flameless candles

Abstract

The present application relates to a flameless candle, which may include: a frame; a light source configured to project light; a flame element, the flame element including a body, an interior region within the body, an interior surface between the interior region and the body, and an exterior surface of the body, wherein the flame element is configured to receive light in the interior region so that the light passes through the interior surface, then through the body, and then through the exterior surface of the body; and at least one support arm coupling the flame element to the frame, wherein the flame element is configured to receive a mechanical force and move responsively relative to the frame, and wherein the at least one support arm includes a flexible material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to flameless candles (hereinafter, "candles"), and in particular, to candles having a movably supported flame element. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to embodiments, a flameless candle may include: a frame; a light source configured to project light; a flame element comprising a body, an interior region within the body, an interior surface between the interior region and the body, and an exterior surface of the body, wherein the flame element is configured to receive light in the interior region such that the light passes through the interior surface, then through the body, and then through the exterior surface of the body; and at least one support arm coupling the flame element to the frame, wherein the flame element is configured to receive a mechanical force and responsively move relative to the frame, and wherein the at least one support arm comprises a flexible material. The flameless candle may also include: a magnet coupled to the flame element; and an electromagnet magnetically coupled to the magnet, wherein the electromagnet moves the magnet, resulting in the flame element receiving the mechanical force. The flameless candle may also include a magnetic coupler coupled to the flame element and the magnet, wherein the magnetic coupler is configured to transmit the movement of the magnet to the flame element. The flameless candle may also include a motor configured to generate the mechanical force. The light source may be configured to project flickering light. The light source may not move. The at least one support arm may include two support arms, each supporting arm coupling the flame element to the frame. The at least one support arm and the flame element may be integral. The at least one support arm may include at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer, styrene-butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, styrene block copolymer, thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer, thermoplastic vulcanizate, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic copolyester, thermoplastic polyamide, latex, rubber, polyisoprene, chloroprene, or nitrile rubber. The flameless candle may also include a housing including an upper surface having an aperture, and wherein the flame element extends through the aperture.

[0003] According to embodiments, a flameless candle may include: a light source configured to emit light; a flame element comprising an interior region, an inner surface, and an outer surface, wherein the flame element is configured to receive light in the inner surface and allow the light to pass through to the outer surface; and a moving component, wherein the moving component includes a flexible portion comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the flame element and the second end is coupled to a non-moving portion of the flameless candle, such that the flame element and the first end of the moving component move together relative to the non-moving portion of the flameless candle. The moving component may include a spring. The flameless candle may further include an electromagnet configured to selectively induce movement of the moving component. The flameless candle may further include a magnet coupled to the flame element, wherein the electromagnet is configured to selectively induce movement of the magnet, thereby causing movement of the flame element. The moving component may include a ferromagnetic material, wherein the electromagnet is configured to selectively induce movement of the ferromagnetic material, thereby causing movement of the flame element. The moving component may be configured to receive an electric current and move in response. The light source may be configured to emit flickering light. The light source may not move. The flameless candle may further include a housing including an upper surface having an aperture, and wherein the flame element extends through the aperture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 A perspective view of the exterior of a candle is shown according to an embodiment.

[0005] Figure 2 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 1 perspective view of the interior of a candle.

[0006] Figure 3 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a candle.

[0007] Figure 4 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 1 Side cross-section of a candle.

[0008] Figure 5 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 1 Exploded view of a part of a candle.

[0009] Figure 6 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 1 Side cross-section of a candle.

[0010] Figure 7 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 1 Front view of a part of a candle.

[0011] Figure 8 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 1 perspective view of a part of a candle.

[0012] Figure 9 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 1 side view of a part of a candle.

[0013] Figure 10 A perspective view of the exterior of a candle is shown according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 11 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 10 perspective view of the interior of a candle.

[0015] Figure 12 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a candle.

[0016] Figure 13 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 10 A front cross-section of a portion of a candle.

[0017] Figure 14 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 10 Exploded view of a part of a candle.

[0018] Figure 15 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 10 A front cross-section of a portion of a candle.

[0019] Figure 16 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 10 A front cross-section of a portion of a candle.

[0020] Figure 17 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 10 A front cross-section of a portion of a candle.

[0021] Figure 18 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 10 A front cross-section of a portion of a candle.

