Abstract:
An electronic flameless candle including a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a cavity defined by the top surface, the bottom surface and the sidewall, the body configured in shape and size to simulate a true flame candle. The candle may also include a light source operably connected to the body, the light source electrically operated to illuminate in a way that simulates a natural flicker of a real candle flame. The candle may also include a scent component, operably connected to the body, the scent component configured to emit a scent when heated and/or a sensor component, operably connected to the body, the sensor component configured to sense an environmental condition and affect a mode of the light source upon the sensing of the environmental condition.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/213,287, filed Mar. 14, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,360,181, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent applications: Ser. No. 61/798,527, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, entitled “Flameless Candle,” Ser. No. 61/798,348, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, entitled “Scented Flameless Candle,” and Ser. No. 61/798,053, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, entitled “Flameless Candle with Motion Sensor,” the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous flameless candles. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous flameless candles simulating a realistic flame-like flicker, are capable of emitting a scent, and/or allow users to more easily control the candles&#39; operations. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. 
     Traditional true flame candles, when lit, provide a pleasant ambience in many homes and businesses. Traditional candles may also be scented, adding a pleasant aroma. While the wax typically has a scent, even when the candle is not lit, this scent may be amplified when the candle is lit. Traditional candles however, provide a variety of hazards including risk of fire, damage to surfaces caused by hot wax, and the possible emission of soot. Flameless candles have become increasingly popular alternatives to traditional candles. With no open flame or hot melted wax, flameless candles provide a longer-lasting, safe, and clean alternative. There are flameless candles available that use incandescent lamps or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source. However, such flameless candles are easily distinguishable from their traditional candle counterparts. One problem is that flameless candles generally cannot suitably simulate the natural flicker of an actual flame as viewed by the naked eye. Another problem is flameless candles have not been able to provide a scented feature that simulates the desired scented feature of a traditional candle, particularly when lit. In addition, flameless candles typically have one or more switches on the base of the candle to turn the candle on, off, or into a flicker mode. This requires the user to awkwardly or inelegantly take the candle off its resting place. 
     Thus, there is a need in the art for a flameless candle that is aesthetically similar to a traditional candle. More particularly, there is a need for a flameless candle that emits a more natural, flame-like flicker of light, is capable of emitting a scent, and allows the user to relatively easily control the candle&#39;s operations. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. 
     The present disclosure, in one embodiment, relates to an electronic flameless candle. The candle may include a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a cavity defined by the top surface, the bottom surface and the sidewall, the body configured in shape and size to simulate a true flame candle. The candle may also include a light source operably connected to the body, the light source electrically operated to illuminate in a way that simulates a natural flicker of a real candle flame. 
     The present disclosure, in another embodiment, relates to an electronic flameless candle. The candle may include a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a body cavity defined by the top surface, the bottom surface and the sidewall, the body configured in shape and size to simulate a true flame candle. The candle may also include a light source operably connected to the body, and a scent component, operably connected to the body, the scent component configured to emit a scent when heated. 
     The present disclosure, in another embodiment, relates to an electronic flameless candle. The candle may include a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a sidewall between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a cavity defined by the top surface, the bottom surface and the sidewall, the body configured in shape and size to simulate a true flame candle. The candle may also include a light source operably configured in the body, and a sensor component, operably connected to the body, the sensor component configured to sense an environmental condition and affect a mode of the light source upon the sensing of the environmental condition. 
     While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the various embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a flameless pillar candle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1B  is a bottom perspective view of a flameless pillar candle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1C  shows a top view of a flameless candle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1D  is a perspective view of a flameless votive candle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-section of a flameless pillar candle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-section of a control switch assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic of a circuit board, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic of a circuit board, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a scent cartridge, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-section of a flameless pillar candle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic of a circuit board with a heating element, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a flameless candle with a sensor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9B  is a top view of a flameless candle with a sensor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates how a motion sensor functions with a flameless pillar candle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of a flameless candle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic of a circuit board with a motion sensor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates how a motion sensor functions with a flameless votive candle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous flameless candles. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to novel and advantageous flameless candles simulating a realistic flame-like flicker, are capable of emitting a scent, and/or allow users to more easily control the candles&#39; operations. 
