Patent Publication Number: US-2009238717-A1

Title: Systems and methods for heating a liquid fuel of a candle

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/070,695, filed Mar. 24, 2008 and incorporates the disclosure of that application by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention generally concerns candle systems, and more particularly, representative and exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to systems, devices, and methods relating to a wick system that is configured to provide heat to a product, wherein the product simultaneously operates as a fuel for the candle. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     In general, candle systems comprise a fuel source and a wick. The wick is coupled to the fuel source in some manner that provides fuel for the wick to burn, which in turn provides heat and light. Generally, the fuel source is a solid paraffin wax or a liquid lamp oil. Through capillary action or proximate placement, these fuels provide the source for the wick to bum. 
     To provide for a more aesthetically pleasing candle system, candles comprising wick systems that “float” in a liquid medium have witnessed great popularity. Moreover, candle systems that provide therapeutic qualities, e.g. aromatherapy, have also witnessed great popularity. As such, an aesthetically pleasing, floating wick system that burns and provides heat in a manner that overcomes the limitations of prior art floating wick systems is disclosed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In various representative aspects, the present invention comprises a candle system that comprises a wick system, which floats in a liquid fuel for the candle, and the wick system is configured to conduct heat to the candle&#39;s liquid fuel. The liquid fuel comprises a substantially organic material and in addition to functioning as the fuel for the wick system, the organic material may be used, in one example, as a therapeutic skin medicament, but in other embodiments the organic material may be used as a food condiment or an aromatherapy composition for inhalation. 
     In an embodiment, systems and methods for a candle fuel heating system may generally comprise, a vessel to contain a quantity of a liquid fuel, and a wick system configured to float upon the quantity of the liquid fuel and to transfer heat to the liquid fuel, wherein the wick system may comprise a wick and a wick holder. The wick may comprise a first wick material configured to support a flame from a combustion, and the wick may comprise a second wick material, proximate to the first wick material, and configured to absorb combustion products from the combustion. The wick may further comprise a metallic sleeve to support the first and second wick material, as well as conduct heat from the flame to the liquid fuel. The wick holder may be configured to support the wick, such that at least a portion of the wick may be immersed in the quantity of the liquid fuel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures. 
         FIG. 1  representatively illustrates a candle system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  representatively illustrates an exploded view of a wick, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  representatively illustrates the wick, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  representatively illustrates a wick system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in different order are illustrated in the figures to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention may be described herein in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/or software components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the present invention may employ various wicks and wick holders, e.g., compound wicks, refractory wicks, heat conductive wicks, decorative wicks, buoyant wick holders, glass wick holders, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions. In addition, the present invention may be practiced in conjunction with any number of environments for using a candle system, and the system described is merely one exemplary application for the invention. Further, the present invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for burning a candle, heating a product, providing therapeutic environmental settings, and the like. 
     Various representative implementations of the present invention may be applied to any system for operating a candle system and/or heating a candle fuel. Certain representative implementations may include, for example: providing heat and light, providing a decorative, aesthetically pleasing object, heating a product, providing therapy, etc. Systems and methods for heating a candle fuel may operate in conjunction with a candle fuel heating system  100 . Referring now to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the candle fuel heating system  100  may comprise, a vessel  110  to contain a quantity of a liquid fuel  120 , and a wick system  130  configured to float upon the quantity of the liquid fuel  120 . The wick system  130  may comprise a wick  140  and a wick holder  150 . In an exemplary embodiment, the wick  140  supports a flame  160  from combustion of the ignited liquid fuel  120 . The wick  140  may be further configured to transmit heat, e.g. via conduction, from the flame  160  to the liquid fuel  120  so as to warm the liquid fuel  120 . Once warm, the liquid fuel  120  may be used by a user. In one example, the warmed liquid fuel  120  may be used as a skin medicament, but in other examples, the warmed liquid fuel  120  may be used as a food condiment or comprise an aromatherapy composition, however, the candle fuel heating system  100  is not limited in this regard. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system  100  may comprise the vessel  110  to contain a quantity of the liquid fuel  120 . The vessel  110  may comprise any configuration to adequately, but more importantly, safely contain the quantity of the liquid fuel  120 . In one embodiment, the vessel  110  may comprise a clear glass configuration, such that the light from the flame  160  illuminates the entirety of the candle fuel heating system  100  to provide for a superior, aesthetically pleasing object. In an embodiment, the clear vessel  110 , comprising a clear liquid fuel  120  and a clear wick system  130 , promotes a unique, “fire floating on water” appearance. In other embodiments, the vessel  10  may comprise colored glass, frosted glass, opaque or semi-opaque glass, etched glass, mosaic glass, etc. In yet other embodiments, the vessel  110  may comprise of materials other than glass, for example, synthetic materials, polymeric materials, natural materials, and/or combinations thereof. