Abstract:
Various embodiments of flame elements and candle housings are disclosed for use in an electric lighting device or candle to help produce a realistic flickering flame effect. The flame element and/or housing can be configured to eliminate noise that occurs when the flame element contacts a wall of the housing.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application having Ser. No. 62/120,509, filed on Feb. 25, 2015. This and all other referenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference that is incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein is deemed to be controlling. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The field of the invention is electric lights and candles. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The following background discussion includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
         [0004]    Various electric lights are known in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,132,936 to Patton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,319 to Schnuckle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,837,355 to Schnuckle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,261,455 to Schnuckle et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,994 to Schnuckle et al., US 2011/0127914 to Patton et al., U.S. Pat. No. 7,350,720 to Jaworski et al.; US 2005/0285538 to Jaworski et al. (publ. December 2005); U.S. Pat. No. 7,481,571 to Bistritzky et al.; US 2008/0031784 to Bistritzky et al. (publ. February 2008); US 2006/0125420 to Boone et al. (publ. June 2006); US 2007/0127249 to Medley et al. (publ. June 2007); US 2008/0150453 to Medley et al. (publ. June 2008); US 2005/0169666 to Porchia, et al. (publ. August 2005); U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,668 to Porchia, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,627 to Michaels, et al.; US 2006/0039835 to Nottingham et al. (publ. February 2006); US 2008/0038156 to Jaramillo (publ. February 2008); US 2008/0130266 to DeWitt et al. (publ. June 2008); US 2012/0024837 to Thompson (publ. February 2012); US 2011/0134628 to Pestl et al. (publ. June 2011); US 2011/0027124 to Albee et al. (publ February 2011); US 2012/0020052 to McCavit et al. (publ. January 2012); and US 2012/0093491 to Browder et al. (publ. April 2012). 
         [0005]    These and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. 
         [0006]    Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary. 
         [0007]    However, there is still a need for improved candles and other light sources that more closely produce a realistic flame effect. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods for various embodiments of electric candles or other lighting devices that produce a flickering flame effect. One exemplary electric candle is discussed in U.S. patent application having Ser. No. 14/819,146 filed on Aug. 5, 2015. In preferred embodiments, the candles include a flame element that is at least partially illuminated by a primary light source. Various embodiments of the flame element are shown in  FIGS. 1-16 . 
         [0009]    Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIGS. 1-2  show front and side views of one embodiment of a flame element. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  shows another embodiment of a flame element having a lower surface with a cylindrical horizontal cross-section. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of a flame element having a lower surface with a conical vertical cross-section. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of a flame element having a lower surface with a tear-drop shape. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  shows another embodiment of a flame element having a lower surface with an upside down conical vertical cross-section. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of a flame element having a lower surface with a cylindrical horizontal cross-section and an o-ring disposed about a portion thereof. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 8-9  show a partial vertical cross-section view and a horizontal cross-section view , respectively, of one embodiment of a candle having a housing and a flame element. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  shows another embodiment of a candle having a housing and flame element. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  shows another embodiment of a flame element. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 12-13  show front and top views, respectively, of a flame element having a x-shape horizontal cross-section. 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  shows a top view of a flame element having a triangular horizontal cross-section. 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  shows another embodiment of a flame element having a lower surface with a cylindrical horizontal cross-section. 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  shows another embodiment of a candle having a housing to which a flame element is coupled. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed. 
         [0024]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate front and side views of a flame element  100  having a rectangular lower surface  104  with a magnet  106  at the bottom  108  and a hole  110  disposed between upper and lower surfaces  102  and  104  of the flame element  100 , preferably in a middle portion that is narrower than a maximum width/diameter of the upper and lower surfaces  102  and  104 . The hole  110  advantageously is sized to be larger than a diameter of a support wire or other piece that extends through the hole to thereby allow at least two degrees of movement of the flame element  100 . A distance from the hole  110  and the bottom  108  of the flame element  100  is D 1 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  illustrates another embodiment of a flame element  200  having a lower surface  204  with a cylindrical horizontal cross-section with the upper portion  202  having a tear-drop shape similar to that of  FIG. 1 . As in  FIG. 1 , a vertical distance from hole  210  of the flame element  200  to a bottom  208  of the flame element  200  equals distance D 1 . To ensure the center of gravity of the flame element  200  is the same as the center of gravity of the flame element  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , a mass of the lower surface  204  should equal the mass of the lower surface  104  of flame element  100 . By utilizing a lower surface  204  having a cylindrical horizontal cross-section, a depth of the lower surface  204  is increased, while the overall width/diameter of the lower surface  204  is decreased and a height of lower surface  204  is maintained. With the reduction in a maximum width/diameter of the lower surface  204 , the flame element  200  can advantageously pivot or move in more confined spaces without hitting a wall of a housing, for example. With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIG. 3 , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIG. 1  apply. 
