An electric candle with a flickering effect

Abstract

The present invention discloses various designs of an electronic lighting device. The contemplated electronic lighting device includes a housing, a base, and a light source holder. The housing includes an inner cavity that generally houses the base and the light source holder. The base is configured to mate with the housing, and the light source holder is fixed to the base. Preferably, the light source holder is configured to receive a light source in an inclined posture relative to the housing, such that light emitted from the light source can pass through a hole in the housing and irradiate a flame element to simulate a real candle flame.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Patent No. 15 / 298,713, filed on October 20, 2016, which in turn claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent No. 62 / 267,168, filed on December 14, 2015. All foreign materials described herein are incorporated herein by reference. Field of the Invention

[0002] The field of the present invention is electronic lighting devices, and more particularly, electronic candles. Background of the Invention

[0003] The background description includes some information that helps to understand the present invention. It is not admitted that all the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any of the explicitly or implicitly cited disclosures is prior art.

[0004] All such foreign materials and all other foreign materials described herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. When the definition or usage of a term in an incorporated document is inconsistent with or contrary to the definition of the term provided in the present invention, the definition of the term provided in the present invention applies, and the definition of the term in the document does not apply.

[0005] A variety of electronic lighting devices are known in the art. For example, the following list of lighting devices: U.S. Patent No. 8,132,936 to Patton, U.S. Patent No. 8,070,319 to Schnuckle, U.S. Patent No. 7,837,355 to Schnuckle, U.S. Patent No. 7,261,455 to Schnuckle, U.S. Patent No. 7,159,994 to Schnuckle, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0127914 to Patton, U.S. Patent No. 7,350,720 to Jaworski; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0285538 to Jaworski (published December 2005); U.S. Patent No. 7,481,571 to Bistritzky; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0031784 to Bistritzky (published December 2008); U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0125420 to Boone (published June 2006); U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0127249 to Medley (published June 2007); U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0150453 to Medley (published June 2008); U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005 / 0169666 to Porchia (published August 2005); U.S. Patent No. 7,503,668 to Porchia; U.S. Patent No. 7,824,627 to Michaels; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0039835 to Nottingham (published December 2006); U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0038156 to Jaramillo (published December 2008); U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0130266 to DeWitt (published June 2008); U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0024837 to Thompson (published December 2012); U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0134628 to Pestl (published June 2011); U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0027124 to Albee (published December 2011); U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0020052 to McCavit (published January 2012); U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0093491 to Browder (published April 2012); and U.S. Patent No. 2014 / 0218903 to Sheng.

[0006] Although these lighting devices may have some advantages compared to existing devices, there is still a need in the art to improve electronic candles and other lighting devices. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The subject matter of the present invention is to provide a device, a system and a method, wherein a real candle flame is effectively simulated by using elements of various configurations to produce an electronic lighting device (such as an artificial candle). In one aspect, the electronic lighting device includes a housing, a base and a light source holder. The housing includes an inner cavity and a hole on the upper surface. The base is configured to be able to match with the housing to enclose the inner cavity. When the housing is connected to the base, the light source holder is placed in the inner cavity and can be fixed to the base or other elements such as a PCB. Preferably, the light source holder is configured to be able to receive a light source (such as a light-emitting diode) in an inclined posture relative to the housing, so that the light emitted from the light source can pass through the hole and irradiate onto the flame element to simulate a real candlelight.

[0008] In some embodiments, the light source holder includes an elongated rod having a first end and a second end. An elongated inclined cylinder is disposed on the first end, and the cylinder includes a first hole configured to receive the size and dimensions of the light source. At least three feet extend outwardly near the second end of the elongated rod, and each foot has a downwardly extending peg at the distal end. Generally, the base includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a first surface with three holes, and when the light source holder is fixed to the PCB, each peg can extend partially through the holes. It is contemplated that the light source holder can be fixed to the PCB.

[0009] The light source holder includes an opening disposed on the second end of the elongated rod, and the opening is configured to receive a fixing member. The first surface of the base may include a second opening such that the fixing member passes through the second opening and is inserted into the opening to fix the light source holder to the first surface of the base. Thus, the light source holder can be fixedly mounted on the first surface of the base by using the feet / pegs and the fixing member.