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the vessel  110  comprises a square or rectangular configuration, but other shapes, either regular or irregular, comprising various heights, widths, depths, diameters, perimeters, and the like may be used. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the candle fuel heating system  100  may comprise a liquid fuel  120  that may combust when ignited to provide the flame  160  via the wick  140 . In an embodiment, the liquid fuel  120  comprises an all natural organic oil that can operate not only as a fuel, but also as a usable consumer product. For example, the liquid fuel  120  may comprise of a fractured coconut oil. The coconut oil is combustible, yet it may also be used as a skin medicament, i.e. a moisturizer. Thus, as the candle system  100  operates, the coconut oil is heated and a user can dip into the oil to use, for example, on their skin. In another embodiment, the liquid fuel  120  may comprise enriched olive oil, wherein the heated olive oil may be used as a food condiment. The present invention is not limited by these examples, and any other embodiment that may benefit from heated natural oil or other materials is contemplated by this disclosure. 
     It should be noted that candle systems, in general, do not use natural organic oils as fuels because combustion products, such as carbon, can quickly build up and clog the wick material, thereby preventing the candle from operating effectively. As discussed further below, the present invention overcomes this limitation such that the benefits of using natural oils that are both combustible and/or consumable may be used. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the liquid fuel  120  may comprise other combustible materials other than natural oils, for example, kerosene, lamp oil, etc. Moreover, exemplary embodiments may comprise other combustible, consumable materials other than a natural oil. Although not necessary, many of the natural oils are preferred over typical candle fuels because of the high flash point of the natural oils. Because of the nature of the candle systems described, which rely upon a bath of fuel oil for the wick system to float, a fuel having a low flash point may be hazardous, e.g. the entire bath surface could ignite. By using the natural oils that have a substantially higher flash point, such hazard is avoided. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment and with continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the liquid fuel  120  may be positioned on top of a layer of water  125  or any other non-combustible element. In this embodiment, the water  125  may act as a safety barrier for the candle fuel heating system  100 . For example, once the wick system  130  consumes all of the oil  120 , the wick system  130  will extinguish itself once it reaches the water layer  125 . Furthermore, a user may control the duration the candle fuel heating system  100  operates merely by adjusting the oil level  120  placed on top of the water layer  125 . As a further benefit, the water layer  125  may also act as a quick extinguishing mechanism for a user. If the user wishes to quickly extinguish the flame  160 , the user only needs to push the wick holder  150 , comprising the wick  140 , down to the water layer  125 . 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 2  representatively illustrates an exploded view of the wick  140 . The wick  140  may comprise at least a first wick material  242  configured to support the flame  160  from a combustion of ignited fuel oil  120 . The wick  140  may also comprise a second wick material  244  positioned proximate and/or suitably coupled to the first wick material  242  and, in an embodiment, may be configured to absorb combustion by-products, for example, carbon. The wick  140  may further comprise a wick sleeve  246  configured to support the first wick material  242  and the second wick material  244 , facilitate heat transfer from the ignited flame  160  to the liquid fuel  120 , as well as deter any absorbed by-products from releasing back into the liquid fuel bath. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, and as best seen by the  FIGS. 1-4 , the wick  140  may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid, straight, substantially horizontal configuration. This configuration provides mass appeal by contributing to the overall aesthetics of the candle fuel heating system  100 . Moreover, the wick  140  in addition to comprising a substantially straight, horizontal configuration as shown, may be configured, as a benefit of a rigid embodiment, to sustain other decorative configurations, such as words, numbers, shapes, figures, combinations thereof, and any other free form shapes. 
     In an embodiment and in addition to the aesthetic appeal, the substantially horizontal wick  140  may also provide for a more efficient manner to heat the liquid fuel  120 , i.e. a greater quantity of flame may be supported to heat the liquid fuel  120 . 
     Among various embodiments, the first wick material  242  may comprise any material that can act in a wicking manner to supply the liquid fuel  120  to promote the combustion and the flame  160 . In an embodiment, the first wick material  242  may comprise a non-flammable and/or heat conducting ceramic fiber material, for example, a TaoFibre® Ceramic Fiber Paper, but other materials, for example refractory materials such as, alumina, silica, zirconia, magnesia, combinations thereof, and the like may be used. Although non-flammable, the ceramic fiber material, through capillary action, was found to adequately support the combustion and the flame  160 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment, the first wick material  242  as well as the second wick material  244  described below, because of their fibrous nature are at least partially porous such that liquid additives could be added to the materials. For example, an aromatherapy or air freshener could be added and as the wick bums, the additives would be released into the surrounding environment. 
     The following Summary Table I illustrates compositions of various other grades of exemplary ceramic fiber materials that may be used. Other candle systems in the prior art have attempted to use such ceramic fibers, but have achieved only limited success. Using these ceramic fiber materials as candle wicks, the fibers can become clogged with a build-up of carbon from the combustion. To overcome this limitation, the present invention may further comprise the second wick material  244 . 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 SUMMARY TABLE I 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Standard 
                   
