Systems and methods for flame suppression

Abstract

A system and method for a flame-extinguishing candle for automatically retracting and extinguishing a wick flame. The system includes a candle, a wick, and a puck assembly. The candle includes a bore for receiving the wick and a cavity for receiving the puck assembly. The puck assembly may include a motor-driven power screw or a spur gear associated with a spaced apart pinion gear. The puck assembly is removable from the candle for reuse with another candle. A wick-engaging member may be operatively associated with the power screw for linear motion transferred to the wick. The pinion gear may be engageable with a rack gear positioned therebetween, such that rotation of the pinion gear is translated into linear motion of the wick. A computer system may be utilized to control the motor based on a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal, or any wireless signal.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates to systems and methods for extinguishing a flame-extinguishing candle for use in conjunction with retracting a wick within a candle. Additionally, the present technology may relate to automatically retracting a flame-extinguishing wick within a candle body to extinguish a flame based on a preset time, a preset candle tilt angle, a wireless or Bluetooth activation signal, a mobile application (app), a voice command, or an overheat signal. [Background technology]

[0002] Candles have been used as a light source, and sometimes a heat source, for thousands of years, but to this day have posed significant safety concerns. Early candle uses involved dipping a reed wick in melted animal fat. Candles have evolved over the years, but the dangers remain as present today as they did years ago. Modern candles still rely on an exposed flame, which must be extinguished by a person or by some other means.

[0003] In recent years, candles have gained new popularity due to the use of by-products from modern manufacturing for their basic ingredients, namely paraffin and stearic acid. The ease of producing candles has led to increased popularity and interest in candles as decorations, mood setters, aromatherapy, and gifts. Candles are suddenly available in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and scents.

[0004] Candles have come a long way since their early uses. Although candles are no longer primarily used as a primary source of light or heat, their popularity and uses continue to grow. Today, candles can serve to symbolize celebration, ignite romance, soothe the senses, honor ceremonies, and accent home décor.

[0005] However, the dangers associated with candles remain. With their new unstable shapes, candles are prone to tipping over, resulting in increased potential for home fires resulting in property damage, injury, and even death. Furthermore, in this modern age, most people lead busy lifestyles, and lit candles may be left unattended for long periods of time. This may further result in the catastrophes mentioned herein.

[0006] A dangerous consequence of using a burning candle is the possibility of a fire resulting in property damage, injury, or death. One of the more common causes of candle fire hazards is that a burning candle is left unattended and / or the length of the exposed wick creates a large flame. Long candle wicks usually create tall flames that burn in irregular patterns or heights. These irregular patterns create a dangerous propensity for fire. Hazards associated with candle wicks include the possibility of overheating, which can cause considerable anxiety and fire hazards.

[0007] Additionally, candles come in many different shapes, some of which are very unstable and prone to tipping over, without the user realizing that a tipped candle poses an extremely dangerous fire hazard.

[0008] While known self-extinguishing candle devices satisfy their respective specific purposes and requirements, the aforementioned devices or systems do not describe a candle with a system and method for a self-extinguishing flame-extinguishing candle, i.e., one that allows for automatic retraction of the wick within the candle body utilizing specialized technology, gear assemblies, and computer controlled systems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] A need exists for new and novel technologies for automatically extinguishing a candle flame. The flame-extinguishing candle system and method of the present technology for extinguishing a candle flame satisfies this need. In this regard, the flame-extinguishing candle system and method of the present technology substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of known self-extinguishing candles, and in so doing provides a device developed primarily for the purpose of quickly re-igniting a wick after it has been stored within the candle body below the flame-extinguishing row line.

[0010] In view of the aforementioned disadvantages inherent to all known types of candles, the present technology provides a novel flame-extinguishing candle system and method that overcomes one or more of the mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of known self-extinguishing candles. Accordingly, the general objective of the present technology, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, is to provide a new and novel flame-extinguishing candle system and method, which system and method has all the advantages of the known self-extinguishing candles mentioned heretofore, as well as many novel features that are not anticipated, not expressly expressed, not suggested, or even inferred by the known self-extinguishing candles, either alone or in any combination thereof, resulting in a flame-extinguishing candle system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one aspect, the present technology may include a flame-quenching candle system for storing a wick within a candle. The flame-quenching candle system may include a pack assembly associated with the candle. The pack assembly may include a motor operably engageable with the wick and with a wick-engaging member that effects movement of the wick within the candle.

[0012] According to another aspect, the present technology may include a flame quenching candle system including a pack body, a wick engaging member, and a base assembly. The pack body may be receivable in a cavity defined in the candle. The pack body may include a guide member and a bore defined therethrough. The wick engaging member may be slidably receivable in the bore of the guide member. The wick engaging member may be operably engageable with the wick. The base assembly may be mountable to the pack body. The base assembly may include a motor operably engageable with the wick engaging member and providing linear motion of the wick engaging member that provides movement of the wick within the candle.

[0013] According to yet another aspect, the present technology may include a flame quenching candle system, which may include a candle, a wick, a pack body, a wick engaging member, a base assembly, a motor, and a computer or controller system. The candle may include a wick bore defined along a longitudinal axis of the candle and a bottom cavity defined in a bottom section of the candle and in communication with the wick bore. The wick may be configured to be slidably receivable through the wick bore. A wick plate may be associated with the wick. The pack body may be receivable in the cavity of the candle. The pack body may include a guide member and a bore defined through the guide member. The wick engaging member may be slidably receivable in the bore of the guide member. The wick engaging member may be operably engageable with the wick plate. The base assembly may be attachable to the pack body. The base assembly may be operably engageable with the wick engaging member and configured to support a motor that may effect linear movement of the wick engaging member that effects movement of the wick within the candle. The computer or controller system may be configured or configurable to control the motor based on one or any combination of a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal, a voice command, a wireless activation signal, and a network activation signal.

[0014] According to yet another aspect, the present technology may include a method of extinguishing a wick flame using a flame-quenching candle system. The method may include controlling a motor to operably drive a wick engaging member of a puck assembly associated with the candle. The wick engaging member is operably engageable with the wick to effect movement of the wick within the candle.

[0015] According to yet another aspect, the present technology may further include a flame-quenching candle system including a first pinion gear, a second pinion gear, a motor, a rack gear, and a wick. The second pinion gear may be spaced apart from the first pinion gear to define a gap therebetween. The motor may be configured to operatively drive the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear such that the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear rotate in opposite directions. The rack gear may be receivable in the gap and may be engageable with the first pinion gear and the second gear such that rotation of the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear results in linear motion of the rack gear. The wick may be associated with the rack gear for movement with the wick through a wick bore defined in the candle.

[0016] According to yet another aspect, the present technology may include a flame-quenching candle system including a candle, a wick assembly, and a puck assembly. The candle may include a wick bore defined along a longitudinal axis of the candle and a bottom cavity defined in a bottom section of the candle in communication with the wick bore. The wick assembly may include a wick, a wick plate, and a rack gear. The wick may be configured to be slidably receivable through the wick bore. The wick plate may be receivable in the bottom cavity. The rack gear may be attached to the wick plate. The puck assembly may be receivable in the bottom cavity of the candle. The puck assembly may include a first spur gear and a first pinion gear, both of which are fixed to the first shaft. The second spur gear and the second pinion are both fixed to the second shaft. The second spur gear may be engagable with the first spur gear. The second pinion gear can be spaced from the first pinion gear defining a gap therebetween configured to receive the rack gear. The motor can be operatively configured to drive the first spur gear. The computer or controller system can be configured or configurable to control the motor based on one or any combination of a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal, a voice command, a wireless activation signal, and a network activation signal. The rack gear can be engageable with the first pinion gear and the second gear such that rotation of the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear results in linear motion of the rack gear.

[0017] According to yet another aspect, the present technology may include a method of extinguishing a wick flame using a flame-quenching candle system. The method may include controlling a motor to operatively drive a first pinion gear and a second pinion gear to linearly move a rack gear engaged and positioned between the pinion gears. The rack gear may be configured to impart linear motion to a wick that may be slidably received through a wick bore defined through the candle.

[0018] In some or all of the embodiments, the candle may include a wax body that is capable of extinguishing a wick flame when the wick is stored within the wick bore.

[0019] In some or all of the embodiments, the pack assembly may further include a pack body receivable in the cavity defined in the candle, and a base assembly attachable to the pack body and configured to support the motor.