     The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to a flameless candle that uses, in at least one embodiment, a LED light source to provide a natural, flame-like flicker of light. The flameless candle may include a body having a top surface, a bottom surface upon which the body rests, and a sidewall between the bottom surface and the top surface. One or more control switches may be located on the top surface, the bottom surface, or on the sidewall. Each of these control switches may provide a variety of functions when activated separately or together, including, but not limited to, turning the light source on or off, operating the light source in static or random flicker mode, changing the color of the light, dimming or brightening of the light source, or operating a timer to the light on or off. The natural flicker may be created by a circuit board which provides a signal to the light. The signal may be comprised of random frequencies and amplitudes of current. The circuit board may also control pulse-width modulation and the frequency and duty ratio of the signal received by the light. The signal transmitted randomly to one or more of the diodes of the LED may cause the LED to produce a natural “flicker” of light to the human eye. In various embodiments, the flameless candle may alternatively or additionally include a scent diffusing component to diffuse a pleasant aroma into the surrounding area and/or a sensing component to sense one or more environmental conditions, including but not limited to, motion, light, or sound and control operation of the candle based on the sensed environmental condition. 
     A Flameless Candle 
     The flameless candles described herein provide a substantially more realistic flame-like light from a light source. In this regard, a flameless candle of the present disclosure may be comprised of one or more components that may function to mimic a natural flame&#39;s flicker. Referring to  FIG. 1A , a flameless candle  10  may be comprised of a body  20 , a control switch  30 , and an electrical assembly  50 . In various embodiments, the flameless candle  10  may also include a scent component  40 , and a sensor component  70 . 
     Structure 
     The Candle Body 
     Generally, as illustrated in the flameless pillar candle of  FIG. 1A , the body  20  of a flameless candle  10  may be comprised of a top surface  22 , a bottom surface  24  upon which the candle rests, and a sidewall  26  between the top surface  22  and the bottom surface  24 . The body  20  may have desirable translucent, luminescent, and aesthetic properties to mimic the look and feel of a traditional candle. The body  20  may be made from one or more materials, including but not limited to, wax, paraffin, glass, polymeric materials, or any combination thereof. 
     The top surface  22  may include an indented central portion  28  to resemble a top surface of a used or partially melted traditional candle, where the wax may have been reduced by melting from the heat of the open flame in order to continue feeding the flame. In other embodiments, the central portion may not be indented. The sidewall  26  and indented central portion  28  may cooperate to create a lip  21  on the top surface  22 . As seen in the embodiment of  FIG. 1A , the sidewall  26  and lip  21  may cooperate to have a varied height thereby resembling the visual appearance of a used traditional candle where the wax has been reduced. The sidewall  26  may have a constant height, in other embodiments. The top surface  22  and bottom surface  24  may be circular and the sidewall  26  may extend circumferentially around the longitudinal axis, resulting in a cylindrical body  20 . However, other shapes or configurations are possible and within the scope of the invention including, but not limited to, a cube, a cuboid, a cone, a pyramid, or a sphere. The bottom surface  24  may generally be flat, resulting in a stable condition of the candle when placed on a table, shelf, or other suitable flat surface. The top surface  22 , bottom surface  24 , and sidewall  26  cooperate to faun a cavity  48 , schematically illustrated in  FIG. 1A . As seen in  FIG. 1B , the bottom surface  24  may also include a cover  34 , that may allow easy access to the cavity  48 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1D , the present disclosure may also be embodied in a votive flameless candle  100 . The candle  100  may comprise a body  120 . The body comprising a top side  122 , a bottom side  124 , and a sidewall  126  between the top surface  122  and bottom surface  124 . Such a flameless candle  100  may generally be sized and shaped to simulate a traditional true flame votive candle, in some embodiments. 
