Abstract:
A candle and match holder that uses holes to hold and prop colored matches in the body of the candle holder and includes an integrated match-striking surface. Matches form a blossom, or other pleasing aesthetic appearance, while also being available for use with match-striking surface in order to light candle. Alternative embodiments use a match holding tray or drawer.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/664,815 filed Mar. 24, 2005. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH  
       [0002]     None.  
       SEQUENCE LISTING  
       [0003]     None.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0004]     Field of Invention  
         [0005]     The present invention primarily relates to candle holders, candles, and matches employed as a means for igniting candle wicks.  
         [0006]     Candles:  
         [0007]     Candles can be made of paraffin (a byproduct of oil refining), stearin (now produced almost exclusively from palm waxes), beeswax (a by product of honey collection), some plant waxes (generally palm, carnuba, bayberry, or soy), or tallow (a rarely used byproduct of beef fat rendering). Candles are produced in various colors, shapes, sizes and scents. The most basic production method generally entails the liquification of the solid fuel by the controlled application of heat. This liquid is then poured into a mold to produce pillar candles, a fireproof jar to produce container candles, or a wick is repeatedly immersed in the liquid to create a dipped taper. Often times scents in the form of a polar or non-polar synthetic oil is added to the liquid wax prior to pouring. While natural scents can be used (in the form of essential oils) these are usually only found in premium small run candles. Candles may also be colored by the addition of some sort of coloring agent. In practical terms this is almost always an aniline based dye however, pigments can be used in some circumstances.  
         [0008]     It is commonly believed that candles made of beeswax and/or soy burn more cleanly than petroleum based paraffin waxes. The amount of soot produced by a candle, independent of what kind of wax is used, is generally more dependant on environmental conditions (drafts will often cause sooting) and the type of wick used (a poorly sized wick will lead to sooting). The inclusion of any scents and/or dyes will increase the amount of particulates put into the air by any candle regardless of construction materials. The cleanest burning candles will therefore be unscented, undyed, and well constructed candles burning in a draft free area.  
         [0009]     As stated, candles vary widely in shape, color, size, and other attributes. A candle or candles, when referenced in this application, should be generally inferred as encompassing any of a wide variety of candles and, indeed, any flammable, light-producing item.  
         [0010]     Candle Holders:  
         [0011]     The variety of candle holders matches and exceeds the variety of known candles. A candle holder, by its most simple and bare bones definition, employs a cup (socket) and/or a tray and spike, to hold a candle. Decorative candle holders, especially those shaped as a pedestal, are called candlesticks; if multiple candles are held, the term candelabrum is also used. The root form of chandelier is from the word for candle, though candles are rarely raised and hung today. The term, candelabrum, is not part of the popular vocabulary and a candle holder is often referred to as a candle holder, regardless of the number of candles it supports.  
         [0012]     Candle holders are found in a myriad of shapes, sizes, and designs with a wide assortment of ornamentation. The most simple design is a single cup or tray. More complicated designs employ pedestals, multiple winding or arching arms, cups, trays, hanging mechanisms, ornate embossing and/or molding, colored glass, exotic materials, and candle hoods, which cover or encompass the wick and its flame in order to shape, tint, and/or refract the light. Candle holders can be made from a wide variety of materials, the most common being metal, wood, and glass. Expensive candle holders, often referred to as candle sticks and used for dinning table decoration, are traditionally made from silver.  
         [0013]     While candles were initially utilitarian, as to provide light, they are now most commonly utilized for interior decoration, “mood setting,” and aroma. They are, however, also commonly kept as safety, back-up, light sources in case of an electrical power outage.  
         [0014]     Matches:  
         [0015]     A match is a splinter of wood, strip of cardboard, or other suitable flammable material tipped with a substance ignitable by friction. A match consists of three basic parts: a head, which initiates combustion; a tinder substance to pick up and transmit the flame; and a handle. There are two main types of modem friction matches, strike-anywhere matches and safety matches. A strike-anywhere match will ignite when struck on an abrasive surface. The “kitchen match,” a common match, is a wooden friction match that will light on any granular surface.  