[0020] In some or all of the embodiments, the motor may be operatively associated with one selected from the group consisting of a gear and a power screw.

[0021] In some or all embodiments, the core engagement member can be configured to be driven by a motor to provide linear motion to the core.

[0022] In some or all embodiments, the core engagement member may include a threaded member that operably engages a power screw that is operably driven by a motor.

[0023] In some or all embodiments, the wick engagement member may be slidably received in a bore defined through a guide member of the puck body.

[0024] In some or all embodiments, the core engagement member may further include one or more guides extending outwardly from the core engagement member, each configured to be slidably received in a channel defined in the guide member and communicating with the bore.

[0025] In some or all embodiments, the core engagement member may include a magnet that is operably engageable with a core plate of the core.

[0026] In some or all embodiments, the pack assembly may further include a candle holder, the candle holder being receivable in the cavity of the candle and configured to receive an insert section of the pack body, the base section of the pack body supporting a bottom of the candle.

[0027] In some or all embodiments, the candle holder and the insertion section may include corresponding engageable elements configured to secure the pack body to the candle holder when the insertion section is inserted into the candle holder a predetermined distance.

[0028] Some or all of the embodiments of the present technology may include a first spur gear operably engageable with a drive gear of a motor. The first spur gear may be fixed to a first shaft that is fixed to the first pinion gear. Some or all of the present technology may include a second spur gear operably engageable with the first spur gear. The second spur gear may be fixed to a second shaft that is fixed to the second pinion gear. In some or all of the embodiments, the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear may each include a ledge that each extends outwardly from a periphery. The ledge of the first pinion gear and the ledge of the second pinion gear may be configured to contact the rack gear in the unlocked position.

[0029] Some or all embodiments of the present technology may include a core plate attached to a core and a rack gear.

[0030] Some or all of the embodiments of the present technology may include a puck assembly that may include a bottom cover and a top cover. The bottom cover may be configured to support a motor, a first pinion gear, and a second pinion gear. The top cover may be attachable to the bottom cover and may enclose the motor, the first pinion gear, and the second pinion gear. In some or all of the embodiments, the bottom cover may further include one or more side locks extending from the bottom cover. In some or all of the embodiments, the top cover may include one or more side lock notches configured to receive the one or more side locks therein when the top cover and the bottom cover are assembled.

[0031] Some or all embodiments of the present technology may include a locking bar configured to be receivable into a slot defined in the side lock. The locking bar may be configured to extend outside the puck assembly for insertion into the candle.

[0032] In some or all of the embodiments, the top cover can include a recessed section defining an upper cavity configured to slidably receive the core plate. A bore can be defined through the recessed section configured to slidably receive the rack gear.

[0033] Some or all embodiments of the present technology may include a washer positionable between the top wall of the top cover and the top wall of the candle cavity that defines the bottom cavity.

[0034] In some or all of the embodiments, the puck assembly may further include a U-shaped support structure configured to rotatably support the first and second shafts and the first and second pinion gears between parallel sidewalls that partially define the U-shaped support structure, with the first and second spur gears located exterior to the parallel sidewalls.

[0035] Some or all embodiments of the present technology may include a computer or controller system configured or configurable to control a motor based on any one or any combination of a time signal, an actuation signal, and a sensor signal.

[0036] In some or all embodiments, the computer or controller system may be configured or configurable to control the motor based on a sensor selected from the group consisting of a tilt sensor, an angle sensor, and a thermal sensor.

[0037] Some or all embodiments of the present technology may include a base mountable to a puck assembly and configured to be in electrical communication with electrical components of the puck assembly.

[0038] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the features of the present technology in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and in order to better appreciate the present contributions to the art. Effect of the Invention

[0039] Several objects, features, and advantages of the present technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the present technology, which is understood to be illustrative in nature and to be limiting when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0040] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception on which this disclosure is based may be readily utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out some purposes of the present technology.

[0041] It is therefore an object of the present technique to provide a new and novel flame-extinguishing candle system and method that provides all of the advantages of known self-extinguishing candles, but without the disadvantages.

[0042] Another object of the present technology is to provide a system and method for new and novel flame-extinguishing candles that can be easily and efficiently manufactured and promoted.

[0043] It is yet an additional object of the present technology to provide new and novel flame-extinguishing candle systems and methods that result in low cost manufacture, both in terms of materials and labor, and therefore result in low cost sales to the general consumer market, thereby making such flame-extinguishing candle systems and methods economically accessible to the general consumer market.

[0044] It is yet another object of the present technology to provide a new flame-extinguishing candle system and method that provides some of the advantages of known self-extinguishing candle devices and methods, while overcoming some of the disadvantages typically associated with known self-extinguishing candles.

[0045] For a better understanding of the present technology, its operating advantages, and specific objectives achieved by its use, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and written description in which embodiments of the present technology are shown. Although several objectives of the present technology are set forth herein, it will be understood that the claimed technology is not limited to meeting most or all of the identified objectives, and that some embodiments of the present technology may meet only one, or none of, such objectives.

[0046] The techniques of the present invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when the following detailed description is considered, such description being made with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a flame-quenching candle system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present technology, showing internal structure in hidden (dashed) lines. [Diagram 2]FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of the flame-extinguishing candle system of the present technology. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of a flame-extinguishing candle system of the present technology. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a pack assembly of the present technology. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a motor and gear assembly of the present technology. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a flame-extinguishing candle system of the present technology. [Figure 7] A bottom elevational view showing the lock bar in an engaged position inserted into the candle and in a disengaged position retracted from the candle, with the gripper rotated into a stowed position in the open bottom recess of the slide lock. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the left locking bar in an engaged position and the right locking bar in a disengaged position. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the core engagement gear assembly, the core, and the plate in the unlocked position. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the core engagement gear assembly in an engaged position with the core and plate depressed. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view of the wick engagement gear assembly in a stored position with the wick stored within the candle body. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flame-extinguishing candle system including a puck base with a puck assembly attached and inserted into a candle body. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the bottom section of the puck assembly showing the puck connector and the top section of the puck base showing the base connector. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flame-extinguishing candle system including an alternative embodiment pack assembly, including a pack base, a pack body, a candle holder, and a wick drive member, inserted into a candle body. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a candle holder of an alternative embodiment of the puck assembly. [Figure 16]16 is a cross-sectional view of the candle holder taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a side plan view of a pack body of an alternative embodiment pack assembly. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of a puck body of an alternative embodiment puck assembly. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a core engagement member of an alternative embodiment of a puck assembly. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of a core engagement member of an alternative embodiment puck assembly. [Figure 21] 21 is a cross-sectional view of the core engagement member taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 19. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a base assembly of an alternative embodiment of the puck assembly. [Figure 23] 23 is a cross-sectional view of the base assembly taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 22. [Figure 24] FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flame-extinguishing candle system of FIG. 14. [Diagram 25] 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the candle holder and pack body connection assembly taken from line 25 of FIG. 24. [Figure 26] 26 is a cross-sectional side view of the flame-quenching candle system taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 24. [Figure 27] A cross-sectional view of the wick engagement member in a stored position with the wick stored within the candle body. [Figure 28] 1 illustrates an exemplary electronic computing device that may be used to implement embodiments of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] The same reference numbers refer to the same parts throughout the various figures.

[0049] In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular embodiments, procedures, techniques, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present technology may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.

[0050] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Figures 1-28, there is shown an embodiment of a flame-quenched candle system and method of the present technology, generally designated by the numeral 10. According to any aspect, the present technology may include a flame-quenched candle system for storing a wick within a candle. The flame-quenched candle system may include a puck assembly associated with the candle body. The puck assembly may include a motor operably engageable with the wick and with a wick-engaging member that effects movement of the wick within the candle.

[0051] It can be appreciated that the pack assembly of any or all embodiments of the present technology can be a separate or stand-alone component that can be utilized with any type of candle. It can be further appreciated that the pack assembly of any or all embodiments of the present technology can have any size, configuration, and / or shape that can be utilized with various other candle designs.

[0052] The design of any or all embodiments of the pack assembly of the present technology, including its structure, utility, and / or function, will protect any subsequent iterations, regardless of application.

