Candle having a planar wick and a method of making it

Abstract

A candle is provided having a body of a meltable fuel and a planar wick. When lit, the candle provides a unique flame formation, usable in a variety of decorative applications. The wick can be configured to evenly deplete the meltable fuel, while allowing for candles having relatively large and unique body configurations. Optionally, the body of candle and/or the wick may include scented oil to promote the release of fragrance upon heating and the wick may comprise wood, thereby providing an acoustic contribution to ambiance, improved combustion that generates less soot than conventional candles.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A candle comprising: 
 a body formed of a meltable fuel; and    a planar wick disposed in the body and having an upper end extending beyond an upper surface of the body.    
     
     
         2 . A candle as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the wick is configured in a selected decorative shape as viewed from above.  
     
     
         3 . A candle as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the planar wick is formed of unwoven, fibrous material.  
     
     
         4 . A candle as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the wick is sized relative to the body to correlate the wick's burn rate with the material of the body, thereby providing an even depletion of the meltable fuel.  
     
     
         5 . A candle as defined in  claim 1 , wherein the planar wick comprises wood.  
     
     
         6 . A candle as defined in  claim 5 , wherein the wood is selected from a group consisting of poplar, cherry, maple, wenge, oak, rosewood, and bamboo.  
     
     
         7 . A candle as defined in  claim 6 , further comprising a wick holder.  
     
     
         8 . A candle as defined in  claim 7 , wherein the wick holder includes a base and a support for receiving the wick extending from the base.  
     
     
         8 . A candle as defined in  claim 6 , further comprising a container having the body disposed therein.  
     
     
         9 . A candle comprising: 
 a body formed of a meltable fuel; and    a planar wick disposed in the body and having an upper end extending beyond an upper surface of the body; wherein the wick is formed essentially of wood selected from a group consisting of poplar, cherry, maple, wenge, oak, rosewood, and bamboo.    
     
     
         10 . A candle as defined in  claim 9 , wherein the body of candle and/or the wick include scented oil.  
     
     
         11 . A candle as defined in  claim 9 , further comprising a wick holder having a base and a support for receiving the wick extending from the base.  
     
     
         12 . A candle as defined in  claim 9 , wherein the wood has a moisture content of less than about six percent.  
     
     
         13 . A method of making a candle, comprising combining a planar wick and a body of meltable fuel such that the planar wick extends beyond an upper surface of the body.  
     
     
         14 . A method as defined in  claim 13 , wherein the combining step includes maintaining the wick in a set position and dispensing the meltable fuel material about the wick in a non-solid form and having the meltable fuel solidify.  
     
     
         15 . A method as defined in  claim 14 , wherein the planar wick comprises wood.  
     
     
         16 . A method as defined in  claim 15 , wherein the wood is selected from a group consisting of poplar, cherry, maple, wenge, oak, rosewood, and bamboo.  
     
     
         17 . A method as defined in  claim 16 , wherein the wick set upon a wick holder.