Abstract:
A method and apparatus for supporting and controlling a candle in an candelabra and other candle holders is disclosed. A candle support apparatus includes an outer shell or tubular body and inner shell or tubular body. The outer shell is typically a rigid casing that attaches to the candelabra or other candle holder. The inner radius of the outer shell is typically larger than the candle. The inner shell is typically resilient and has a radius smaller than the candle. The inner shell includes a substantially cylindrical portion having a longitudinal axis. The inner shell further includes a number of prongs sharing a common longitudinal axis with the substantially cylindrical portion. The end of the outer shell that is adapted to connect to the candelabra is a closed end with a hole adapted to receive a screw, bolt or other device used to attached the support apparatus to the candelabra. The inner and outer shells are connected to each other by a connecting device such as a rivet that is typically driven through both the inner and outer shell perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    I. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of candles, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for supporting candles in a candle display device.  
           [0003]    II. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    For centuries, candles have been used for a variety of reasons ranging from reading light to decorations at ceremonial events such as weddings. In recent years, mechanical candles have been used to replace the more typical wax candles. In many settings such as churches, wax candles are no longer acceptable because of danger of wax damage to church property as well as increased risk of fire.  
           [0005]    [0005]FIG. 1A illustrates a prior art mechanical candelabra  100 . The candelabra  100  typically includes a base stand  110  connected to a long support pole  105 . A candle holder arrangement  120  typically sits atop the pole  105 . The candle holder arrangement  120  on top of the pole supports a mechanical candle  125 . Braces  115  are typically connected to the pole  105  on the sides. The braces  115  serve both as decoration and support for additional candle holder arrangements  120  which in turn support two additional candles  120 . The candelabra  100  is a typical candelabra used for mechanical candles and is shown to illustrate the prior art. There are a variety of other arrangements in the prior art that support mechanical candles.  
           [0006]    [0006]FIG. 1B illustrates a prior art mechanical candle  125  illustrated in FIG. 1A. The candle  125  typically includes an elongated body  126 . At one end of the body a tip  144  includes a replaceable wax insert  135  which can be lit with a flame  140 . The elongated body  126  typically includes an outer cover  130  and an internal mechanism (not shown) that supports the wax insert  135 . The candle  125  also has a base  145 . The base includes a twist portion  150  that is used to removed the outer cover  130  from the internal mechanism (not shown).  
           [0007]    [0007]FIG. 2 illustrates side view of a candle holder arrangement  200  ( 120  in FIG. 1A). The arrangement  200  includes a base  205 . The base can be decorative adding to the aesthetic beauty of the candelabra. Candle support prongs  215  are connected to support device that is connected to the base  205 . Decorative coverings  210  surround the support prongs  215 . The support prongs  215  can also be decorative, but function mainly to support a mechanical candle.  
           [0008]    [0008]FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of a candle holder arrangement  305 . This arrangement is similar to the arrangement  200  in FIG. 2. However, the decorative coverings have been removed to better illustrates the candle support device  310 . This arrangement  300  also includes a base  305 . A mechanical candle  320  is shown supported in the support device  310  by the individual prongs  315 . FIG. 3B illustrates the component parts of the holder  300  of FIG. 3A. The support device  31   0  is connected to the base  305  by a bolt  360  and a nut  355 . A hole (not shown) in the device  31   0  fits onto the bolt  360  and the nut  355  is screwed onto the bolt  360  to support the device  310 . FIG. 3C illustrates a top view of the candle holder  300 . The device  310  is connected to the base  305  and the nut  355  is screwed onto the bolt  360 . The support devices  31   0  are typically manufactured of rigid plastic or metal.  