[0053] 1 and 2, a new and novel flame-quenching candle system and method 10 of the present technology for storing a wick 70 within a candle or candle body 12 is shown and described. More specifically, the flame-quenching candle system and method 10 may include a candle body 12 including a wick bore 14, a wick 70, and a pack assembly 20 receivable into a bottom cavity 16 of the candle body 12. The flame-quenching candle system 10 may be utilized and configured to automatically retract the wick 70 within the candle body 12 after a predetermined period of time from a timer, in response to activation of a user input, in response to voice command activation, in response to wireless or Bluetooth activation, in response to network or internet activation, or in response to a sensor such as, but not limited to, a tilt / angle sensor 208, a motion sensor, or a heat sensor 218 (see FIG. 28). The tilt / angle sensor 208 may be in the form of a mercury switch, with the horizontal orientation configured as a non-activated state.

[0054] The candle body 12 can be any type of candle, including, but not limited to, a wax candle, a glass jar candle, an oil lamp, any candle that includes a combustion body, or any lamp that utilizes a combustion fuel. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the following description will refer to a wax candle. The techniques of the present invention can be adapted to any size or shape of candle, or can be incorporated into existing candles.

[0055] The wick bore 14 may be defined along a central longitudinal axis of the candle body 12 that communicates with the base cavity 16, thereby corresponding to known candle designs. However, it will be appreciated that the wick bore 14 may be multiple bores defined through the candle at any location, orientation angle, and / or direction to accommodate multiple wicks at variable locations and orientations.

[0056] The candle body 12 can be any type of candle, including, but not limited to, a wax candle, a glass jar candle, an oil lamp, any candle that includes a combustion body, or any lamp that utilizes a combustion fuel. By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the following description will refer to a wax candle. The techniques of the present invention can be adapted to any size or shape of candle, or can be incorporated into existing candles.

[0057] The wick 70 can slidably advance through the wick bore 14 of the candle body 12 and extend into the bottom cavity 16. The wick 70 can be designed to slide or move freely through the wick bore 14 via a non-stick or lubricant coating applied to the wick 70. Alternatively, the wick 70 can be mounted in a hollow shaft or tube (not shown), allowing the wick 70 to move freely through the wick bore 14.

[0058] The puck assembly 20 can be utilized and configured to include all mechanical and electrical components to operate the techniques of the present invention. The puck assembly 20 can be designed to fit snugly within the bottom cavity 16 of the candle body 12 while being designed not to fall out unless physically removed. In an illustrative example, a structural retaining means can be associated with the exterior of the puck assembly 20 that engages with the wax material of the candle body 12 that defines the bottom cavity 16, thereby securing the puck assembly 20 in the bottom cavity 16. The puck assembly 20 can be inserted into a hardening candle or the puck assembly 20 can be placed into a candle mold to receive the wax that melts around the puck assembly 20. Upon hardening, the wax will solidify around the puck assembly 20, thereby securing it in place.

[0059] 3, the present technology utilizes a puck assembly 20 to slidably move a wick 70 through a wick bore 14 of a candle body 12. The puck assembly 20 may include a base assembly or bottom cover 22 and a puck body or top cover 60 that are secured together to form a closeable body that encloses the mechanical and electrical components of the present technology. The puck body may have a substantially cylindrical configuration that is shaped to match the base cavity 16 of the candle, without limitation.

[0060] As best shown in Figures 2-5, the bottom cover 22 can include a battery cover 24 that allows access to one or more batteries 26. One or more side locks 30 can extend up from opposing sides of a periphery of the bottom cover 22. Each side lock 30 can include a slot 32 configured to receive a locking bar 34 having, without limitation, a generally T-shape. Each side lock 30 is receivable in a side lock notch 62 defined in the periphery of the top cover 60.

[0061] As best shown in Figs. 7 and 8, by way of example, a portion of the T-shaped locking bar 34 can extend out of the side lock 30 and bottom cover 22, so that a user can slide the locking bar 34 along the slot 32 so that a free end of the locking bar 34 can extend out of the slot 32 in the side of the pack assembly 20 for insertion into the candle body 12. This can be accomplished by the slide lock 30 including an open bottom recess 31 that communicates with the slot 32, with the side walls of the side lock 30 supporting the end faces of the T-shaped locking bar 34. The open bottom recess 31 is divided into two or more sections by a pair of partitions 33, defining an opening between its free ends, allowing the gripping portion 35 of the locking bar 34 to advance between the sections. After insertion, the user can rotate the locking bar 34 so that any one of the sections of the open bottom recess 31 receives the gripping portion 35.

[0062] The locking bar 34 can be disengaged from the candle body 12 to allow removal of the pack assembly 20, and the user can rotate the handle 35 out of the open bottom recess 31 and slide the locking bar 34 along the slot 32 to a stored position.

[0063] 4 and 9, one or more mounting posts 28 may extend upwardly from the bottom cover 22 that may mate with or abut corresponding mounting posts 66 extending from the upper wall of the top cover 60. As best shown in FIG. 9, fasteners 78 may be utilized to secure the bottom cover 22 and top cover 60 together.

[0064] Alternatively, a screw arrangement may be associated with the side walls of the bottom cover 22 and top cover 60 to allow for rotational assembly of the puck assembly 20, thereby eliminating the mounting posts 28, 66.

[0065] 3-6, the bottom cover 22 may include a drive support structure 36 including a generally U-shaped wall. One or more motor mounts 38 may extend from one side wall of the drive support structure 36. The motor 40 may include one or more motor flanges 42 configured to align with the motor mounts 38, thereby allowing the motor 40 to be secured to the drive support structure 36 in a horizontal position, parallel to the bottom cover 22, or on a lateral side of the drive support structure 36. A drive gear 44 operably engages the motor 40, and when assembled, the motor 40 and the drive gear 44 are located outside the drive support structure 36 via the motor mounts 38.

[0066] A first spur gear 46 is rotatably mounted on the exterior of the drive support structure 36 via a first shaft 48 that extends through the parallel walls of the U-shaped drive support structure 36. The first spur gear 46 is engageable with and operatively driven by the drive gear 44.

[0067] A second spur gear 50 is rotatably mounted outside of the drive support structure 36 via a second shaft 52 that extends through the parallel walls of the U-shaped drive support structure 36. The second shaft 52, and therefore the second spur gear 50, are in spaced apart relationship to the first spur gear 46. The second spur gear 50 is engageable with and operatively driven by the first spur gear 46. As best shown in FIG. 5, during operation, when the motor 40 rotates the drive gear 44, the drive gear 44 rotates the first spur gear 46, thus counter-rotating the second spur gear 50.

[0068] As best shown in Figures 4, 6, and 9-11, a core engagement member or assembly may be located inside the U-shaped drive support structure 36, which may be characterized as a clamping gear assembly or rack and pinion assembly including a first pinion gear 54, a second pinion gear 56, and a cylindrical rack gear 74. The first pinion gear 54 is operably mounted with the first shaft 48 for rotation with the rotation of the first spur gear 46. The second pinion gear 56 is operably mounted with the second shaft 52 for rotation with the rotation of the second spur gear 50. The first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 have a smaller size or diameter than the corresponding spur gears. This provides a gap or space between the teeth of the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56.

[0069] Each of the first and second pinion gears 54,56 includes a toothed section, a non-toothed section, and a protruding ledge 55,57, respectively. The protruding ledge 55,57 extends tangentially from an edge of its corresponding pinion gear 54,56. When assembled, the ledges 55,57 face each other when the present technology is in the unlocked position, as best shown in FIG. 9. Planes or surfaces defined on the ledges 55,57 provide a smooth point of contact with the free end of the rack gear 74, allowing the ledges 55,57 to be easily pushed radially when the rack gear 74 comes into contact.

[0070] The rack gear 74 can be configured as an elongated shaft featuring a plurality of offset radial or cylindrical teeth 76. The rack gear 74 is further configured to be receiveable in the gap between the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 such that the cylindrical teeth 76 are engageable with the teeth of the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56. It can be appreciated that rotation of the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 translates into longitudinal motion of the rack gear 74.

[0071] Thus, continuing to push the rack gear 74 against the ledges 55, 57 until the teeth 76 of the rack gear 74 engage the teeth of the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56, respectively, will result in rotation of the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56. It can be appreciated that pulling on the rack gear 74 will cause the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 to rotate in the opposite direction until they are pulled along with or disengaged from the teeth 76 of the rack gear 74 or the teeth of the first spur gear 46 and the second spur gear 50.