         [0026]      FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of a flame element  300  having a lower surface  304  with a conical vertical cross-section.  FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of a flame element  400  having a lower surface  404  with a tear-drop shape. With respect to the remaining numerals in each of  FIGS. 4-5 , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIG. 1  apply. 
         [0027]      FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of a flame element  500  having a lower surface  504  with an upside down conical vertical cross-section. With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIG. 6 , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIG. 1  apply. 
         [0028]    In  FIG. 7 , another embodiment of a flame element  600  is shown having a lower surface  604  with an o-ring  612  disposed about a portion thereof. The o-ring  612  advantageously helps to eliminate contact between the lower surface  604  of the flame element  600  and an outer housing to which it can be coupled. This can eliminate noise that would otherwise be generated that would take away from the flickering flame effect. Although shown having a lower surface  604  with a cylindrical horizontal cross-section, it is contemplated that the lower surface can have any commercially suitable shape without departing from the scope of invention. With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIG. 7 , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIG. 1  apply. 
         [0029]      FIG. 8-9  illustrate one embodiment of a candle housing  720  to which a flame element  700  can be coupled, preferably via a wire or other support element.  FIG. 8  shows a partial vertical cross-section view, and  FIG. 9  shows a horizontal cross-section view. Housing  720  preferably has a hollow portion  722  disposed along a portion of a vertical length of the housing  720 , such that when the flame element  700  pivots or moves within the housing  720 , the flame element  700  passes into the hollow portion  722  (shown in dashed lines) rather than contact the housing  720  itself as may otherwise occur. This advantageously helps to eliminate contact between the lower surface  704  of the flame element  700  and the housing  720  to which it can be coupled, while allowing for the flame element to have a greater degree of rotation about hole  710 . In addition, such embodiments can eliminate noise that would otherwise be generated that would take away from the flickering flame effect. With respect to the remaining numerals in each of  FIGS. 8-9 , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIG. 1  apply. 
         [0030]      FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of a candle housing  820  to which a flame element  800  can be coupled. Instead of having a hollow portion, the housing  820  can have a first portion  824  that comprises an absorbent material such as foam or an elastomer, such that if the flame element  800  contacts the first portion  824 , little or no sound will be created. With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIG. 10 , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIG. 1  apply. 
         [0031]      FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiment of a flame element  900  having a lower surface  904  with a width/diameter that is equal to a minimum diameter of the flame element  900  (e.g., the diameter across a middle portion where aperture  910  is disposed). The flame element  900  can also include a magnet  906  whose length is larger than its width, and that is disposed such that the length of the magnet  906  extends along a vertical axis of the flame element  900 . By reducing a diameter or width of the lower surface  904  of the flame element  900 , this can help prevent the lower surface  904  from contacting a wall of the housing, for example. However, in order to reduce a length of the lower surface  904 , weight must be added to the lower surface either via a different or additional material being injected molded into the lower surface  904 , adding a weight to the lower surface, or increasing a weight of the magnet  906 . With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIG. 11 , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIG. 1  apply. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate front and top views of a flame element  1000  having an x-shape horizontal cross-section with a magnet  1006  at the bottom  1008 . With respect to the remaining numerals in each of  FIGS. 12-13 , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIG. 1  apply. 
         [0033]      FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of a flame element  1100  having a lower surface  1104  with a triangular horizontal cross-section. Although shown hollow, it is contemplated that the lower surface  1104  could comprise a solid piece. With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIG. 14 , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIG. 1  apply. 
         [0034]      FIG. 15  illustrates another embodiment of a flame element  1200  having a lower surface  1204  with a cylindrical horizontal cross-section. It is contemplated that an overall size of magnet  1206  can be reduced by varying a strength of the magnet  1206  to compensate for the reduction in size. With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIG. 15 , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIG. 1  apply. 
         [0035]      FIG. 16  illustrates another embodiment of a candle housing  1320  to which a flame element  1300  is coupled. The flame element  1300  can have a tapered lower surface  1304 , such that when the flame element  1300  is at a maximum angle β of movement with respect to its at rest vertical position (shown in solid), the tapered wall  1305  is parallel or approximately parallel (e.g., with one degree) to a side wall of the housing  1320 . In preferred embodiments, an angle α of the tapered wall  1305  is equal to the flame element&#39;s maximum angle of movement. With respect to the remaining numerals in  FIG. 16 , the same considerations for like components with like numerals of  FIG. 1  apply. 
         [0036]    Instead of a hollow portion, the housing can have a first portion that comprises an absorbent material such as foam or an elastomer, such that if the flame element contacts the first portion, little or no sound will be created. 
         [0037]    As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0038]    The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. 
         [0039]    Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. 
         [0040]    As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. 
         [0041]    It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.