Patent Document

PRIOR RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of and claims priority to Ser. No. 11/846,946, filed Aug. 29, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,695,171, and to its divisional application Ser. No. 12/512,545 filed Jul. 30, 2009, application Ser. No. 10/666,731, filed Sep. 19, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,011,426 granted Mar. 14, 2006, and application Ser. No. 11/254,428, filed Oct. 20, 2005, which applications and patents are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference thereto. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention relates to electronic candles. This invention also relates to customizing or personalizing electronic candles. This invention further relates to memorial and funerary business methods. 
     2. Background and Discussion of the Prior Art 
     Electronic candle constructions are generally known. Electronic candle constructions are shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,108 to Lederer, U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,924 to Lederer, U.S. Pat. No. 7,011,426 to Lederer and US Publication No. 2005/0179355 to Lederer. It is also presently known to commercialize electronic candles for religious institutions and memorial business as disclosed in US Publication No. 2006/0039137 to Lederer. 
     It is also known to provide LED illuminated signs with an etched portion to scatter light as disclosed in US Publication No. 2005/0188569 to Derose. 
     In the art directed to funerary and memorial business, there is a growing present need to provide services to a diverse customer base of different religions and further having diverse personalized memorial needs. The funerary and memorial business therefore desires a readily operable and cost effective system that services the diverse customer base and their concomitant needs. 
     The present invention provides an electronic candle assembly and system that resolves the foregoing art needs. The present invention provides an electronic candle assembly and system as aforesaid which is readily operable in a commercially practicable manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present system for the customization and personalization of an electronic candle includes an electronic candle assembly having a base and interchangeable candle cover sleeves. The candle cover sleeves are alternatively mounted to the base. Each candle cover sleeve has different or distinguishing indicia, e.g., Cross, Star of David, and the like, or it can have none of it, and various compartments for customization for or by a specific customer. The base contains illumination elements and their power and driving circuitries. The illuminations may be in color complementary to a respective candle cover sleeve color to provide an enhanced simulated wax candle flickering effect. The Star of David candle cover sleeve may appropriately be blue, and the Cross candle cover sleeve may appropriately be red. 
     An assembled and customized candle cover sleeve may include in its lowered and slanted top a picture, or in its enclosable readily viewable space or compartment a memento of particular significance to the deceased and to the customer or viewer or it may house both. The candle cover sleeve further includes an internal holder for a customized printed sheet bearing indicia to identify the deceased or it uses a slidable and interchangeable collar assembly to hold indicia on its external surface. 
     The electronic candle assembly includes a radially disposed specifically configured on-off switch. The switch is frictionally engaged by the inner surface of the candle cover sleeve. The user by depressing the sleeve actuates the illuminating elements to activate the flickering wax candle simulation. The electronic candle includes circuitries and alternate power sources whereby the electronic memorial candle may in effect be lighted in perpetuity. 
     In one embodiment, a funeral director or customizing agent receives an email order or completed e-order form with customization instructions from the customer. The funeral director customizes and then assembles the components for ready customization of the electronic candle for delivery to the customer at or in connection with a funeral or memorial service. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of one embodiment of the electronic candle of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded enlarged assembly view of the electronic candle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3A  is an enlarged sectional view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1  in the “OFF” disposition. 
         FIG. 3B  is an enlarged sectional view as in  FIG. 3A  in the initial “ON” disposition; 
         FIG. 3C  is an enlarged sectional view as in  FIG. 3B  in the second or in perpetuity “ON” disposition; 
         FIG. 4  in a view as shown in  FIG. 2  showing a further embodiment of the electronic candle with a compartment space or chamber in candle cover sleeve; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevational and sectional view of a further embodiment of the electronic candle as shown in  FIG. 4 . A sheet indicia bearing collar is added to  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged perspective view of the collar of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged sectional view of the collar taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of the power source and circuitry of the electronic candle; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic of the electronic circuitry of the electronic candle corresponding to  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of a sleeve bearing a Cross; 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged fragmentary view taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a side elevational view of a sleeve bearing a molded Star of David; 
         FIG. 12A  is a side elevational view of a candle cover sleeve bearing no religious indicia; and 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic showing the business method and system of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  3 A- 3 C,  8  and  9 , there is shown an embodiment of the electronic candle  10 . Candle  10 , generally, includes an illumination assembly  11 , a slidably removable candle cover sleeve  12 , a top cover assembly  13  a base  41  with 42 cylindrical arms and a cover  14 . The assembly rests on pedestal  15 . 
     Illumination assembly  11  has a housing  16 , electronic assembly  17 , movable switch arm  18 , operably connected with electronic assembly  17 , two vertically disposed illumination elements or LEDs  19 , and translucent illumination housing  20 , for purposes hereinafter appearing. It also has a base  41  with cylindrical arms  42  and a compression spring  40 . 