           [0009]    [0009]FIG. 4 illustrates a candle support arrangement  400 . The arrangement includes a base  405  decorative coverings and support prongs  415  similar to the figures described above. Over time, the prongs  415  can become weak in many ways. For example, plastic or metal can become fatigued and break or simply bend out of place. When the prongs  415  weaken, the mechanical candle  420  begins to fall to off to one side and has to be straightened. FIG. 4B illustrates an candelabra  450  having three candles  460 ,  465 ,  470 . Candle  460  is substantially straight. Candle  465  is offset in the direction of arrow  466  and candle  470  is offset in a direction of arrow  471 . Typically, the candles, now offset from the normal center position interfere with the ceremony and service providers in the ceremony. Typically, photographers have to deal with the crooked candles, often stopping a picture in order to straighten the candle. Once a candle is straightened there is no guarantee that it won&#39;t fall off center again because the candle is simply balanced into a straightened position.  
           [0010]    If the device and prongs  415  are made of metal, the decorative covering  410  can be removed and the prongs  415  can be bent back into shape. If the prongs  415  are plastic, the entire device needs to typically be replaced.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    In accordance with the present invention and the contemplated problems which have and continue to exist in this field, the invention features a method and apparatus for securing candles in candle display devices such as candelabras and candlesticks. The candle support apparatus replaces the prior art prongs and is typically more durable and long lasting. The candle support apparatus supports and straightens a candle once the candle is inserted and typically requires no further attention to maintain the supported candle.  
           [0012]    A candle support apparatus includes an outer shell or tubular body and inner shell or tubular body. The outer shell is typically a rigid casing that attaches to the candelabra or other candle holder. The inner radius of the outer shell is typically larger than the candle. The inner shell is typically resilient and has a radius smaller than the candle. The inner shell includes a substantially cylindrical portion having a longitudinal axis. The inner shell further includes a number of prongs sharing a common longitudinal axis with the substantially cylindrical portion. The end of the outer shell that is adapted to connect to the candelabra is a closed end with a hole adapted to receive a screw, bolt or other device used to attached the support apparatus to the candelabra. The inner and outer shells are connected to each other by a connecting device such as a rivet that is typically driven through both the inner and outer shell perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.  
           [0013]    In general, in one aspect, the inventions features a candle support apparatus including a first tubular body having a longitudinal axis and a hollow interior and a second tubular body having a common longitudinal axis with the first tubular body and a hollow interior, and positioned within a portion of the hollow interior.  
           [0014]    In an implementation, the first and second tubular bodies have open ends and an end cap closing a substantial portion of an end of the first tubular body.  
           [0015]    In another implementation, the second tubular body includes a substantially cylindrical base having a first end and second end and a common longitudinal axis with the first tubular body and a plurality of elongated prongs connected to one of the first and second ends of the base, and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.  
           [0016]    In another implementation, the apparatus includes a connecting device that secures the first tubular body to the second tubular body, the connecting device being substantially perpendicular to the common longitudinal axes and protrudes into a portion of the hollow interiors.  
           [0017]    In another aspect the invention features a candle control apparatus including a first substantially cylindrical body having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a first and second end, wherein at least one of the first and second ends is open, the first body having a first radius and a hollow interior, a second substantially cylindrical body having an outer surface and an inner surface, and a first and second end, wherein at least one of the first and second ends is open, the second body having a second radius less than the first radius and a longitudinal axis common to the first and second bodies, wherein the second body is positioned within a portion of the hollow interior of the first body.  
           [0018]    In one implementation, the apparatus includes a connecting device that connects the first body to the second body.  
           [0019]    In still another aspect the invention features a candle display apparatus including at least one candle, a candle display apparatus and a candle support apparatus connected to the candle display apparatus and adapted to receive and support the candle including a first tubular body having a longitudinal axis and a hollow interior and a second tubular body having a common longitudinal axis with the first tubular body, and positioned within a portion of the hollow interior.  
           [0020]    In one implementation, the candle display apparatus is a candelabra or a candle stick.  
           [0021]    In yet another aspect, the invention features a candle support apparatus including a rigid geometrically shaped body having a hollow interior with a first open end and a second substantially open end, a flexible geometrically shaped body having a hollow interior and a number of elongated prongs, and positioned within a portion of the hollow interior of the rigid body and a longitudinal axis common to the rigid body and the flexible body, wherein the flexible body is in a concentric arrangement with the rigid body.  
