Abstract:
This invention relates to a self-activated automatic candle snuffer. The device generally comprises a back plate connected to a base and to a spoon having a hole so that the back plate supports the spoon for spring movement with respect to the base. A candle mounted to the base so that the candle passes through the hole in the spoon. A set pin movably affixed to the spoon proximate the hole, operatively arranged to pierce and enter the candle so as to maintain tension in the spoon. A ball balanced on the spoon and a means for release of tension in the spoon which causes release of potential energy that allows the spoon to elevate to an inclined plane to cause the ball to roll down the spoon to settle on the hole and the wick and extinguish a flame.

Description:
This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application of Randall L. Kunkle, Ser. No. 61/063,613 for SELF-ACTIVATED CANDLE EXTINGUISHING DEVICE, filed on Feb. 5, 2008. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to candle extinguishing device. More particularly, the invention relates to an non-electric self activated automatic candle extinguishing device which allows a candle to burn for a predetermined amount of time before being snuffed out. 
     2. Background 
     Several devices have been invented to automatically extinguish a candle. For example U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,211 issued to Kampfer et al, discloses a thermomechanical candle snuffer utilizing metals with mechanical memory properties. Mechanical memory metals can be deformed into bent shapes which recover their unbent state upon heating above the metals recovery temperature. In this invention, as a candle burns down, it will heat the metal and cause it to return to its unbent state. Utilizing this phenomenon, the invention comprises a clip for securing a snuffing cone to a candle. The length of metal between the clip and the cone is made of the thermomechanical metal with the cone being held away from the burning candle. With recovery of the metal to its unbent state, the snuffing cone is brought over the burning wick causing the flame to be extinguished. This design depends on the clip holding the snuffing cone in the desired position for proper functioning. Thus, the clip must apply sufficient force to the candle so that the clip and snuffer do not slide down the length of the candle negating the desired automatic extinguishing of the flame. The problem with this configuration is that if the clip applies too much force, the candle may be crushed or even broken. Therefore, each candle diameter requires its own clip to function properly. Additionally, another problem is that the melting wax may interfere with the thermomechanical metal causing the metal&#39;s recovery to fail or be hindered. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,505 issued to Kroecher describes a candle snuffing device having two candles attached at opposite ends of a pivoting balancing arm. Above each candle is a snuffing cone for extinguishing the candle. One candle is lit at a time, and as the wax melts, the burning candle reduces its mass. The counterbalance of the opposite, non-burning candle pivots the balancing arm causing the burning candle to rise toward the snuffing cone. Once enough wax is consumed the candle reaches the snuffing cone and is extinguished automatically. This design, however, requires careful balancing of the arm to function properly. Although the candle is extinguished automatically, there is uncertainty in the burning time of the lit candle due to various sizes and densities of candles. Depending on the candle&#39;s burn rate and the mass of the counterbalance, the burning of the candle may be too long or too short for the user&#39;s desired timeframe. Also, this design limits the types of candles that can be used—namely tealight or votive, and not tapered, candles. 
     Byxbe discloses an automatic candle snuffer in U.S. Pat. No. 6,572,365. This device places a candle within a sealed container having an automated closeable lid. The lid is held open with a magnetized hinge mechanism. A user inputs a predetermined time into a timer which is partially attached to the container and partially attached to the lid. When this time is reached, the timer demagnetizes the hinge allowing the lid to close the container. As the oxygen in the container is consumed by the flame, the candle is automatically extinguished. This design suffers various drawbacks, including obstruction of the candle and difficulty in lighting the candle. By placing a box around the candle, the candle and/or candle flame is obstructed by the box, limiting the types of materials which can be used to construct the box. Depending on the height of the box and height of the candle, it may be onerous or even dangerous to try to light the candle using a match or cigarette lighter because a user has to reach into the box to set the wick alight. This reaching may cause the user to be burned by either the match or the candle once lit. Alternatively, the user may light the candle and then place the box over the lit candle. However, if the box does not sit correctly, air will leak into the box and provide sufficient oxygen for the candle to continue burning after the selected extinguishing time. Manipulating the box to ensure a good seal could lead to the lit candle tipping over and becoming extinguished, or increase risk of burning the user or setting something external from the device on fire. 
     Thus it is readily apparent that there is a need for an automatic candle extinguisher capable of snuffing a candle after a predetermined amount of time. There is a particular need for a candle extinguisher that is decorative and interesting to watch. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is accordingly a primary object of the present invention to provide a self-activated candle snuffer to automatically extinguish a flame. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a self-activated candle snuffer utilizing a heat resistant ball to extinguish a flame. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to provide a self-activated candle snuffer with that is safe and reliable. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a self-activated candle snuffer that is easy to manufacture and use. 