         [0016]     The safety match can be lighted only by being struck against a chemically prepared friction surface. These matches are commonly found in matchbooks or matchboxes with a special striking surface along the bottom or side.  
         [0017]     The safety match was invented in 1844 by the Swede Gustaf Erik Pasch and improved by Johan Edvard Lundström a decade later. The safety is due to the separation of the combustible ingredients between the match head and a special striking surface. The striking surface is composed of powdered glass and red phosphorus, and the match head was composed of antimony (m) sulfide and potassium chlorate. The act of striking converts the red phosphorus to white by friction heat; the white phosphorus ignites and the ignition starts the combustion of the match head. The additional safety was the replacement of white phosphorus with red phosphorus. An American company developed a similar match using phosphorus sesquisulfide and patented it in 1910.  
         [0018]     Alternative embodiments of this invention could involve lamp and lantern devices, which comprise a vessel containing a fuel, often oil or alcohol, burned through a wick for illumination.  
         [0019]     I have recognized a unique problem with the use of candles: they must be lit using matches (or likewise means), which are traditionally contained separately from the candle and candle holder. This can make matches difficult to locate and use and, thereby, candles difficult to ignite.  
         [0020]     It is a common practice for people to store matchbooks or matchboxes in close proximity to candles, such as a matchbook kept in the bathroom for use with a bathroom candle. This practice, however, does not eliminate the opportunity for the matches to be displaced and thereby unavailable when needed. This practice, furthermore, provides an inferior presentation, in conjunction with the inconvenience, to the alternative solution provided by my invention.  
         [0021]     A match is essential to the function of a candle and its separation from the candle and candle holder is inconvenient.  
         [0022]     And, insofar as I am aware, no device formerly developed anticipates the invention disclosed in this provisional patent application.  
         [0023]     Polystrene:  
         [0024]     Most commonly known by its trademark name, Styrofoam. Can take on a variety of compositions, including foam cups, etc. and—as is more applicable to this invention—floral foam and construction foam.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0025]     In essence, this invention provides a new candle holder and method which provides a more convenient and efficient means to light the supported candle(s).  
         [0026]     Accordingly several objects and advantages of my invention are:  
         [0027]     Stores matches in the candle holder with which it can be used  
         [0028]     Helps prevent the loss of matches and the disjoining of matches, the lighting means, from the candle holder and its candle(s).  
         [0029]     Provides an aesthetic improvement, as the storage of matches in my invention is “cleaner” and more organized than the traditional practice of storing matches separately from the candle holder.  
         [0030]     The inclusion of specially designed and colored matches provides an additional aesthetic improvement.  
         [0031]     Eliminates the need for purchasing, or otherwise acquiring, matches separately.  
         [0032]     Eliminates the inconvenience of opening and manipulated a matchbook or matchbox. 
     
    
     DRAWINGS  
       [0033]      FIG. 1  is a perspective front view showing the invention in its preferred embodiment, with a base, stem, candle container, match-striking surface, and colored matches held by holes at prescribed angles in the base.  
         [0034]      FIG. 2  is a perspective front view showing the invention in an alternative embodiment with a base, match-striking surface, a match tray, and candle container.  
         [0035]      FIG. 3  is a perspective front view showing the invention in an alternative embodiment, a sconce, with a body, match-striking surface, match tray, candle containers, and wall mounting.  
         [0036]      FIG. 4  is a perspective front view showing the invention in an alternative embodiment, a spherical body with a match-striking surface and holes for storing colored matches. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0037]     While the description below contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of preferred embodiments thereof. Many variations are possible. My instant invention can be used with any combination of a wide variety of candles and candle holders, the diversity of which has been discussed in the Background, and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments shown and described here.  
         [0038]     Furthermore, the particular features of my invention can be implemented in a wide variety of combinations, designs, and dimensions, and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments shown and described here. Candle holders can be constructed from many different materials, such as glass, wood and metal, as can the features and components of the invention described here.  
         [0039]     This patent does disclose, however, the construction of candle holders using a polystrene product, which I believe to be novel, and enables for the quick and simple storage of matches in self-made holes.  