[0022] Figure 19 Shown according to the embodiment Figure 10 A front cross-section of a portion of a candle.

[0023] The above summary and the following detailed description of certain techniques of the present application will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Certain techniques are shown in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes. However, it should be understood that the claims are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the appearance shown in the accompanying drawings is one of many decorative appearances that may be used to implement the described functionality of the system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Figures 1 to 9Different views and embodiments of candle 100 are shown. Figure 1 As shown, candle 100 includes a body 110 and a flame element 120 (e.g., an element designed to present the illusion of flame to a viewer). Body 110 includes sidewalls 111, an upper edge 112, an upper surface 113, and an aperture 114 in upper surface 113. Body 110 may include one or more interior regions within sidewalls 111 and upper surface 113. Upper surface 113 may be recessed such that aperture 114 is at a lower elevation than at least a portion of edge 112. When recessed, upper surface 113 may give the appearance that candle 100 has been used and some of the wax has been consumed (i.e., if candle 100 is not a flameless candle, but a conventional candle with a flame).

[0025] like Figures 2 to 7 As shown, different views of candle 100 illustrate the use of magnetic technology to induce motion in flame element 120. Candle 100 may also include a frame 130 ( Figures 2 to 9 ), electromagnet 140 ( Figures 2 to 5 and Figure 7 ), coupler 150( Figures 2 to 5 and Figure 7 )、Light source 160( Figures 3 to 5 )、Power supply 170( Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 6 ) and magnet 190( Figures 2 to 5 and Figure 7 ). Candle 100 may include a plurality of such components, such as a plurality of frames 130 , electromagnets 140 , couplers 150 , light sources 160 , power sources 170 , and / or magnets 190 .

[0026] Flame element 120 may include a light receiving portion 122, a portion of which may be similar to a candle flame and may extend upward from the hole 114 in the upper surface 113 of body 110. Light receiving portion 122 may include an inner surface and an outer surface. Light receiving portion 122 may receive the light emitted from light source 160 at the inner surface and may also pass through at least a portion of the light to reach the outer surface. In other words, at least a portion of the light receiving portion 122 of flame element 120 may be translucent or transparent. Alternatively, light receiving portion 122 may receive the light projected onto at least a portion of its outer surface (not shown), in which case at least a portion of the light receiving portion 122 of flame element 120 may be opaque alternatively. When arranged so that light is projected onto the outer surface of light receiving portion 122, light receiving portion 122 may be substantially flat or may not have an inner area like other flame element 120 embodiments disclosed herein.

[0027] Flame element 120 may comprise one or more support arms 124. Two support arms 124 have been shown, but one or three or more support arms 124 are feasible. Support arm 124 can be attached, coupled and / or integrated with light receiving portion 122. For example, support arm 124 and light receiving portion 122 can be formed by a piece of material. As will be further described, support arm 124 can be made by the flexible material that allows light receiving portion 122 to move. This material can be one or more in thermoplastic elastomer, styrene-butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, styrene block copolymer (TPS or TPE-s), thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO or TPE-o), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV or TPE-v), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic copolyester (TPC or TPE-E), thermoplastic polyamide (TPA or TPE-A), latex, rubber, polyisoprene, chloroprene or acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber. Light receiving portion 122 also can comprise this material. The flame element 120 may include (eg, be integrated with) additional components, such as a coupler 150 described below.

[0028] The flame element 120 can move along at least three degrees of motion or freedom, including three or more of front-to-back, side-to-side, up-to-down, roll, yaw, or pitch. According to one technique, the flame element 120 moves up-to-down, roll, yaw, and pitch.

[0029] The flame element 120 may include one or more features on its inner and / or outer surfaces. Such features may include ridges, ribs, or protrusions / depressions. The features may be shaped and positioned to enhance the illusion of real flames by distorting light as desired. For example, as light passes through the light receiving portion 121, the features may distort the light, making it appear more diffuse. The features may have a sawtooth shape, an arc shape, and / or a Fresnel lens shape. The features may be oriented vertically and / or horizontally. The features may be a combination of these or other forms. The features may be embossed, engraved, or placed on the flame element. The flame element 120 and / or the features may include a pigment that produces a desired light effect. According to one technique, a phosphor may be applied to the flame element 120. A blue LED (e.g., light source 160) may emit light onto the phosphor, thereby producing a white color. The phosphor paint may be injected into the flame element 120 during manufacturing or applied to the interior or exterior of the flame element 120. According to one technique, only a portion of flame element 120 may be coated or impregnated with phosphor. For example, the upper region of flame element 120 may have phosphor, while the lower region does not. This may create the illusion of a real candle flame, with a blue region in the lower region of flame element 120 and a white region in the upper region.

