Refillable candle holder

Abstract

The refillable candle system comprises a candle cartridge 6 including a container 6a (e.g., recyclable aluminium) having an open and a closed end and one or more walls substantially surrounding the length of a wax candle 6b. The system further comprises a candle holder including a main body 3 with first and second openings at respective ends of a chamber. A narrowed portion is provided adjacent the first opening and a removable base 2 closes the second opening. In use, the candle cartridge substantially fills the chamber with the closed end resting against the removable base, and the narrowed chamber portion prevents the cartridge from passing through the first opening. The base may be attachable by means of projection(s), a screw thread or an interference fit. The narrowed portion may comprise one or more projections 3e which may be spaced apart or extend around the chamber. The first opening may be substantially closable by a lid.

Description

BACKGROUND Refillable candle holders offer several advantages over traditional disposable candles and candle holders. There are a number of reasons why people choose to use refillable candle holders. Refillable candle holders are more environmentally friendly than disposable candles and holders because they reduce waste. Instead of throwing away an entire candle holder once the candle has burned down, you can simply refill it with a new candle. This helps minimise the use of resources and reduces the amount of waste in landfills. While the initial cost of a refillable candle holder may be higher than that of disposable candles and holders, it can save money in the long run. Once you have the holder, you only need to purchase candle refills, which are often less expensive than buying new candles with holders each time. Refillable candle holders allow you to customise your candles. You can choose the type of wax, scent, colour, and even shape of the candle to suit your preferences. This level of customisation can enhance the ambiance and aesthetics of your space. Many refillable candle holders are designed to be durable and long-lasting. With proper care, they can serve you for many years, making them a worthwhile investment. Refillable candle holders are typically designed to catch wax drips and prevent them from spilling onto surfaces. This can help keep your space cleaner and reduce the need for frequent cleaning or wax removal. Refillable candle holders often come with safety features, such as heat-resistant materials and secure lids or covers. These features can help prevent accidents and make candle burning safer. Refillable candle holders come in a variety of styles, shapes, and materials, allowing you to choose ones that match your decor and enhance the visual appeal of your space. They can serve as decorative pieces even when not in use. With refillable candle holders, you have more control over the scents you use. You can select specific scented candles or even mix your own fragrances by combining different candle types. In summary, refillable candle holders offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and customizable alternative to disposable candles and holders. They can enhance the overall aesthetic of your space while reducing waste and saving you money in the long term. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention, there comprises a refillable candle system comprising: a candle holder for receiving a replaceable candle cartridge, the candle holder comprising: a main body with a chamber for retaining a candle cartridge, the chamber being defined by one or more chamber walls; a first opening at a first end of the chamber; a second opening at a second end of the chamber; a narrowed chamber portion at or adjacent the first opening, such that in use a candle cartridge housed within the chamber is prevented by the narrowed portion from leaving the chamber via the first opening; and a removable base that is releasably attachable to the main body to close the second opening; and a candle cartridge comprising a wax candle set within a container, the container having an open first end and closed second end, and one or more walls which substantially surround the whole length of the candle, the candle cartridge container being recyclable, wherein in use, the second end of the candle cartridge bears against a surface of the removable base portion and the candle cartridge substantially fills the entire volume of the chamber. This system is simpler and more hygienic to operate compared to known candle systems. Since the candle is set within a container having a closed bottom and sides, there is no release of wax or ash into the chamber. As a result, the interior of the holder needs to be cleaned less regularly. The recyclable container can be reused, either by re-filling it with a fresh candle, or by