[0010] In some embodiments, the light source holder includes an elongated rod that extends perpendicularly from the base of the light source holder. An elongated inclined cylinder may be disposed on the elongated rod, whereby the cylinder includes a first hole configured to receive the size and dimensions of the light source. An opening is disposed on the base and is configured to receive the size and dimensions of the fixing member. The light source holder can be fixed to the first surface of the base by inserting the fixing member into the second opening on the first surface and the opening on the base of the light source holder.

[0011] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1A Shown is a perspective view of an electronic lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 1B Shown is Figure 1A a cross-sectional view of the electronic lighting device of

[0014] Figure 1C Shown is Figure 1A a perspective view of the housing, light source holder, flame element, and other elements of the electronic lighting device in

[0015] Figure 1D Shown is Figure 1C an exploded view of the housing, light source holder, flame element, and other elements of the electronic lighting device in

[0016] Figure 1E Shown is Figure 1C a cross-sectional view of the housing, light source holder, flame element, and other elements of the electronic lighting device in

[0017] Figure 1F Shown is Figure 1A a perspective view of the housing of the electronic lighting device of

[0018] Figure 1G Shown is Figure 1A a perspective view of the light source holder of the electronic lighting device of

[0019] Figure 1H Shown is Figure 1G a perspective view of the top of the light source holder of

[0020] Figure 1I Shown is Figure 1G a perspective view of the bottom of the light source holder of

[0021] Figure 2A Shown is a perspective view of an electronic lighting device according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2B Shown is Figure 2A a cross-sectional view of the electronic lighting device of

[0023] Figure 2C Shown is Figure 2A a perspective view of the housing, light source holder, flame element, and other elements of the electronic lighting device in

[0024] Figure 2D Shown is Figure 2C an exploded view of the housing, light source holder, flame element, and other elements in

[0025] Figure 2E As shown Figure 2C is a cross-sectional view of the housing, light source holder, flame element, and other elements in

[0026] Figure 2F As shown Figure 2A is a perspective view of the light source holder and substrate of the electronic lighting device of

[0027] Figure 2G As shown Figure 2F is a perspective view of the bottom of the light source holder and substrate of

[0028] Figure 2H As shown Figure 2A is a perspective view of the light source holder of the electronic lighting device of

[0029] Figure 2I As shown Figure 2H is a perspective view of the top of the light source holder of

[0030] Figure 2J As shown Figure 2H is a perspective view of the bottom of the light source holder of Detailed Description

[0031] The following discussion provides example embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention. Although each embodiment represents only a single combination of the elements of the present invention, the subject matter of the present invention is generally considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment includes elements A, B, and C, and the second embodiment includes B and D, then the subject matter of the present invention may also include various other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0032] Likewise, as used herein, unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, the term "connected to" is intended to include both direct engagement (where two elements that are connected to each other are in contact with each other) and indirect engagement (where at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Thus, the terms "connected to" and "connected with" have the same meaning.

[0033] The inventors have found that various designs can be used to manufacture an electronic lighting device without reducing the ability to simulate a real candle flame. Specifically, by effectively mounting a light source within the electronic lighting device and emitting the light source onto a flame element to simulate a real candle flame. In fact, it should be understood that various light source mounting techniques that do not affect the effect of simulating a real candle flame can be considered. Advantageously, through the subject matter of the present disclosure, any possible disadvantages caused by other light source mounting techniques can be reduced or eliminated. Thus, it should be understood that the subject matter of the present disclosure provides many advantageous technical effects, including providing various designs of artificial candles that simulate real candle flames.

[0034] Figure 1A An electronic lighting device 100 of an embodiment is shown, which has a housing 102. A flame element 105 extends from the top of the electronic lighting device 100 and is capable of moving in a manner that simulates the movement of a real candle flame. As Figure 1B shown, a part of the flame element 105 is built into the housing 101 and preferably extends through a hole 103 in the upper surface of the housing 101.

[0035] The flame element 105 can be supported by various means without sacrificing the ability to mimic a real candle flame. For example, the flame element 105 can be mounted on a support member (such as an arm, wire, etc.) of the housing. In another example, the flame element 105 can have a clip for connecting to a mounting rod. In fact, it should be understood that the support structure for supporting the flame element 105 is hidden so that it is not easily visible to the user and is not projected onto the flame element 105 due to the light emitted by the light source 111 of the electronic lighting device 100.