[0030] Frame 130 can provide non-moving (static) support for flame element 120 or other parts.Frame can comprise base 132, riser (riser) 134, platform 136, support member 138 for flame element 120 and support member 139 for light source 160.One or more parts of frame 130 can comprise or be formed by relatively rigid material, such as polymer material or flexible metal.Some parts of frame 130 are shown as being separated from other parts, but one or more of these parts can be integrated with each other.

[0031] The base 132 can house, support, or retain a power source 170 or other circuitry (not shown) that controls the operation of the candle 100. The base 132 can include features for accommodating or coupling to the riser 134, or the base 132 can be integrated with the riser. The riser 134 can extend upwardly and couple to the platform 136. The platform 136 can include features for receiving the riser 134, or these components can be integrated. The platform 136 can include an outer periphery and an inner area. The features on or around the outer periphery can engage or contact the sidewall 111 of the body 110 and can provide a degree of stability to the platform 136. A support member 138 can extend upwardly from the platform 136 (integrated or attached), and a support member 139 can extend from the support member 138 (integrated or attached).

[0032] The support arms 124 of the flame element 120 may be secured to the frame 130 (e.g., directly or indirectly coupled). The support arms 124 may be attached to the support member 138 or other portion of the frame 130. For example, each support arm 124 may include a corresponding feature in the support member 138 (e.g., Figure 4 and Figure 5 138. The support arm 124 may be attached to the support member 138 in other ways, such as by gluing or otherwise adhering.

[0033] Light source 160 can be supported by framework 130 (for example, support member 139).As shown in the figure, support member 139 comprises the hollow inner region of the lead 162 that accommodates light source 160.The main body 161 of light source is positioned above support member 139 or on support member 139.Other parts of framework 130 can comprise hollow inner region, and described hollow inner region receives the wire that is transmitted to light source 160 and electromagnet 140 from power supply 170 and / or other circuit.Light source 160 can extend in the hollow inner region (for example, light receiving portion 122) of flame element 120.Light source 160 can be positioned in other positions.In this case, light pipe (not shown) can be provided so that light is transmitted and / or is transmitted in flame element 120 (for example, light receiving portion 122) towards flame element 120.Light source 160 can extend upwards in hole 114 and / or pass through hole 114, or does not extend upwards.

[0034] The light source 160 may include at least one LED. The leads 162 may be made substantially of non-ferrous metal to reduce magnetic interference. The leads 161 may be bent and / or coupled to the frame directly or indirectly. According to another technique, surface-mounted LEDs may be used and supported directly or indirectly by the frame 130. The light source 160 may change color or light intensity through pulse width modulation, voltage variation, current variation, or other modulation techniques, for example, to reproduce the effect of a real flame or other desired effect. According to one technique, a processor is embedded in the body 161 and is used to control the light-emitting portion of the light source 160 (e.g., the actual diode(s) in the LED). When the light source 160 is turned on or off, it may not move relative to the frame 130 or other non-moving, stationary components of the candle 100.

[0035] Light source 160 can be optically coupled with a light pipe (not shown), and this light pipe transmits the light from light source 160 to different positions relative to flame element 120 (for example, light source 160 can be positioned away from flame element 120, but the light emitted by light source 160 can be transmitted to flame element 120). Such light pipe can comprise materials such as optical fiber (for example, the fiber formed by glass or plastic) or acrylic acid. The use of light pipe can allow the light source to be positioned at any position in various suitable positions. Light pipe can end above or below hole 114. Light pipe can end in flame element 120 or below so that light is projected from flame element 120 insides.

