Spring-loaded candle wick

Abstract

The present invention relates to a candle wick that has been treated either by coating it with or incorporating a chemical formulation. Such a treated candle wick possesses properties that cause the wick to be sufficiently stiffened so that it can be arranged in a straight (or nearly straight) position within a candle mold during the candle-making process, as well as when surrounded by the candle body and during the use of the candle (e.g., when the candle is burning). It also has flexibility properties, whereby the wick returns (springs back) to its straight or nearly straight position after a force has been applied to it.No tension needs to be applied to the wick, and no tools need to be used to keep the wick straight in the mold, thus eliminating one of the biggest bottlenecks in high-speed filling, as fixing / keeping the wick straight is no longer necessary.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to candle wicks and their compositions. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel candle wick impregnated with a chemical formulation that enables the wick to exhibit a spring-back property, ensuring that the wick returns to its vertical position without compromising its conventional burning characteristics. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Candles, with their flickering flames and glow, have been a source of illumination and ambiance for centuries. The design and composition of candle wicks play a crucial role in optimizing burning characteristics, whether a single wick or multiple wicks are used, controlling the burning rate and focusing of the emitted light. Maintaining a straight position of the wick within the candle is of utmost importance, as it affects not only the aesthetic quality of the candle but also its functional aspects.

[0003] Typically, candle wicks are held within the candle during the manufacturing process and must be placed under tension to keep them straight. This is achieved using specialized tools or manual labor, which presents significant challenges and disadvantages. The time-consuming nature of this process and the potential to hinder production efficiency are obvious, leading to increased tooling or labor costs. Furthermore, the tension applied during manufacturing can cause the wick to stretch, compromising its diameter and consequently impacting its burning characteristics.

[0004] The candle wick manufacturing process, particularly the reliance on personnel or tools to maintain straightness, leads to complexities and inefficiencies. The need for constant attention and tension during the pouring and curing of the wax significantly increases the time and cost of candle making. Stretching of the wicks during this process not only impairs the burning characteristics but also compromises the overall quality of the candle. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an innovative solution that addresses these challenges and revolutionizes the candle manufacturing process by eliminating the need to secure and / or straighten the wick.

[0005] What is needed is a candle wick containing a chemical formulation that, either through coating or direct incorporation into the wick, imparts certain properties to the candle wick, such as stiffness and flexibility—that is, its unique spring-back ability, ensuring that the wick returns to its straight or nearly straight position when subjected to external forces. The goal is to eliminate the need for tension during the candle manufacturing process to maintain a constant wick diameter and consistent straightness without compromising stability or consistency. The present invention solves these problems by providing a candle wick with the desired properties, efficiency, and quality in candle manufacturing. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] More particularly, the present invention relates to a candle comprising: one or more candle wicks treated with a chemical formulation whereby each candle wick has resilient properties; and candle body materials surrounding the treated candle wick; wherein the one or more candle wicks are arranged vertically through the candle parallel or nearly parallel to the vertical longitudinal axis of the candle.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for treating a candle wick, which comprises combining a candle wick with a chemical formulation, whereby the candle wick has resilient properties. Such a method further comprises treating the candle wick with a chemical formulation containing one or a combination of the following compounds: starch, modified starch, carboxymethyl starch, xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, acrylic, polyacrylic acid, magnesium salt, and water-soluble polyester. Such a method further comprises treating the candle wick by one of the following measures: coating the candle wick with a chemical formulation; or impregnating the candle wick with the chemical formulation.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a candle, comprising: arranging one or more candle wicks treated with a chemical formulation whereby each candle wick has resilient properties in a candle mold so that they are parallel or nearly parallel to the vertical center of the mold; and adding candle body materials into the mold, whereby the candle body materials surround the one or more candle wicks and cure the candle body materials.

[0009] The candle wick of the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a candle wick that maintains its shape (including the size of the capillaries and the diameter) and remains in a straight position during the candle manufacturing process without the need for external tension, manual or otherwise, to fix the wick. Coating or otherwise impregnating a candle wick with a chemical formulation stiffens the wick sufficiently to allow the wick to be straight or nearly straight in a shape (as described herein), while maintaining a flexibility and resilient (spring-like) quality, allowing the candle wick to return to its original straight or nearly straight position when affected by an external stimulus during the candle manufacturing process.The candle wick of the present invention can further achieve consistent properties within the candle during its use (i.e., during candle burning), including burn rate, flame height, and melt pool. The candle wick of the present invention can further achieve greater efficiency and cost savings (i.e., savings in tools and labor) in the candle manufacturing process.

