Method and apparatus for controlling a burning candle flame

Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling a candle flame. A candle flame may be provided in a controllable environment, e.g., an enclosed area formed at least in part by an air-tight cover. Air may be forced into the enclosed area by an air movement device (e.g., a fan) to keep the flame burning. The flame may be extinguished by reducing (e.g., stopping) air flow into the enclosed area.

1 . A candle flame control system comprising:
 an enclosure that defines an enclosed area in which a burning flame of a candle is positionable for an extended period, the burning flame being positioned in the enclosed area approximately at a vertical axis;   a support constructed and arranged to support the candle with the burning flame positioned in the enclosed area;   exhaust outlets that direct exhaust from the enclosed area in at least two different radial directions relative to the vertical axis; and   an air movement device that causes air to be provided into the enclosed area for the burning flame and causes exhaust from the enclosed area to move in the exhaust outlets;   wherein the enclosure and the enclosed area are arranged so that the flame of the candle continues to burn while the air movement device forces air to move into the enclosed area, and when the air movement device reduces a flow of air provided into the enclosed area below a threshold, the flame is extinguished within 5 minutes.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising six exhaust outlets that are equally spaced radially relative to the vertical axis. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each exhaust outlet includes an exhaust duct, and wherein exhaust enters each exhaust duct in a generally vertical direction and is directed in a direction radially away from the vertical axis. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the support includes a central region that supports the candle and the exhaust outlets are at least partially formed by the support. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the support includes a plurality of exhaust openings arranged around the central region that form at least part of the exhaust outlets. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the support includes a plurality of inlet openings that form inlets by which air is introduced into the enclosed area. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the inlet openings and exhaust openings are alternately arranged around the central region. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein each of the exhaust openings leads to an exhaust outlet port that outlets exhaust in a horizontal direction. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the exhaust openings are located below the burning flame. 
   
   
       10 . A candle flame control system comprising:
 an enclosure that defines an enclosed area in which a burning flame of a candle is positionable for an extended period, the burning flame being positioned in the enclosed area approximately at a vertical axis;   a support constructed and arranged to support the candle with the burning flame positioned in the enclosed area;   an air inlet arranged to provide air into the enclosed area for combustion by the flame; and   an air movement device that causes air to be provided into the enclosed area via the air inlet for the burning flame;   wherein the enclosure and the enclosed area are arranged so that the flame of the candle continues to burn while the air movement device forces air to move into the enclosed area, and when the air movement device reduces a flow of air provided into the enclosed area below a threshold, the flame is extinguished within 5 minutes; and   wherein the air inlet is constructed and arranged to introduce air into the enclosed area so that the burning flame remains generally aligned along the vertical axis while burning.   
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the air inlet includes plurality of inlet ducts that direct air in a radial direction relative to the vertical axis into the enclosed area. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the support includes a central region that supports the candle and the plurality of inlet ducts each lead to a respective inlet opening formed in the support. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the inlet openings are arranged around the central region. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the inlet openings are alternately arranged with exhaust openings that exhaust gases from the enclosed area. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein at least three inlet openings are alternately arranged with at least three exhaust openings around the central region. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein air travels generally vertically in the inlet ducts and is directed in a radial direction to exit an inlet opening and enter the enclosed area. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein air introduced via the plurality of inlet ducts reflects off of the enclosure and is directed back generally toward the vertical axis. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the inlet openings are located below the burning flame. 
   
   
       19 . A candle flame control system comprising:
 an enclosure that defines an enclosed area in which a burning flame of a candle is positionable for an extended period, the burning flame being positioned in the enclosed area approximately at a vertical axis;   a shield positioned around the enclosure and constructed and arranged to prevent human hand contact with the enclosure, the shield including vents to permit air to into a lower portion of the space between the shield and the enclosure and to permit air to exit an upper portion of the space;   a support constructed and arranged to support the candle with the burning flame positioned in the enclosed area; and   an air movement device that causes air to be provided into the enclosed area for the burning flame;   wherein the enclosure and the enclosed area are arranged so that the flame of the candle continues to burn while the air movement device forces air to move into the enclosed area, and so that when the air movement device reduces a flow of air provided into the enclosed area below a threshold, the flame is extinguished within 5 minutes.   
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 19 , further comprising at least one exhaust outlet that exhausts gases from the enclosed area, wherein the exhaust from the enclosed area is directly vented to an area separate from the space between the shield and the enclosure. 
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the support includes a central region that supports the candle and a plurality of inlet ducts that direct air into the enclosed area via a respective inlet opening and a plurality of outlet ducts that exhaust air out of the enclosed area via an outlet opening, wherein the inlet and outlet openings are alternately arranged around the central region. 
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein air in the inlet ducts moves vertically and is directed to enter the enclosed area in a radial direction relative to the vertical axis, and exhaust in the enclosed area enters the outlet ducts generally in a vertical direction and is directed in a radial direction away from the vertical axis. 
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the air movement device includes a fan that moves air vertically into the inlet ducts. 
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the fan is located below the central region. 
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 24 , wherein the enclosure includes a dome-shaped translucent member. 
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the outlet ducts exhaust gases from the enclosed area to a position located below the burning flame.