[0036] The light source 160 can be housed within the interior of the candle body 110 or can be external. If the light source 160 is housed within the interior of the candle body 110, the light source 160 can emit light through the aperture 114 in the upper surface 113 of the candle body 110. Alternatively, the light source 160 can be positioned above the aperture 114 and within the flame element 120. The light source can project light into a lens that modifies the shape of the light beam, making the light effect from the flame element more realistic. The lens can be positioned close to the light source so that it directs light toward the flame element. An opaque material, such as a sleeve, paint, colorant, or shrink tubing, can be wrapped around the light source, light pipe, or lens so that it reproduces the appearance of a burning candle wick.

[0037] Electromagnet 140 can be coupled or attached to frame 130, such as on platform 136. Electromagnet 140 can control magnetic field, as described below. Electromagnet 140 can comprise one or more coils of conductor, such as (one or more) coils of wire or (one or more) coil traces on a printed circuit board. Electromagnet 140 can make flame element 120 move via magnet 190 and coupler 150, as further described. The electromagnetic field generated by electromagnet 140 over time can be random, pseudo-random, or other can be the result of other techniques of modulating timing and electromagnetic field frequency and amplitude. Electromagnet 140 can change polarity (positive to negative and / or negative to positive) over time to help achieve this effect.

[0038] The electromagnet 140 can generate at least two electromagnetic field levels, causing the magnet(s) to move in response to the changing electromagnetic field levels. The electromagnetic pulses can be of the same or opposite polarity to the magnets. Electromagnetic pulses of the same polarity can produce upward movement, followed by natural oscillations in other random directions. Electromagnetic pulses of opposite polarity can produce downward movement, followed by natural oscillations in other random directions. The timing and frequency of the electromagnetic pulses can allow for different movement behaviors to be generated, thereby reproducing the effect of a natural flame.

[0039] Coupler 150 can be coupled directly or indirectly to flame element 120 and magnet 190. Coupler 150 can include or be formed from a rigid material. Coupler 150 can be a single integrated piece or an assembly of smaller parts. Coupler 150 can include a magnet holder 154, a connector 156, and (one or more) extensions 152. Magnet holder 154 can hold or receive magnet 190. As will be described further, magnet 190 can interact with electromagnet 140. In embodiments, magnet 190 can be attached to or integrated with flame element 120, in which case coupler 150 can be omitted.

[0040] Coupler 150 can be attached to flame element 120 by connector 156.For example, connector 156 can be attached to light receiving portion 122. Connector 156 can be attached to flame element by adhesive, friction fit or other means.According to a kind of technology, flame element 120 is formed by elastic material.Connector 156 can be inserted into the hollow interior area of ​​flame element 120, and these parts are connected by the force generated by the elasticity of flame element 120.Connector 156 can comprise hollow interior area or open area that accommodates support member 139 and / or light source 160.One or more parts of coupler 150 also can be integrated with one or more parts of flame element 120.

[0041] Magnetic support 154 can be located below or below connector 156. Magnet 190 can be attached to magnet support 154 by adhesive, friction fit or other means. Magnet 190 can also be attached to connector 156. Multiple magnets 190 can be attached to the same or different parts of coupler 150 (e.g., all parts discussed herein). Magnet 190 can be fixed on magnet support 154 at various angles so that the magnetic force of magnet 190 points to the desired position. If magnet 190 is arranged to provide more vertical magnetic force, this will cause greater vertical movement of parts of coupler 150 and parts of flame element 120. If magnet 190 is arranged to provide more horizontal force, this will cause greater horizontal movement of parts of coupler 150 and parts of flame element 120.

[0042] One or more extensions 152 (two are shown) connect the connector 156 to the magnet holder 154. The extensions 152 can form an open area so that when the coupler 150 moves, it can be substantially unobstructed by other components in the candle 100, such as the support 139 and / or portions of the light source 160. The length of the extensions 152 can be selected to determine or influence the oscillation frequency and amplitude of the movement of the flame element 120.

[0043] A power source 170 (e.g., a AA battery as shown) may be housed within the body 110 or frame 130. Alternatively, the candle 100 may be powered from an external power source. The candle 100 may also include one or more solar cells to generate electricity from external light.

[0044] Figures 1 to 7 The candle 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be operated as follows. A user turns on the candle 100, causing the light source 160 to be energized and emit light but not to move. When the candle 100 is turned on, the electromagnet 140 is also energized, generating an electromagnetic field that interacts with the magnet 190. The coupler 150 is attached to the magnet 190 and the flame element 120. The movement of the magnet 190 caused by the electromagnetic field is transmitted to the coupler 150 and the flame element 120, and because the support arm 124 is flexible, the coupler 150 and the flame element 120 can move.