     The Control Switch 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1C , disposed in the center of the base of the central portion  28  of top surface  22  may be an upper control switch  30 . The upper control switch  30  may be a push button, toggle, slide, rotary selector switch, or any other suitable control. In alternative or additional embodiments, the bottom surface  24  may include a lower control switch  32 , as seen in  FIG. 1B . An upper control switch  130  may also be seen in the embodiment in  FIG. 1D . By activating the control switches  30  or  130  and/or  32  separately or in conjunction, one or more functions may be activated, such as the light source  56  may begin to flicker. In at least one embodiment, the control switch  30  may house the light source  56 , as seen in  FIG. 3 . 
     The Electrical Assembly 
     The cavity  48  may contain the electrical assembly  50 , schematically illustrated in  FIG. 1A . The electrical assembly may comprise one or more components, including, but not limited to, a control switch assembly  58  (shown in greater detail in  FIG. 3 ), a power source  52 , at least one circuit board  54 , and a light source  56 . The upper control switch  30  may be in communication with the light source  56  of the flameless candle  10 . Or, as stated above, the control switch  30  may house the light source. 
     Control Switch Assembly 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the control switch assembly  58  may retain the control switch  30 . The control switch assembly  58  may be comprised of one or more components. In one embodiment as seen in  FIG. 3 , the control switch assembly  58  components may include, but are not limited to, a push button control switch  30 , a spring  59 , and a retaining assembly  60 . The spring  59  may be disposed between the light source  56  and the circuit board  54 . In other embodiments, the light source may be positioned below the spring and the circuit board. The light source  56  may be brought into electrical and mechanical communication with the circuit board  54 . For example, a push button control switch  30  may be pressed down so that it is in an “on” position resulting in the spring  59  compressing. The light source  56  may become electrically engaged with the circuit board  54 . When the push button for the control switch is pressed down again, the spring  59  may release and the push button returns to an “off” position. In at least one such embodiment, when the spring  59  is released, the light source  56  is electrically disengaged from the circuit board  54 . In other embodiments, for example those not using a push button, a spring may not be present. 
     The control switch assembly  58  may further comprise a retaining assembly  60 . The retaining assembly  60  may have a circumferential outer conical portion  68  that mates with a circular opening within the top surface of the candle body. In at least one embodiment, the retaining assembly  60  may have a central lumen  69  through which the control switch  30  may be able to slide. In at least one embodiment, when installed within the top surface, the retaining assembly  60  is flush with the surrounding surface of the indented central portion  28  of the body  20 . The retaining assembly  60  may comprise several components that are assembled to hold the control switch assembly  58  within the candle body. The components may, in some embodiments, comprise a plurality of concentric mating rings, each with a different inner and out diameter. In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , there may be an inferior ring  62 , a superior inner ring  64 , and a superior outer ring  66 . In various embodiments, the circumferential outer conical portion  68  may be comprised within the superior inner ring  64 . While the retaining assembly  60  described and shown herein comprises a plurality of concentric mating rings, other shapes or configurations are possible and are within the scope of the invention. Such other shapes or configurations include but are not limited to cubes, rectangular solids, cones, pyramids, spheroids, and irregular shapes. In some embodiments, the retaining assembly components are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the retaining assembly is made from a wax, paraffin, glass, polymeric materials, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the configuration of the retaining assembly  60  and the selected material may have desirable translucent, luminescent and aesthetic properties to mimic the look and feel of a traditional candle. 
     Power Source 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the power source may provide power to the electrical assembly, resulting in the light source being illuminated. The power source  52  may be disposed within a power source compartment  36 . As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the power source  52  may comprise one or more batteries. The power source  52  may be adjacent to the cover  34  and centrally located, allowing an ease of access to change the battery. In other embodiments, the power compartment may be located proximal to the sidewall  26 , superior to the rest of the electrical assembly, or exterior to the flameless candle  10 . The power compartment may be located in any suitable location. The power source may be one or more standard alkaline batteries, one or more rechargeable batteries, a USB charged power source, a power cord, a power source charged by induction charging, any other suitable source, or any combination thereof. 
