Flameless scented candle

Abstract

A flameless scented candle (1). The candle (1) comprises a light source (10) and a diffuser assembly (15) configured to atomise a scented oil. The light source and the diffuser are each configured to be powered by a power source (20).

Description

[0001] FLAMELESS SCENTED CANDLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a flameless scented candle.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Electric or flameless candles are designed to imitate a real flame candle, and are often made with wax in order to provide a realistic look similar to a real flame candle. However, flameless candles typically use an electric light source (typically battery powered) such as an LED to create the flame effect.

[0006] Flameless candles provide several advantages over real flame candles. Firstly, the lack of a real flame increases safety because it removes or reduces risks associated with an open flame. Secondly, unlike a real flame candle a flameless candle does not disappear once it has been “lit”, because there is no real flame to melt the wax away. Flameless candles are therefore reusable. Thirdly, the lack of melted wax means flameless candles do not create mess that requires cleaning.

[0007] However, real flame candles produce a scent when lit (due to the melting wax) that conventional flameless candles are unable to replicate.

[0008] The present invention has been devised with the foregoing in mind.

[0009] SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] According to a first aspect, there is provided a flameless scented candle. The candle may comprise a light source. The candle may also comprise a diffuser assembly configured to atomise a scented oil. The light source and the diffuser assembly may each be configured to be powered by a power source.

[0011] Providing a light source and a diffuser assembly configured to atomise a scented oil, each configured to be powered by a power source, may provide a simple and convenience approach to improve performance of a flameless scented candle. In particular, a diffuser assembly may provide significantly enhanced scent dispersion and longevity relative to known flameless scented candles.

[0012] A previous approach to providing a flameless scented candle includes using a scented wax. However, because the wax of the flameless candle does not burn or melt, the scent does not diffuse around the space in which the flameless candle is used. The scent can therefore only be experienced in close proximity to the flameless candle. The scent of the scented wax also diminishes and fades over time.

[0013] Another previous approach to providing a flameless scented candle includes providing a scented gel insert and a fan within the flameless candle. However, once the scented gel insert is opened, it begins to dry out which reduces the intensity of the scent and can cause the scent to become ineffective before it has been used up. Additionally, once the scented gel insert has been opened, the scent is released automatically regardless of whether or not the candle is switched on, simply due to the scented gel insert being open.

[0014] Using a diffuser assembly configured to atomise a scented oil may enable the scent to be more widely dispersed into an area surrounding the flameless candle. Providing scent using an oil may also improve a longevity of the scent. The scent from the oil may not fade over time, because the oil will not dry out over time. Using a diffuser assembly may also improve an efficiency of scent delivery, by preventing the scent from being provided unless the diffuser assembly is powered. That may reduce or prevent waste of scented material.

[0015] The light source and the diffuser assembly may be configured to be powered by the power source independently from one another. That may enable the candle to output only light, only scent, or both light and scent as desired by a user. That may improve a user experience and reduce or prevent waste of scented material when not desired. Alternatively, the light source and the diffuser assembly may be configured to be powered together with one another, such that the light source and the diffuser assembly are configured to be operated jointly rather than independently.

[0016] The flameless scented candle may comprise a first switch configured to be operable by a user to connect the power source to the light source. The flameless candle may also comprise a second switch configured to be operable by a user to connect the diffuser assembly to the power source. That may provide a convenient means for independently controlling delivery of power to the light source and the diffuser assembly respectively. The first switch and the second switch may be operated manually, or may be operated remotely (for example, via wireless communication such as WiFi ®, Bluetooth ® or infrared communication). Alternatively, the flameless candle may comprise a single switch configured to be operable to connect both the light source and the diffuser assembly to the power source, such that the light source and the diffuser assembly are operated together rather than independently from one another.