           [0022]    In an implementation the apparatus includes a device that connects the rigid body to the flexible body.  
           [0023]    In another implementation, the outer surface of the flexible body is in mechanical contact with the inner surface of the rigid body.  
           [0024]    In another implementation, the outer surface of the flexible body is in a proximity of the inner surface of the rigid body.  
           [0025]    In still another implementation, the elongated prongs are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.  
           [0026]    In another aspect, the invention features a method of securing candles in a candle display including removing a present device used to support candles in the candle display, replacing the present device with a candle support apparatus, including a first tubular body having a longitudinal axis and a hollow interior and a second tubular body having a common longitudinal axis with the first tubular body, and positioned within a portion of the hollow interior.  
           [0027]    One advantage of the invention is that it supports candles in candle display devices, providing a adjustment-free candle arrangement that does not interfere with ceremonies.  
           [0028]    Another advantage of the invention is that it straightens the candle as it is inserted into the candle support apparatus, eliminating the need to manually adjust the candles.  
           [0029]    Another advantage of the invention is that the prongs of the inner shell do not typically deform because they are supported by the rigid outer shell. In most cases, if the prongs do deform, the deformation typically does not interfere with the candle support because they are supported against the rigid outer shell.  
           [0030]    Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing the preferred embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0031]    [0031]FIG. 1A illustrates a prior art mechanical candle candelabra;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 1B illustrates a prior art mechanical candle;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 2 illustrates a candle holder dish having prior art candle support prongs surrounded by decoration;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of a candle holder dish having prior art prongs supporting a mechanical candle;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 3B illustrates the component parts of the candle dish of FIG. 3A;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 3C illustrates atop view the candle dish of FIGS. 3A and 3B;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a candle holder dish supporting a mechanical candle with prior art prongs;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 4B illustrates a prior art mechanical candle candelabra;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 5 illustrates two component parts of an embodiment of a candle support apparatus;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a candle support apparatus;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 6B illustrates a top view of the candle support apparatus of FIG. 6A;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 6C illustrates a bottom view of the candle support apparatus of FIGS. 6A and 6B;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 7A illustrates a candle dish having an embodiment of a candle support apparatus;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of the candle dish of FIG. 7A;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of a candle dish having a candle support apparatus with a mechanical candle inserted into the apparatus;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 7D illustrates an embodiment of an inner shell with and without a mechanical candle inserted into the shell;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 8A illustrates a side view of a candle holder dish and an embodiment of a candle support apparatus surrounded by decoration; and  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of a candle holder dish and an embodiment of a candle support apparatus surrounded by decoration and a candle inserted into the apparatus. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0049]    Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, reference is made first to FIG. 5 illustrates the component parts of an embodiment of a candle support apparatus  500 . The apparatus  500  includes an outer shell ( or tubular body)  505  that a first end  510  and a second end  515 . The outer shell is typically a cylindrical shape constructed to accommodate most mechanical candles. It is understood that the outer shell can be other shapes other than a cylinder. The first end is open in order to receive the base end of a mechanical candle (not shown). The second end  515  is typically closed but includes a hole (discussed below) in order to attach the apparatus  500  to a candelabra.  
         [0050]    The apparatus also includes an inner shell (or tubular body)  520  having a first end  521  and a second end  522 . Both the first end  521  and the second end  522  typically are open. The inner shell  520  includes a base portion  525  from which several support prongs  530  protrude. The inner shell is typically a cylindrical shape where its outer radius  540  is less than the inner radius  545  of the outer shell  505 . The radius differential is necessary so that the inner shell can fit into the outer shell as indicated by arrow  546 .  
         [0051]    The inner shell is typically constructed by forming several cuttings  531  along the walls of the shell along the longitudinal axis of the shell. Therefore, the prongs  530  are typically integral pieces with the base  525 . In another embodiment, several prongs can be connected to a cylindrical base to form the inner shell  520 . In another embodiment, the inner shell can be formed by a preset mold or otherwise machined.  