     Light Source 
     The light source may illuminate the flameless candle. The light source may be a LED that comprises one or more diodes, in various embodiments. The light source may be an incandescent lamp, in other embodiments. The light source may be a gas discharge lamp, in yet another embodiment. It should be understood that any suitable light source may be used. The light source may preferably be located on a midline of the body  20  of the candle in order to mimic traditional candles, as seen in  FIG. 2 . In other embodiments, the light source may be located more proximal to the sidewall. In at least one embodiment, the light source may be located superior to the transverse plane, or in the top half of the candle. However, a light source located at any point within the body of the candle is within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the light source  56  may be built into a customized housing  57 , in some embodiments. The customized housing  57 , in one embodiment, has a concave top surface, but in other embodiments can be convex or may be a flat top surface. The customized housing  57  may also have a concave bottom surface, convex bottom surface, or flat surface. In some embodiments, the customized housing  57  may be made of a clear, translucent or opaque material. In at least one embodiment, the customized housing may be coated with a plurality of specks of an orange or yellow coating arranged in a specific pattern to make the light appear more natural. In at least one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the light source  56  and the customized housing  57  may form a push button of the control switch  30 . 
     In some embodiments, the light source may be comprised of one or more lights, or one or more LED diodes. In various embodiments, different colored lights may be used to better mimic the color of a flame. For example, in one embodiment, the light source may by a combination of red, yellow, orange, and/or white LEDs. The lights may cooperate to mimic the colors of a natural flame. 
     Circuit Board 
     As seen in the example of  FIG. 4 , a circuit board  54  may be in electrical communication with the power source  52 , the light source  56 , and any control switch  30 ,  32 . The circuit board may be comprised of one or more components. In one embodiment, the circuit board components may include, but are not limited to, a clock  76 , an analog-to-digital converter  80 , a random address generator  84 , a random sequence generator  90 , and an output  92 . The output  92  may be in communication with the light source  56 . The functionality of the circuit board  54  is discussed below. 
     Function 
     The upper control switch  30  and/or lower control switch  32 , herein called the control switch, may be in communication with a light source (or light)  56 . The control switch may be a push button, toggle switch, slide switch, or any other suitable component. The control switch may be configured to, when selected by the user, modify the frequency of a light&#39;s flicker, the luminescence of the light, the color of the light, or the timer settings of the light. In at least one embodiment, the control switch may be a push button, which when depressed selects a particular mode of the candle. In one embodiment, the modes include, but are not limited to, a flicker mode, a static light mode, and an off mode. For example, depressing the push button of the control switch may activate the light source in flicker mode. A light in flicker mode may randomly dim and brighten in such a way that mimics a flame from a traditional candle. Depressing the push button a second time may activate the light source in static mode. A light in static mode may be on but may not flicker. Depressing the push button a third time may activate a timer mode. A light in timer mode may automatically turn off after a set time period. Depressing the push button a fourth time may deactivate the light, or result in an off mode. Any suitable means of activation or deactivation of any mode may be used. 
     In some embodiments, the candle may produce an indication of the mode selected. It at least one embodiment, when the user depresses the control switch, the light source may flash any number of times to indicate a certain mode has been selected. 
     Flicker Mode 
     The natural flicker may be controlled by one or more methods, including, but not limited to a random signal method. 
     A random signal method may generate one or more random signals resulting in a natural “flicker” from the light source. As noted above,  FIG. 4  is an electrical schematic for one embodiment of the circuit board  54  of the present disclosure. Clock  76  may be in electrical communication with the power source  52 . When the power source  52  is activated by control switch  30 , clock  76  may provide an input signal to at least the random address generator  84 . The random address generator  84  may provide a random signal to the dynamic random feedback  80 . The dynamic random feedback  80  may be or may comprise an analog-to-digital converter, in some embodiments. The random signal may vary in one or more aspects including, but not limited to, amplitude, frequency, and duty cycle. The duty cycle may be the period of time it takes for a signal to complete an on-and-off cycle. In at least one embodiment, the random address generator  84  may use pulse-width modulation to modify the signal, which results in controlling the power supplied to the light source. Pulse-width modulation may be used to manipulate (increase or decrease) the power a light source receives at very high rates. This manipulation may result in a perceived flicker as the light source is quickly changed from high luminescence to low luminesce and back again. 