     Candle cover sleeve  12  is cylindrically shaped. Candle cover sleeve  12  is partially clear, textured or transparent. Candle cover sleeve  12  has an outer cylindrical surface  22 , an inner cylindrical surface  23 , an annular top edge  24  and an annular bottom edge  25  having radially outwardly disposed lip  25   a . A radially inwardly protruding element  30  is formed on inner cylindrical surface  23  at a prescribed distance from bottom edge  25  for purposes hereinafter appearing. Inner cylindrical surface  23  is formed with recess  26  for receiving a sheet  35  bearing indicia  36  ( FIG. 1 ), whereby the indicia is viewable through clear portion  28 . The candle cover sleeve also has a lowered and angled circular top  22 A and on  22 A outer surface a  22 B recess to receive photo  63 . A compression spring  40  is operably disposed between candle cover sleeve  12  bottom edge  25 , illumination housing  16 , housing base  41  and cylindrical arms  42 . Spring  40  is retained between candle cover sleeve  12 , lip  25 A, base  40  and cylindrical arms  42 . Cylindrical arms  42  also limit candle cover sleeve  12  motion when base cover  14  is placed. ( FIGS. 3A-3C ). 
     Referring to specifically to  FIGS. 3A-3C , candle cover sleeve  12  is shown in operable engagement with switch arm  18 , spring  40  and illumination circuitry  17  and LEDs  19 . Referring to  FIG. 3A , element  30  slidably engages the outer surface of housing  16 . Spring  40  is uncompressed in  FIG. 3A . Sleeve bottom edge  25  and  25 A rests on spring  40  in the disposition of  FIG. 3A . In the foregoing manner of constructions, switch arm  18  is disposed in the initial “OFF” position. 
     Referring specifically now to  FIG. 3B , there is shown the downward movement of candle cover sleeve  12  by the user (not shown) pressing downwardly on candle cover sleeve top edge  24 . This downward movement causes the candle cover sleeve bottom edge  25 A to compress spring  40 . Candle cover Sleeve protruding element  30 , slidably moves downwardly from the outer surface housing  16 , and contactingly slidably engage switch arm  18 . This engagement causes switch arm  18  to pivot inward to initiate “ON” position as shown in  FIG. 3B . This downward initial movement of candle cover sleeve  12  causes switch arm  18  to actuate electronic assembly  17  to turn the illuminating LEDs  19  on. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 3C , there is shown the operating position after the user (not shown) disengages from sleeve top edge  24 . Spring  40  decompresses and returns to its initial disposition. Sleeve protruding element  30  likewise returns to its initial position. Switch arm  18  likewise returns to its initial position. Circuitry  17  power holding circuitry electronics  51 , however, causes LEDs  19  to remain ON for an extended period if sleeve  12  remains downwardly unmoved. Candle  10  is then effectively illuminated in perpetuity. If candle cover sleeve  12  is depressed by the user again, the switch arm  18  is moved to an inward position, and circuitry  17  power holding electronics  51  will turn the LEDs  19  OFF. 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS. 8 and 9  there is shown a block diagram and an actual schematic of the electronic circuitries The dual power source the DC/DC power converter, and flame flickering circuitry to provide the LEDs with illumination in effect in perpetuity. The electronic assembly  17  is connected to wall outlet power supply (not shown) in a customary manner. The power supply is connected to dual power source  50 , which provides power to the power holding circuitry  51  and to DC/DC power converter  52 . The power source  50  provides power to simulate flame flickering circuitry  53 .  FIG. 9  shows an actual working circuitry. 
     In this manner of construction, LEDs  19  remains lighted by either the batteries or the external power source. This permits the LEDs  19  to remain lighted in perpetuity. If batteries are rechargeable types the external power source will recharge them at the same time. 
     Candle  10  remains lighted in perpetuity, as is the generally most desired presentation for memorial candles. Candle  10  is provided with a sheet or insert  35  which is imprinted with a memorial notice  36  once with inscribed the name  37  of the deceased ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Further, referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3A , candle cover sleeve  12  top assembly  13  includes a transparent cover or magnifying lens  60 , and a photo  63  of the deceased. The photo is shaped that it will fit into recess  22 B. The inside upper portion of candle cover sleeve  12  with its lowered and angled circular top  22 A and its recess  22 B will receive photo and the photo will be held and protected by lens cover  60  by pressing it in to candle cover sleeve top. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is shown a further embodiment of the electronic candle  10  customization. With transparent plate or insert  61  having recess  62 A in its upper top surface closing the candle cover sleeve at top edge  24  a chamber or compartment  70  can be created with a slanted bottom toward the front. The compartment or chamber  70  may be used to stow or preserve a memento (not shown) or significance to the customer or viewer. The transparent insert  61  may receives a picture in its recess  62 A that is covered with lens  60 . The inserted object will be visible from the front and side from the upper clear section of candle cover sleeve  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10-12A , there are shown alternative embodiments of candle cover sleeve  12 , namely  80 ,  90  and  100 . All embodiments of candle cover sleeve  12  are thermoformed or injection molded with same dye but with different inserts (nothing, Cross, Star of David, etc.) to the dye for the different insignias. Also the candle cover sleeves can be molded in various colors to enhance the significant of the insignias. Candle cover sleeve  80  is of molded thermoplastic construction like candle cover sleeve  12 . Candle cover sleeve  80  differs from candle cover sleeve  12  in three principal aspects. Candle cover sleeve  80  is formed with a Cross  81  molded and formed as part of the unitary candle cover sleeve construction. Candle cover sleeve  80  is formed of red colored thermoplastic construction. Candle cover sleeve  80  is also formed of an upper inner surface, which is textured  84 . Texture surface “breaks up” the flickering light emanating from the colored LEDs  19  to provide an enhanced simulated flickering wax candle effect. Candle cover sleeve  90  is formed or molded with a Star of David  91 . Candle cover sleeve  90  is formed of a deep blue colored thermoplastic construction. The upper inner surface of candle cover sleeve  90  is textured (not shown in  FIG. 12 ) in a manner similar to that of candle cover sleeve  80 . The LEDs utilized with candle cover sleeve  90  are complementarily colored to provide an enhanced simulated wax candle flickering effect. Candle cover sleeve  100  represents when customer wants no religious designation of candle. It has the same construction than the candles with insignias. 
     The following Table I shows a coordination of the textured candle cover sleeve colors, the LED colors and their required voltage provided by the DC/DC converter  52  to cause the respective enhanced simulated wax candle flickering effects. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE I 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Sleeve Color 
                 LED color 
                 Voltage (v) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Red 
                 Red 
                 1.9 
               