         [0052]    The inner shell  520  also includes an attachment hole  535  that lines up with another attachment hole  530  on the outer shell  505 . When the inner shell  520  is inserted into the outer shell  505 , the two attachment holes  530 ,  535  can be aligned so that the inner shell  520  and outer shell  505  can be secured to each other (discussed in further detail below).  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of an embodiment of candle support apparatus  600 . The support apparatus includes an outer shell  605  in which an inner shell  620  has been inserted. The outer walls of the prongs  625  of the inner shell  620  typically lay flush against the inner wall of the outer shell  605  or lay just off the inner wall of the outer shell  605 . As seen in the figure, the two shells  605 ,  620  are substantially concentric. The outer ends  626  of he prongs  625  can be at the same position of the opening of the first end  610  of the outer shell  605  or recessed inside the opening or protrude from the opening. Typically the ends  626  either are located at the same position or slightly recessed into the interior of the outer shell  605 .  
         [0054]    Referring still to FIG. 6A, the inner shell  620  and outer shell  605  have been secured to each other by an attachment device  630 . The attachment device  630  can be, but is not limited to a rivet, a screw, a nut and screw or bolt, a small cylindrical rod and the like. It is understood that the connecting device can be any suitable device that connects the outer shell  605  to the inner shell  620 .  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 6B illustrates a top view  650  of the candle support apparatus  600  of FIG. 6A. As seen from the top view  650  the outer radius of the prongs is less than the inner radius of the outer shell  605 . The attachment device  630  typically attaches the outer shell  605  with one of the prongs  625 . In another embodiment, the attachment device  630  can connect the outer shell  605  to the base ( 525  in FIG. 5) of the inner shell  620 . A hole  640  is located substantially in the middle of an end cap  639  attached to the second end  615  of the outer shell  605 .  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 6C illustrates a bottom view  675  of the candle support apparatus  600  of FIGS. 6A and 6B. As seen from the bottom view  675 , the end cap  639  encloses a substantial portion of the second end  615  of the outer shell  605 . The hole  640  provides an opening to attach the apparatus  600  to a candelabra. A portion of the attachment device  630  is also shown.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 7A illustrates a side view  700  of a candle dish  705  having an embodiment of a candle support apparatus  710  attached to the dish  705 . An outside portion of the attachment device  720  is shown. The device  720  connects the outer shell  725  to the inner shell. Portions of the prongs  715  of the inner shell are shown.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 7B illustrates a top view  750  of the candle dish  710  having an embodiment of a candle support apparatus  705  of FIG. 7A. The top opening of the apparatus  705  shows the top edges of the prongs  715  as well as the inner portion of the bottom end cap  765  of the apparatus  705 . The figure further illustrates a top view of the nut  755  and the bolt  760  that connect the apparatus  705  to the candle dish  710 . The connecting device  720  is shown attaching the outer shell  725  to one of the prongs  715 .  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 7C illustrates a side view  770  of a candle dish  710  having a candle support apparatus  705  with a mechanical candle  775  inserted into the apparatus  705 . In an embodiment, the inner radius of the inner shell and the prongs  715  is less than the outer radius of the candle  775 . This radius differential allows a tight fit between the candle  775  and the prongs  715  when the candle is inserted into the apparatus  705 . As mentioned above there is also a radius differential between the outer radius of the inner shell and the inner radius of the outer shell  725 . This radius differential typically results in the outer radius of the candle being less than the inner radius of the outer shell.  