         [0040]      FIG. 1  is a perspective side view showing the invention in one of its preferred embodiments, with a base, stem, and colored matches held by holes at prescribed angles in the base.  
         [0041]     The conical, sloped base  9  (diameter 10.9 cm) supports a stem  5  which elevates to support a candle container  1  (17.6 cm total height). The candle container  1 , or cup (8.3 cm diameter), would house a candle, of which there are many varieties. Holes  7  (apx. 4 mm wide and 7 mm deep), bored into the base  9 , function to hold 64 matches  11  by the match head.  
         [0042]     Holes  7  are arranged in four rings, the lowest one 9 mm from bottom of base, and the highest at 3.6 cm from base.  
         [0043]     The first ring of holes  7  holds matches at a 35 degree angle relative to the base  9  line. The second ring holds matches at 45 degrees, the third ring at 55 degrees, and the fourth ring holds matches  11  at 65 degrees. The prescribed and described position of holes  7  on the base  9  achieves a “blossom” effect.  
         [0044]     The amount of matches  11  and the placement of holes  7  can obviously vary depending on aesthetic and functional considerations.  FIG. 1  simply demonstrates a preferred embodiment.  
         [0045]     The match  11  stems must be of a sufficiently stiff material, likely wood, if to be propped in such a manner.  
         [0046]     Alternatively, the holes  7  could be distributed evenly around the base  9  or clustered, to produce match  11  “spouts,” or configured in any manner which still permits the storage of matches.  
         [0047]     The holes  7  and held matches  11  could also be distributed along the stem  5 , outer container  1  wall, or any space on the overall candle holder where feasible and safe. (One embodiment, not show in the Figures, places the holes  7  and stores the matches  11  along the candle holder&#39;s stem, achieving the likeness of a “tree of matches” topped by a candle container  1 . In other embodiments, the matches  11 , sprout from a ring around a simple cup container).  
         [0048]     The match striking surface  3 , a 1.4 cm strip, is hidden on the underside of the container  1 , but could be placed in any number of locations on a candle holder. This specific location of the striking surface  3  does allow, however, for the steady and easy igniting of matches  11  by holding the container  1  top steady with one hand and handling the match with the other.  
         [0049]     The striking surface  3  could be an abrasive surface, to be used with strike-anywhere matches  11 , or a chemically prepared friction surface to be used with safety matches  11 . Presently I prefer the use of safety matches  11  and a chemically prepared friction surface  3 .  
         [0050]     There a several main options for applying the match-striking surface:  
         [0051]     A) It can be “painted” or sprayed on, as well-known in the art.  
         [0052]     B) Patches, or sections of striking material, can be manufactured to stick onto candle holder, such as a 1.4 cm ring to be stuck on underside of candle container  1  in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0053]     C) Abrasiveness, granulation, can be created from the candle holder material, such as sanding wood, or roughing a section of metal, etc.  
         [0054]     The matches  11  could also have a spiraled, twisted, and/or helical stem. Or any manner of twisted stem to produce a desired appearance. The match  11  stems could take on many color variations, and different colored stems could be used together, producing a “rainbow” effect or likewise multicolor schemes.  
         [0055]     The matches  11 , as explained, could be stored upon variously designed candle holders in countless manners, producing an infinite array of possible presentations. What is key, however, is that the matches are held with the candle holder, colored and arranged, and do not interrupt the use of the integral match striking surface  3 .  
         [0056]     Spiral-stem matches could be employed with any number of this invention&#39;s embodiments. The match could have a wooden, cardboard, or like material stem formed into a spiraled, helical, shape. This stem design, however, can compromise the structural integrity of the stem, resulting in weakness and unwanted breaking or bending of the stem when match head is struck.  
         [0057]     The candle container  1  can easily support a customized candle hood, as known in the art, or be modified to include one.  
         [0058]      FIG. 2  is a perspective side view showing the invention with a wide base, candle container, built-in match tray, and striking surface on the side. The wide rectangular base  10 , with sloped sides and a flat plateau top, supports a container  2  and three candles  15 . A match holding tray  13  is built-in, or recessed, into the rectangular base  10  and holds matches  11 . The tray  13  could be in relief of a created flat section of the base  10 , opposed to thoroughly built-in or recessed.  
