially perpendicular and upstanding in relation to the lower part (1), in that the two parts are mutually spring-loaded by means of a spring (4) which strives to move the upper part to its first end position, and in that the candle holder includes a latch mechanism (5, 6) that comprises a bimetal element (7) which, when cold, latches the upper part (2) in said second end position and when warm or hot releases the latch so that the upper part (2) will move to its first end position under the influence of said spring.

Description: A CANDLE HOLDER The present invention relates to a candle holder, and more specifically to a self- extinguishing candle holder. One problem with candle holders, such as candle holders for styrene candles, is that such holders are liable to cause fire, for instance if the candle is allowed to burn down too far, due to the fact that the styrene is then able to burn with a lower flame than when the wick is intact and flame is situated above the actual candle holder. Moreover, a candle which has burned down to the very bottom of the holder often means that the candle holder must be cleaned before a fresh candle can be placed therein. It is therefore generally recognised that candles should not be left alight unattended. The present invention solves this problem and provides a self-extinguishing candle holder. The present invention thus relates to a candle holder for styrene candles, or candles of some other composition, which are shortened as they burn down, said candle holder comprising a lower part that includes a candle supporting device, and is characterised in that the candle holder also includes an upper part which is hinged to the lower part and arranged for pivotal movement between a first end position in which the upper and the lower parts are in mutual abutment so that the candle holder forms a closed cavity between said parts, and a second position in which the upper part is in a generally perpendicular, upstanding position in relation to said lower part; in that the two parts are mutually spring- loaded by means of a spring that strives to move the upper part to said first end position; and in that the candle holder also includes a bimetal latching mechanism which in a cold state functions to latch the upper part in said second end position, and when in a warm state releases the latch, so that the upper part is moved to the first end position under the action of said spring. The invention will now be described more clearly, partially with reference to an exemplifying embodiment of the invention shown in the accompanying drawing, in which - Figure 1 is a side view of a closed candle holder; - Figure 2 is a side view of air-open candle holder; - Figure 3 is a straight-on front view of an open candle holder; - Figure 4 is a sectioned view of a closed candle holder; - Figure 5 is a sectioned view of a first embodiment of the candle holder, and shows said holder in an open state; and - Figure 6 is a section view of a second embodiment of the candle holder, showing the holder in an open state. Figure 1 illustrates an inventive candle holder, comprising a lower part 1 and an upper part 2. The lower part 1 includes a candle support device 3, e.g. for supporting a styrene candle (not shown), as shown more clearly in Figure 4, which is a sectioned view of the candle holder in Figure 1. In accordance with the invention, the upper part 2 is hinged to the lower part 1 so that it can be swung between a first end position, shown in Figure 1, in which the upper part 2 and the lower part 1 of the holder are in mutual abutment so as to form a closed cavity between said parts, and a second end position, shown in Figures 3 and 5, in which the upper part 2 is positioned essentially perpendicularly to the lower part 1. The two parts 1, 2 are mutually spring-loaded by a spring 4 which strives to move the upper part to its first end position, i.e. the closed position shown in Figure 1. The spring may comprise a springy material, such as a guitar string having a diameter of 0.8 mm. The spring is wound helically and may form the axle pin of the hinge means. According to the invention, the candle holder includes a latching mechanism which comprises a bimetal element 5 which when in a cold state functions to latch the upper part 2 in the second, open, end position, and when in a heated or hot state releases the latch so that the upper part 2 will move to said first end position under the action of said spring 4. It is preferred that the two parts 1, 2 are interconnected by a hinge 8. Alternatively, the parts may be interconnected by a flexible material that is able to function as a spring. According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the latch mechanism includes a first tongue 6 attached to the upper part 2, and a second tongue 7 comprised of said bimetal and fastened in the lower part 1. The free portions of the tongues are in mutual abutment when the bimetal is cold, so that the upper part 2 remains in its second end position. This is shown in Figure 5 and according to another detail embodiment shown in Figure 6, in which the reference sign 7' identifies the position of the bimetal when in a cold state. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, as the bimetal is heated the aforesaid free portions move away from each other such that the latch mechanism will no longer be able to keep the upper part 2 in its second end position. The candle holder will thus close under the effect of the spring 4. The reference sign 7" in Figure 6 identifies the position of the bimetal when in a hot state. The bimetal may comprise a material marketed under the name Kanthal 145. This material is produced by Kanthal AB, Sweden. The candle holder will suitably consist of a shiny metallic material, such as brass, aluminium or silver. For instance, the candle holder can be produced from brass plating that has a thickness of 0.5 mm. It will be understood that the candle holder may alternatively be formed from a dull material. The bimetal is normally cold, wherewith the candle holder will remain in the position shown in Figure 2 once it has been opened. A candle can then be placed in the candle supporting device 3. The flame is not intended to project above the second part 2. The inner surface of the second part will therewith serve as a reflector. When the candle has burned down to a level in which the flame is close to the bimetal, the bimetal will become hot and therewith bend. This causes the candle holder to close and the candle stub therewith extinguished. The inventive candle holder may be provided with a support, such as a plate, to ensure that the holder will stand firmly on an underlying surface, or may be provided with an attachment device for attaching the candle holder to the branch of a Christmas tree, for instance. A number of exemplifying embodiments have been described above. Figures 5 and 6 respectively illustrate one of two different designs of the latch mechanism. It will be obvious, however, that the person skilled in this art may give the latch mechanism other designs. It will therefore be understood that the present invention is not restricted to the aforedescribed embodiments and that modifications can be made within the scope of the accompanying Claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A candle holder for styrene candles or candles of other compositions that shorten as they burn comprising a lower part (1) that includes a candle supporting device (3), characterised in that the candle holder also includes an upper part (2) which is hinged to the lower part (1) so that it can swing between a first end position in which the upper part (2) and the lower part (1) are in mutual abutment such that the candle holder will define a closed cavity between said parts, and a second end position in which the upper part (2) is relatively perpendicular and upstanding in relation to the lower part (1); in that the two parts are mutually spring-loaded by means of a spring (4) which strives to move the upper part into its first end position; and in that the candle holder includes a latch mechanism (5, 6) which comprises a bimetal element (7) which is adapted to latch the upper part (2) in the second end position when cold, and to release the latch when hot so that the upper part (2) will be moved to the first end position under the influence of said spring. 2. A candle holder according to Claim 1, characterised in that said two parts are joined together by a hinge means (8). 3. A candle holder according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the latch mechanism includes a first tongue (6) which is fastened in the upper part (2), and a second tongue (5) which comprises said bimetal and is fastened to the lower part (1), wherewith the free portions of the tongues (5, 6) are in mutual abutment when the bimetal is cold, so that the upper part (2) remains in its second end position after having been moved to said position, and wherewith the bimetal bends when heated so that the free portions are no • longer able to hold the upper part (2) in its second end position. 4. A candle holder according to Claim 2 or 3, characterised in that the spring (4) is a coil spring which also forms the axle pin of said hinge means.

Inventors: MAALOE TROELS, MAALOE, TROELS
Applicants: MAALOE TROELS, MAALOE, TROELS
Application year: 2001
Main classification: F21V35
IPC codes: F21V35, F23Q25