                 Zirconium 
               
               
                   
                 Grade 
                 Grade 
                 Premium Grade 
                 Grade 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Al 2 O 3   
                 45-46% 
                 47-49% 
                 39-40% 
               
               
                   
                 SiO 2   
                 51-52% 
                 50-52% 
                 42-43% 
               
               
                   
                 ZrO 2   
                 — 
                 — 
                 15-17% 
               
               
                   
                 Fe 2 O 3   
                 &lt;1.0% 
                 0.2% 
                 0.2% 
               
               
                   
                 K 2 O + Na 2 O 
                 ≦0.5% 
                 0.2% 
                 0.2% 
               
               
                   
                 LOI 
                  &lt;10% 
                  &lt;10% 
                 &lt;1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wick  140  may comprise the second wick material  244 , which may be suitably coupled to or positioned proximate to the first wick material  242 . The second wick material may function as a combustion by-product sink for components of the combustion, for example, carbon. As mentioned briefly, wicking materials such as the ceramic fibrous types discussed are generally not used as wicks for candle systems. They have a tendency to clog with combustion by-products thereby limiting their effective operation because of carbon build-up. To alleviate this, the present invention comprises a material to absorb the by-products, which greatly enhances the operational use of the ceramic fiber wick. In one example, the second wick material  244  may comprise a high alpha cellulose material, but almost any material that can be sacrificially coupled to or positioned proximate to the first wick material  242  to absorb combustion by-products, may be used. Other paper examples may comprise blotting type paper, bond paper, construction paper, cotton paper, woven and/or coated paper, and the like. It should be appreciated that the second wick material  244 , by absorbing combustion products, further promotes the clean, clear look of the system  100 , i.e. the second wick material  244  may substantially prevent or deter carbon and/or other by-products from leaching into the liquid fuel  120 , thereby clouding the liquid fuel  120 . 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wick  140  may comprise the sleeve  246 . In some embodiments, the first wick material  242  as well as the second wick material  244 , may comprise of a rigid configuration, but in some embodiments, the first and second wick materials may comprise less rigid or flaccid configurations and therefore, rely upon the sleeve  246  for support The sleeve  246  may be configured to support the first wick material  242  and/or the second wick material  244 . The sleeve  246  may comprise substantially parallel plates that fasten together to sandwich the first and second wick materials together, as more completely shown by  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments the sleeve  246  may comprise other configurations to support the first and second wick materials. For example, the sleeve  246  may comprise of a single element that is folded in half such that the first and second wick materials can be positioned within the crease of the fold. Also, in such a folded embodiment, the crease may be further perforated to allow the liquid fuel  120  to saturate the wick materials once immersed in the liquid fuel  120 . In accordance with an embodiment, the sleeve  246  may comprise of a metallic material to conduct heat from the flame  160  to the liquid fuel  120  so as to warm the liquid fuel  120 . It should be appreciated that the sleeve  246  may support the first and second wick materials so as to promote capillary action, which may provide one mechanism for wetting the wick  140  elements when immersed in the liquid fuel  120 . 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the sleeve  246  may also deter the transmission, i.e. leakage, of combustion by-products into the liquid fuel  120 , wherein transmission of the by-products into the liquid fuel  120  would cloud the aesthetically pleasing, clear, fuel oil bath. Whereas the second wick material  244  described above may prevent by-products from clogging the first wick material  242 , the sleeve  256 , by substantially encasing the first and second wick materials, may prevent the by-product absorbing second wick material  244  from allowing any absorbed by-products from leaching into the bath of the liquid fuel  120 . 
     In accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, the sleeve  246  may also control how far from the surface of the liquid fuel  120  the combustion occurs, i.e. how high above the bath surface the flame burns. As mentioned briefly, the present invention provides for the appearance of a “floating flame.” In an embodiment, by adjusting the dimensions of the sleeve  256 , the flame can be configured to bum at varying heights above the surface of the liquid fuel  120  bath. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment and with reference to  FIG. 3 , the wick  140  may be configured so that the flame  160  characteristics may be controlled, for example, a height of the flame  160 . In an embodiment, the sleeve  246  may comprise of a notched configuration such that a portion of the first wick material is revealed, for example, a revealed portion  370 . By adjusting the amount of the revealed portion  370 , the flame height, and thus the flame intensity, can be controlled. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the wick  140  may comprise of a disposable type wick that may be disposable after a certain duration, for example, after 8-12 hours of use. In some embodiments, only particular elements of the wick  140  may be disposable. For example, instead of replacing the entire wick  140  and/or wick holder  150 , a user may merely replace the first wick material  242  and/or the second wick material  244  that have become saturated with combustion by-products, worn from use, and the like. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the wick system  130  may comprise the wick holder  150 . As exemplary illustrated by  FIG. 4 , the wick holder  150  may comprise a support system to support the wick  140 , as well as provide a mechanism to allow the wick  140  to float upon the liquid fuel  120 . In an embodiment, the wick holder  150  may comprise a basic frame  470 . The frame  470  may further comprise floats  472  that act as buoyant mechanisms for the frame  470 . 