[0017] The diffuser assembly may comprise a pump configured to provide compressed air. The diffuser assembly may also comprise a container configured to contain scented oil. The diffuser assembly may further comprise a chamber in fluid communication with the pump and the container. The chamber may comprise an outlet. The air pump may deliver compressed air to the chamber. That may result in a negative pressure within the chamber. The negative pressure in the chamber may cause oil from the container to be drawn into the chamber, causing atomisation of at least some of the oil drawn into the chamber. The atomised oil may pass through the outlet of the chamber to provide a scent. That may provide a simple, compact and convenient approach for atomising the scented oil which provides improved scent delivery without requiring excessive space for the powered scent dispersing components. That may also remove the need for a motorised component such as a fan to disperse scent, which may reduce a risk of product failure and increase mechanical longevity of the product. The diffuser assembly may comprise a conduit configured to provide fluid communication between the pump and the chamber. That may enable improved delivery of the compressed air from the pump into the chamber.

[0018] At least one of the container and the chamber may be configured to be removable from the flameless scented candle. That may enable a user to easily refill the container with a different scented oil, and / or replace the container with a different container containing a different scented oil.

[0019] The flameless scented candle may further comprise a housing. The housing may be or comprise a plastic material, for example polycarbonate or polypropylene. The housing may alternatively be or comprise any suitable material, for example glass, ceramic material, or a metal or alloy such as aluminium or aluminium alloy. The housing may be configured to contain or support the light source and the diffuser assembly. The housing may also be configured to contain or support the power source. The housing may enable the candle to be easily handled and / or transported to a desired location by a user, whilst protecting the internal components of the candle (for example, from mechanical damage). The housing may also provide the flameless candle with a desired aesthetic appearance.

[0020] The housing may comprise at least one opening. The light source may emit light or at least partially protrude through the at least one opening. The light source may be located substantially externally to the housing. Atomised oil from the diffuser assembly may pass through the at least one opening. The light source may emit light or at least partially protrude through a first opening. Atomised oil from the diffuser assembly may pass through a second opening separate to the first opening. That may enable the flameless candle to effectively and efficiently output both light and scent whilst protecting the light source and the diffuser assembly (for example, from mechanical damage) within the housing.

[0021] The housing may comprise a first housing portion. The housing may also comprise a second housing portion. The first housing portion and the second housing portion may be removably connectable to one another. That may enable a user to easily and quickly obtain access to the components within the housing, for example to remove or replace one or both of the container and the chamber of the diffuser assembly.

[0022] The first housing portion may comprise a base portion on which the light source and the diffuser assembly are configured to be disposed or supported. The power source may also be configured to be disposed or supported on the base portion. The first housing portion may comprise an integral chassis or support structure configured to locate or align one or more other components of the candle (for example the light source, the diffuser assembly, the battery, and / or the second housing portion). That may ensure correct assembly and alignment of the candle components to enable correct operation of the candle. The second housing portion may comprise a cover portion configured to be disposed over the light source and the diffuser assembly. The cover portion may also be configured to be disposed over the power source.

[0023] The housing comprises a substantially cylindrical shape. That may enable the flameless scented candle to look substantially similar to a conventional candle. The flameless scented candle may further comprise the power source. The power source may be or comprise a battery, for example a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery.

[0024] The flameless scented candle may comprise a plurality of light sources. The or each light source may be or comprise at least one LED.

[0025] Features which are described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and / or be interchangeable wherever possible. Similarly, where features are described in the context of a single embodiment for brevity, those features may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of a flameless scented candle, in accordance with the present invention;

[0029] FIG. IB shows a cross-sectional view of the candle shown in FIG. 1A along section A-A;

[0030] FIG. 1C shows a plan view of the candle shown in FIGs. 1A and IB; and

[0031] FIGs. 2A and 2B show an exploded view of the candle shown in FIGs. 1A-1C.

[0032] Like reference numerals in different Figures may represent like elements.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figures 1 A, IB and 1C show an embodiment of flameless scented candle 1 in accordance with the present invention. The flameless scented candle 1 comprises a light source 10 configured to emit light. The candle 1 also comprises a diffuser assembly 15 configured to atomise a scented oil. However, it will be appreciated a scented fluid other than a scented oil may alternatively be used.