     The dynamic random feedback  80  may convert the random signal to a digital signal which is then transmitted to the control module  90 . The control module may be or may comprise a random sequence generator, in some embodiments. The control module may control one or more light source aspects, including but not limited to light brightness and time. The control module  90  may manipulate the random signal received from the dynamic random feedback  80  into a second random signal; although such is not required. The second random signal may also vary in one or more aspects to control the brightness and duration in the light source. In one embodiment, the second random signal variations may include, but are not limited to, amplitude, frequency, and duty cycle. In at least one embodiment, the control module  90  may also use pulse-width modulation to modify the signal. The second random signal from the control module  90  may be output via output  92  to the light source  56 . 
     In one embodiment, using LED light diodes, the second random signal may be output to one or more diodes. As illustrated in  FIG. 5  the control module  90  may convert the random signal  92   a  into one or more random signals  92   b ,  92   c , and  92   d  each being output to a separate diode via output  92 . The signal transmitted randomly to one or more of the diodes of the LED  56  may produce a natural “flicker” of light to the human eye. 
     The natural “flicker” may have a 72-hour cycle, in some embodiments. A 72-hour cycle may provide an optimal battery life, in some embodiments, where a battery is used as the power source. For example, a random, or seemingly random pattern may be used for a 72-hour cycle, at the end of which the random pattern may then repeat. In some embodiments, a 24-hour cycle may be used. In other embodiments, a 48-hour cycle may be used. It should be understood that a cycle of any duration may be used. 
     Static Mode 
     A light source in static mode may be on, and may not flicker. In various embodiments, the static mode may be set to varying degrees of luminosity. That is, the light source may be dimmed to one or more levels. The power supply  52 , may supply power directly to the light source  56 , in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the power supply may pass through the clock  76  before reaching the light source  56 , thereby allowing a timer mode to be activated. 
     Timer Mode 
     The flameless candle may have a timer, where the light remains on for a predetermined timed period. In some embodiments, the timed period may be automatically set. For example, activation of the timer may keep the light source on for one hour and then turn the candle off. In other embodiments, the user may set the timer to any desired time. In one embodiment, the user may select the timer by depressing a control button until the timer mode is selected. In one example, the light source may flash three times to indicate the timer mode has been selected. The user may then push the control switch any number of desired times, each depression of the control switch adding a predetermined period of time. In other embodiments, there may be a USB port that a user may plug into the candle with preloaded timer settings. In still another, there may be a separate control switch for the timer mode, or two or more control switches may, together, activate the timer mode. Any suitable method to set a timer for the candle may be used. 
     Scented Flameless Candle 
     A flameless candle of the present disclosure may additionally or alternatively have a scented component that may provide a scent or aroma to the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the scented component may be a scented cartridge. The scent may be diffused through the cartridge and into the surrounding environment when heat or an electric current is applied to the scent cartridge, in some embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a scent cartridge  40 , may be comprised of a top surface  112 , a bottom surface  113 , and an outer sidewall  114  that extends between the bottom surface  113  and the top surface  112 . In some embodiments, the scent cartridge  40  may further comprise an inner sidewall  115 , extending between the bottom surface  113  and the top surface  112 , thereby defining a hole  116 . The top surface  112 , bottom surface  113 , and sidewalls  114 ,  115  may cooperate to define a chamber, or cavity  119  (seen in  FIG. 7 ). The cavity  119  may contain one or more fragrance impregnated materials. In one embodiment, the fragrance impregnated material may be a fragrant liquid. In another embodiment, the fragrance impregnated material may be a fragrant disk. Any suitable fragrant material may be used. 
     The top surface may comprise one or more openings  117  through which a fragrance vapor, or scent, may be diffused. The openings  117  may have a diameter that is between five and ten percent of the outer diameter of the scent cartridge  40 , in various embodiments. In some embodiments, the openings  117  have a diameter between about two millimeters and twenty millimeters. In other embodiments, the openings may have any suitable diameter. It should also be understood the openings  117  may be circular holes, slats, or any other suitable opening for diffusing the scent. The openings  117  may have a depth that is less than the height of the outer sidewall  114 , in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the openings may have a depth equal to the height of the outer sidewall  114 . In still other embodiments, there may be openings  117  on the surface of inner sidewall  115  or outer sidewall  114 . The top surface  112  may comprise a plurality of surface features  118 . Surface features  118  may include, but are not limited to, bumps, ridges, protrusions, channels, and reliefs. Surface features  118  may further assist with diffusing the scent. 