[0010] The aim of the invention is to provide the use of a candle wick having memory and springback properties using a chemical formulation with a specific composition.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a wick having a predetermined optimal range of wick tension.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to eliminate the need to wax the wick or to use pre-waxed wicks.

[0013] Another aim of the invention is to coat wicks with a chemical formulation that can improve the burning properties of the candle.

[0014] One benefit of the spring-back properties is the improvement in manufacturing, allowing for faster candle filling (since wick fixation is considered a bottleneck in candle production lines), increasing throughput, and reducing labor costs, including eliminating the labor required to fix / straighten the wick.

[0015] Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of this invention are shown by way of illustration and example. All drawings included herein constitute a part of this description, contain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0016] The present invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to designate like system components / method steps accordingly, and in which: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of candle wicks of the present invention arranged in a mold during the candle manufacturing process according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of candle wicks of the present invention arranged in a mold during the candle manufacturing process according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the upper part of a candle wick is moved by an external stimulus. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of candle wicks of the present invention arranged in a mold during the candle manufacturing process according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the upper part of a candle wick oscillates between a range of motion due to an external stimulus and shows a bend to a right position upon such oscillations. Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of candle wicks of the present invention arranged in a mold during the candle manufacturing process according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the upper part of a candle wick oscillates between a range of motion due to an external stimulus and shows a bend to a left position upon such oscillations. Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of candle wicks of the present invention arranged in a mold during the candle manufacturing process according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the upper part of a candle wick oscillates due to an external stimulus between a range of motion that continues when the stimulus withdraws. Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of candle wicks of the present invention arranged in a mold during the candle manufacturing process according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the upper part of a candle wick vibrates between a range of motion due to an external stimulus and the range of such vibration decreases. Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of candle wicks of the present invention arranged in a mold during the candle manufacturing process according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a candle wick is nearly straight and back in its vertical position after interaction with an external stimulus. Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of candle wicks of the present invention arranged in a mold during the candle manufacturing process according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a candle wick is straight and back in its vertical position after interaction with an external stimulus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] While the present invention may be embodied in various forms, a presently preferred, though non-limiting, embodiment is shown in the figures and will be described hereinafter, it being understood that this disclosure is to be considered as illustrative of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown.

[0018] A conventional combustible candle body typically contains one of the following materials or a mixture thereof: petroleum wax (paraffin), mineral wax (montan wax), synthetic wax (polyethylene or Fischer-Tropsch), or natural waxes (plant or animal). Various additives can be used in the composition of the candle body to modify the candle's properties, such as hardness, color, burning rate, and aroma. For example, stearyl alcohol, stearic acid, UV inhibitors, antioxidants, polyethylene, fragrance oils, or color pigments are known in the art to influence certain properties of a candle.

[0019] When a candle wick is lit, the heat generated by the burning wick melts the candle body (i.e., the wax). The molten portions of the candle body then migrate up the wick by capillary action and evaporate. The combination of candle body and wick composition results in specific performance characteristics of the candle. The burning rate and flame height of the candle during use (i.e., burning) are further influenced by the capillary flow rate, capillary flow volume, and / or functional surface area of ​​the wick. The capillary flow rate, or fuel delivery rate, is controlled by the size of the capillaries present in a particular wick, i.e., the spacing between the materials that form the capillaries. The material that forms the capillaries is the individual fibers or filaments within a wick. The spacing between these fibers and filaments, orThe force exerted on them determines the size of the capillaries. Therefore, the size of the capillaries depends predominantly on the puncture / pick density or the density of the wick. It is known in the art that increasing the wick density or puncture density decreases the flame height or burning speed. This is because tight punctures reduce the size of the capillaries and thereby restrict or reduce the capillary flow rate. Conversely, decreasing the wick density or puncture density increases the flame height or burning speed because the size of the capillaries increases, thus increasing the capillary flow rate.