[0036] As described above, preferably the flame element 105 is capable of moving in a manner that simulates a moving flame. For example, a circuit board can control a drive mechanism, which can be an electromagnet, a fan, or other elements capable of making the action of the flame element 105 simulate a moving flame. U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 819146 and PCT International Application No. PCT / US2015 / 011642 specifically describe the flame element and the housing of the electronic lighting device, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0037] The flame element 105 generally includes a hollow core and holes provided in the side wall of the flame element 105, but in other embodiments the flame element 105 can include through holes extending from one side of the flame element 105 to the other side. In some embodiments, the support member extends on the outer surface in the direction of the hole and into the hole, so that the support member can support the flame element in the inner cavity. Preferably but not required, the flame element has a protrusion that extends downward into a recess of the support member, so that the flame element can move when its protrusion is located in the recess. It is also conceivable that the support member includes a hard wire that extends through the through hole in the flame element to support the flame element.

[0038] The electronic lighting device 100 further includes a light source holder 107, which is fixed to a substrate 113, and the substrate 113 is typically a printed circuit board (PCB). The light source holder 107 is configured to receive one or more light sources 111 and a lens 109 in an inclined position relative to the housing 101, so that the light from the light source 111 irradiates the flame element 105. It is conceivable that the light source 111 may include a light emitting diode (LED) or other light emitting devices. The light source holder 107 and the substrate 113 can be fixed by one or more fixing members 121.

[0039] The lens 109 can be used to focus the light emitted from the light source 111 on a specific area such as the flame element 105. It is expected that although the light source 111 preferably projects a color similar to that of a candle flame (such as orange, yellow, red, blue, or some combination of the above colors), the light source 111 can also project light of different colors. The lens 109 can be used to focus the light to the desired degree. For example, compared with the light directly focused on the flame element, a focal length greater than the distance between the lens 109 and the flame element 105 can provide a softer light. Alternatively, the focal length can be shorter than the distance between the lens 109 and the flame element 105 to achieve substantially the same effect as using a simple lighting device (such as an LED), because if a simple lighting device (such as an LED) is used, the orientation of the image is irrelevant.

[0040] A battery compartment 104 can be provided within the electronic lighting device 100 for receiving a power source (such as a disposable battery, a rechargeable battery). In other conceivable embodiments, the electronic lighting device 100 can receive power from an external power source. A switch 108 located at the bottom of the electronic lighting device 100 can be used to control the power supply of the entire electronic lighting device 100. The bottom end of the electronic lighting device 100 further includes at least one foot 106, and the purpose of the foot 106 is to leave a space between the lower surface of the electronic lighting device 100 and the surface on which the electronic lighting device 100 is placed.

[0041] Figure 1C - 1E Another schematic diagram showing the housing 101, the flame element 105, and the light source holder 107 is shown. The housing 101 includes an inner cavity 115 and a hole 103 on the upper surface. The substrate 113 is configured to fit with the housing 101, so that when the housing 101 is matched with the substrate 113, the housing covers the substrate 113. It is also conceivable that when the housing 101 is matched with the substrate 113, the housing 101 only covers a part of the substrate 113. Preferably, the light source holder 107 is fixed to the substrate 113 such that when the housing 101 is connected to the substrate 113, the light source holder 107 is located within the inner cavity 115. As Figure 1C and 1EAs shown, the light source holder 107 is configured to receive the light source 111 in a posture inclined relative to the housing 101, such that the light emitted from the light source 111 irradiates the flame element 105 through the hole 103, thereby simulating a real candle flame.

[0042] As described above, the flame element 105 is supported within the housing 101. It is conceivable that the flame element 105 is at least partially disposed within the inner cavity 115. In some embodiments, the flame element 105 may include a hollow inner core 117 and holes located on the side walls. The support member 119 may extend from the outer surface of the housing 101 towards the holes of the flame element 105 and enter the holes of the flame element 105. It is envisioned that the support member 119 is sized and dimensioned to be able to extend into the holes of the flame element 105 and lean against the hollow inner core 117 of the flame element 105 to support the flame element 105, and to allow the flame element 105 to move relative to the support member 119 to simulate the movement of a real candle flame. In other embodiments, the flame element 105 may include a downward protrusion located at the apex of the hollow inner core 117, and the protrusion is sized and dimensioned to be able to be placed on the recess of the support member 119, thereby supporting the flame element 105 located on the support member 119.