     Another further object of the present invention is to provide a self-activated candle snuffer for that is unique and aesthetically appealing. 
     The above and other objects are accomplished in accordance with the present invention which comprises a self-activated candle extinguishing device comprising: a back plate connected to a base and to a spoon having a hole so that the back plate supports the spoon for spring movement with respect to the base. A candle mounted to the base so that the candle passes through the hole in the spoon. A set pin movably affixed to the spoon proximate the hole, operatively arranged to pierce and enter the candle so as to maintain tension in the spoon. A ball balanced on the spoon and a means for release of tension in the spoon which causes release of potential energy that allows the spoon to elevate to an inclined plane to cause the ball to roll down the spoon to settle on the hole and the wick. The candle extinguishing device of the present invention is suitable for automatically snuffing a candle after a predetermined burning time. In operation, a user places a candle in the candle holder on the base and places the flexible spoon in the desired slot on the back plate of the frame. The free end of the spoon is flexed slightly downward and is held in place with a set screw set into the wax candle. A heat resistant ball is placed on the free end of the spoon and the candle is lit. Once the candle burns down to a point where the wax is melted or sufficiently softened to allow the set pin to move through the wax, the tension on the spoon is removed. This allows the spoon&#39;s free end to rise, in turn causing the heat resistant ball to roll onto the candle wick and extinguish the candle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention and the manner in which it may be practiced is further illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the spoon under tension white candle is burning (solid lines) and without tension when candle is extinguished by the ball (dashed lines). 
         FIG. 4   a  is an underside perspective view of the spoon of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4   b  is a top perspective view of the spoon of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. §112. 
     Adverting now to the drawings, with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , a preferred embodiment of the present invention is indicated generally by numeral  10 . Frame  10  is generally U-shaped having a spoon  20  attached to a back plate  11 , a base plate  12 , and optionally decorative front plate  13 . The back plate and front plate are disposed in a parallel spaced-apart relationship to one another and are each rigidly connected to base plate  12 . Although the generally U-shaped frame of the preferred embodiment, as shown in the drawings, is constructed from separate components, (spoon  20 , back plate  11 , base plate  12 , and front plate  13 ) it should be understood that other constructions may be used without departing from the invention. For example, spoon  20 , back plate  11 , base plate  12 , and front plate  13  may be formed in a unitary construction as a single molded unit. In this preferred embodiment the frame  10  is comprised of a light metal, however it should be readily understood that generally U-shaped frame  10  can be comprised of any heat resistant material with sufficient durability and hardness to maintain its structural integrity under the extreme heat of the flame of a candle. 
     Face plate  13  may be omitted to yield a generally U-shaped frame consisting of spoon  20 , back plate  11  and base plate  12 . The base plate includes a threaded hole  14  to receive candle base  16 . Candle base  16  is a vessel that snuggly holds candle  50  upright and has a threaded bottom portion used to rigidly affix the candle base to the base plate. The candle base can be of any height or circumference provided that the candle fitted within the vessel is able to pass through the opening in the spoon, as discussed further below. Alternatively, the candle base may have a threaded bottom hole while the base plate contains a non-threaded hole. In a preferred embodiment, the candle base is rigidly affixed to the base plate using a counter-sunk lag screw. The back plate contains a plurality of slots  18  in which, at any one time, a single slot accommodates spoon  20 . The spoon has a tenon  21  which fits within slot  18  such that the spoon extends roughly perpendicularly from back plate  11  and faces front plate  13 . Slots  18  are provided so that based upon the position of the spoon the user can regulate the amount of time in which the candle will burn. The position of each slot is selected based upon the size of the candle and the amount of time the user selects the candle to burn. Two slots  18  are shown, but any plurality of slots can be placed within back plate  11 . Spoon  20  has an opening  22  positioned to correspond with candle base  16  such that a candle  50  will pass through the spoon when placed within the candle base. Set pin assembly  30 , shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , is positioned on the underside of the spoon between the spoon tenon  21  and opening  22 . The set screw mechanism is adjusted using a thumb wheel  38  which protrudes through an opening  39  in the spoon. The set screw  34  is this connected to set pin  36  and is the mechanism to adjust the position and insert set pin  36  into candle  50 . The top side of the spoon, opposite the tenon, contains a grooved track  24  leading to opening  22 . Track  24  holds heat resistant ball  26  and allows the ball to roll into opening  22  to extinguish the candle flame. Track  24  may have a protrusion  25  into opening  22 , but not to an extent to interfere with the passing of candle  50  through the opening. Ball  26  is made of any heat resistant material including but not limited to any metal, metal allow, glass, or ceramic and has a circumference greater than the smallest diameter of opening  22 . In a preferred embodiment, spoon  20  contains a wick lifter  28  removeably inserted into a hole positioned opposite the spoon tenon. Wick lifter  28  is a short, pin-like strip of metal with a decorative cap that can be easily removed from spoon  20  and used as a tool to dislodge a wick from a burned-out candle. Ideally, the design of the decorative cap will match the design of heat resistant ball  26 . 