[0020] The tension applied to a wick as it is drawn in a mold affects the size of the capillaries in a wick, as increased tension decreases the spacing between the materials forming the capillaries, and decreased tension increases that spacing. Therefore, in prior art candle manufacturing processes, the need to apply significant tension to hold a wick in a straight position in the mold so that the wick extends in a straight and uniform manner within the candle body as the composition of the candle body surrounds the wick can affect the size of the capillaries in a wick and, hence, the burning rate and flame height of such a candle.Because the tension required to hold a wick straight in a shape can vary due to a variety of factors, the burning speed and flame height of candles that require tension to hold a wick straight in a shape during the candle making process can be indeterminate and variable.

[0021] The tension applied to a wick in prior art candle manufacturing processes also affects the functional surface area of ​​the wick. The functional surface area is the portion of the surface area exposed to temperatures sufficiently high to cause vaporization. The wick size (diameter or width) as well as the surface contour influence the functional surface area of ​​the wick. For example, increasing the wick width or diameter not only increases the capillary flow volume but also the functional surface area, thus increasing the flame height or burning speed. During candle manufacturing, if tension is applied to the wick when it is inserted into a mold, the wick diameter can change.As the tension on the wick increases, causing the wick to stretch more, the wick's diameter decreases. As the tension on the wick decreases, causing the wick to stretch less, the wick's diameter increases.

[0022] The present invention relates to a candle wick that is treated either by coating or incorporating a chemical formulation, whereby the wick is stiffened to a certain degree (as described herein) and simultaneously exhibits flexibility and a resilience property (as described herein). The candle wick treated in this way has properties that provide stiffening of the candle wick so that the candle wick can be arranged in a straight or nearly straight position in a candle mold during the candle manufacturing process, as well as when surrounded by the candle body and during use of the candle (e.g., when the candle is burning). The candle wick retains the properties of capillary size, diameter, burning speed, and flame height during and after the candle manufacturing process, just as the candle wick had them before the candle manufacturing process.The use of the candle wick according to the invention in a candle eliminates the need to apply tension to the candle wick during the candle manufacturing process and to the associated tools.

[0023] The candle wick of the present invention, to which the chemical formulation is applied, has properties that allow the wick to retain position memory and exhibit flexibility properties, whereby the wick returns (springs back) to its straight or nearly straight position in an almost spring-like manner after a force is temporarily applied. The candle wick is stiffened yet sufficiently flexible so that the candle wick can be arranged in a straight or nearly straight position in a candle mold during the candle manufacturing process and remains straight throughout the manufacturing process when enclosed by the candle body.

[0024] The term "rebound properties" refers here to a property of the candle wicks according to the invention, which functions in such a way that the candle wicks, arranged in a wick stabilizer or other holder, react to a temporary pressure applied to the wick with a vibration and then return to their original position. In a sense, the candle wicks have a position memory, and this memory ensures that the wick remembers its original position (before the pressure applied) and returns to that position once the pressure is released.The effects of pressure include a temporary bending of the candle wick in response to the pressure and an oscillation of the candle wick between positions relative to the original position, with the range of these positions gradually narrowing over time until the oscillation ceases when the wick returns to its original or near-original position.

[0025] The term “mold” as used herein may include a mold in which a candle is formed and from which the formed candle is removed before use, or a container in which a candle is formed and in which the candle remains during use.

[0026] The term "rigid" or "stiffen" with respect to a candle wick of an embodiment of the present invention means that the wick is not rigid and at the same time is sufficiently stiff to maintain an upright position while supported by a candle stabilizer or other support arranged at the base of the candle wick (as described herein); and has a degree of flexibility needed to achieve the rebound properties (as described herein), whereby the candle wick responds to the removal of the pressure temporarily applied to the wick with an oscillation before returning to its original position (in the manner described more fully herein).

[0027] According to the present invention, a candle comprises one or more candle wicks treated with a chemical formulation whereby each candle wick has the properties of a minimum degree of stiffness, a minimum degree of flexibility, and spring-back properties; wherein the one or more candle wicks are arranged vertically through the vertical longitudinal axis of the candle.

[0028] The candle wicks are first treated with a chemical formulation, which imparts the properties of a certain degree of stiffness, a certain degree of flexibility, and resilience. Such a process comprises treating the candle wick with a chemical formulation containing one or a combination of the following compounds: starch, modified starch, carboxymethyl starch, xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, acrylic, polyacrylic acid, magnesium salt, or water-soluble polyester. Such a process may further comprise the step of treating the candle wick by one of the following methods: coating the candle wick with a chemical formulation; or impregnating the candle wick with the chemical formulation, for example, by absorbing the chemical formulation by the wick or by otherwise incorporating the chemical formulation into the wick.In some embodiments of the present invention, the chemical formulation may be composed of: 0.1-20% starch, modified starch, and / or carboxymethyl starch; 0.1-20% xanthan gum; 0.1-20% carboxymethyl cellulose; 0.1-20% acrylic; 0.1-20% polyacrylic acid; 0.05-10% magnesium salt; and 1-80% polyester.