     The bottom surface  113  of the scent cartridge  40  may be flat, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the bottom surface  113  may have surface features  120  that allow the bottom surface to rest properly without shifting within the flameless candle  10 . In at least one embodiment, the bottom surface  113  has a plurality of surface features  120  that engage with surface features on the indented central portion  28  of the flameless candle  10 . By rotating the scent cartridge  40 , the surface features on the bottom surface  113  may substantially align and/or lock with the surface features on the flameless candle  10  to hold the scented cartridge  110  in place. In some embodiments, the top surface  112  may have the same configuration of surface features  120  as the bottom surface  113  allowing the scent cartridge  40  to be flipped or turned over for prolonged use. 
     The light source, as discussed above, may be disposed inside the body of the candle, within the control switch assembly, or in any other suitable position. In at least one embodiment, the light source may be disposed within a central portion of the scent cartridge, allowing the user to replace the light and the scent simultaneously. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a scent cartridge  40  may be disposed within the indented central portion  28  of flameless candle  10 . In at least one embodiment, the bottom surface  113  of the scent cartridge  40  may be flush with the base of the indented central portion  28 . In other embodiments, as seen in  FIG. 7 , the hole  116  may be positioned over a control switch  30 , the control switch  30  at least partially extending outwardly from the scented cartridge  40 . In still other embodiments, the scented cartridge may be positioned to act on the control switch. For example, the scented cartridge which may, for example, have no hole  116 , may be placed in the indented central portion  28 . A user may be able to push onto the scented cartridge, which may in-turn push onto a push button control switch, thereby depressing the control switch. In still other embodiments, a control switch may be integrated into the scent cartridge. 
     Activation of a control switch may, in addition to activating a light source, turn on or off a heating element or otherwise activate the scent mode of the candle. To provide heat to the scent cartridge  40 , the flameless candle  10  may further comprise a heating element  160 , which may be in direct contact with, in nearly direct contact with, adjacent to, or otherwise close to the scent cartridge  40 . However, any suitable position allowing the heating element  160  to heat the scent cartridge  40  may be used. The heating element  160  may also be in communication with the circuit board  54 . In at least one embodiment, the heating element  160  may be situated between the control switch assembly  58  and the scent cartridge  40 . In one embodiment, the heating element  160  may have an outer surface  162  that cooperates, or mates, with the bottom surface  113  of the scent cartridge  40 , in order to apply direct heat. When a user selects to activate the heating element  160 , heat may be applied to the bottom surface  113  of the scent cartridge  40 , resulting in an emission or diffusion, of the fragrant scent. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an example circuit schematic for the circuit board in an embodiment involving a heating element. The circuit  170  may comprise a power source  52 , a booster circuit  172 , an MCU detection circuit  174 , a transistor switch  176 , and the heating element  160 . In some embodiments, the circuit may also include a light source circuit  180 . The light source circuit may, in some embodiments, be a circuit such as that illustrated by  FIG. 4 , discussed above. The light source circuit and heating element circuit may share some or all common components. The power source  52  may provide a voltage to the MCU detection circuit  174  through the booster circuit  172 , in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the power source  52  may provide a voltage directly to the MCU detection circuit. The booster circuit  172  may amplify the voltage obtained from the power source  52  and provide it to the MCU detection circuit  174 . In various embodiments, the booster circuit  172  may provide an amplified voltage to the light source circuit  180 . The MCU detection circuit  174  may output high and low electric levels to control the transistor switch  176 . The transistor switch  176  may connect the MCU detection circuit  174  with the heating element  160 , thereby affecting one or more heating element modes as well as the temperature of the heating element  160 . Heating element modes may include, but are not limited to, on, on-high, on-low, off, or timer. 