deconstructing the container for use in other applications. The candle cartridge bears against the base in the sense that the candle cartridge rests against the base, and the weight of the candle cartridge is directly supported by the base. In turn, the base may be configured to bear against a support surface, such as a table or shelf. By providing a holder with a detachable base a user may readily clean the base portion and the lower regions of the chamber by detaching the base portion from the main body. The user may use the second opening to insert new candle cartridges into the holder. While the base securely retains the candle cartridge within the holder, only a single disassembly step is required to access and release the candle cartridge. By providing a holder with a chamber that narrows at or adjacent its first opening, a candle refill that is of substantially the same width as the chamber is prevented from falling out of the first opening in the event that the holder is toppled or inverted when it is in use. The candle cartridge may substantially fill the entire volume of the chamber in the sense that the chamber does not contain any other substantial components other than the candle cartridge. The walls and base of the container define a separate interior space to the chamber, meaning that the candle cartridge continues to substantially fill the entire volume of the chamber as the candle burns away. Providing a candle cartridge which substantially fills the entire volume of the chamber maximises the lifetime of the candle for a given volume of chamber, reducing the frequency at which candle cartridges must be replaced. In use, a holder may be resting on a support surface. To replace or remove the candle cartridge, the main body of the holder is released from the base and then lifted away. Since the candle cartridge bears against the base, rather than against a spring or other component, the main body can be separated from the base while retaining control of the position and orientation of the candle cartridge. So long as the base remains horizontal, the candle cartridge will not topple or slide off the base during removal (which could cause wax or ash to spill or leak out of the candle cartridge onto base or support surface). In use, the candle cartridge may be configured so that it does not transfer its weight substantially through the walls of the main body. This allows the main body to be removed from the base, while the base rests on a support surface, without inadvertently disturbing the candle cartridge which is in place. This reduces the risk of the candle cartridge being knocked over when the main body is released onto base or support surface. The system may be provided as a kit of parts, comprising one or more holders in combination with one or more candle cartridges. Preferably, the base portion and main body are releasably detachable from each other by relative rotation around an axis, and a total width of the holder is such that a user can exert a torque on the main portion around the axis with one hand. This facilitates easy disassembly of the candle holder by a user, and can be performed with one hand while the base portion bears on a surface. Optionally, the ratio of a total height of the candle holder to a total width of the candle holder is no more than 2:1. The ratio of the height of the candle holder to its width further improves the stability of the candle holder as it sits on a support surface. As the ratio of the height to the width increases, the toppling angle of the holder (that is, the critical angle of tipping from the vertical beyond which an object will topple over) decreases. It also becomes more difficult to remove the main body without inadvertently knocking over the candle cartridge. In some examples, the ratio of the height of the candle holder to its width is less than 1.5:1, or even less than 1:1. In some examples, the total width of the candle holder may be between 3cm and 15 cm. Preferably, the main body is releasable from the base while a candle cartridge bears against the base portion. This allows the main body to be removed without first having to remove the candle cartridge, reducing the risk of debris spilling or leaking. Preferably, the removable base has an outer width which is greater or equal to an outer width of the candle cartridge. Further preferably, the outer width of the removable base is greater or equal to an outer width of the main body. This further increases stability, and ensures that wax leaking out of the bottom or down the sides of a candle cartridge will land on the base rather than fall onto the support surface. Optionally, the base is releasably attachable to the main body by means of one or more attachment projections mating with one or more recesses. This ensures that the main body can retain the base, allowing the holder be