[0035] The light source 10 and the diffuser assembly 15 are each configured to be powered by a power source. In the embodiment shown, the power source comprises a battery 20. The battery 20 is rechargeable, although it will be appreciated the battery 20 may be single use and may be configured to be replaced once discharged. It will also be appreciated the light source 10 and the diffuser 15 may be powered by any suitable power source, for example by connection to mains electricity supply. In the embodiment shown, the light source 10 comprises an LED in the approximate shape of a candle flame, although that is not essential, and any suitable light source may alternatively be used.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, the diffuser assembly 15 comprises an air pump 15A, a container 15B configured to contain scented oil, and a chamber 15C in fluid communication with the air pump 15A and the container 15B. To ensure fluid-tight coupling between the various components of the diffuser assembly 15, one or more seals may be provided between the air pump 15A and the chamber 15C, and between the chamber 15C and the container 15B, although that is not essential. The air pump 15A is configured to generate compressed air when powered by the battery 20, and to deliver the compressed air to the chamber 15C. In the embodiment shown, the air pump 15A delivers the compressed air to the chamber 15C via a conduit 15D, although that is not essential and the air pump 15 A may be in direct fluid communication with the chamber 15C to deliver compressed air to the chamber 15C directly. Delivering compressed air to the chamber 15C results in a negative pressure within the chamber 15C. In turn, scented oil from the container 15B is drawn into the chamber 15C due to the pressure gradient developed between the chamber 15C and the container 15B. At least some of the scented oil is atomised as it is drawn into the chamber 15C due to the pressure gradient, producing droplets of scented oil (for example, a mist or spray of fine droplets). The chamber 15C comprises an outlet 15E through which the atomised scented oil can be dispersed into the environment surrounding the candle 1 to provide a scent. In the embodiment shown, the container 15B is a bottle or vial containing scented oil, although that is not essential, and the container 15B may be any suitable vessel to contain scented oil. The container 15B is housed within and supported by a container holder 15F. The container holder 15F also acts to support the chamber 15C. However, it will be appreciated the container 15B and the chamber 15C may be provided and used without a container holder.

[0037] The candle 1 comprises a housing 25. The housing 25 is configured to contain and / or support the light source 10, the diffuser assembly 15 and the battery 20. In the embodiment shown, the housing 25 is made from or comprises polypropylene, although any suitable plastic material such as polycarbonate may alternatively be used. The housing 25 may alternatively be made from or comprise glass, ceramic material, or a metal or an alloy such as aluminium or aluminium alloy. In the embodiment shown, the housing 25 comprises a substantially cylindrical outer shape, although that is not essential, and the housing 25 may alternatively have any suitable shape.

[0038] The housing 25 substantially encloses the other components of the candle 1. However, the housing 25 comprises a first opening 28A through which the light source 10 protrudes external to the housing 25. In the embodiment shown, the light source 10 protrudes substantially fully through the opening 28A, such that a light-emitting portion of the light source is located or disposed substantially externally to the housing 25. In the embodiment shown, the opening 28 A is sized to allow a wire connecting the light source 10 to the power source 20, but too small to allow the light source 28A to pass through the opening 28A into the housing 25, although that is not essential. Alternatively, the light source 10 may alternatively protrude only partially through the opening 28A, or the light source 10 may be substantially located within the housing 25 but be positioned or arranged to emit light through the opening 28A. The housing 25 also comprises a second opening 28B through which atomised scented oil from the diffuser assembly 15 can pass to provide scent to the surrounding environment. The second opening 28B is aligned with or in fluid communication with the outlet 15E of the chamber 15C to enable the atomised oil to pass through the opening 28B. Alternatively, the housing 25 may comprise a single opening through which the light source 10 emits light or at least partially protrudes and through which atomised oil from the diffuser assembly 15 can pass. In the embodiment shown, the candle 1 comprises a single light source 10, although it will be appreciated the candle 1 may alternatively comprise a plurality of light sources 10 (for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more light sources). Each light source 10 may be associated with a different opening 28A through the housing, although that is not essential.