[0045] Figure 8 and Figure 9 1 is a different view of candle 100 with motion induced in flame element 120 by motor 180. Motor 180 induces motion in flame element 120 instead of (or in addition to) electromagnet 140. Thus, electromagnet 140 may be omitted. Coupler 150 may also be omitted as shown, but may also be included.

[0046] The motor body 181 can be mounted to the frame 130 (e.g., the support 138). A shaft 183 can extend from the body 181 and be connected to a cam 182 (the cam 182 can extend from the shaft 183 at a non-zero angle). When the motor 180 is turned on, movement of the flame element 120 can be achieved. The cam 182 can push the flame element 120 or any other component coupled thereto (e.g., the coupler 150, in the Figure 8 and Figure 9 (not shown). In the embodiment shown where the cam 182 directly engages the flame element 120, the flame element 120 will move when the cam 182 strikes the flame element 120. When the cam 182 is removed from the flame element 120, the flame element 120 will tend to return to its initial position due to the resilience of the support arm 124. This process repeats as the cam periodically engages the flame element 120.

[0047] Additional circuitry (not shown) may be at least partially mounted on a circuit board that may be located near the bottom of the candle 100 (e.g., on or within the base 132 of the frame 130). The additional circuitry may be electrically or physically connected to the user interface 102, the electromagnet 140, the light source 160, and / or the motor 180. The additional circuitry may control the operation of the candle 100, as described above. The additional circuitry may include a wireless receiver / transceiver (e.g., WiFi or Bluetooth), a solar cell, a speaker, etc. Wires between the additional circuitry and the other components may be routed along or within the riser 134 (i.e., the riser will have a hollow area). In this manner, the wires may be routed to the electromagnet 140, the light source 160, and / or the motor 180.

[0048] Candle 100 may further include a user interface 102 ( Figure 3 、 4 and 6). The user interface 102 may include one or more buttons, switches, sensors, etc. to implement functions such as turning the candle 100 on / off, starting a timer, changing light characteristics (changing color, flashing, etc.), implementing wireless functions (e.g., WiFi or Bluetooth), implementing sounds, etc. The user interface 102 may provide input to circuitry (not shown) that controls the operation of the candle 100. The user interface 102 may provide feedback to the user via one or more LEDs, a display, and / or sounds.

[0049] Figures 10 to 19 Different views and embodiments of candle 200 are shown. Candle 200 may differ from candle 100 at least in part in that candle 200 utilizes spring 243 to move flame element 220. Figure 10As shown, candle 200 includes a body 210 and a flame element 220 (e.g., an element designed to present the illusion of flame to a viewer). Body 210 includes sidewalls 211, an upper edge 212, an upper surface 213, and an aperture 214 in upper surface 213. Body 210 may include one or more interior regions within sidewalls 211 and upper surface 213. Upper surface 213 may be recessed such that aperture 214 is at a lower elevation than at least a portion of edge 212. When recessed, upper surface 213 may give the appearance that candle 200 has been used and that some of the wax has been consumed (i.e., if candle 200 is not a flameless candle, but a conventional candle with a flame).

[0050] Figure 11 Shown is a perspective view of a candle 200 without body 210. Candle 200 may comprise a frame 230, which comprises a base 232 and a riser 234, which may be similar to frame 130, base 132 and riser 134. Candle 200 may further comprise a motion assembly 240 and a flame element 220. The flame element 220 may be formed of a rigid material and may be relatively rigid. The flame element 220 may comprise a flame-shaped portion 222 and a collar 224. The flame element 220 may be two separate parts (as shown, flame-shaped portion 222 and collar 224) that attach, or the flame element 220 may be an integrated component. The flame element 220 may comprise translucent or transparent material so that light is transmitted from the inside to the outside. The flame element 220 (for example, the flame-shaped portion 222) may have a hollow inner region. The flame element 220 may directly receive light on its outer surface rather than in an inner region or on the surface.