lifted off a support surface as an entire unit, with a candle cartridge inside. Optionally, the base is releasably attachable to the main body by means of diametrically opposed attachment projections mating with diametrically opposed recesses. This arrangement ensures that the base is retained to the main body on both sides, minimising wobbling and ensuring that the candle cartridge cannot tilt within the holder. Optionally, the base portion comprises diametrically opposed attachment projections and the main body comprises diametrically opposed and substantially linear recesses configured to house the attachment projections and releasably detach the main body from the base portion by relative rotation thereof. In other words, the main body can be released from the base and candle cartridge by rotation, minimising disturbance to the candle cartridge. Optionally, the base portion attaches to the main body by means of a screw thread. This allows the main body to be removed by rotating the main body relative to the base, while restraining lateral movement of the main body to prevent it knocking against the candle cartridge. Optionally, the base portion attaches to the main body by means of an interference fit. This allows the main body to be removed from the base by a user in one smooth motion, reducing the risk of contact with the candle cartridge. Optionally, the narrowed portion is formed by one or more projections that each extend around at least part of the chamber. Optionally, the narrowed portion is formed by a plurality of spaced-apart projections that each extend around at least part of the chamber. Optionally, the narrowed portion is formed by a projection that extends fully around the chamber. This means that the top and outer sides of the container of the candle cartridge are not exposed and visible when the holder is in use, protecting them from damage and providing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Optionally, the one or more projections extend out from one or more chamber wall by at least 1mm or by at least 2mm, or by at least 3mm, by at least 4mm, or by at least 5mm or by at least 1cm, or by at least 1.5cm, or by at least 2cm, or by at least 2.5cm, or by at least 3cm. Optionally, the narrowed portion is formed by tapering or angling of the chamber wall or walls. Preferably the chamber is substantially cylindrical. This may simplify manufacturing of both the chamber and capsule refill. Preferably, the main body is substantially cylindrical, further simplifying manufacturing. Preferably, the holder comprises a lid that is configured to rest on the main body and substantially close the first opening of the chamber. Optionally, in order to release the main body from the base a hinged portion of the holder is moved from a closed position to an open position to allow access to the chamber. Preferably, the candle cartridge container comprises a recyclable material. More preferably, the container comprises aluminium or an aluminium alloy, as aluminium can be easily recycled and formed into new products. Preferably, the total volume of the candle cartridge (i.e., the volume defined by the external dimensions of the cartridge) comprises at least 40% of the total volume of the holder (i.e., the external dimensions of the holder). Preferably, a height of the one or more walls of the container candle cartridge comprises at least 60% of a total height of the holder. According to a second aspect of the invention, there comprises a candle holder for receiving a replaceable candle cartridge, the candle holder comprising: a main body with a chamber for retaining a candle cartridge, the chamber being defined by one or more chamber walls; a first opening at a first end of the chamber; a second opening at a second end of the chamber a narrowed chamber portion at or adjacent the first opening, such that in use a candle cartridge housed within the chamber is prevented by the narrowed portion from leaving the chamber via the first opening; and a removable base that is releasably attachable to the main body to close the second opening, wherein in use, the second end of the candle cartridge bears against a surface of the removable base portion and the candle cartridge substantially fills the entire volume of the chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS An example of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a main body, base portion and lid forming a candle holder made in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-section through the main body, base portion and lid of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating how a candle is inserted to the holder of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating how the base portion and main body of Figure 1 are releasably attached together; Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a candle