               
                   
                 Blue 
                 Blue 
                 3.1 
               
               
                   
                 Clear 
                 Yellow 
                 2.1 
               
               
                   
                 Green 
                 Green 
                 3.4 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-7 , there is shown an alternate embodiment candle  100 . Candle  100  differs from candle  10  that candle  100  does not include memorial elements  36 ,  37 , and  35 . Candle  100  is constructed with a partially open external memorial collar assembly  110 . Collar assembly  110  is slidably disposed on the outer surface of the candle cover sleeve  12  and rests on cover  14 . Collar assembly  110  is formed of 2 rings of  121  and  121 A and a cylindrical segment of  120 . Upper and lower inner recesses  112  and  113  are formed in ring  121  and  121 A. Indicia bearing sheet  114  of paper or thermoplastic, which is imprinted with the memorial indicia  36  and  37 , is removably disposed in recesses  112  and  113 . A protective transparent plastic cover sheet  115  is disposed in recesses  112  and  113  in front of sheet  114  and functionally retained in recess  112 - 113 .  FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of collar  110  and  FIG. 7  is a sectional view of collar  110  at axis  7 - 7 . Candle  100  may include any of the candle cover sleeve configuration. 
     The afore-discussed embodiments provide a readily customized memorial candle for funerary and memorial businesses. One method, by way of example, useful in a funerary business is where a loved one of the deceased completes an e-form that with the Internet instructs the funeral director as to e.g. the name, religion and image of the decease. The funeral director that imprints the requested memorial information  36  and  37  and photo and assembles the candle with the appropriate candle cover sleeves e.g.  80  or  90  or  100  or any other and complementary LEDs (Table I). This construction and methodology permits a readily customized and personalized electronic candle, which stimulates a flickering lighted wax candle in perpetuity. 
     A business, such as a funerary or memorial business, may utilize the afore-discussed electronic candle construction to provide cost-effective personalization and customization services to diverse customers. In one preferred embodiment of the business; (a) an e-form is provided by the business on the business website; (b) a prospective customer accesses the website and completes the e-form, including information such as (i) name of deceased; (ii) religion of deceased and (iii) photograph of the deceased; (c) the business then assembles the appropriate symbol bearing candle cover sleeve (colors), LEDs and memorial indicia and simultaneously bills the customer&#39;s credit card ( FIG. 13 ). The funerary business or customizing agent may transfer the indicia and customization instructions  201  to a printer and the memento  202  to the assembly location where the electronic candle is assembled ( FIG. 13 ). The customer is then provided with the customized and personalized electronic candle at or in connection with a funeral or memorial service. 
     The described systems and candle  10  constructions provides a simulated flame lighted in perpetuity, with readily viewable memorial indicia  37 , memorial photo and/or memorial memento. The present invention provides a complete all-in-one customized and personalized memorial unit. 
     The above-discussed specific embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any way. Many changes can be made to the invention without departing from the scope thereof. It is intended that all material contained herein be interpreted as illustrative of the invention and not in a limiting sense of the invention which is defined by the adjoined claims.

Technology Category: 2