Abstract:
A system and method provide a container holding a candle, a covering portion that can cover an opening of the container holding the candle, a device that automatically extinguishes the candle utilizing the covering portion and an attachment portion shaped to fit around the opening of the container holding the candle. The attachment portion can be removeably secured to the container via a securing system. The attachment portion can also be coupled to the covering portion and the device that automatically extinguishes the candle.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/758,933, filed Jan. 11, 2001 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,494,708, which issued Dec. 17, 2002), which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This invention is directed towards safety devices for candles. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatically actuating candle snuffers and extinguishers. 
   2. Background Art 
   One of the hottest selling products in today&#39;s market are candles. These candles come in all shapes, sizes, colors, scents, and containers. Increasingly, candles are being used to set atmosphere, light rooms, change the smell of a room with fragrances, or the like. Unfortunately, one common feature of all candles is that when left unattended for too long a period of time or disturbed they can cause fires. Recently, there has been a real increase in the frequency, severity, and reporting of fires. The worst cases are when these fires are in apartment houses or social houses since there is an even larger potential for damage to property, and even worse, an increased potential for death. 
   Manufacturers have recognized this problem and are trying to combat the increasing occurrence of fires caused by candles by producing candles in containers, such as jars or the like. Although this solution has been moderately successful in some ways, there are still fires starting because of unattended or forgotten candles being in these containers or when these candles are disturbed in some fashion. One reason for this is users falsely assumed the candles in containers are safer because of their configuration. 
   Therefore, a need exists for a safety device for candles in containers that automatically extinguishes a candle in a container after a user selected predetermined duration of time has passed. Further, there is a need for a safety device for candles in containers that can automatically extinguish the candle if the container is disturbed. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus including a closing portion, a system that can automatically extinguish a candle using the closing portion, and an attachment portion shaped to fit around an opening of a container holding the candle. The attachment portion is removeably secured to the container and coupled to the closing portion and the system that can automatically extinguish a candle. 
   In one aspect of the present invention, the system that can automatically extinguish a candle includes a timing device having an arm and a resilient device, a support rod, and a support device coupled to the support rod and coupled to the resilient device. 
   In another aspect of the present invention the system that can automatically extinguish a candle also includes another resilient device coupled to the support rod. 
   Other embodiments of the present invention provide a method for automatically extinguishing a candle in a container including turning a timing device to an ON state. The method also includes moving a support rod and support device from a first position to a second position when the timing device is in the ON state. The method further includes moving a closing device to an open position when the timing device is in the ON state and resting an extension from the closing device on the support device when the support rod and the support device are in the second position. The method further includes automatically moving the support rod and the support device to the first position when the timer reaches an OFF state, such that the extension is unsupported by the support device, which causes the closing device to return to a closed position. 
   Still other embodiments of the present invention provide a method for automatically extinguishing a candle in a container including turning a timing device to an ON state. The method also includes moving a support rod and support device from a first position to a second position when the timing device is in the ON state. The method further includes moving a closing device to an open position when the timing device is in the ON state and resting an extension from the closing device on the support device when the support rod and the support device are in the second position. The method further includes automatically moving the support rod and the support device to the first position when a predetermined event occurs to the container, such that the extension is unsupported by the support device, which causes the closing device to return to a closed position. 
   Still further embodiments provide a system including a container holding a candle, a covering device, a system that automatically extinguishes the candle utilizing the covering device, and an attachment portion shaped to fit around the opening of the container holding the candle. The attachment portion is removeably secured to the container and coupled to the closing device and the system that automatically extinguishes a candle. 
   Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the present inventions, as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a safety device for candles according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  illustrate a side view of the safety device for candles in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a portion of a height adjusting device section of the safety device for candles in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a safety device for candles according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrating a safety device for candles according to a third and fourth embodiment, respectively, or the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a safety device for candles according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  shows a section of the safety device for candles of  FIG. 6  when a closing device is in a closed position. 
       FIG. 8  shows a section of the safety device for candles of  FIG. 6  when a closing device is in an open position. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   As seen in  FIG. 1 , an apparatus  10  according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Preferably, the apparatus  10  is a safety device for candles. The apparatus includes a first section  12 , a second section  14 , and a third section  16 . Preferably, the first section  12  is a closing device, e.g., a lid, the second section  14  is an attachment device, e.g., a rim device or ring device, and the third section  16  is a holding device. The apparatus  10  further comprises a coupler  18  that is configured to operatively couple the first through third sections  12 – 16 , respectively, so that the first through third sections  12 – 16 , respectively, move relative to one another. Preferably, the coupler  18  is a hinge or flexible type device. In a preferred configuration, the center portion  20  of the coupler  18  is coupled to the second section  14 , a first end portion  22  of the coupler  18  is coupled to the first section  12 , and a second end portion  24  of the coupler  18  is coupled to the third section  16 . 
   It is to be appreciated that the first and second sections  12  and  14 , respectively, could be made of similar non-flammable material, such as metal, aluminum, alloy, molded plastic, or the like. Also, the third section  16  can be made of any non-flammable material, such as metal, aluminum, alloy, molted plastic, or the like. Further, the coupler  18  can be coupled to the first through third sections  12 – 16 , respectively, with any known material, such as adhesive material or small screws, bolts, or the like. 