retained by the base portion and main body of Figure 1; and, Figure 6 is a perspective view of the assembled holder of Figure 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION A refillable candle holder 1 comprises a base portion 2, a main body 3 and a lid 7. Main body 3 is substantially cylindrical and tubular, comprising a substantially cylindrical chamber 3a defined by a substantially cylindrical chamber wall 3b. Main body 3 comprises at its first end an first opening 3c and at its second end a second opening 3d. First opening 3c and second opening 3d are both substantially circular. At first opening 3c of chamber 3a there is positioned a circumferential projection 3e. Projection 3e extends out from a chamber wall 3b into chamber 3a by approximately 2mm. The diameter of second opening 3d is approximately 76mm, but as projection 3e extends into chamber 3a by approximately 2mm, the diameter of first opening 3c is approximately 72mm. Adjacent second opening 3d and formed on an internal face of chamber wall 3b are located substantially linear recesses 4a, 4b that are located in a substantially circumferential plane of base 3. Linear recesses 4a, 4b are diametrically opposed and each extend around approximately one quarter of the circumference of chamber 3a and are open to a second end of main body 3 by means of respective channels 5a, 5b that extend perpendicularly from respective ends of recesses 4a, 4b. Channels 5a, 5b are diametrically opposed within chamber 3a of main body 3. Base portion 2 comprises a disc-shaped central portion 2a having a substantially circular peripheral flange 2b and first and second diametrically attachment opposed projections 2c, 2d. Central portion 2a is of a diameter to snugly fit within second opening 3d of main body 3 and flange 2b is sized such that its diameter is substantially the same as the diameter of main body 3. In other examples, the outer diameter of flange 2b may be substantially greater than the diameter of main body 3, further increasing the stability of holder 1. Base portion 2 may be releasably attached to main body 3 by aligning attachment projections 2c, 2d with channels 5a, 5b such that attachment projections 2c, 2d may enter recesses 4a, 4b. Base portion 2 may then be given a quarter turn relative to main body 3 such that attachment projections 2c, 2d are position at or towards the ends of channels 4a, 4b, and base potion 2 is attached to main body 3. Lid 7 comprises a disc-shaped central portion 7a having a substantially circular peripheral flange 7b. Central portion 7a is of a diameter to snugly fit within first opening 3c of main body 3 and flange 7b is sized such that its diameter is substantially the same as the diameter of main body 3. Holder 1 may be used with candle cartridge 6 in the form of a wax candle that is provided with its own container. Candle cartridge 6 comprises a recyclable metal container 6a with a cylindrical side wall and a base and a wax candle 6b set within container 6a. The container is closed at its second end (i.e., the base), but is open at its first end to allow the candle to be lit and seen. The flat outer face of the second end of candle cartridge 6 is shaped to match the flat inner face of base 2, enabling candle cartridge 6 to bear effectively against the base 2. The height of the container walls extends at least the whole height of candle 6b, and in some examples may extend beyond the height of the candle 6b. The walls and second end of container 6a substantially surround candle 6b, such that in use the walls and base of candle 6b do not make contact with the inner surfaces of the base 2 or main body. Thus the container 6a serves to contain wax, ash and other debris from candle 6b, reducing the need to regularly clean holder 1. To replace a candle cartridge 6 in the holder 1, a user can remove the lid 7 and base portion 2 from main body 3. As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 a substantially cylindrical candle cartridge 6 may then be inserted into chamber 3a of main body 3 via second opening 3d. Candle cartridge 6 is sized to substantially fill the entire internal volume of chamber 3a. An appropriately sized candle cartridge 6 for holder 1 will be one that has a diameter between 72mm and 76mm such that it may be inserted into chamber 3a via second opening 3d but cannot leave chamber 3d via first opening 3c. Thus in the present example container 6a of candle cartridge 6 has an outer diameter of 75mm. Further, an ideal height of candle refill for holder 1 will be one that has a height that corresponds to the internal height of chamber 3a between an underside of projection 3e and an upper surface of a disc-shaped central portion 2a of base portion 2. This ensures that the size of candle cartridge 6 is maximised relative to the size of the chamber 3a, increasing the lifetime of candle cartridge 