     In various embodiments, based on one or more control switch  30 ,  32  inputs, the MCU detection circuit  174  may output various high and low electric levels over a desired time period, herein referred to as high-low cycle. The high-low cycle may enable a cyclic on and off interval of heating by turning the transistor switch  176  on and off based on the electric levels. For example, a user may select a scent feature mode having a duration of four hours. The MCU detection circuit  174  may output a high-low cycle resulting in the transistor switch  176  turning the heating element  160  on for thirty minutes, off for two hours, on for ten minutes, off for thirty minutes, on for ten minutes, off for thirty minutes, and then off. In such an embodiment, when the control switch  30 ,  32  is pressed again, the cycle may be cancelled and the light source  30  may turn off. 
     The MCU detection circuit  174  may incorporate a temperature sensor  182 , as shown in the detailed circuit schematic example of  FIG. 9 . By converting the temperature change of the heating plate to a voltage change, the temperature of the heating plate can be tested and controlled by the MCU detection circuit  174 . When the temperature is equal to or greater than a desired value, the MCU detection circuit  174  may turn the transistor switch  176  off, resulting in cutting off power to the heating element  160 . The desired high temperature value may be, at least in part, dependent upon at least the material properties of the scent cartridge  40 . In at least one embodiment, the desired high temperature value may be about fifty degrees Celsius (one-hundred and twenty two degrees Fahrenheit). In general, the desired high temperature value can be between about forty-five degrees Celsius (about one-hundred and thirteen degrees Fahrenheit) and fifty-five degrees Celsius (about one-hundred and thirty one degrees Fahrenheit). When the temperature is equal to or lower than a desired value, the MCU detection circuit  174  may turn the transistor switch  176  on, sending power to the heating element  160 , and thereby turning the heating element  160  on. In at least one embodiment, the desired low temperature value may be about five degrees Celsius lower than the desired high temperature value. The desired low temperature value may be, at least in part, dependent upon the material properties of the scent cartridge  40 . In at least one embodiment, the desired low temperature value is about forty-five degrees Celsius (about one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit). In general, the desired low temperature value can be between about thirty-eight degrees Celsius (about one-hundred degrees Fahrenheit) and fifty degrees Celsius (about one-hundred and twenty-two degrees Fahrenheit). However, it should be understood that any suitable temperature (s) to heat the heating element  160  may be used and are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Sensing Flameless Candle 
     A flameless candle of the present disclosure may additionally or alternatively have a sensing component, in various embodiments. In some embodiments, the sensing component may be a motion sensor that may allow a user to use hand motions, or other motions, to select various functions, or modes, of the flameless candle. The modes may include, but are not limited to, whether the light is on or off, whether the light is in a static mode or flicker mode, the duration the light is on, the color of the light, the luminescence of the light, and whether a scent mode is on. In other embodiments, the sensing component may be an optical sensor that may allow one or more modes to be selected based on the ambient light in the surrounding environment. For example, when the ambient light is reduced, such as at dusk, the optical sensor may detect the change and turn the flameless candle&#39;s light on. In still other embodiments, the sensing component may be an audio sensor that may allow the user to use audio cues to select various functions, or modes, of the flameless candle. In one embodiment, the sensing component may be able to detect air movement, allowing a user to select a various mode, such as turning the flameless candle off, by blowing on the sensor, simulating a method of blowing out a traditional true flame candle. In some embodiments, the sensing component may be a Bluetooth, radio, or other wireless component able to receive a wireless signal from a computer, remote, handheld device, or any other suitable device. For example, a user may select a flicker mode on a timer for two hours from her handheld device. The device may transmit a signal that may be received by the sensing component in the wireless candle, resulting in the candle being configured to remain in flicker mode for two hours and then turn off. One or more sensors may be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     A flameless candle may comprise a motion sensor, in various embodiments. As seen in  FIGS. 9A-9B  a motion sensor  70  may be disposed within the indented central portion  28 . In some embodiments, the motion sensor  70  may be radially offset from the center of the base  29  of the central portion  28 . In various embodiments where a scent cartridge may be used, the motion sensor  70  may be spaced sufficiently away from the center of the base  