         [0059]     The tray  13  could also be on the exterior, protruding from the base  10 , by which it might be more appropriately referred to as a shelf. The tray  13  could also function to hold matchbooks or matchboxes. The tray  13  could be replaced with a slide-out drawer.  
         [0060]     The textured striking surface  3  is shown along the side.  
         [0061]      FIG. 3  is a front view showing the invention as a sconce with match tray. The scone body  17  is shown as thin and long, and ornamentally designed. At the top of the body  17  is a wall mounting  23  and at the base is a striking surface  3  and attached match tray  13  with matches  11  (colored or not).  
         [0062]     Extending away from the body are two arched arms  21  which support two candle trays  19  with candles  15 . The sconce alternative could obviously take on many designs and assorted ornamentation. As an alternative an area of the body  17 , or arms  21 , etc., could include an area with holes to hold matches  11 , instead of employing a tray for their storage.  
         [0063]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view showing the invention as a match holder without an adjoined candle container. The spherical body  8  is shown with a flat bottom and having a plurality of match holding holes  7 . Several colored matches  11  are shown projecting from holes at various angles. The holes  7 , matches  11 , and match-stem color could take on many different configurations, as could the shape and dimensions of the body  8 .  
         [0064]     The match striking surface  3  is not visible from this perspective, placed on a flat portion on the back of the body  8 .  
         [0065]     This match holding device with (or without) an integral striking surface could sit on a fireplace mantel, making the matches readily accessible to light fires etc. Spiral-stem matches with various coloring could produce a pretty, decorative, match “blossom,” or “plume,” unique and superior to the presentation and function of matchbooks or matchboxes.  
         [0066]     This holding device could be attached to a fire place mantle or other surface. A possible design for the base being a dome and matches protruding from the holes  7  in a “porcupine” fashion.  
         [0067]     A body  8  with holes  7  and striking surface  3 , as discussed above and understood, could hold matches, or spiral-stemmed matches, with scent-releasing stems. Matches with scent releasing properties are found in the prior art, such as Hassan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,862, but spiral-stem matches with scent releasing properties are not.  
         [0068]     This embodiment, used to hold colorful, scent-producing matches, has foreseen uses in the bathroom.  
       REFERENCE NUMERALS  
       [0069]      1  Candle Container  
         [0070]      2  Rectangular Candle Container  
         [0071]      3  Match Striking Surface  
         [0072]      5  Stem  
         [0073]      7  Match-holding holes  
         [0074]      8  Spherical Body  
         [0075]      9  Conical Base  
         [0076]      10  Rectangular Base  
         [0077]      11  Matches (colored and/or spiral-stemmed)  
         [0078]      13  Match Tray  
         [0079]      15  Candle  
         [0080]      17  Sconce Body  
         [0081]      19  Candle Tray  
         [0082]      21  Arched Arms  
         [0083]      23  Wall Mounting  
         [0084]     Operation  
         [0085]     The basic operation is fairly simple and obvious. Matches  11  are stored in the candle holder via holes  7 , tray  13 , or drawer and removed to be struck against the striking surface  3 . The lit match  11  is used to light the candle  15  held in container  1 ,  2 , or candle tray  19 .  
         [0086]     The candle holder can be produced and presented with matches  11  in the holes  7 , tray  13 , drawer, etc., or provided separately to be placed in the respective match holders by the operator.  
         [0087]     As stated the matches  11  could be “strike-anywhere” or “safety,” with the commensurate striking surface  3  included, the present preference being safety matches  11  and a chemically prepared friction surface.  
         [0088]     In  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2  the candle holder is designed to stand, or sit, on a solid surface. In  FIG. 3  the sconce is mounted to a wall with a screw, or like mounting device, through the sconce mounting  23 .  
         [0089]     The matches  11  can be stored in the holes  7  head first or by the stem. It is the present preference that the matches  11  be stuck into the holes  7  head first for several reasons:  
         [0090]     a) The match  11  head is thicker than the stem and therefore naturally lends itself to being at bottom.  