[0072] A computer or controller system 200 (see FIG. 28 ) may be included in the puck assembly 20 and associated with the bottom cover 22 in operative communication with the battery 26 and the motor 40. The computer or controller system 200 may include and / or be in communication with various electrical components, sensors, controllers, etc. For example, the computer or controller system 200 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) featuring a timer and / or an angle or tilt sensor 208 configured to detect or determine the tilt or angle orientation of the candle body 12, or a wireless, internet, or Bluetooth interface.

[0073] As best shown in Figures 5, 6, and 9-11, the top cover 60 may include a guide member or recessed section 64 that defines a bore or upper cavity 65 configured to slidably receive the core plate 72. The interior of the top cover 60 may include a hollow section with an open end configured to enclose the electrical and mechanical components of the puck assembly 20. A seal or gasket (not shown) may be associated with a free end or edge of the sidewall of the top cover 60 to prevent wax or moisture from entering the interior of the puck assembly 20 when the bottom cover 22 and top cover 60 are assembled.

[0074] The core plate 72 is configured to support and be secured to the free end or end face of the core 70 in fixed or engaged combination with the free end of the rack gear 74. The bottom wall of the recessed section 64 defines a bore 63 that communicates with the upper cavity 65. As best shown in FIG. 9, the bore 63 is configured to slidably receive the rack gear 74. It can be appreciated that motion of the rack gear 74 translates to motion of the core plate 72 and, therefore, the core 70.

[0075] A metal washer 80 can be positioned between the top wall of the top cover 60 and the top cavity wall of the bottom cavity 16 of the candle body 12. The metal washer 80 can be configured to protect the puck assembly 20 from melting wax from the candle body 12 during operation.

[0076] 9-11, the operating conditions associated with the movement of the core 70 are described. Initially, the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 can be in an unlocked position (see FIG. 9), thus allowing free movement of the core 70. In the unlocked position, the ledges 55, 57 of the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 face each other, so that the flat surfaces of the ledges 55, 57 can contact the free end of the rack gear 74. The rack gear 74, the core 70, and the core plate 72 can be inserted into the upper cavity 65, so that the rack gear 74 extends through the bore 63 and into the gap between the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56, so that the free end of the rack gear 74 contacts both the ledges 55, 57.

[0077] The core plate 72 can then be pushed slightly into the upper cavity 65 so that the rack gear 74 is pushed against the ledges 55, 57, thereby rotating its corresponding pinion gears 54, 56 so that their teeth engage the cylindrical teeth 76. This now results in the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 being in a locked position, as best shown in FIG.

[0078] Thus, operation of the motor 40 now results in rotation of the first spur gear 46 and the second spur gear 50, which in turn results in rotation of the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56, and thus vertical movement of the rack gear 74 and the core 70.

[0079] As best shown in FIG. 11, in a fire-extinguishing operation, the motor 40 can be operated such that the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 are in a retracted position. In the retracted position, the wick 70 is retracted within the candle body 12 where the melted wax can extinguish the flame of the wick 70. In the illustrated example, the rotation of the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 can be at a specific angle, which allows for vertical movement of the wick 70 of approximately ½ inch. It can be appreciated that reverse flow operation of the motor 40 can result in the wick 70 extending up and out of the wick bore 14 for immediate ignition and use.

[0080] Operation of the motor 40 can be accomplished by a button located on the bottom cover 22 or automatically by the computer or controller system 200. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom cover 22 can include one or more buttons or switches for providing or setting control of the motor 40 and / or the computer or controller system 200. For example, the buttons and / or switches can be associated with one or more operating conditions, including, but not limited to, on / off, test mode, pre-set periods of automatic retraction of the wick 70 (10 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, etc.), clamped and unclamped wick modes, or removal of the puck. The test mode can be configured to allow the candle body 12 to burn for a predetermined period of time (TBD) and then operate the motor 40 to retract the wick 70, extinguishing the flame and remaining unlit until the user relights it. The clamped wick mode can be configured to lock the wick 70 to the puck assembly 20, while the unclamped wick mode can be configured to unlock the wick 70 from the puck assembly 20. The puck removal switch can be configured to allow removal of the puck assembly 20 from the candle body 12 without damage to the motor and gear assembly. It can be appreciated that the switch or button can be of any known type.

[0081] 12 and 13, an alternative embodiment of the puck assembly 20' includes a puck base 84 that can be utilized with the present technology. The puck base 84 can be configured to operatively connect to and / or with the puck assembly 20'. The puck base 84 can have any geometric configuration to support the candle body 12 and can have a width or diameter greater than the candle body 12. It can be appreciated that the puck base 84 can be configured to capture any melted wax that flows down the sides of the candle body 12. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the puck base 84 can be included and / or purchased together with or separately from the candle body 12 and / or the puck assembly 20'.

[0082] By way of example, puck base 84 may be a decorative flat base, approximately 3 / 4 inch in height, circular like the bottom of candle body 12, and approximately 1 or 2 inches wider than candle body 12.

[0083] Pack base 84 can be configured to hold some or all of the electronic components and batteries that may not fit in pack assembly 20'. The batteries in pack base 84 can be the primary power source or can be a supplement to the batteries in pack assembly 20'. Alternatively, the power source can be provided to pack base 84 and / or pack assemblies 20, 20' by a power cord and recognize a power converter that can be plugged into a standard power outlet. Such electronic components can be, but are not limited to, a radio receiver or transceiver, a Bluetooth or electronic interface, a microphone for voice command or recognition, etc.

[0084] The puck assembly 20' and puck base 84 can be connected or mated together using a male / female connector or some electronic interface that operably connects the two units to work as one. In the illustrated example, the puck assembly 20' can include a female connector 82 that includes suitable electrical contacts that mate with a male connector 86 on the puck base 84, and vice versa. The male connector 82 and female connector 86 can have a cylindrical configuration, allowing the puck assembly 20' to rotate relative to the puck base 84.

[0085] A metal top plate 88 can be installed on top of the puck base 84 to prevent damage to the top of the puck base 84. The top location 88 is in the shape of a washer and can be removably installed on the top of the puck base 84, with the male connector 86 extending through a central hole in the top plate 88.

[0086] To combine one embodiment of the technology of the present invention, the user can further appreciate that while in the unlocked position, the assembled rack gear 74 and core plate 72 can be inserted into the upper cavity 65. The user can continue to press the core plate 72, so that the teeth 76 of the rack gear 74 engage with the teeth of the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56, thereby placing the preset technology in the locked position.

[0087] When the wick 70 is attached to the wick plate 72, the user can screw the wick 70 into the wick bore 14 of the candle and insert the puck assembly into the bottom cavity 16 of the candle body 12. The locking bar 34 can be rotated or slid to an engaged position such that the end of the locking bar 34 extends into the candle body 12, securing the puck assembly with the candle body 12. The pre-set technique can then operate.

[0088] 14-27, the novel flame-quenching candle system 10 of the present technology may include an alternative embodiment puck assembly 90 for storing the wick 70 within the candle body 12. More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 14, the puck assembly 90 may be receivable in the bottom cavity 16 of the candle body 12 and may include a candle holder 92, a puck body 110, a wick engagement member 140, and a puck base assembly 160. The puck assembly 90 may be utilized and configured to include all mechanical and electrical components to operate the present technology. The puck assembly 20 may be designed to fit snugly within the bottom cavity 16 of the candle body 12 while being designed not to fall out unless physically removed.

[0089] The flame-extinguishing candle system 10 can be utilized and configured to automatically retract the wick 70 into the candle body 12 after a predetermined period of time from a timer, in response to user input activation, in response to voice command activation, wireless or Bluetooth activation, network or internet activation, or in response to a sensor such as, but not limited to, a tilt / angle sensor 208, a motion sensor 218, or a heat sensor 218 (see FIG. 28). The tilt / angle sensor 208 can be in the form of a mercury switch, with the horizontal orientation configured as the non-activated state.

[0090] 15 and 16, the candle holder 92 is receivable and securable in the bottom cavity 16 of the candle body 12 and may include a body 94 defining a top wall 96, a candle holder interior chamber 98, and an open bottom. An opening 100 is defined through the top wall 96 and communicates with the interior chamber 98. The opening 100 is configured to receive therethrough the wick 70 and wick plate 72, which may be made from metal or any ferromagnetic material.

[0091] In the illustrated example, the candle holder body 94 can be substantially cylindrical with a tapered shape outwardly from the top wall 96. The body 94 can include a substantially flat surface or planar side 95. One or more first grooves 102 can be defined in or through a first section of the body 94, and one or more first ridges 104 can extend from an interior of the body 94 into the interior chamber 68.