29  so as not to be covered by the scent cartridge. In some embodiments, the motion sensor  70  may be integrated with the upper control switch  30 . In at least one embodiment the motion sensor  70 , upper control switch  30 , and light source may be integrated. In other embodiments as seen in  FIG. 10 , the motion sensor  70  may be embedded within the body  20  of the flameless candle  10 . By embedding the motion sensor  70  into the body  20  of the flameless candle  10 , the candle may have additional functionality while being aesthetically similar to a traditional candle. Any suitable location to embed the motion sensor  70  may be used and is within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     A motion sensor assembly may house the motion sensor. Similar to the control switch assembly discussed above, the motion sensor assembly may be in communication with the power source, the light source, and a circuit board. Referring additionally to the exploded view in  FIG. 11 , when installed within the cavity  49 , the motion sensor assembly  61  may be flush with the surrounding surface of the body  20  and/or may be flush with the indented central portion on the top surface  22 . In some embodiments, the motion sensor assembly  61  is made from a wax, paraffin, glass, polymeric materials, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the configuration of the motion sensor assembly and the selected material may have desirable translucent, luminescent and aesthetic properties to mimic the look and feel of a traditional candle. 
     The motion sensor may emit electromagnetic waves. By using different hand motions, electromagnetic induction modules may produce different waveform outputs to perform different product function statuses (such as on or off). By activating the motion sensor  70 , the light source  56  of the candle may be illuminated, in various embodiments. In at least one embodiment, a control switch may activate the power supply before the motion sensor may change the mode. 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 12 , which is an electrical schematic for one embodiment involving a motion sensor, as power is supplied from the power source  52  optionally through a booster circuit  75  to the motion sensor  70 , the motion sensor  70  may emit electromagnetic waves  90   a . Based on different motions at a certain distance, the electromagnetic waves may be reflected and the motion sensor  70  may receive the different electromagnetic waves  90   b . Through the internal processing of the motion sensor  70 , the motion sensor  70  may output one or more signals  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c , and  70   d  to the control circuit  55 , which may be connected to the light source  56 . Based on the signal(s)  70   a ,  70   b ,  70   c , and  70   d  received from the motion sensor  70 , the control circuit  55  may adjust, among other features, the brightness or color of the light, the emission of scent, turn the light source  56  on or off, adjust any other mode or function, or perform any combination thereof. 
     In one particular embodiment, the light source  56  may be off and the candle may be in a standby mode. When the power source  52  is turned on, at least one oscillator of the control circuit  55  may output a high level voltage continuously to a transistor circuit  72  of the circuit board  354 . This high level voltage may be continuously supplied to a first transistor of the transistor circuit  72  until it reaches a saturation conduction. The voltage may then pass through to a second transistor of the transistor circuit  72 , whereby the second transistor is conducted. The voltage may then pass to the light source  56 , in essence turning the light source on. The voltage may then pass back to the control circuit  55  as three outputs  72 A,  72 B, and  72 C. The three outputs  72 A,  72 B, and  72 C may form square wave outputs, thereby affecting the amplitude of the voltage provided to the light source, which may cause the light source  56  to flash. In some embodiments, the control circuit  55  may utilize pulse modulation to control brightness of the light source  56 . 
       FIGS. 10 and 13  illustrate different embodiments of a flameless candle with the motion sensor in use. The motion sensor  70  may emit a plurality of electromagnetic waves  90   a  that proceed unimpeded until a user&#39;s hand H makes a gesture, motion, or movement. The movement may reflect the electromagnetic waves  90   b  back to the motion sensor  70 . As discussed above, through the internal processing of the motion sensor  70 , the motion sensor converts the reflected electromagnetic waves  90   b  into output signals that are processed by a control circuit of the candle. The motion sensor  70  may have a working range of about five meters (about seventeen feet). In other embodiments, the motion sensor  70  may have a working range of ten meters (about thirty-three feet). In one embodiment, the motion sensor may have a range of over ten meters. The motion sensor  70  may have any desired working range in various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     In the foregoing description various embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The various embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.