[0043] It is also conceivable that the support member 119 may be detachably connected to the housing 101 to support the flame element 105. In other embodiments, the flame element 105 may include a through-hole and a support member 119 that can extend into the through-hole. For example, it is envisioned that the support member 119 includes a hard metal wire that extends through the through-hole of the flame element 105. The hard metal wire may be connected to the opposite walls within the housing 101, such that the hard metal wire extends from one wall within the housing 101 towards the opposite wall.

[0044] The base 113 may include a printed circuit board (PCB). In such an embodiment, the light source holder 107 may be fixed to the PCB, preferably in an inclined posture. It should be understood that the PCB may be used to control various functions of the electronic lighting device 100, including but not limited to, the movement of the flame element 105, the power supply to the light source 211, the manipulation of the color of the light source 211, etc.

[0045] As Figure 1E As shown, the light source holder 107 extends above the base 113 and the PCB. The light source holder 107 is sized and dimensioned to be able to receive the light source 111 and the lens 109 to maintain a predetermined focal length between the lens 109 and the light source 111 when the light source holder 107 is fixed to the base 113 and the PCB.

[0046] The light source holder 107 is preferably fixed to the base 113 by a fixing member 121. The fixing member 121 can include many suitable fixing members, such as screws, nails or bolts. It is conceivable that the light source holder 107 can be fixed to the base 113 by other connection techniques, including but not limited to snap fits, pressure snaps, locks, rotary locks, rotary snap fits, or it can be fixed by another or multiple elements specifically for supporting the light source holder 107 on the base 113. It should be understood that the light source holder 107 can be disposed within the electronic lighting device 100 such that the light source holder 107 is not supported in any way by the housing 101 or the flame element 105. In other words, in some embodiments, the light source holder 107 is not directly connected to the housing 101 or the flame element 105.

[0047] As Figure 1F shown, the housing 101 is generally cylindrical. It is conceivable that the housing 101 can have two parts with different diameters, and it is also conceivable that the housing has a single diameter or three or more diameters. For example, as Figure 1F shown, the top can have a first diameter and the bottom can have a second diameter, and the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter. However, it is conceivable that the housing 101 can have a uniform diameter or can be a completely different shape (such as square, triangular, rectangular, etc.). The hole 103 is provided on the top surface of the housing 101. The housing 101 can also include a support member 119 that extends towards the center of the housing 101. In the envisioned embodiment, the support member 119 includes a recess 123 that can receive the downward protrusion of the flame element 105 to support the flame element 105.

[0048] As Figure 1G - 1I shown, the light source holder 107 includes a base 125 and an elongated rod 127. The base 125 of the light source holder 107 can be cylindrical and is configured to be located on top of the PCB, for example to protect the PCB 113 from unintentional damage due to water or other reasons (refer to Figure 1E , the PCB 113 is disposed within the lower surface of the base 125 of the light source holder 107). In other envisioned embodiments, the base 125 of the light source holder can be of a different shape, including but not limited to square, triangular and any other geometric shape. In a further envisioned embodiment, the base can include one or more feet, preferably three or more feet, that extend outward from the rod 127. Figure 2F An example of such a foot is shown.

[0049] The elongated rod 127 extends perpendicularly from the top surface of the base 125 of the light source holder 107. Generally, the elongated rod 127 extends close to the edge of the top surface of the base 125, thereby providing space for the flame element 105 when the light source holder 107 is disposed in the housing 101. However, in other embodiments, the elongated rod 127 may extend from a region close to the center of the top surface of the base 125 of the light source holder 107.

[0050] As Figure 1G shown, the elongated rod 127 extends at an angle to the top surface of the base 125 of the light source holder 107. It is conceivable that the angle between the elongated rod 127 and the top surface of the base 125 may be between 30 and 90 degrees, more typically between 60 and 90 degrees. It should be understood that the angle between the elongated rod 127 and the top surface of the base 125 is adapted to the shape of the housing 101, so that the light source holder 107 can be disposed substantially or completely within the housing 101.