         [0091]     b) A match  11  head buried in a hole  7  would offer additional protection from accidental ignition and preserve the match head from water, moisture, etc. The match stem, or tip of the stem, could also be further treated with a fire retardant, as to further prevent accidental ignition.  
         [0092]     c) The match  11  stem can be colored or otherwise decorated more easily than the match head and that related end of the match, as the match head must be struck and ignited.  
         [0093]     In an important embellishment the tray  13  featured in  FIG. 3  could be at the base of a container that holds many matches  11 . The matches  11  are deposited in the tray as the matches  11  are removed and used, functioning much like toothpick or straw dispensers, well known in the field. There could be a space at the top, or in the back of the base  9 , where the matches  11  are loaded.  
         [0094]     Spiral-stem matches would function, primarily, to add a novel design and aesthetic dimension, but they also increase the surface area of the stem which, in turn, increases burn time. The configuration of the holes  7  and matches  11  can be made to produce interesting designs, such as a colorful match “blossom,” from the base of the candle holder.  
         [0095]     The use of a polystrene foam product would alter the operation slightly. Users may be required to manually produce the holes  7  by sticking the matches  11  into the porous material. The use of a foam for this invention side-steps several production steps and would also permit for operators of the invention to create their own configuration of colored matches  11 . Also, as is well known, the foam product is light, versatile, and relatively cheap, carrying clear advantages for manufacturing.  
         [0096]     The foam surface could be treated with a color coat, paint or another enamel, to give it a smooth finish and prohibit the “flaking” of foam. In this case, depending on the rigidity of the coating, a special tool, like a small metal spike, might be necessary to produce the match holding holes.  
         [0097]     Alternatives and Embellishments  
         [0098]     There are, of course, many embellishments and alternatives possible for my invention.  
         [0099]     The candles described in this application could be replaced with any number of flame producing items, including lamp wicks or other flammable materials or liquids. My invention could be readily modified to suit these alternative light sources, with matches and the striking surface thus included.  
         [0100]     My invention could furthermore be made to suit “floating candles,” which are presently popular, by including a water container in place, or in conjunction with, the candle containers discussed.  
         [0101]     The candles could be those that produce a colored flame, such as blue or green, and/or a variety of scents.  
         [0102]     A match drawer could be alternatively designed to be on a hinge and pulled down, opposed to sliding out. Or the drawer could swing out, anchored by a pin. The drawer could be outfitted with holes for the holding of matches, whereas the opening of the drawer causes the holes to adjust and consequently fan out the matches for selection.  
         [0103]     The match holding tray could have a cover or door.  
         [0104]     If the candle container is supported by a plurality of legs, opposed to a base and stem, the match holding tray, or a sufficiently thick piece of material with match holding holes, could be attached to the legs by various means.  
         [0105]     The spiral-stem, apart from its unique presentation, would function to increase surface area and promote even burning, successfully providing more opportunity for the addition and release of scenting. The matches could also be made to create a colored flame, which are covered in the prior art, but spiral-stem matches with scent-releasing properties and a colored flame is not nor is the disclosed means for storing and lighting matches. For example: The base, a dome shape as one option, would support a plurality of holes and a striking surface. A plurality of matches with (or without) scent-releasing stems would be held in the holes. This alternative, comprised of a holder and matches and integral striking surface, could be placed in a bathroom and conveniently used for the purpose of masking unpleasant odors.  
         [0106]     The match holder, a base with holes and striking surface, could also be flat and hold matches of variant dimensions for the purpose of creating a pattern or shape. Variant match sizes could, of course, be implemented in any of the embodiments.  
         [0107]     A container holds matches, vertically stacked, and deposits them into a tray, as discussed, but without attached candle containers, etc. The matches are deposited into a tray, adequately slanted to prevent overflow, and as the matches are removed a new match, or plurality of matches, fall down in replacement. There could be a space at the top, or in the back of the container, where the matches are loaded. A striking surface is included on the container, producing a superior match storage and striking device.  
         [0108]     The match striking surface, on any of the embodiments, could take on a variety of shapes, colors, and likenesses. For example, the striking surface could be shaped in the likeness of a whale.