   With continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , the first section  12  comprises an extension  26  coupled to and extending from a surface  28  and an optional second extension  30  coupled to and extending from the surface  28 . The second extension  30  is preferably a stopping device that stops the movement of the closing device  12  as it moves from a first position, e.g., closed, to a second position, e.g., opened a predetermined amount. The second section  14  includes a securing system  32 . The securing system  32  is preferably a set of threaded devices that interact with threaded openings (not shown) in the second section  14 . It is to be appreciated, alternative embodiments comprise similar functioning securing systems, such as a clasp or spring loaded securing device or a malleable device, e.g., a soft rubber like material, that allows the second section  14  to be secured through form fitting and friction. The third section  16  comprises a timing device  34  coupled to and protruding from a surface  36  and a scale  38  on the surface  36 . Preferably, the timing device  34  is a mechanical timer, e.g., a kitchen timer or the like. 
   With further reference to  FIG. 1 , and reference to  FIG. 2 , in a preferred embodiment the apparatus  10  is secured adjacent an opening  40  of a container  42 . Also, the container  42  comprises a lighted device  44 , preferably a candle or the like. The container  42  and candle  44  are represented as dashed lines in  FIG. 1 . As seen in  FIG. 3 , a position adjusting device  46 , or a plurality of position adjusting devices  46 , may be positioned between an inside surface of the second section  14  and the opening  40  of the container  42  to fine adjust a position of the second device  14  until an optimal secured position is found. Preferably, the position adjusting device  46  is utilized when the opening  40  is much smaller than the second section  14 . At that time a user can secure the apparatus  10  onto the container  42  with the securing system  32 . 
   A preferred operation of the apparatus  10  with reference to  FIGS. 1–2  will now be described after the apparatus  10  has been secured to container  42 . A user will lift the first section  12  from the first position, e.g., closed, to the second position, e.g., opened a predetermined amount. In a preferred embodiment the second position cannot be attained unless the timing device  34  has been moved in the direction of arrow  48 , e.g., counterclockwise, to an ON position that starts the timing device  34  on a user selected predetermined duration of time. Once the first section  12  is placed in the second position the user can ignite the candle  44 . During the duration of time on the timing device  34 , determined by the scale  38 , air can flow into the container  42  through the opening  40  based on the first section  12  being in the second position. Once the duration of time ends, the timing device  34  will return to an OFF position and a tip portion  50  of the timing device  34  interacts with an end portion  52  of the extension  26  forcing the extension  26  upward. This force causes the first section  12  to move in the direction of arrow  54  returning the first section  12  to the first position. Once the first section  12  is in the first position the lack of air entering the container  42  will extinguish the lighted device  44  in a predetermined amount of time. Preferably, the predetermined amount of time is around 5 seconds. In an alternative embodiment, if during the duration of time a user or someone else disturbs the container or a structure holding the container, e.g., a table or the like, a predetermined amount, the first section  12  will automatically close, which extinguishes the lighted device  44  in the predetermined amount of time. 
   Therefore, through a preferred arrangement of the apparatus  10  the candle  44  is automatically extinguished after a user selected predetermined duration of time. Thus, a user or a parent, friend, or relative of the user, can gain increased peace of mind when the user wants to light a candle. Further, the arrangement of apparatus  10  will also automatically extinguish the candle  44  when a predetermined amount of disturbance occurs around the candle  44  as an added measure of safety. 
   Turing now to  FIG. 4 , an apparatus  100  according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Throughout the description of  FIG. 4 , all elements similar to the apparatus  10  in  FIGS. 1–2  will have similar elements numbers with a  100  prefix. For example, apparatus  100  in  FIG. 4  for apparatus  10  in  FIGS. 1–2 , first section  112  in  FIG. 4  for first section  12  in  FIGS. 1–2 . These similar elements function similarly to the elements in the previous description, so the description will not be repeated for convenience. 
   A main difference in the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  is the shape and interaction of an extension  200  coupled to and extending from a surface  128  of a first section  112  and the addition of a holding device  202  that holds the extension  200  when the first section  112  is in the second position. In this embodiment, the holding device  202  pivots around pivot securing device  204 . Thus, in operation an end portion  150  of a timing device  134  will interact with an end portion  206  of the holding device  202  when the duration of time has elapsed and the timing device  134  is in an OFF position. Next, the holding device  202  will pivot in the direction of an arrow  208  to release the extension  200  allowing the first section  112  to return to the first position. Finally, once the first section  112  returns to the first position, the candle  144  is extinguished in a predetermined amount of time since no air can enter the container  142 . 
   It is to be appreciated the container  42  might contain reflective surfaces, or in other alternative embodiments the first section  12  can include reflective surfaces. These reflective surfaces would be utilized to enhance the light produced by the candle  44 . 