[0029] The method of making a candle consists of arranging one or more candle wicks coated with the chemical formulation in a candle mold so that they are perpendicular to the horizontal base of the mold, and adding candle body materials to the mold, whereby the candle body materials surround the one or more candle wicks and the candle body materials harden while the candle wick follows its path to remain in the perpendicular position to the base of the mold.

[0030] The material used to form the wick, which is either coated with the chemical formulation of the present invention or impregnated with the chemical formulation (or otherwise caused to absorb the chemical formulation), can comprise a variety of material types, including nylon, paper core, or cotton core materials used to form the wicks. The preformed wicks can be coated or impregnated with the chemical formulation, comprising any of the following wicks: Aroma-Lite™ wicks (e.g., AL-220), paper core wicks (PK), Stabilio™ P15 (CDN) wicks (e.g., Stabilio KST wicks), paper wicks (e.g., paper core wicks), Wick It™ (WI) wicks, or the like.

[0031] The chemical formulation has properties that allow it to absorb into the wick materials when a wick is impregnated with it. The chemical formulation also has properties that allow it to adhere to a wick when a wick is coated with it. Thus, adding the chemical formulation to a wick adds properties such as stiffness (but not total rigidity) and flexibility sufficient to achieve springback properties (as described here) without compromising the other properties of the wick or the candle into which the wick is incorporated. These properties might include, for example, a particular burn rate or flame height.These characteristics of a candle must be maintained because they can affect the safety of its use (for example, by avoiding fire hazards caused by certain flame heights or other safety risks).

[0032] The candle wicks of the present invention can be incorporated into candles that contain fragrances (e.g., scented candles) or into candles that do not contain fragrances.

[0033] The chemical formulation may be applied as a coating to the outer layer of an untreated wick, or may saturate the wick or otherwise be incorporated into the wick. The chemical formulation has properties that allow it to withstand both preheating and the heating caused by the addition of heated candle body materials (e.g., hot wax) into the mold during the candle manufacturing process. The properties of the candle wick of the present invention are maintained when the candle wick is near or in contact with such heat, namely, the wick's minimum degree of stiffness and its flexibility and return to a straight position after bending or pressure is applied thereto (i.e., the spring-back properties).

[0034] In some embodiments of the present invention, the chemical formulation is designed to dry quickly. In such an embodiment, an untreated wick coated or impregnated with the chemical formulation of the present invention dries quickly and efficiently, and heat at a specific temperature can be applied to it to assist drying. The application of heat to assist drying does not affect the stiffness, flexibility, or resilience of the candle wick.

[0035] Once a candle wick is coated or impregnated with the chemical formulation of the invention, the wick exhibits a certain degree of stiffness but is not completely rigid. The wick has a certain degree of compliance and flexibility. For example, the wick can achieve a certain degree of flexibility when subjected to an external stimulus or when pressure is exerted on it by the candle body materials. The flexibility of the wick also includes an elasticity by which the wick responds to such a stimulus or pressure with a bend. Once such a stimulus or pressure has been withdrawn, the wick can oscillate within a range of flexibility that decreases over time, and the wick then returns to the original straight or nearly straight position it was in before the stimulus or pressure was applied.This is the spring-back property of the candle wick once it is coated or impregnated with the chemical formulation according to the invention.

[0036] The candle wick of the present invention may be inserted into or otherwise combined with holders, other wick stabilizers, or other tools or equipment used with wicks and incorporated into candles.

[0037] In embodiments of the present invention, the chemical formulation may be applied to the candle wick according to a method comprising the following steps. The chemical formulation coating is applied directly to an untreated candle wick (i.e., a candle wick not coated with wax or other coating). The chemical formulation is applied to the untreated wick immediately after the candle wick is unwound from the candle wick spool and when the candle wick is inserted or inserted into the wick trimming machine. In some embodiments of the present invention, the step of applying the chemical formulation may be performed by immersing the candle wick in a dipping vessel or bath containing the chemical formulation.In other embodiments of the present invention, the step of applying the chemical formulation to the candle wick may be achieved by passing the candle wick through a series of rollers that apply the chemical formulation to the wick and assist in the penetration of the formulation into the candle wick braid. The step of applying the chemical formulation by a method including rolling may further ensure a uniform or nearly uniform coating of the chemical formulation on the candle wick.