[0092] One or more second grooves 106 can be defined in or through the first section of the body 95, and one or more first ridges 108 can extend from the inside of the planar side 95 of the body 94 into the interior chamber 68.

[0093] It can be appreciated that the body 94 can be of any geometric shape and the first and second grooves 102, 106 and the first and second ridges 104, 108 can have any configuration or profile.

[0094] In the illustrated example, the first groove 102 and the second groove 106 can serve as structural retention means associated with the exterior of the puck assembly 92 that engages with the wax material of the candle body 12 that defines the bottom cavity 16, thereby securing the puck assembly 92 in the bottom cavity 16. The candle holder 92 can be inserted into a hardened candle, or the candle holder 92 can be placed into a candle mold to receive the molten wax around the candle holder 92. Upon hardening, the wax will solidify around the solid candle holder 92 and within the grooves 102, 106, thereby securing the wax in place in the cavity 16.

[0095] 17 and 18, the pack body 110, or a portion of the pack body 110, is receivable and securable in the candle holder interior chamber 98, thereby removably attaching the pack body to the candle holder 92. The pack body 110 includes an insert section 112, a base section 126, and a flange or ledge 128 between the insert section 112 and the base section 126.

[0096] The insert section 112 may be substantially cylindrical with a tapered shape outwardly from the top wall 114. The insert section 112 may have a substantially flat surface or planar side 124 and may have a configuration, shape, and / or may be provided similar to the candle holder 92. The dimensions of the insert section 112 are smaller than the candle holder 92 such that it is acceptable in the candle holder interior chamber 98.

[0097] The exterior first section of the insert section 112 can include a first notch 115 defined therein or therethrough and configured to receive at least one of the first ridges 104 of the candle holder 92. A second notch 125 can be defined in or through the planar side 124 of the insert section 112 and configured to receive at least one of the second ridges 108 of the candle holder 92.

[0098] It can be appreciated that when the flat side 124 of the insert section 112 is aligned with the flat side 95 of the candle holder 92, the insert section 112 can be inserted into the candle holder interior chamber 98 such that the first ridge 104 and the second ridge 108 are received in the first notch 115 and the second notch 125 of the insert section 112, respectively. As best shown in Figures 24, 25, and 27, this arrangement secures the pack body 110 to the candle holder 92, and thus to the candle body 12. It can be appreciated that any combination of first and second ridges and first and second notches can be associated with a corresponding candle holder 92 and pack body 110.

[0099] The insert section 112 may further define an interior chamber 123 that may accommodate a guide member 116 extending downwardly from the top wall 114 along the longitudinal axis of the puck body 110. As best shown in Figures 17 and 18, the guide member 116 includes a longitudinal bore 118 and one or more channels 120 in communication with the bore 118. The bore 118 and the channels 120 may further be defined through the top wall 114. A support wall 122 may extend between the insert section 112 and the guide member 116 to provide rigidity and support to the guide member 116.

[0100] Base section 126 may have a larger diameter or width than insert section 112, thereby providing a ledge 128 that can support the bottom side of candle body 12. As best shown in FIG. 18, ledge 128 may include one or more raised notches 129 defined therein or therethrough.

[0101] The base section 126 may have an open interior chamber 127 that communicates with the interior chamber 123 of the insert section 112. One or more fastener posts 130, access ports 132, and guiding or securing structures may be included in the base section 126.

[0102] 19-21 , the core engaging members 140 are configured to be slidably receivable in the bore 118 for movement therein. The core engaging members 140 each include one or more guides 142 extending therefrom that are configured to be slidably received in the channel 120. It can be appreciated that the configurations of the core engaging members 140 and guides 142 correspond to the configurations of the bore 118 and channel 120.

[0103] An upper side or edge 144 of the core engagement member 140 may include or be capable of receiving a magnet 146. The magnet 146 is configured to engage with the core plate 72 of the core 70 such that any movement of the core engagement member 140 is translated to the core 70. It can be appreciated that in place of the magnet 146 and the core plate 72, any other removable engagement structure or means can be utilized to achieve a removable connection therebetween.

[0104] The bottom side or wall 148 of the core engagement member 140 may include or receive a threaded member 152 featuring a threaded hole defined therethrough that communicates with the interior chamber 150 of the core engagement member 140. It can be appreciated that the threaded member 152 need not be a separate member secured to the bottom wall 148, but can instead be a threaded hole defined through the bottom wall 148.

[0105] 22 and 23, puck base assembly 160 can be received in open interior chamber 127 of base section 126, or even interior chamber 123, as desired. In addition, puck base assembly 160 can be secured to base section 126 using fasteners that are engageable with fastener posts 130.

[0106] The pack base assembly 160 may include a base 162 featuring a perimeter 164, one or more fastener members 166, and one or more guide ridges 168. The perimeter 164 matches and engages with a bottom edge of the base section 126. When the pack base assembly 160 is assembled with the pack body 110, the one or more fastener members 166 are aligned with the fastener posts 130. As best shown in FIGS. 24 and 27, fasteners may be utilized with the fastener members 166 and the fastener posts 130. Additionally, the guide ridges 168 extend from the base 162 in a configuration and number that matches with the raised notches 129 of the ledge 128. When assembled, the guide ridges 168 are received in the raised notches 129 to guide the pack base assembly 160 into alignment with the base section 126 and further prevent rotation of the pack base assembly 160 while assembled with the pack body 110.

[0107] When puck base assembly 160 is assembled to base section 126, motor mount section 170 extends from base 162 to be receivable into open interior chamber 127 of base section 126. Top wall 172 of motor mount section 170 includes motor mounts 174 arranged in spaced apart relationship. Each of motor mounts 174 may include a reinforcing member 176 that provides support and rigidity to motor mount 174.

[0108] A motor 184 is located between and secured to the motor mount 174 , and a power screw 186 is operably engageable with the shaft of the motor 184 .

[0109] The interior of the motor mount section 170 may be configured to contain a battery 188 and any other electronic components necessary for the operation of the present technology.

[0110] The base panel 180 may be removably and fixedly associated with the base 162 to allow access to the interior of the motor mount section 170. As best shown in FIGS. 24 and 27 , one edge of the base panel 180 may be pivotally associated with a first side of the base 162 that defines the interior of the motor mount section 170, and a second edge of the base panel 180 may include a biased latch 182 that is engageable with the second side of the base 162. The latch 182 is configured to lock the base panel 180 in a closed position while at the same time allowing a user to operate the latch 182 to unlock the base panel 180, allowing the base panel 180 to be pivoted open or removed.

[0111] The flame quenching candle system 10 assembled with the alternative pack assembly 90 is best shown in Figures 24-27. It can be seen that when assembled, the candle holder 92 is held in the candle cavity 16 such that the wick 70 passes through an opening 100 to pass through the wick bore 14, thereby allowing a section of the wick 70 to be exposed out of the candle body 12 for use or pulled into the wick bore 14 for extinguishing.

[0112] The pack body 110 can be assembled to the candle holder 92 by inserting the insert section 112 into the interior chamber 98, with the planar sides 95, 124 of the candle holder 92 and the pack body 110 aligned. As best shown in FIG. 25, continued insertion of the insert section 112 engages the first ridge 104 and the second ridge 108 with their corresponding first notches 115 and second notches 125, respectively, thereby locking the pack body 110 to the candle holder 92. It can be appreciated that the first ridge 104 and the second ridge 108 and the first notches 115 and second notches 125 are corresponding engageable members.

[0113] The core engagement member 140 can then be inserted into the bore 118 of the guide member 116 so that the magnet 146 can engage the core plate 72 .

[0114] The puck base assembly 160 can be secured to the base section 126 of the puck body 110 such that the bore 118 receives the power screw 186 and threadably engages the threaded member 152. It can be appreciated that the core engagement member 140 can be assembled to the power screw 186 prior to insertion into the bore 118.

[0115] 27, the motor 184 can be operated to rotate the power screw 186 in either direction, which rotation is translated into linear motion of the core engagement member 140 within the bore 118 of the guide member 116. This linear motion of the core engagement member 140 results in linear motion of the core 70 due to the magnetic engagement of the magnet 146 with the core plate 72.

[0116] When a fire extinguishing operation is required, the motor 184 can be operated in the appropriate direction such that the power screw 186 rotates to carry the wick engaging member 140 in a direction that will move the wick 70 into the candle body 12.