6. Once candle cartridge 6 is inserted into chamber 3 it may be secured therein by attaching base 2 to main body 3 by mating attachment projections 2c, 2d with recesses 4a, 4b. Candle cartridge 6 is thereby securely retained within candle holder 1. Advantageously from an aesthetic perspective, the upper rim of container 6a is not visible owing to it being covered by projection 3e. Lid 7 may optionally be employed by a user as a decorative cover for candle cartridge 6 and / or as a candle snuffer when a user wishes to extinguish candle cartridge 6 by depriving it of oxygen. When candle cartridge 6 has run out and a user wishes to put a new candle into holder 1 they may remove main body 3 from base 2. Empty container 6a may be slid out of chamber 3a via second opening 3d and a new candle refill may then be inserted into chamber 3a. With base 2 reattached to main body 3 holder 1 is again ready for use. As may be seen from Figure 6, when holder 1 is fully assembled with lid 7 and base portion 2 attached to main body 3, holder 1 is substantially cylindrical. Whilst in the present embodiment holder 1 is substantially cylindrical other shapes may of course be employed. Furthermore, whilst a cylindrical chamber may be preferable for manufacturing purposes, other shapes of chamber to fit differently shaped candles may be used. For example, a chamber may be substantially rectangular or square. In such embodiments it may be preferable that a base portion attaches to a main body by means of an interference fit or other attachment means such as clips. The total height of the holder 1 is defined by the distance between the top of the lid 7 and the bottom of the base 2. In the present example, the height of the walls of container 6a is 95mm, and the total height of holder 1 is 130mm, such that candle container comprises 73% of the total height of holder 1. In other examples, the height of the walls of container 6a comprise at least 60%, 65%, or 70% of the total height of holder 1. The total width of holder 1 is the maximum diameter of the main body 3, lid 7 and base 2. In the present example, the total width of holder 1 is 95mm. The ratio of the total height to the total width of the holder 1 is less than 1.4:1, meaning that the total width of holder 1 is well less than half the total height of holder 1. This ensures that holder 1 and candle cartridge 6 will remain stable and will not topple over as the main body 3 is removed. The 95mm total width of holder 1 enables a user to easily grip the outer wall of housing 1 and apply a torque around the vertical axis with one hand, thereby to detach holder 1 from base 2. In some examples, holder 1 and / or base 2 may include grips, indentations, or protrusions, to allow a user to grip more strongly and / or with greater control. Furthermore, whilst the present embodiment has been described with reference to specific dimensions, a holder may be made to any appropriate dimensions. Whilst in the present embodiment the candle is prevented from leaving chamber 3c by means of circumferential projection 3e in other embodiments other means to narrow the first opening may be provided. For example, chamber walls may be tapered such that they are thicker at or adjacent the first opening, or chamber walls may be of the same thickness but angled such that the size of the first opening is diminished in comparison to the second opening. Whilst in the present embodiment the base of the holder is detachable to allow a user to access the refill chamber in other embodiments other ways to access the chamber may be provided. For example, an upper segment of the holder comprising the narrowed portion of chamber may be removable from a main body of a holder, or a holder may detach around its middle into two evenly sized parts. Whilst in the present embodiment the base is attached to a cylindrical main body by means of attachment projections mating with recesses in other embodiments parts of a holder may attach to each other using any suitable means such as magnets, clips or hook and loop fastening. Whilst in the present embodiment the holder is disassembled into a plurality of parts in order to replace a candle refill in other embodiments other arrangements may permit the replacement of refills. For example, a holder may comprise a hinged portion that is openable and closable to allow access to a chamber. For example, in some embodiments a base may be hingedly attached to a chamber wall, or a cylindrical chamber wall may comprise two portions that are hinged together, or a cuboid chamber may have one substantially rectangular wall hingedly attached to the remainder of the holder. In this specification an apparatus / method / product "comprising" certain features is intended to be interpreted as meaning that it includes those features, but that it does not exclude the presence of other features.