   Now with reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , again similar elements will have similar numbers with a  300  prefix. These FIGS. show an apparatus  300  according to third and fourth embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus  300  comprises a first section  312  and a second section  314 . A main difference between the first two embodiments in  FIGS. 1–4  and these second two embodiments is that an extension  360  in  FIG. 5A  and extension  362  in  FIG. 5B  extends from an outside edge surface  364  of the second section  314 . The extension  360  or  362  in alternative embodiments can be either stationary or moveable. Also, the extension  360  is substantially horizontal, while the extension  362  is at a predetermined angle. Another main difference is that a timing device  366 , preferably an electronic timing device, is coupled to and protrudes from an outside surface  368  of the first section  312 . The timing device  366  comprises an extension  370  that extends to a first position, e.g., a contacting position, and retracts to a second position, e.g., a non-contacting position. The timing device  366  is configured to automatically extend the extension  370  when a user selected predetermined time duration has expired and retract the extension  370  either automatically or through manual manipulation after the first section  312  is in the first position, e.g., closed. 
   In operation, a user will set a predetermined duration of time on the timing device  366  after moving the first section  412  from the first position, e.g., closed, to the second position, e.g., opened a predetermined amount. Once the selected predetermined duration of time has elapsed, the timing device  366  is configured to automatically extend the extension  370  until contact is made with the extension  362 . The force caused by the contact is enough to initiate movement of the first section  312  to return the first section  312  to the first position. By having the extension  362  extending at a predetermined angle less force is needed to return the first section  312  to the first position. The other functions as described above for embodiments one and two also are performed by the apparatus  300  in embodiments three and four. 
     FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a system  600  according to a third embodiment of the present invention. System  600  includes an apparatus  602 . Apparatus  602  includes a closing portion  604  hingedly coupled via coupling device  606  to an attachment portion  608  and a system  610 . Attachment portion  608  is releaseably secured, via any one of the securing systems discussed above or otherwise known in the art, to container  612 . System  610  can be used to automatically extinguish a candle, and can include a support rod  618  and a timing device  614  having a gripping device  616 . Further details of system  610  according to an embodiment of the present invention are described below with reference to  FIGS. 7–8 . It is to be appreciated, other configurations can be used for system  610 . 
     FIG. 7  shows apparatus  602  with a section removed so that details of apparatus  602  when closing portion  604  is in a closed state can be seen.  FIG. 8  shows system  610  with a section removed so that details of apparatus  602  when closing portion  604  is in an open position can be seen. 
   In an embodiment, system  610  can further include a support device  700  and a resilient device  702  coupled to support rod  618 . The coupling can be based on support rod  618  passing through an opening in support device  700  and an open area of resilient device  702 . It is to be appreciated that other coupling methods and/or devices can also be used. Although coupled, support device  700  and/or resilient device  702  may slide along support rod  618 . 
   In an embodiment, timing device  614  can further include an arm  704  having extensions  706  and  708 . Arm  704  passes through an opening  710  in a body  712 . A resilient device  714  is coupled between extension  706  and support device  700 . A rotating device  716  interacts with extension  708  to move arm  704  in a direction of arrow B when an OFF state of timing device  614  is reached, as described in detail below. Timing device  614  can be secured to apparatus  602  using any known securing devices, such as a screw  718 , bolts, adhesive material, or the like. Both resilient devices  702  and  714  are biased to push or pull, respectively, support rod  618  and support device  700  in a direction of arrow A. In the perspective of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , this is the leftward direction. A stopping device  720  can be used to limit movement of supporting rod  618  and support device  700 . 
   In an embodiment, closing portion  604  includes an extension  722  that extends through an opening  724  in attachment device  608 . Extension  722  interacts with support device  700 , as will be described in detail below. 
   When a user wishes to light a candle (not shown) in container  612 , timing device  614  should be turned ON. After turning ON timing device  614 , support rod  618  is pushed by the user to move support rod  618  and support device  700  in a direction of arrow C. In the perspective of  FIGS. 7 and 8 , this direction is rightward. Then, closing portion  604  is opened so that extension  722  can be supported by support device  700 . This support can be enhanced based on friction between extension  722  and support device  700 . Once extension  722  is supported by support device  700 , several types of events can automatically cause resilient device  714  and/or resilient device  702  to pull or push, respectively, support rod  618  and support device  700  in the direction of arrow A, which causes automatic extinguishing of the candle, as will be described in more detail below. 
   In one embodiment, an event can be when timing device  614  reaches an OFF state. This moves arm  704  in the direction of arrow B causing resilient device  714  to pull support rod  618  and support device  700  in the direction of arrow A. When support device  700  moves in the direction of arrow A, extension  722  becomes unsupported by support device  700 . This causes closing portion  604  to move to a closed state, which extinguishes the candle. 
   In another embodiment, an event can be when any aspect of system  600  is disturbed, as described above. The disturbance causes resilient device  702  to move support rod  618  and support device  700  in the direction of arrow A. Resilient device  714  may also assist resilient device  702  in the movement of support rod  618  and support device  700 . Again, when support device  700  moves in the direction of arrow A extension  722  is unsupported by support device  700 . This causes closing portion  604  to move to a closed state, which extinguishes the candle. 
   CONCLUSION 
   While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.