[0051] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of candle 200 is shown, and Figure 13 yes Figure 12 An enlarged view of a portion of . Figure 14 yes Figure 13260 is a flame element 220 that is configured to be a flame element of a candle. The flame element 2 ... Light source 260 can be optically coupled to a light pipe (not shown) that transmits light to a different location from which it is emitted toward flame element 220 (e.g., the light source can be outside or below the interior region of flame element 220, and the light pipe can transmit the light to a location within the interior region). Light can also be projected onto an exterior surface of flame element 220 (not shown). In such an arrangement, flame element 220 can be substantially flat or have no interior region that receives light.

[0052] Also shown is a motion assembly 240, which includes flame element 220 and light source 260, as well as various other components, including a housing 241, a light source support 242, a spring 243, a spring support 244, an electromagnet 245, an electromagnet support 246, a base 247, and a magnet 248. Base 247 can receive standpipe 234. Electromagnet support 246 can be supported by base 247. Electromagnet 245 can be attached to or supported by electromagnet support 246. Leads (not shown) can be fed into motion assembly 240 to power light source 260 and electromagnet 245 (e.g., in a manner similar to candle 100). Spring support 244 can be supported by electromagnet support 246 and can support spring 243. Spring support 244 can have a recess to receive a portion of spring 243 (e.g., a portion of one or more spring coils). The spring 243 may be a coil spring or other type of spring with memory, such as other types of bent or curved wire (coil shaped or otherwise) or other types of flexible materials. Figure 19Shown is a spring 243 that is not a coil. Light source support 242 can support or fix light source 260. (One or more) magnets 248 can be attached to or incorporated in flame element 220 (for example, as shown, received by collar 224). Flame element 220 can be supported and / or receive spring 243 by spring 243. In addition, flame element 220 can have an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of a part of housing 241. This can allow housing 241 to fix flame element 220 so that flame element 220 remains in a roughly vertical direction. In addition, housing 241 can have a shoulder that prevents flame element 220 from coming out of candle 200 when candle 200 is assembled. For example, as shown, the collar 224 of flame element 220 can be blocked by the shoulder of housing 241. The shoulder of housing 241 can determine the maximum height of flame element 220 during operation. Housing 241 can have other features (for example, inwardly protruding parts) that prevent flame element 220 from moving upwards beyond the desired maximum height.

[0053] The electromagnet 245 can selectively induce a magnetic field (e.g., of varying strength and / or polarity). The electromagnet 245 can include one or more printed circuit boards or one or more wire wound devices having one or more spiral traces. The magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 245 causes other adjacent magnets 248 to move in response. The magnet 248 can be coupled to the flame element 220 (e.g., Figure 14 ), coupled to and / or integrated with spring 243. Spring 243 may comprise a non-magnetic material such that spring 243 does not substantially interact with the magnetic field. Alternatively (or in addition), spring 243 may comprise or be coupled to a ferromagnetic material that moves in response to a magnetic field, such as steel, nickel, cobalt, or alloys thereof. Figure 15 A ferromagnetic spring 243 is shown and no magnet is coupled to the flame element 220 .

[0054] Figure 16 An embodiment is shown in which a spring 243 acts as an electromagnet when current is passed through it. Magnets 249 can be positioned in the non-moving portion of the candle (as shown) and / or coupled to the flame element 220. The spring 243, acting as an electromagnet, will interact with the other magnets 249, causing the spring 243 and flame element 220 to move.

[0055] Figure 17 An embodiment is shown in which a motor 280 imparts motion to a spring 243 rather than an electromagnet 245. A motor body 281 drives a motor shaft 282 to which a load 283 is coupled. The load 283 (e.g., an eccentric load) causes the shaft 282 to vibrate (e.g., in a non-uniform manner due to the eccentric load). The shaft 282 and / or the actuator arm 284 ( Figure 18) and / or body 281 can interact with spring 243 and / or flame element 220 to cause movement. Motor 280 is shown positioned so that shaft 282 is positioned inside spring 243 (such as a coil spring as shown). Figure 18 An embodiment is shown in which the motor body 281 and shaft 282 are at least partially located outside of the spring 243. Figure 8 shows a load 283 and Figure 9 An actuator arm 284 is shown, but these components may be used together or separately in various ways.The use of a motor 280 may cause the flame element 220 to move in a seemingly random manner to promote the illusion of a candle flame.

