Abstract:
A candle apparatus for providing a candle-like flame and candle effect and employing a liquid that may be of petroleum product type or non-petroleum product type functioning as a source for the flame in combination with a wick that is soaked in the liquid. The apparatus comprises a base member having a base opening and a canister for the liquid. A shell extends over the base and canister. The shell is easily removable and also interacts with the canister to support the canister in its proper position.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 604,896 filed Apr. 27, 1984, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,011. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates in general to a candle apparatus. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with an improved functional and decorative lighting means that is adapted to have the appearance of a candle with its associated candle-like flame but in which the flame and associated lighting is produced from a liquid source which may be a petroleum or non-petroleum product. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved candle apparatus that is safe to operate, relatively easy to maintain and which provides a candle-like flame and appearance. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved candle apparatus in accordance with the preceding object, and in which the liquid container may be easily removed and/or replaced. 
     Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an improved candle apparatus in accordance with the preceding objects, and which is readily adaptable to being configured into different sizes and shapes, having in particular, a universal base construction. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved candle apparatus having a candle-like flame and furthermore characterised by candle-like illumination about the flame. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To accomplish the foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention, there is provided a candle apparatus that comprises a base having means defining a base opening. The base opening is for receiving a canister. The canister contains the liquid that is to be burned. This liquid may be a petroleum product but is preferably a vegetable oil based product. The canister has a removable top cap with sealing means associated therewith. A wick or the like extends from the canister through the cap and it is the wick that is lighted to produce the candle-like flame. Over the canister and the base is fitted an external shell that substantially covers the canister and also extends about a platform on the base. The base may have associated therewith, some means by which the base and thus the entire candle apparatus can be supported from a larger base or other structure from which the candle apparatus is to be supported. The shell preferably has an upper peripheral flange in proximity to the flame for providing candle-like illumination. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Numerous other objects, features and advantages of the invention should now become apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the candle apparatus of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken through the candle apparatus of the present invention with the canister and shell in position in use; and 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the top of the candle apparatus illustrating a flame and associated rays interacting with the apparatus shell. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference is now made to the drawing which illustrates in FIG. 1 an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the candle apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view with all of the parts of the apparatus in their assembled position in use. FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the top of the candle apparatus illustrating the flame and associated light rays. 
     The apparatus of the present invention comprises a base 10 having extending upwardly therefrom, a platform 12 which in turn has extending upwardly therefrom, an annular wall 14 defining a base opening 16. Through the base 10 and integral platform 12, there is provided a centrally disposed passage 18 which is preferably countersunk as indicated at 20. This passageway may be for receiving a wood screw or the like. 
     The base 10 is constructed preferably of a plastic material and the passage 18 for receiving the wood screw may provide a means by which the base can be fastened to another member not shown herein. For example, the base 10 may be secured to a larger base member to provide additional stability to the candle apparatus. 
     As indicated in FIG. 2, in the cross-sectional view, it is preferred that the base 10 and platform 12 be substantially solid with the exception of the passageway 18. This provides for sufficient weight to the base member. In addition, weights may be provided in the base member to provide additional stability for the overall candle apparatus. However, for the most part, the provision of a solid plastic base and platform provides sufficient weight to provide good stability to the candle apparatus. 
     The candle apparatus of this invention also comprises a canister 24 which is of cylindrical construction with the outer diameter thereof dimensioned so as to snugly fit within the base opening 16 defined by the annular wall 14. This snug fit is illustrated in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2. The bottom wall 26 of the canister rests upon the top wall 28 of the platform 12. 
     The canister 24 contains a liquid 30. This liquid 30 may be a petroleum product such as Nopar 15, but is preferably a vegetable oil base product. 
     The canister 24 is sealed at the top by means of a cap 32 which is fitted with an O-ring 34 which provides a tight seal between the cap 32 and the top periphery of the canister 24. It is noted that the cap 32 is also provided with a centrally disposed passage 36 through which extends the wick 40. FIG. 2 shows a small segment of the wick 40 extending outwardly of the passage 36. It is also preferred that the top of the cap 32 be arranged in a step configuration as noted in FIG. 2. One of the steps in the top of the cap 32 forms a shoulder 42 which is a limiting means relative to the outer shell 46. 
     As just indicated, the remaining portion of the candle apparatus comprises a shell 46 which is generally of cylindrical shape, totally open at the bottom and having an annular flange 48 at the top thereof directed inwardly. It is noted that the shell 46 is conveniently aligned with the canister and with the cap 32 by means of interaction of the flange 48 with the shoulder 42. This tends to position the components properly and, in particular, positions, the canister 24 in its proper vertical orientation. 
     The shell 46 at its bottom end rests upon the surface 50 of the base. As indicated previously, the fit between the canister and the annular wall 14 is snug. Also, there is preferably a relatively snug fit between the shell 46 and the outer surface of the annular wall 14 extending downwardly to the base 10. 
     It is noted in accordance with the unique candle apparatus of this invention that, in order to replace the canister 24 or in order to refill it, one simply has to remove the shell 46. When this is removed, then the canister 24 is readily accessible. The canister 24 may then be removed from the base opening 16 and then may be replaced or refilled. 
     For the purpose of refilling, the cap 32 is relatively easily removed and additional liquid can be added to the canister. The canister is then replaced in the base opening 16 and the shell 46 is then inserted over the canister and base. Once again, proper alignment is provided by the interaction at the top of the cap between the shoulder 42 defined in the cap and flange 48 that terminates at the annular wall 49 forming a centrally disposed hole in the top flange of the shell. The flange 48 actually provides a hole which is of slightly greater diameter than the diameter at the annular shoulder 42. 
     Reference is now made to FIG. 3 which shows the top of the candle apparatus enlarged to clearly illustrate dimensional and positional relationships in particular between the canister and shell. It is noted that in FIG. 3 the top of the wick 40 has been lighted and there is illustrated in FIG. 3 the flame F. Rays R are shown extending from the flame F and in particular as they extend toward and impinge upon the surface W of the flange 48. 
     To provide the proper type of candle-like illumination and glow, it is desired to have the flange 48 as the thickest part of the shell 46. This thickness of plastic material is instrumental in providing sufficient volume of plastic to create an illumination and glow at the flange 48. In this regard, note in FIG. 3 that the maximum thickness of the flange 48 as represented by the dimension t is greater than the thickness of the wall of the shell as represented by the dimension d. The dimension t may be on the order to twice the dimension d. The minimum thickness of the flange 48 at the centrally disposed hole may be on the same order of magnitude as the dimension d. 
     As indicated previously, FIG. 3 shows the rays R directed to the surface W of the flange 48. It is noted that this surface is at an angle to the horizontal preferably on the order of at least 20°. By slanting the wall W the rays R are intercepted at the wall in a more orthogonal manner thus enhancing illumination not only directly at the flame F but also providing illumination or glow at the flange 48. 
     It is also noted in FIG. 3 that the top of the cap 32 in particular at the shoulder 42 interlocks with the hole in the shell. As such it is preferred that the top of the shell be substantially co-terminous with the top of the cap 32 of the canister. This is advantageous in providing proper illumination and also in proper candle-like appearance. It is also preferred to have the main surface S of the cap 32 disposed at a vertical height substantially mid way of the height of the hole in the shell. The point P on the flange of the shell is preferably above the surface S. 
     The entire product of the present invention is made out of a very rigid and durable plastic. The preferred plastic is ABS plastic. Such a plastic product is not deteriorated by petroleum products. The cap 32 of the liquid container may be of phenolic. 
     Having described one embodiment of the present invention, it should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous other embodiments are contemplated as falling within the scope of this invention.