[0117] It can be appreciated that the modular and removable configuration of the wick 70, candle holder 92, pack body 110, wick engaging member 140, and pack base assembly 160 allows for ease of assembly and / or reuse of the pack assembly 90 with other candles.

[0118] A computer or controller system 200 (see FIG. 28 ) may be included in the puck assembly 90 and associated with the base assembly 160 in operative communication with the battery 188 and the motor 184. The computer or controller system 200 may include and / or be in communication with various electrical components, sensors, controllers, etc. For example, the computer or controller system 200 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) featuring a timer and / or an angle or tilt sensor 208 configured to detect or determine the tilt or angle orientation of the candle body 12, or a wireless, internet, or Bluetooth interface.

[0119] 28 is a schematic representation of a computer or controller system 200 that can be used or implemented with the technology of the present invention and / or any peripheral components of the technology of the present invention. The computer or controller system 200 can be part of an exemplary machine, which is an example of one or more of the computers mentioned herein, within which a set of instructions can be executed to cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described herein. In various exemplary embodiments, the machine can operate as a stand-alone device or can be connected (e.g., over a network) to other machines. In a network deployment, the machine can operate in the role of a server or a client machine in a server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. The machine may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a portable music player (e.g., a portable hard drive audio device such as a Moving Picture Experts Group Audio Layer 3 (MP3)), a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Additionally, although only a single machine is shown, the term "machine" should also be understood to include any collection of machines that individually or together execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies described herein.

[0120] The exemplary computer or controller system 200 includes a processor or processors 202 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or both), and memory 206, which communicate with each other via a bus 232. The computer or controller system 200 may further include, or be in operative communication with, an audio device or input (e.g., a voice recognition unit or biometric matching unit, a microphone) 212, a battery unit 26, a video display 216 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a touch-sensitive display), a charging port 220, a light 228, and / or an activation input device 230 (e.g., a keyboard, a keypad, touch, a touch display, a button, a switch). The computer or controller system 200 may also include additional sensors and / or inputs 218 (e.g., motion sensors, heat sensors, distance sensors), a drive unit 222 (also referred to as a disk drive unit), a signal generating device 226 (e.g., a speaker), a tilt sensor 208, a wireless or infrared (IR) receiver 210, and a network interface device 214. The computer or controller system 200 may further include a data encryption module (not shown) for encrypting data. The drive unit 222 includes a computer or machine readable medium 224 on which one or more sets of instructions and data structures (e.g., instructions 204) that embody or utilize any one or more of the methods or functions described herein are stored. The instructions 204 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the memory 206 and / or within the processor 202 during execution by the computer or controller system 200. The memory 206 and the processor 202 may also constitute machine readable media.

[0121] The instructions 204 may further be communicated or received over a network via the network interface device 214 utilizing any one of a number of well-known transfer protocols, such as, for example, a number of hypertext transfer protocols (HTTP). While the machine-readable medium 224 is illustrated in the exemplary embodiment as being a single medium, the term "computer-readable medium" should be understood to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., centralized or distributed databases and / or associated caches and servers) that store one or more sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" should also be understood to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or retaining a set of instructions for execution by a machine, causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methods of the present application, or capable of storing, encoding, or retaining data structures utilized by or associated with such set of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" should therefore be understood to include, without limitation, solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wave signals. Such a medium may also include, but is not limited to, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a flash memory card, a digital video disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc. The exemplary embodiments described herein may be implemented in an operating environment including software installed on a computer, in hardware, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0122] An exemplary machine system of the present technology includes a computer or controller system 200 for use in combination with and / or operation with the components of the present technology. In the example, any or all of the components described above may include a processor 202, memory 206, a network interface device 214, a display 216, input device(s) 218, and / or a drive unit 222.

[0123] The computer or controller system 200 and / or any of the electronic components described above may be housed in any of the puck assembly or puck-based assembly embodiments.

[0124] It will be appreciated that the computer or controller system 200 may include or be in communication with additional components such as, but not limited to, a flame suppression sensor, a heat sensor, or a temperature sensor that is configured or configurable to determine excessive flame or heat from the wick 70.

[0125] It can be appreciated that any one or any combination of the pack assemblies of the present technology can be designed with a machine system to wind on the wick 70 at preset time intervals or according to preset tilt angles of the candle body 12. The preset time intervals can include test mode, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, and 4 hour settings.

[0126] A test mode may be used to allow a user to verify that the puck assembly is functioning properly. The test mode may allow the candle body 12 to burn for a short, predetermined period of time, then be wound with the wick 70 to extinguish the flame, after which the puck assembly turns the wick 70 upside down, pushing the wick 70 up and allowing it to extend approximately 1 / 4 inch above the surface of the melted candle, allowing the wick 70 to be relighted.

[0127] Any one or any combination of the puck assemblies may include a switch that allows the user to set the length of time the candle body 12 will burn. Once the pre-set time is reached, the puck assembly may automatically reel in the wick 70 far enough to extinguish the flame, and then, while the wax is still liquid, the wick 70 may be inverted so that the wick 70 extends 1 / 4 inch above the surface of the melted wax, thereby allowing the wick 70 to be re-lighted multiple times until the candle is discharged. In an example, the timer function may be overridden by a voice command, for example, by saying "extinguish flame," to extinguish the candle on demand.

[0128] Any one or any combination of the pack assembly and associated candle body 12 can be designed in a variety of sizes and shapes. The pack assembly can be battery operated and designed to be reusable on a candle designed for each size and shape of the pack assembly.

[0129] Each candle design and its associated pack assembly may be sold together as a unit / kit or as separate products, recognizing that any one or any combination of the pack assemblies may be reused with replacement candles that are SKU numbered per pack assembly design.

[0130] Additionally, the wick 70 may be a replaceable wick that a consumer can purchase, which can be recognized as burning in a variety of colors, patterns, and / or effects. The wick 70 may be easily removable and replaceable by a user, allowing the user to select a wick that produces their desired flame color, pattern, and / or effect. These wicks may have threaded or associated material therein that allows the wick to burn in a variety of colors, patterns, and / or effects. The material may be, but is not limited to, a fine metal filament. If desired, the replaceable wicks may be sold as an additional product that a consumer can purchase.

[0131] The size and / or number of teeth on the drive gear 44, spur gears 46, 50, pinion gears 54, 56, and / or rack gear 74 can be configured to provide a particular travel distance for the core 70.

[0132] By way of example, any or all of the embodiments of the present technology may include, in part, any one or any combination of the following advantageous features, including but not limited to, side locks 30 and lock bars 34 for securing any one or any combination of puck assemblies 20, 20', 90 to the candle body 12, spur and pinion gears or power screws for transferring linear motion to the wick 70 and increasing torque to a target range, metal washers to protect any one or any combination of puck assemblies 20, 20', 90 from damage, a wick stroke may be approximately 10 mm, a 360 degree tilt sensor 208 that may be integrated with the PCB of the computer or controller system 200, and a wick bore 14 tolerance of 0.6 mm for moving the wick 70 within the candle body 12.

[0133] In the illustrated example, the microphone 212 can be utilized in communication with the processor 202 to receive voice commands to operate the functions of the present technology. For example, a user can speak a voice command such as, but not limited to, "put away the wick" or "put out the flame" and the microphone 212 can detect the command and send a signal / data to the processor 202 for processing. The processor 202 can then activate the motors 40, 184 as appropriate based on the instructions 204 associated with the voice command.

[0134] Alternatively, the wick 70 can be wound onto any one or any combination of the puck assemblies 20, 20', 90 and then removed by activating a puck removal switch which disengages the directional reel of the motor 40, 184, allowing the puck assembly to go into a freewheeling state. This allows any one or any combination of the puck assemblies 20, 20', 90 to be removed from the candle body 12 without damaging the reels, any of the gears, power screws, threads, or motor 40, 184 within the puck assembly.

[0135] The wick 70 may be further attached to the puck assembly after it is removed from the candle body 12. Activating the wick release switch may release a ¼ inch portion of the wick 70 that was initially activated, thereby allowing the puck assembly 20 to be reused on a different candle.