[0051] The end of the elongated rod 127 opposite to the top surface of the base 125 is provided with an elongated, inclined cylinder 128. The inclined cylinder 128 includes a first hole 129, and the size and dimensions of the first hole 129 are configured to receive the light source 111 and the lens 109. It is conceivable that the first hole 129 may be formed in the shape of other structures. The inclined cylinder 128 is also at an angle to the top surface of the base 125 to align the light source 111 and the lens 109 located in the first hole 129 with the flame element 105 (see Figure 1F ).

[0052] An opening 131 is included on the lower surface of the base 125 of the light source holder 107. It is conceivable that the size and dimensions of the opening 131 are configured to receive the fixing member 121. For example, if the fixing member 121 is a threaded fastener, then the opening 131 also has threads and its size and dimensions are configured to receive the threaded fixing member to fix the light source holder 107 and the base 113. Therefore, it is conceivable that the base 113 also includes an opening, so that the fixing member 121 can pass through the opening of the base 113 and be inserted into the opening 113, so that the light source holder 107 is fixed to the surface of the base 113.

[0053] Figure 2A Another embodiment of the electronic lighting device 200 is shown, which has a housing 202. The flame element 205 extends from the top of the electronic lighting device 200 and is capable of moving in a manner that simulates a moving flame of a real candle. As Figure 2BAs shown, similar to the electronic lighting device 100, the partial flame element 205 is preferably built into the housing 202 and extends through the hole 203 located on the upper surface of the outer cover 202. It should be understood that by labeling similar elements (such as housing 101 and housing 201, flame element 105 and 205, etc.) among the embodiments described herein, the performance and features described in one embodiment can be envisioned to also apply to any other embodiment.

[0054] The flame element 205 is preferably supported on the housing 201 by a support member and is movable to simulate the movement of a real candle flame. As described above, the circuit board can control the drive mechanism of the flame element 205, and the drive mechanism can be an electromagnet, a fan, or other elements that can cause the flame element 205 to generate kinetic motion to simulate the movement of a flame. U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 819146 and PCT International Application No. PCT / US2015 / 011642 specifically describe the flame element and the housing of the electronic lighting device, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0055] The light source holder 207 is disposed within the housing 201 and is connected to the base 213, which includes a PCB but can be a lid or other element. It is conceivable that the light source holder 207 and the base 213 are connected by a fixing member 221. The light source holder 207 can be configured to receive the light source 211 and the lens 209. The light source 211 and the lens 209 can be aligned by the light source holder 207 to emit light onto the flame element 205 to simulate a real candle flame. As Figure 2B shown, the light source 211 can be directly fixed to the base 213 such that the light source holder 207 does not support the light source 211. In such an embodiment, it is conceivable that the light source holder 207 can align the light source 211 to emit light onto the flame element 205. Alternatively, the light source 211 can be supported by the light source holder 207 such that the light source 211 is indirectly fixed to the base 213.

[0056] It should be understood that the lens 209 can be used to focus the light emitted by the light source 211. As described above, it is conceivable that although the light source 211 preferably projects a color similar to that of a candle flame (such as orange, yellow, red, blue, or some combination of the above colors), the light source 111 can also project light of different colors. The lens 209 can focus the light to the desired degree by changing the focal length of the light emitted from the light source 211.

[0057] The electronic lighting device 200 further includes a battery compartment 204 that is sized and dimensioned to receive a power source (e.g., a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery). Also, or alternatively, it is contemplated that the electronic lighting device 200 can receive power from an external power source. The power of the electronic lighting device 200 is controlled by a switch 208. However, it is contemplated that the electronic lighting device 200 can be remotely controlled by using an infrared receiver 206.

[0058] Figure 2C - 2E Another view showing the housing 201, the light source holder 207, the flame element 205, and other elements of the electronic lighting device is shown. The housing 201 includes an inner cavity 215 and a hole 203 in the upper surface. The support member 219 extends towards the middle of the housing 201 and is connected to the flame element 205. It is contemplated that the support member 219 can be detachably connected to the housing 201.