Claims

1. A refillable candle system comprising:a candle holder for receiving a replaceable candle cartridge, the candle holder comprising:a main body with a chamber for retaining a candle cartridge, the chamber being defined by one or more chamber walls;a first opening at a first end of the chamber;a second opening at a second end of the chamber;a narrowed chamber portion at or adjacent the first opening, such that in use a candle cartridge housed within the chamber is prevented by the narrowed portion from leaving the chamber via the first opening;a removable base that is releasably attachable to the main body to close the second opening; and,a candle cartridge comprising a wax candle set within a container, the container having an open first end and closed second end, and one or more walls which substantially surround the whole length of the candle, the candle cartridge container being recyclable,wherein, when assembled in use, the second end of the candle cartridge bears against a surface of the removable base portion and the candle cartridge substantially fills the entire volume of the chamber.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the base portion and main body are releasably detachable from each other by relative rotation around an axis, and a total width of the holder is such that a user can exert a torque on the main portion around the axis with one hand.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the removable base has an outer width which is greater or equal to an outer width of the candle cartridge.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the outer width of the removable base is greater or equal to an outer width of the main body.

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the base is releasably attachable to the main body by means of one or more attachment projections mating with one or more recesses.

6. The system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the base is releasably attachable to the main body by means of diametrically opposed attachment projections mating with diametrically opposed recesses.

7. The system of any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the base portion comprises diametrically opposed attachment projections and the main body comprises diametrically opposed and substantially linear recesses configured to house the attachment projections and releasably detach the main body from the base portion by relative rotation thereof.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the base portion attaches to the main body by means of a screw thread.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the base portion attached to the main body by means of an interference fit.

10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the narrowed portion is formed by one or more projections that each extend around at least part of the chamber.

11. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the narrowed portion is formed by a plurality of spaced-apart projections that each extend around at least part of the chamber.

12. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the narrowed portion is formed by a projection that extends fully around the chamber.

13. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the narrowed portion is formed by tapering or angling of the chamber wall or walls.

14. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the base is releasably attachable to the main body by means of one or more attachment projections mating with one or more recesses.15 . The system of any preceding claim, wherein the chamber is substantially cylindrical.

16. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the main body is substantially cylindrical.

17. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the holder comprises a lid that is configured to rest on the main body and substantially close the first opening of the chamber.

18. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the total volume of the candle cartridge comprises at least 40% of the total volume of the holder.

19. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a height of the one or more walls of the container candle cartridge comprises at least 60% of a total height of the holder.

20. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the candle cartridge container comprises a recyclable material, preferably aluminium.

21. A candle holder for receiving a replaceable candle cartridge, the candle holder comprising:a main body with a chamber for retaining a candle cartridge, the chamber being defined by one or more chamber walls;a first opening at a first end of the chamber;a second opening at a second end of the chambera narrowed chamber portion at or adjacent the first opening, such that in use a candle cartridge housed within the chamber is prevented by the narrowed portion from leaving the chamber via the first opening; anda removable base that is releasably attachable to the main body to close the second opening,wherein, in use, the second end of the candle cartridge bears against a surface of the removable base portion and the candle cartridge substantially fills the entire volume of the chamber.Application No:     GB2315364.615Examiner: Dr Edmund HazellClaims searched: 1-21Date of search: 19 March 2024Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X 1-3 and 5- 21 US 2020 / 0003412 Al (BIANCHINI) see particularly description paragraphs [0101], [0104] and figures noting candle cartridge 5 comprising wax candle 41 and container 40+42, and candle holder comprising main body 2+4 with chamber 3f, removable base 4a. X 1-21 WO 99 / 17055 Al (MASON MFG LTD) see figures noting candle holder with main body 21, first opening 24, second opening closed by removable base 17+18, candle cartridge 8 comprising wax candle 10 in a container including base 15, film 16 and candle cap (figure 1). X 1-21 WO 2021 / 011812 Al (PACA Y PACA INC) see figures noting candle holder including removable base 13 and main body 11 with first opening 24 adjacent narrowed portion formed by projection 22, and candle cartridge 12 including wax candle 18 in container 19. X 21 WO 2008 / 061293 Al (GRAVITY CANDLES PTY LTD) see figures noting candle holder with main body 1, first opening with narrowing formed by collar 2, second opening closed by removable base 6. X 21 CN 205807369 U (WANG LIQUN) see figures noting candle holder comprising main body 1 with narrowed portion proximal upper opening, detachable base portion 2.Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB. EP, WO &US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX :Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC16F21V_____________________________________________________The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report WPI, EPODOCInternational Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From F21V 0035 / 00 01 / 01 / 2006 F23D 0003 / 16 01 / 01 / 2006 C11C 0005 / 00 01 / 01 / 2006 F21V 0017 / 14 01 / 01 / 2006

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