[0038] During the step of applying the chemical formulation to the candle wick, tension is applied to the candle wick. The optimal tension is sufficient to maintain uniform tension in the candle wick without causing significant stretching of the candle wick braid. In some embodiments of the present invention, the tension applied to the candle wick can range from 50g to 3,000g. The tension applied depends on the type of candle wick (e.g., the materials forming the candle wick, and the braid, weave, or other characteristics of the candle wick formation) as well as the running speed of the process used to apply the chemical formulation to the candle wick.In some embodiments of the present invention, the process of applying the chemical formulation to the candle wick may take place in a wick trimmer, and the run time may be the run time of the wick trimmer.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, the candle wick is exposed to a heating device after the chemical formulation has been applied to the candle wick. In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating device is arranged such that the heat from the heating device acts on the candle wick immediately before or during the feeding of the candle wick into the wick cutting machine. The use of a heating device can achieve rapid drying of the chemical formulation applied to the candle wick.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, the untreated wick to which the chemical formulation is applied does not need to be pre-waxed, resulting in time and cost savings in the present invention.

[0041] Applying the chemical formulation to the candle wick does not affect the burning characteristics of the candle formed with the candle wick (e.g., flame height, burn time, wax melt bath, etc.). In some embodiments of the present invention, applying the chemical formulation to the candle wick results in improved burning characteristics of the candle.

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of a candle mold 10 prepared for the candle manufacturing process, wherein a treated candle wick 12 (treated with the chemical formulation of the present invention, either by coating or impregnating with such a chemical formulation) attached to a holder 16 is disposed within a candle container 14. Two additional treated candle wicks 12, attached to the holder 16, are also disposed within the candle container.

[0043] The treated candle wick 12 is positioned relative to a container sidewall 18 and a container bottom 20. The retainer 16 is flush with and in contact with the container bottom 20. In some embodiments of the present invention, the retainer 16 may be bonded to the container bottom 20, for example, by an adhesive such as glue applied between the retainer 16 and the container bottom 20. The treated candle wick 12 is further positioned to be parallel or nearly parallel to the sidewall of the container. In such a position, the treated candle wick 12 lies parallel or nearly parallel to the vertical and longitudinal axes of the candle.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, when an external stimulus, e.g., a pin 22, exerts pressure on the treated candle wick 12, it bends in the direction of the applied force. When the external stimulus is withdrawn so that no more force is exerted on the treated candle wick 12, the treated candle wick 12 can move between two bent positions within a range of motion 24 (as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 3). This movement may manifest itself as a vibration of the treated candle wick 12.

[0045] The movement area 24 can move between positions that cause the treated candle wick 12 to bend alternately in two opposite directions, e.g. to the right (as in Fig. 3) and to the left (as shown in Fig. 4) from the central straight or nearly straight position of the treated candle wick 12 when it was originally stationary and at rest before the force was applied to it (the central position). As shown in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the range of motion may decrease in its extent, whereby the bending of the treated candle wick 12 gradually decreases in the alternating, opposite directions from the central position of the treated candle wick 12. The speed at which the treated candle wick 12 moves within the range of motion 24 also decreases over time until it is no longer perceptible, as shown in Fig. 7. If this movement of the treated candle wick 12 as in Fig.8, the treated candle wick 12 returns to the straight, or nearly straight, central position, which is its original position at rest prior to the stimulus applied to it. The drawings therefore illustrate the resilient properties of the treated candle wick 12 and how these properties are influenced so that the treated candle wick 12 returns to its original central position, similar to how a vertically held spring, after a period of oscillation within a range of motion 24, returns to its original vertical position after the force applied to it has been withdrawn.

[0046] The time elapsed between the application of the stimulus to the treated candle wick 12 and its return to its original, central position depends on the degree of pressure exerted by this stimulus.

[0047] When the candle body materials are placed into the mold, these materials surround the treated candle wick 12 and the treated candle wick 12 maintains a straight or nearly straight position within the candle with respect to the vertical center of the candle.