[0059] The flame element 205 can include a hollow inner core 217 and holes in the sidewall. The support member 219 can extend into the holes and into the hollow inner core 217 to support the flame element so that the flame element 205 can move relative to the support member 219 to simulate the movement of a real candle flame. It is contemplated that the flame element 205 can include a downward protrusion at the apex of the hollow inner core 217 that rests on a recess of the support member 219. In other embodiments, the support member 219 can be a rigid wire that extends through a through-hole in the flame element 205 to support the flame element 205.

[0060] In the case where the substrate 213 includes a PCB, it should be understood that the PCB can be used to control various functions of the electronic lighting device 100, including but not limited to, the movement of the flame element 105, the power supply to the light source 211, the manipulation of the color of the light source 211, etc. The light source holder 207 can be fixed to the PCB so that when the light source holder 207 is fixed to the PCB, it can maintain the light source 211 and the lens 209 at a predetermined focal length. It should be understood that the light source holder 207 can be disposed within the electronic lighting device 200 such that the light source holder 207 is fully supported on the PCB and is not supported by the housing 201. In other words, in some embodiments, the light source holder 207 is not directly connected to the housing 101. Additionally or alternatively, the light source 211 can be directly fixed to the PCB such that the light source holder 207 does not support the light source 211. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the light source 211 is supported by the light source holder 207 such that the light source 211 is indirectly fixed to the PCB.

[0061] As Figure 2F - 2GA perspective view of the light source holder 207 with the holder 207 fixed to the base 213 (and the PCB) is shown. The light source holder 207 includes a plurality of legs 223 that extend outwardly from the middle of the light source holder 207. Each leg 223 may include a peg 224 that extends downwardly and is sized and shaped to be received in a hole in the base 213 to fix the light source holder 207 to the base 213. Additionally or alternatively, the base 213 may include a recess or cavity that is sized and shaped to receive the downwardly extending peg 224.

[0062] The peg 224 advantageously ensures that the light source holder is properly positioned and oriented in the housing 201, thereby ensuring that the light source and the lens are also properly positioned and oriented. In the case where the light source is supported by the light source holder 207, the light source holder can not only ensure that the light source is set at a fixed distance from the lens, but can also be oriented at a preferred angle and posture to emit light onto the flame element 205. Additionally or alternatively, the fixing member 221 extends through the base 213 and the light source holder 207 to fix the base 213 and the light source holder 207.

[0063] As Figure 2H - 2J shown, the light source holder 207 includes an elongated rod 227 that extends vertically and includes a first end and a second end. An elongated, inclined cylinder 228 is provided on the first end, and the inclined cylinder 228 includes a first hole 225 that is sized and shaped to receive the light source 211. A plurality of legs 223 extend outwardly from the elongated rod 227 near the second end.

[0064] The inclined cylinder 228 is generally at an angle to the elongated rod 227. It is conceivable that an angle is formed between the inclined cylinder 228 and the elongated rod 227, and the angle ranges from 120 to 175 degrees, more generally from 145 to 175 degrees. It should be understood that the angle formed by the inclined cylinder 228 and the elongated rod 227 is sufficient to align the light source 211 and the lens 209 with the flame element 205.

[0065] As Figure 2I - 2JAs shown, the light source holder 207 includes four legs 223, each with a peg 224 extending downward. However, it is conceivable that the light source holder 207 can include fewer or more legs 223. Each leg 223 extends distally from the elongated bar 227 and forms an "L" shape. Generally, each leg 223 extends perpendicular to the elongated bar 227. However, it is conceivable that the leg 223 and the elongated bar 227 can form other angles and shapes. Thus, the legs 223 can stably fix the light source holder 207 and the light source 211 to the base 213 such that the angle and position of the light source 211 remain fixed relative to the flame element 205 and the housing 201.

[0066] From another perspective, it is conceivable that the base 213 includes a first surface having holes, and when the light source holder 207 is fixed to the base 213, each peg 224 extends at least partially through one of the holes. In some embodiments, the first surface includes a PCB, and when the light source holder 207 is fixed to the PCB, the peg 224 can extend through the holes located on the PCB.