[0136] Any one or any combination of the puck assemblies 20, 20', 90 can be designed with a safety feature that automatically retracts or retracts the wick 70 and extinguishes the flame if the candle is tilted at a predetermined or preset angle (tilt angle), thereby reducing the possibility of a fire if the candle body 12 is tipped over by a child, pet, or some other cause. After this automatic retraction and preset time, the motor 40, 184 can reverse rotation so that the wick 70 extends out of the wick bore 14 and the candle can be reused. Additionally, if the battery voltage drops to a low level, an audible signal can be activated to signal the user that the battery life is short, and shortly thereafter the motor 40, 184 can be activated to self-extinguish the wick, thus overriding any previous settings before the battery life expires. As mentioned above, this safety feature can include a mercury type switch or the like in communication with the motor 40, 184 or the computer or controller system 200.

[0137] Any one or any combination of pack assemblies 20, 20', 90 and candle bodies 12 can be adapted for use with candles contained in glass jars, long narrow tapered candles, multiple wick candles, candles of multiple colors and scents, and virtually all candle shapes and sizes.

[0138] In use, the user will now appreciate that the user can preset a duration to automatically extinguish the wick flame, or the user can manually activate the motor by operating a button, or the motor can operate automatically once a preset tilt angle of the candle has been exceeded, or by receiving a signal from a remote or wireless device.

[0139] According to one aspect, the present technology may include a flame-quenching candle system 10 for storing a wick 70 within a candle 12. The flame-quenching candle system 10 may include a puck assembly 20, 20', 90 associated with the candle body 12. The puck assembly 20, 20', 90 may include a motor 40, 184 operably engageable with a wick engaging member 74, 140, which is operably engageable with the wick 70 to effect movement of the wick within the candle body 12.

[0140] According to another aspect, the present technology may include a flame quenching candle system 10 including a pack body 60,110, a wick engaging member 74,140, ​​and a pack base assembly 22,160. The pack body 60,110 may be receivable in a cavity 16 defined in the candle 12. The pack body 60,110 may include a guide member 64,116 and a bore 65,118 defined therethrough. The wick engaging member 74,140 may be slidably receivable in the bore 65,118 of the guide member 64,116. The wick engaging member 74,140 may be operably engageable with a wick 70. The pack base assembly 22,160 may be attachable to the pack body 60,110. The puck base assembly 22 , 160 may include a motor 40 , 184 operatively engageable with the wick engaging member 74 , 140 to provide linear motion of the wick engaging member 74 , 140 which provides movement of the wick 70 within the candle 12 .

[0141] According to yet another aspect, the present technology may include a flame quenching candle system 10 that may include a candle 12, a wick 70, a pack body 60, 110, a wick engaging member 74, 140, a pack base assembly 22, 160, a motor 40, 184, and a computer or controller system 200. The candle 12 may include a wick bore 14 defined along a longitudinal axis of the candle and a bottom cavity 16 defined in a bottom section of the candle and in communication with the wick bore. The wick 70 may be configured to be slidably receivable through the wick bore 14. A wick plate 72 may be associated with the wick 70. The pack body 60, 110 may be receivable in the bottom cavity 16 of the candle 12. The pack body 60, 110 may include a guide member 64, 116 and a bore 65, 118 defined through the guide member 64, 116. The wick engaging member 74,140 may be slidably receivable in the bore 65,118 of the guide member 64,116. The wick engaging member 74,140 may be operably engageable with the wick plate 72. The puck base assembly 22,160 may be mountable to the puck body 60,110. The puck base assembly 22,160 may be configured to support a motor 40,184, which may be operably engageable with the wick engaging member 74,140 and may provide linear motion of the wick engaging member 74,140 that provides movement of the wick 70 within the candle 12. The computer or controller system 200 may be configured or configurable to control the motor 40,184 based on one or any combination of a time signal, an activation signal, a sensor signal, a voice command, a wireless activation signal, and a network activation signal.

[0142] According to yet another aspect, the present technology may include a method of extinguishing a wick flame using the flame-extinguishing candle system 10. The method may include controlling a motor 40, 184 to operably drive a wick engaging member 74, 140 of a puck assembly 20, 20', 90 associated with the candle 12. The wick engaging member 74, 140 is operably engageable with the wick 70 to effect movement of the wick within the candle 12.

[0143] According to yet another aspect, the present technology may further include a flame-extinguishing candle system 10 including a first pinion gear 54, a second pinion gear 56, a motor 40, a rack gear 74, and a wick 70. The second pinion gear 56 may be spaced apart from the first pinion gear 54 to define a gap between the pinion gears. The motor 40 may be configured to operatively drive the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 such that the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 rotate in opposite directions. The rack gear 74 may be receivable in the gap and may be engageable with the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 such that rotation of the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 results in linear motion of the rack gear 74. The wick 70 can be associated with a rack gear 74 for movement therewith through a wick bore 14 defined in the candle or candle body 12 .

[0144] According to yet another aspect, the present technology may include a flame quenching candle system 10 including a candle or candle body 12, a wick assembly, and a puck assembly 20, 20'. The candle body 12 may include a wick bore 14 defined along a longitudinal axis of the candle body 12 and a bottom cavity 16 defined in a bottom section of the candle body 12 and in communication with the wick bore 14. The wick assembly may include a wick 70, a wick plate 72, and a rack gear 74. The wick 70 may be configured to be slidably receivable through the wick bore 14. The wick plate 72 may be receivable in the bottom cavity 16. The rack gear 74 may be attached to the wick plate 72. The puck assembly may be receivable in the bottom cavity 16 of the candle body 12. The puck assembly may include a first spur gear 46 and a first pinion gear 54, both of which are fixed to a first shaft 48. The second spur gear 50 and the second pinion 56 are both fixed to the second shaft 52. The second spur gear 50 may be engageable with the first spur gear 46. The second pinion gear 56 may be spaced from the first pinion gear 54 to define a gap therebetween configured to receive the rack gear 74. The motor 40 may be operatively configured to drive the first spur gear 46. The computer or controller system 200 may be configured or configurable to control the motor 40 based on one or any combination of a time signal, an activation signal, and a sensor signal. The rack gear 74 may be engageable with the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 such that rotation of the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 results in linear motion of the rack gear 74.

[0145] According to yet another aspect, the present technology may include a method of extinguishing a wick flame using the flame-extinguishing candle system 10. The method may include controlling the motor 40 to operatively drive the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 to linearly move a rack gear 74 engaged and positioned between the pinion gears. The rack gear 74 may be configured to impart linear motion to a wick 70 that may be slidably received through a wick bore 14 defined through the candle or candle body 12.

[0146] In some or all embodiments, the pack assembly 20, 20', 90 may further include a pack body 60, 110 receivable in the cavity 16 defined in the candle 12, and a base assembly 22, 160 attachable to the pack body and configured to support the motor 40, 184.

[0147] In some or all of the embodiments, the motor 40 , 184 may be operatively associated with one selected from the group consisting of gears 46 , 50 , 54 , 56 and a power screw 186 .

[0148] In some or all embodiments, the core engagement member 74,140 can be configured to be driven by a motor 40,184 to provide linear motion to the core 70.

[0149] In some or all embodiments, the core engagement member 140 may include a threaded member 152 that operably engages a power screw 186 that is operably driven by a motor 184 .

[0150] In some or all embodiments, the wick engaging member 74,140 may be slidably received in a bore 65,118 defined through the guide member 64,116 of the puck body 60,110.

[0151] In some or all embodiments, the core engagement member 140 may further include one or more guides 142 extending outwardly from the core engagement member 140, each configured to be slidably received in a channel 120 defined in the guide member 116 and communicating with the bore 118.

[0152] In some or all embodiments, the core engagement member may include a magnet operably engageable with a core plate of the core.

[0153] In some or all embodiments, the pack assembly 90 may further include a candle holder 92 that is receivable in the cavity 16 of the candle 12 and configured to receive the insert section 112 of the pack body 110, with the base section 126 of the pack body supporting the bottom of the candle 12.

[0154] In some or all embodiments, the candle holder 92 and the insertion section 112 may include corresponding engageable elements 104, 108, 115, 125 configured to secure the pack body 110 to the candle holder 92 when the insertion section 112 is inserted into the candle holder 92 a predetermined distance.

[0155] Some or all embodiments of the present technology may include a first spur gear 46 operably engagable with a drive gear 44 of a motor 40. The first spur gear 46 may be fixed to a first shaft 48 that is fixed to a first pinion gear 54. Some or all embodiments of the present technology may include a second spur gear 50 operably engagable with the first spur gear 46. The second spur gear 50 may be fixed to a second shaft 52 that is fixed to a second pinion gear 56.