[0048] The term "coupled" is defined as being connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. The use of the word "a," "an," "an," or "another" in conjunction with the term "comprising" in the claims and / or description may mean "one," but is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more" or "at least one." The terms "comprise" (and any form of "comprise" such as "comprises" or "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have such as "has" or "has / have"), "include" (and any form of include such as "includes" or "including"), and "contain" (and any form of contain such as "contains" or "containing") are open linking verbs.Thus, a method or apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more steps or elements has those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to having only those one or more elements. Likewise, a method step or an element of an apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more features has those one or more features, but is not limited to having only those one or more features.

[0049] The terms “comprise” (and any form of “comprise” such as “comprises” or “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have such as “has” or “has / have”), “include” (and any form of include such as “includes” or “including”), and “contain” (and any form of contain such as “contains” or “containing”) are open linking verbs. Thus, a method or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more steps or elements has those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to having only those one or more elements. Likewise, a method step or apparatus element that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more features has those one or more features, but is not limited to having only those one or more features.Furthermore, a device or structure configured in a particular manner is at least configured in that manner, but may also be configured in a manner not listed.

[0050] It is understood that although a particular form of the invention is depicted, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form or arrangement described and shown herein. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention should not be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and in the drawings / figures contained herein.

[0051] One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the present invention is well adapted to achieve the objects and to carry out the stated purposes and advantages, as well as the attendant benefits. The embodiments, methods, processes, and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Modifications thereto or other uses will occur to those skilled in the art that are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the claimed invention should not be unduly limited to such particular embodiments.Indeed, various modifications of the described methods for carrying out the invention which would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

[1] A candle comprising: one or more candle wicks treated with a chemical formulation, each candle wick having spring-back properties; and Candle body materials surrounding the treated candle wick; wherein the one or more candle wicks are arranged vertically through the candle parallel or nearly parallel to the vertical longitudinal axis of the candle. [2] The candle of claim 1, wherein the candle wick maintains the properties of capillary size, diameter, burning speed and flame height during and after the candle manufacturing process as the candle wick had them before the candle manufacturing process. [3] The candle of claim 1, wherein pre-formed wicks can be coated or impregnated with the chemical formulation, including any of the following wicks: Aroma-Lite™ wicks (e.g., AL-220), paper core wicks (PK), Stabilio™ P15 (CDN) wicks (e.g., Stabilio KST wicks), paper wicks (e.g., paper core wicks), Wick It™ (WI) wicks, or the like. [4] The candle of claim 1, wherein the chemical formulation is such that it dries quickly. [5] The candle of claim 1, wherein the candle wick is insertable into or otherwise combined with a holder or other wick stabilizers used with wicks and incorporated into candles. [6] A method of making a candle comprising the step of treating a candle wick with a chemical formulation containing one or a combination of the following compounds to produce a resilient behavior: starch, modified starch, carboxymethyl starch, xanthan gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, acrylic, polyacrylic acid, magnesium salt, and water-soluble polyester; attaching a first end of a wick to the bottom surface whereby a second end of the wick is perpendicular to the bottom surface of a mold; adding candle body materials into the mold around the wick; whereby the candle body materials surround the wick, the wick maintaining the perpendicular arrangement. [7] The method according to claim 6, wherein the chemical formulation is composed of: 0.1-20% starch, modified starch and / or carboxymethyl starch; 0.1-20% xanthan gum; 0.1-20% carboxymethyl cellulose; 0.1-20% acrylic; 0.1-20% polyacrylic acid; 0.05-10% magnesium salt and 1-80% polyester. [8] The method of claim 6, further comprising treating each candle wick by coating or impregnating the candle wick with the chemical formulation. [9] The method of claim 6, wherein the chemical formulation is applied to the candle wick immediately after the candle wick has been unwound from the candle wick spool and when the candle wick has been inserted into a wick cutting machine. [10] The method of claim 6, wherein applying the chemical formulation to the candle wick is achieved by inserting the candle wick into a dipping vessel containing the chemical formulation. [11] The method of claim 6, wherein applying the chemical formulation to the candle wick may be achieved by passing the candle wick through a series of rollers which apply the chemical formulation to the candle wick and assist in penetrating the chemical formulation into the candle wick braid. [12] The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of heating a wick after applying the chemical formulation to enable rapid drying of the wick.

Images