         [0060]    Still referring to FIG. 7C, as the candle  775  is inserted into the apparatus  705 , since the outer radius of the candle  775  is larger than the inner radius of the inner shell, the candle  775  displaces the prongs  715  away from the candle  775  and toward the inner wall of the outer shell  725 . In this way, the candle  775  becomes increasingly secured as it is inserted into the apparatus. Further security is attained simultaneously as the prongs  715  are pressed into the inner wall of the outer shell  725 . As the base of the candle  775  moves closer to the base ( 525  in FIG. 5) of the inner shell the candle  775  ceases to move because the inner radius of the inner shell is less than the outer radius of the candle  775 . The result is that the candle is securely fit into the apparatus. Furthermore, as the candle  775  is inserted into the apparatus  705 , the longitudinal axis of the candle aligns itself with the longitudinal axis of the apparatus. With several candles in several candle support apparatuses in a candelabra, the result is securely fit straight candles that do not have to be straightened during candelabra operation.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 7D illustrates two states of an embodiment of an inner shell  780  with and without a mechanical candle  775  inserted into the shell  780 . FIG. 7D is used to show the mechanical behavior of the inner shell  780  with the outer shell removed. In the first state I the mechanical candle  775  has not yet been inserted into the inner shell  780 . The figure also illustrates that the radius of the candle  775  is larger than the outer radius of the shell  780 . With the outer shell removed, the cuts  782  along the inner shell  780  and the full length of the prongs  715  are shown.  
         [0062]    Still referring to FIG. 7D, state II illustrates the inner shell  780  as the candle  775  is inserted. Since the radius of the candle  775  is typically larger than the inner radius of the inner shell  780 , the prongs  715  move outward and the cuts  782  widen. The prongs  715  continue to move outward and the cuts  782  continue to widen as the candle  775  moves toward the base  781  of the shell  780 . As the candle  775  moves closer and closer to the base  781  the candle  775  becomes increasingly difficult to move because it cannot move past the inner radius of the base  781  due to the radius differential. With the candle  775  inserted into the shell  782  this manner, the candle  775  has no support and is able to rotate, twist and otherwise move in a variety of directions. This movement occurs because the candle is able to move into spaces  785  formed between the candle  775  and the prongs  715  as the candle  775  is inserted. Since the inner shell material is typically resilient and flexible, this movement occurs readily. However, with the addition of the rigid outer shell (as shown in FIG. 7C), the candle is supported. Referring again to FIG. 7C, the outer shell  725  inhibits the resilient movement of the prongs  715 . This inhibition actually causes the candle to fit tighter and straighter. The more the candle  775  is inserted into the apparatus  705 , the more the prongs  715  move outward and press against the outer shell  725 . With further insertion, the candle becomes further supported and further straightened.  
         [0063]    Referring again to FIGS.  7 B, the connecting device  720  is shown protruding into one of the prongs  715  past its inner wall. In this way, the connecting device partially blocks the path of the candle  775  as it is inserted into the apparatus  705 . In this way the connecting device is a candle-stop so that the candle  775  cannot be inserted past the protrusion caused by the connecting device  720 . FIG. 7C shows a line  780  which the candle  775  is not able to pass if the connecting device  720  protrudes inward. This candle-stop feature can be included in an embodiment of the apparatus  705 . In another embodiment, the connecting device  720  does not interfere with the path of the candle  775 . Therefore, the candle  775  is able to move past the line  780 .  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 8A illustrates a side view  800  of a candle holder dish  805  and an embodiment of a candle support apparatus  810  surrounded by decoration  815 . The decoration is typically decorative metal that conceals the apparatus  810 .  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 8B illustrates a side view  850  of a candle holder dish  805  and an embodiment of a candle support apparatus  810  surrounded by decoration  815  and a candle  820  inserted into the apparatus  810 .  
         [0066]    A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, is will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Several examples are now illustrated.  
         [0067]    As way of illustration, the embodiments of the candle support apparatus have been described to support mechanical candles. The embodiments of the candle support apparatus can also support wax candles as well as candles comprised of other materials.  
         [0068]    A candle support apparatus adapted to be affixed to candelabras have been described as the typical embodiment. However, any other candle display devices, such as candle sticks, can also be fitted with embodiments of the candle support apparatuses described above.  
         [0069]    Several embodiments of the candle support apparatus have been described as a replacement piece for candelabras and other candle display devices. It is understood that the candle support apparatus can also be an integral part of any candle display device and can therefore be manufactured as part of the candle display device.  
         [0070]    Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.