[0156] In some or all of the embodiments, the first pinion gear 54 and the second pinion gear 56 can each include a ledge 55, 57, respectively, extending outwardly from a periphery. The ledge 55 of the first pinion gear 54 and the ledge 57 of the second pinion gear 56 can be configured to contact the rack gear 74 in the unlocked position.

[0157] Some or all embodiments of the present technology may include a core 70 and a core plate 72 attached to a rack gear 74 .

[0158] Some or all embodiments of the present technology may include a puck assembly 20, which may include a bottom cover 22 and a top cover 60. The bottom cover 22 may be configured to support the motor 40, the first pinion gear 54, and the second pinion gear 56. The top cover 60 may be attachable to the bottom cover 22 and may enclose the motor 40, the first pinion gear 54, and the second pinion gear 56. In some or all embodiments, the bottom cover 22 may further include one or more side locks 30 extending from the bottom cover 22.

[0159] In some or all embodiments, the top cover 60 may include one or more side lock notches 62 configured to receive one or more side locks 30 therein when the top cover 60 and bottom cover 22 are assembled. Some or all embodiments of the present technology may include a locking bar 34 configured to be receivable in a slot 32 defined in the side lock 30. The locking bar 34 may be configured to extend outside of the puck assembly for insertion into the candle body 12.

[0160] In some or all embodiments, the top cover 60 may include a recessed section 64 that defines an upper cavity 65 configured to slidably receive the core plate 72. A bore 63 may be defined through the recessed section 64 that is configured to slidably receive the rack gear 74.

[0161] Some or all embodiments of the present technology may include a washer 80 positionable between the top wall of the top cover 60 and the top cavity wall of the candle body 12 that defines the bottom cavity 16 .

[0162] In some or all embodiments, the puck assembly 20 may further include a U-shaped drive support structure 36 configured to rotatably support the first and second shafts 48, 52 and the first and second pinion gears 54, 56 between parallel sidewalls that partially define the U-shaped drive support structure 36, with the first and second spur gears 43, 50 located outside the parallel sidewalls.

[0163] Some or all embodiments of the present technology may include a computer or controller system 200 configured or configurable to control the motor 40, 184 based on any one or any combination of a time signal, an actuation signal, and a sensor signal.

[0164] In some or all embodiments, the computer or controller system 200 may be configured or configurable to control the motors 40, 184 based on a sensor selected from the group consisting of a tilt or angle sensor 208 and a thermal sensor 218.

[0165] Some or all embodiments of the present technology may include a puck base 84 that is mountable to the puck assembly 20' and configured to be in electrical communication with the electrical components of the puck assembly 20'.

[0166] In some or all embodiments, the puck base 84 may include a metal washer 80 that fits over the top side of the puck assembly in contact with the bottom side of the candle 12 .

[0167] Although the embodiment of the system and method for the flame-extinguishing candle has been described in detail, it should be clear that modifications and variations are possible, all of which are within the true spirit and scope of the technology of the present invention. Now, with respect to the above description, it should be recognized that the optimal dimensional relationships of some of the technology of the present invention, including variations in size, material, shape, form, function, and operation mode, assembly, and use, are readily apparent and self-evident to those skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those shown in the drawings and described herein are intended to be encompassed by the technology of the present invention. For example, any suitable sturdy material may be used in place of those described above. And, although the wick is described as being stored in the candle, it should be recognized that the system and method for the flame-extinguishing candle described herein is also suitable for storing the wick of a fuel-burning lamp in a stove.

[0168] As such, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the inventive technology. Moreover, since certain modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, there is no desire to limit the inventive technology to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and therefore, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the inventive technology.

Claims

1. A flame-extinguishing candle system for moving a wick into a candle body, the flame-extinguishing candle system comprising a pack assembly associated with the candle body, the pack assembly including a motor operably engaged with a wick engaging member that causes the wick to move within a wick bore defined along the longitudinal direction of the candle body.

2. The aforementioned pack assembly further, A pack body that can receive the wax in a cavity defined in the candle body, A base assembly that can be attached to the pack body and is configured to support the motor, The flame suppression candle system according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The flame extinguishing candle system according to claim 2, wherein the motor is operably associated with a group selected from a group consisting of gears and a power screw.

4. The flame-extinguishing candle system according to claim 2, wherein the wick engaging member is driven by the motor and configured to provide linear motion to the wick in the wick bore.

5. The flame-extinguishing candle system according to claim 4, wherein the wick engaging member includes a screw member that operably engages with a power screw operably driven by the motor.

6. The flame-extinguishing candle system according to claim 5, wherein the wick engaging member is slidably received in a bore defined through a guide member of the pack body.

7. The flame-extinguishing candle system according to claim 6, wherein the wick engaging member further includes one or more guides extending outward from the wick engaging member, each guide being defined on the guide member and configured to be slidably received in a channel communicating with the bore.

8. The flame-extinguishing candle system according to claim 7, wherein the wick engaging member includes a magnet that is operably engaged with the wick plate of the wick.

9. The extinguishing candle system according to claim 2, wherein the pack assembly further comprises a candle holder, the candle holder being receivable in the cavity of the candle body and configured to receive the insertion section of the pack body, and the base section of the pack body supporting the bottom of the candle body.

10. The flame-extinguishing candle system according to claim 9, wherein the candle holder and the insertion section include corresponding engageable elements configured to secure the pack body to the candle holder when the insertion section is inserted into the candle holder over a predetermined distance.

11. The flame extinguishing candle system according to claim 1, further comprising a computer or controller system configured or configurable to control the motor based on one or a combination of a time signal, a start signal, and a sensor signal.

12. The flame extinguishing candle system according to claim 11, wherein the computer or controller system is configured or configurable to control the motor based on a sensor selected from a group consisting of a tilt sensor, an angle sensor, and a thermal sensor.

13. It is an anti-flame candle system, A pack body that can receive wax in a cavity defined in the candle body, comprising a guide member and a bore defined through the guide member, A core engaging member that is slidably receivable in the bore of the guide member, and which is operably engaged with the core, A base assembly that can be attached to the pack body, comprising a motor that is operably engaged with the wick engaging member and provides linear motion of the wick engaging member, which provides motion of the wick within a wick bore defined along the longitudinal direction of the candle body, A flame-extinguishing candle system equipped with this feature.

14. The flame-extinguishing candle system according to claim 13, wherein the wick engaging member includes a screw member that operably engages with a power screw operably driven by the motor.

15. The flame-extinguishing candle system according to claim 14, wherein the wick engaging member further includes one or more guides extending outward from the wick engaging member, each guide being defined on the guide member and configured to be slidably received in a channel communicating with the bore.

16. The flame-extinguishing candle system according to claim 15, wherein the wick engaging member includes a magnet that is operably engaged with the wick plate of the wick.

17. The flame-extinguishing candle system according to claim 13, further comprising a candle holder, the candle holder being receivable in the cavity of the candle body and configured to receive the insertion section of the pack body, the base section of the pack body supporting the bottom of the candle body.

18. The flame extinguishing candle system according to claim 13, further comprising a computer or controller system configured or configurable to control the motor based on one or a combination of a time signal, a start signal, and a sensor signal, wherein the computer or controller system is configured or configurable to control the motor based on a sensor selected from a group consisting of a tilt sensor, an angle sensor, and a thermal sensor.

19. It is an anti-flame candle system, A candle body comprising a wick bore defined along the vertical axis of the candle body, and a bottom cavity defined in the bottom section of the candle body and communicating with the wick bore, A core configured to be slidably received through the core bore, and which may include a core plate associated with the core, A pack body that can be received in the bottom cavity of the candle body, the pack body comprising a guide member and a bore defined through the guide member, A core engagement member that is slidably receivable in the bore of the guide member, and which is operably engaged with the core plate, A base assembly that can be attached to the pack body, wherein the base assembly is configured to support a motor, the motor is operably engaged with the wick engaging member, and the motor provides linear motion of the wick engaging member, which provides motion of the wick within the candle body, and the base assembly includes the motor, A computer or controller system configured or configurable to control the motor based on one or a combination of time signals, activation signals, sensor signals, voice commands, wireless activation signals, and network activation signals, A flame-extinguishing candle system equipped with this feature.

20. The flame-extinguishing candle system according to claim 19, further comprising a candle holder which is receivable in the bottom cavity of the candle body and configured to receive the insertion section of the pack body, the base section of the pack body supporting the bottom of the candle body, and the wick engaging member which includes a screw member which operably engages with a power screw which is operably driven by the motor.

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