[0039] The candle 1 comprises a first switch 30A and a second switch 30B. The first switch 30A is configured to operable by a user to connect the battery 20 to the light source 10. The second switch 30B is configured to be operable by a user to connect the battery 20 to the diffuser assembly 15. In the embodiment shown, the switches 30A, 30B each comprise a touch-operated switch (for example a capacitive switch or sensor), although any suitable switch mechanism may alternatively be used. The switches 30 A, 30B are mounted on or form a part of an external surface of the housing 25 such that they are physically accessible for a user to touch or contact. The switches 30A, 30B may also or alternatively be remotely operated, for example via wireless communication such as WiFi ®, Bluetooth ® or infrared communication.

[0040] Figures 2A and 2B show the candle 1 in more detail. The housing 25 comprises a first housing portion 25 A and a second housing portion 25B. The first housing portion 25 A forms a base portion on which the light source 10, the diffuser assembly 15 and the battery 20 are located or support. The second housing portion 25B forms a cover portion which is placed over the light source 10, the diffuser assembly 15 and the battery 20 and connected to the first housing portion 25A. The second housing portion 25B is removably or releasably connectable to the first housing portion 25A. In the embodiment shown, the second housing portion 25B is removably connectable to the first housing portion 25A via a resilient clip or snap-fit mechanism. The second housing portion 25B comprises a thin-walled structure which is configured to flex under a sufficient applied force. As the second housing portion 25B is brought into contact with the first housing portion 25A having been placed over the components of the candle 1 mounted on the first housing portion 25A, the thin wall of the second housing portion 25B flexes under the applied force. The wall of the second housing portion 25B is able to flex sufficiently to bring one or more complementary engagement features 32A, 32B located on the first and second housing portions 25A, 25B into engagement. In the embodiment shown, the complementary engagement features comprise one or more protrusions 32A located on the first housing portion 25A, and one or more recesses or apertures 32B located on the second housing portion 25B (shown in Figure 2B) each configured to receive a protrusion 32A. The protrusions 32A and the recesses 32B have a cross-shape, although any suitable shape may alternatively be used. The thin wall of the second housing portion 25B flexes to expand over the one or more protrusions 32A as the first and second housing portions 25A, 25B are brought into engagement. Once the protrusions 32A on the first housing portion 25A are aligned with the recesses 32B on the second housing portion 25B, the protrusions 32A are each received in a corresponding recess 32B to secure the first and second housing portions 25A, 25B together. As the protrusions 32A are received in the recesses 32B, the elastic energy stored in the second housing portion 25B due to flexure is released. The second housing portion 25B may be removed from the first housing portion 25A by applying a sufficient force to flex the thin wall of the second housing portion 25B to disengage the protrusions 32A and the recesses 32B. However, it will be appreciated the first and second housing portions 25A, 25B may be releasably connectable to one another using any suitable mechanism, for example complementary threaded potions located on each of the first and second housing portions 25A, 25B, or via one or more fasteners such as a screw or a bolt.

[0041] In the embodiment shown, the first housing portion 25A comprises an integral chassis or support structure 34 configured to support and / or align the light source 10, the components of the diffuser assembly 15 and the battery 20 in a fixed position relative to one another and relative to the first and second openings 28A, 28B of the housing 25. The support structure 34 comprises a first portion 34A configured to contain and / or support the air pump 15A. The support structure 34 also comprises a second portion 34B configured to contain and / or support the chamber 15C and the container 15B. In the embodiment shown, one or both of the chamber 15C and the container 15B are removable from the support structure 34 via an aperture 35 formed in a bottom surface (in use) of the first housing portion 25A (shown in Figure 2B). The aperture 35 is configured to receive the container holder 15F within which the container 15B is disposed, although that is not essential and the aperture 35 may instead receive the container 15B directly, The light source 10 is configured to be located on or supported by the second portion 34B of the support structure 34, to align the light source 10 with the first opening 28A formed in the second housing portion 25B. The first and second portions 34A, 34B of the support structure 34 are arranged or located relative to one another such that air pump 15A, the chamber 15C and the container 15B are all in fluid communication with one another when mounted on the first housing portion 25A, to ensure correct operation of the diffuser assembly 15. The support structure 34 also comprises a third portion 34C configured to contain the battery 20 and to locate the battery 20 to be electrically connected to the light source 10 and the diffuser assembly 15. The third portion 34C comprises a removable cover 34D, although that is not essential. In the embodiment shown, each portion 34A, 34B, 34C of the support structure 34 has a substantially cylindrical shape, although that is not essential.