[0056] For all embodiments herein, flame element 120,220 can move in varying degrees (comprising three or more in front and back, left and right, up and down, roll, yaw or pitch).Flame element 120,220 can not move left and right or front and back when not moving in other degrees of freedom simultaneously.Electromagnet 140,245 can produce magnetic pulse, to produce the upward movement of flame element 120,220, subsequently produces natural oscillation in other random directions.Electromagnetic pulse of opposite polarity can produce the downward movement of flame element 120,220, subsequently produces natural oscillation in other random directions.The timing and frequency of electromagnetic pulse can realize different mobile behaviors, so that reproduce the effect of natural flame.

[0057] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 63 / 178,162, filed on April 22, 2021, and U.S. patent application No. 63 / 236,449, filed on August 24, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0058] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the new technology disclosed in this application. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the new technology without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the new technology is not limited to the specific technology disclosed, but rather that they will include all technologies that fall within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, where components are indicated as similar, it will be understood that the same features apply to both components, and for the sake of brevity and clarity, the description will not be repeated.

Claims

1. A flameless candle comprising: frame; a light source configured to project light; a flame element comprising a body, an interior region within the body, an interior surface between the interior region and the body, and an exterior surface of the body, wherein the flame element is configured to receive the light in the interior region such that the light passes through the interior surface, then through the body, and then through the exterior surface of the body; and at least one flexible support arm, said at least one support arm securing said flame element to said frame, wherein the at least one flexible support arm is configured to receive a mechanical force and responsively move relative to the frame to enable movement of the flame element, and The at least one flexible support arm comprises a flexible material and is configured to allow the flame element to responsively move relative to the frame due to the flexibility of the at least one flexible support arm when the mechanical force is transmitted to the flame element.

2. The flameless candle according to claim 1, further comprising: a magnet coupled to the flame element; as well as An electromagnet is magnetically coupled to the magnet, wherein the electromagnet causes the magnet to move, thereby causing the mechanical force to be received by the flame element.

3. The flameless candle of claim 2, further comprising a magnetic coupler coupled to the flame element and the magnet, wherein The magnet coupler is configured to transfer movement of the magnet to the flame element.

4. The flameless candle of claim 1, further comprising a motor configured to generate the mechanical force.

5. The flameless candle according to claim 1, wherein The light source does not move.

6. The flameless candle according to claim 1, wherein The at least one support arm includes two support arms, each support arm coupling the flame element to the frame.

7. The flameless candle according to claim 1, wherein The at least one support arm and the flame element are integral.

8. The flameless candle according to claim 1, wherein The at least one support arm comprises at least one of a thermoplastic elastomer, styrene butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, styrene block copolymer, thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer, thermoplastic vulcanizate, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic copolyester, thermoplastic polyamide, latex, rubber, polyisoprene, chloroprene or nitrile rubber.

9. The flameless candle according to claim 8, wherein The at least one support arm includes at least one of a polymer material or a flexible metal.

10. The flameless candle according to claim 1, wherein The flame element is configured to move in at least three degrees of freedom.

11. The flameless candle according to claim 10, wherein The flame element is configured to move up and down, roll, yaw and pitch.

12. A flameless candle comprising: a light source configured to emit light; a flame element comprising an interior region, an inner surface, an outer surface, and a collar disposed at a base portion of the flame element, wherein the flame element is configured to receive the light in the inner surface and allow the light to pass through to the outer surface; and a moving member, wherein the moving member includes a flexible portion, the flexible portion including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the flame element and the second end is coupled to a non-moving portion of the flameless candle such that the flame element and the first end of the moving member move together relative to the non-moving portion of the flameless candle; an electromagnet positioned below the moving member, wherein the electromagnet is configured to selectively induce movement of the moving member; and At least one magnet is received by the collar.

13. The flameless candle according to claim 12, wherein: The moving part includes a spring.

14. The flameless candle according to claim 12, wherein The electromagnet is configured to selectively induce movement of the at least one magnet, thereby causing movement of the flame element.

15. The flameless candle according to claim 12, wherein The moving component is configured to receive an electric current and move in response.

16. The flameless candle of claim 12, wherein: The light source does not move.

17. The flameless candle of claim 12, wherein: The flame element is configured to move in at least three degrees of freedom.

18. The flameless candle of claim 17, wherein: The flame element is configured to move up and down, roll, yaw and pitch.

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