[0067] An opening 229 is disposed at the second end of the elongated bar 227. It is conceivable that the opening 229 is sized and shaped to receive the fixing member 221. Additionally or alternatively, the first surface of the base 213 can include a second opening such that the fixing member 221 can pass through the second opening of the base 213 and be inserted into the opening 213 to fix the light source holder 207 to the first surface of the base 213 (refer to Figure 2F - 2G ). In a preferred embodiment, the light source holder 207 is attached to a base 213 having a single fixing member 221, and the four legs 223 are evenly spread around the elongated bar 227 such that the light source holder 207 is stably supported on the base 213. Thus, the light source holder 207 can be configured to receive the light source 211 in an inclined posture relative to the first surface of the base 213.

[0068] It is conceivable that the light source holder 207 can be attached with any suitable material or mechanism for stably supporting the light source holder 207 on the substrate 213, and it is further conceivable to have any number of feet 223. The feet 223 preferably have flat bottoms that lie flat on the substrate 213, and each foot 223 can have a small pin or peg 224 that can fit into holes in the substrate 213 and / or the PCB to provide more stability. It is conceivable that the feet 223, the elongated rod 227, and the remainder of the light source holder 207 can be integrally formed by injection molding. By forming the light source holder 207 as an integral piece, the overall complexity of manufacturing the light source holder 207 is greatly reduced. For example, the complexity of manufacturing the light source holder 207 is reduced by the reduction in the number of required components and the simplification of assembly (e.g., by a robotic or manual assembly line).

[0069] In other aspects, it is conceivable that the housing includes two holes. The flame element extends through the first hole from the inner cavity of the housing. The light source holder can align the light source with the lens through the second hole to emit light onto the flame element. It is conceivable that the holes can be of any suitable shape and size that allow the light source, the flame element, or both to pass through the inner cavity of the housing.

[0070] As used herein and in the claims that follow, the terms "a" and "an", unless otherwise indicated, refer to the plural. Similarly, as used herein, the term "in" includes both "in" and "on" unless otherwise indicated.

[0071] Although the numerical ranges and parameters set forth in this invention are approximations within a broad range, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. The numerical values shown in some embodiments of this invention may contain certain errors, which are caused by the standard deviations found in their respective measurement tests. Moreover, unless the context indicates otherwise, all ranges set forth herein should be understood to include their end values and open ranges should be understood to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, unless the context indicates otherwise, all lists of values should be understood to include intermediate values.

[0072] However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there may be many more variations other than those already described without departing from the inventive concept herein. Therefore, the subject matter of the present invention is not limited except as to the spirit of the present disclosure. Moreover, all terms should be understood in the broadest possible way consistent with the context when interpreting the present disclosure. Specifically, the terms "comprising" and "including" should be interpreted to refer to elements, components or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the recited elements, components or steps may be present, utilized, or combined with other elements, components or steps not expressly indicated.

Claims

1. A lighting device, characterized in that, comprising: a housing including an inner cavity and a hole on the upper surface; a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within the housing; a light source holder fixed to the PCB such that the light source holder extends upward from the PCB and is disposed within the inner cavity; wherein the light source holder is configured to receive a light source and a lens in an inclined posture relative to the housing, so that light emitted from the light source passes through the hole; wherein the light source holder includes at least 3 legs, the at least 3 legs are connected to a slender rod, the slender rod extends vertically from the base of the light source holder, the light source holder further includes a slender inclined cylinder, the cylinder is disposed on the slender rod, wherein the cylinder includes a first hole configured to receive the size and dimensions of the light source; and the PCB includes a first surface having at least 3 holes, wherein each of the at least 3 legs includes a plug extending downward, and when the light source holder is fixed to the PCB, the plug is configured to at least partially extend through one of the at least 3 holes.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the light source holder includes an opening configured to receive a fixing member, wherein the first surface includes a second opening such that the fixing member passes through the second opening and enters the opening for insertion, thereby fixing the light source holder to the first surface.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the light source holder further includes: an opening disposed on the base, wherein the opening is configured to receive the size and dimensions of the fixing member.

4. The lighting device according to claim 3, characterized in that, the base includes a first surface having a second opening such that the fixing member passes through the second opening and is inserted into the opening to fix the light source holder to the first surface.

5. The lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the light source holder is fixed to the base, the light source holder is further configured to maintain a predetermined focal length between the lens and the light source.

6. The lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the light source includes a light emitting diode (LED).

7. The lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, further comprising: a support member connected to the housing; and a flame element connected to the support member such that the flame element can move relative to the support member.

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