     In an embodiment, the floats  472  may comprise air filled chambers comprising a fixed and/or an adjustable volume to provide buoyancy for the frame  470  yet also allow the wick  146  to be at least partially immersed in the liquid fuel  120 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the frame  470  may also be configured to provide spacing from a side wall of the vessel  110 , thereby preventing the flame  160  from excessively heating any side wall of the vessel  110  as the frame  470  floats about. As can be seen by the configuration of the frame  470  in  FIG. 4 , the wick  140  may be positioned at substantially the center, or at least an interior portion, of the frame  470 , so that as the frame  470  floats on the liquid fuel  120  the floats  472  will encounter any side walls of the vessel  110 , thereby preventing the wick  140  from encountering the side walls as described. Moreover, the frame  470  may comprise a size such that the frame  470  fits into a fuel bath comprising an area configure to adequately provide for the frame  470  to float about the bath surface to heat the fuel bath to a safe level given the size of the wick and the flame it supports. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 4 , the wick  140  may be substantially supported by the frame  470  such that the wick may be positioned substantially normal to a surface of the liquid fuel  120 . In an embodiment the wick  140  may be secured to the frame  470  by slots so that each end of the wick  140  can be secured therein, but in other embodiments any securing mechanism may be used, such as, glues, epoxies, screws, clips, pins, and the like. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the frame  470  may comprise a clear borosilicate glass material that compliments the aesthetics of the entire candle fuel heating system  100 . In other embodiments, other configurations of frame  470  comprising other materials may be used. For example, instead of the floats  472  comprising air filled chambers, the floats may comprise buoyant materials, such as wood, cork, etc. Also, instead of the frame  470  comprising clear borosilicate glass, the frame  470  may comprise a plexi-glass frame, a wood frame, and the like. Moreover, other frame constructions and/or configurations may be used. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the candle fuel heating system  100  may comprise complimentary elements that can accentuate any therapeutic qualities the system  100  may provide. In one embodiment, the wick  140  may further comprise a crucible  380 ,  FIG. 3 , to contain an aromatherapy composition. As the metallic sleeve  246  is heated by the flame  160 , the sleeve  246  conducts at least a portion of the heat to the crucible  380  to heat any contents. This is merely one example of a complimentary element and a myriad of complimentary elements could similarly be used. 
     In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of a candle fuel heating system  100 , a method for using a candle fuel heating system  100  may comprise: filling a vessel with a quantity of a liquid fuel; placing a wick system upon a surface of the liquid fuel; lighting a wick from the wick system to initiate a combustion to produce a flame; and heating the quantity of the liquid fuel by the wick system. 
     In an exemplary embodiment and similar to the system components described, the wick system may be configured to float upon the liquid fuel and to transfer heat to the liquid fuel wherein, the wick system comprises a wick and a wick holder. The wick may comprises a first wick material configured to support the flame from the combustion, and the wick may comprise a second wick material suitably coupled or proximate to the first wick material and configured to absorb combustion products from the combustion. In an embodiment, the wick holder may be configured to support the wick, such that at least a first portion of the wick is immersed in the quantity of the liquid fuel, and at least a second portion of the wick resides above a surface of the quantity of the liquid fuel. The candle fuel heating method is not limited in this regard, and other methods are contemplated by this disclosure. Although a particular order of actions is disclosed, these actions can be performed in other temporal sequences. For example, two or more actions can be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. 
     Additional examples of such changes have been given in the foregoing description. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of the candle fuel heating system and method is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the candle fuel heating system and method and is not intended to be limiting. For example, in one embodiment, the candle fuel heating system may comprise one or more features of  FIG. 1  with or without the features described with reference to  FIGS. 2-4 . Similarly, in different embodiments, the candle fuel heating system may comprise one or more of the features of  FIG. 2  with or without the features of FIGS.  1  and  3 - 4 , the candle fuel heating system may comprise one or more of the features of  FIG. 3  with or without the features of  FIGS. 1-2  and  4 , and the candle fuel heating system may comprise one or more of the features of  FIG. 4  with or without the features of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. The specification and figures are illustrative, rather than restrictive, and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described. 
     For example, the steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the specific order presented in the claims. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims. 
     Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments; however, any benefit, advantage, solution to problem or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or components of any or all the claims. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “having”, “including”, “includes” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.