[0042] The support structure 34 also comprises one or more ribs or struts 36. A bracket 38 for supporting the switches 30A, 30B is configured to be secured to the ribs 36 in order to locate the switches 30A, 30B in the correct position in the housing 25 for operation by a user. In the embodiment shown, the bracket 38 is configured to be secured to the ribs 36 via a pair of fasteners (not shown) each receivable in a corresponding lug 36A on the respective ribs 36, although any suitable attachment mechanism may be used. The bracket 38 enables the switches 30A, 30B to be aligned with a corresponding icon (indicative of the light source 10 or the diffuser assembly 15) disposed on an exterior of the housing 25 such that a user is able to visually identify which switch 30 A, 30B to operate in order to connect the light source 10 and / or the diffuser assembly 15 to the battery 20. However, that is not essential, and the switches 30A, 30B may be located at any suitable position on or within the housing 25. The candle 1 further comprises a charging port for charging the battery 20 and / or for enabling connection to mains electricity to power the light source 10 and the diffuser assembly 15. The housing 25 comprises an aperture 40 to enable connection of an external connector to the charging portion. In the embodiment shown, the charging port is or comprises a USB-C connector, although it will be appreciated any suitable charging port may be used. The candle 1 may additionally or alternatively comprise a wireless charging mechanism (for example, a charging coil configured to receive wirelessly transmitted power from an external device) to enable charging of the battery 20 and / or powering the light source 10 and the diffuser assembly 15. The wireless charging mechanism may not require an aperture in the housing 25 in order to operate.

[0043] From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of candles, in particular flameless candles, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein.

[0044] Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

[0045] Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and / or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

[0046] For the sake of completeness, it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A flameless scented candle, comprising: a light source; a diffuser assembly configured to atomise a scented oil; the light source and the diffuser assembly each configured to be powered by a power source.

2. The flameless scented candle of claim 1, wherein the light source and the diffuser assembly are configured to be powered by the power source independently from one another.

3. The flameless scented candle of claim 2, comprising: a first switch configured to be operable by a user to connect the power source to the light source; and a second switch configured to be operable by a user to connect the diffuser assembly to the power source.

4. The flameless scented candle of any preceding claim, wherein the diffuser assembly comprises: a pump configured to provide compressed air; a container configured to contain scented oil; a chamber in fluid communication with the pump and the container, the chamber comprising an outlet.

5. The flameless scented candle of claim 4, wherein the diffuser assembly comprises a conduit configured to enable fluid communication between the pump and the chamber.

6. The flameless scented candle of claim 4 or of claim 5, wherein at least one of the container and the chamber are configured to be removable from the flameless scented candle.

7. The flameless scented candle of any preceding claim, further comprising a housing configured to contain or support the light source and the diffuser assembly, and optionally configured to contain or support the power source.

8. The flameless scented candle of claim 7, wherein the housing comprises at least one opening, through which the light source emits light or at least partially protrudes, and through which atomised oil from the diffuser assembly passes.

9. The flameless scented candle of claim 7 or of claim 8, wherein the housing comprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion removably connectable to one another.

10. The flameless scented candle of claim 9, wherein:the first housing portion comprises a base portion on which the light source and the diffuser assembly are configured to be disposed or supported, and optionally on which the power source is configured to be disposed or supported; and the second housing portion comprises a cover portion configured to be disposed over the light source and the diffuser assembly, and optionally configured to be disposed over the power source.

11. The flameless scented candle of any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the housing comprises a substantially cylindrical shape.

12. The flameless scented candle of any preceding claim, further comprising the power source.

13. The flameless scented candle of claim 12, wherein the power source comprises a battery, optionally a rechargeable battery.

14. The flameless scented candle of any preceding claim, wherein the light source comprises at least one LED.

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