     Spoon  20  is preferably made of solid cast aluminum or other similar metal that is light and sturdy however it can be constructed of any heat resistant material. Preferably, this material will be a metal or metal alloy, such as but not limited to copper, aluminum, steel, or brass. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, back plate  11  is a rigid structure that holds spoon  20  and tension is engaged by the use of tensioning spring  40 . However it should be appreciated that spoon  20  can be shaped to make it spring when tension is released from the set pin, for example, spoon  20  can be configured based upon its dimensions to be a flexible material, for example, if at the connection point the spoon was thinner than the rest of the body of the spoon it would be flexible at this point without the use of a spring  40 . In another preferred embodiment, generally U-shaped frame of this invention is a unitary assembly that is flexible throughout and where tension can be stored in a plurality of positions throughout the base and back plate. For example, the present invention could be comprised of one continuous coil strip of metal such as brass or aluminum. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the mechanism of a preferred embodiment of the invention. The solid lines depict the perpendicular to the base position of spoon  20  under tension held by set pin assembly  30  while the candle is burning. The dashed lines depict the inclined plane of the spoon once the candle has burned down and the set pin has relieved the stored tension allowing spoon  20  to spring upwards and remain in an inclined plane. The spring-like motion raises the ball end of the spoon allowing ball  26  to roll down track  24  and extinguish the flame. In an alternative embodiment, tensioning spring  40  (shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4   a ) is used to attach tenon  21  to spoon  20  and function as a hinge in conjunction with back plate  11 . This hinge will allow the ball to roll down the track as the set pin releases the tension by sliding through the soft melted wax once the candle burns down to the position of the pin. As shown by arrow  27 , the spoon inclines upward allowing the ball to roll down the track into the opening in the spoon extinguishing the flame. It should be appreciated that, although  FIG. 3  depicts tenon  21  extending beyond hole  18  of back plate  11 , tenon  21  can be shortened such that it does not extend through hole  18 , allowing this embodiment to be wall-mountable. 
       FIG. 4   a  shows the underside of the spoon while  FIG. 4   b  shows the top view of the spoon. Both figures depict spoon tenon  21 , candle opening  22 , optional wick lifter  28  and tension spring  40  which functions as a hinge in one preferred embodiment.  FIG. 4   a  provides a more detailed view of set pin assembly  30 . Mounting brackets  32  hold set screw  34  to the underside of the spoon and are threaded to provide longitudinal adjustability of set pin  36  as thumb wheel  38  which passes through the spoon via hole  39  is turned by the user. Set pin  36  is controllably inserted into the candle to retain tension on the spoon without inoperably damaging the candle. In a preferred embodiment, for convenience and accurate alignment, set pin  36  of the present invention is generally adjusted using a thumb wheel  38  which protrudes through an opening in the spoon  20 . Set pin  36  is controllably inserted into the candle and is configured to lock the spoon in position. As will be appreciated, when the pointed end of the set pin is inserted into the wax shaft of the candle a consistent tension point of alignment is maintained until the pin is released by the flame of the candle from the melted wax. Once the pin releases the tension on the spoon it elevates and the ball rolls to the top of the candle to extinguish the flame. In a preferred embodiment the set pin is controlled by turning thumb wheel  38  to move the pin into the candle but it can be controlled by some other means such as a dial, manually inserting the pin into the candle, a lever or cam, a simple pushpin or screw and even a clamp for example. 
       FIG. 4   b  depicts the top view of the spoon showing the orientation of ball track  24  with hole  22 , thumb wheel  38  and the spoon tenon  21 . Ball track  24  is a channel that directs the ball to hole  22  when the spoon is elevated to an inclined plane. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be understood that applicant does not intend to be limited to the particular details described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In this regard, the term “means for” as used in the claims is intended to include not only the designs illustrated in the drawings of this application and the equivalent designs discussed in the text, but it is also intended to cover other equivalents now known to those skilled in the art, or those equivalents which may become known to those skilled in the art in the future.