CANDLE, METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A CANDLE, A CANDLE ASSEMBLY APPARATUS, AND A FUEL ELEMENT

Abstract

A fuel element suitable for use in a candle assembly apparatus is described. The fuel element includes one or more surface recesses or portions configured to cooperate with other like fuel elements when stacked one atop another. A candle assembly apparatus is also described, including: a reservoir for holding fuel; a dispenser for cutting and/or feeding one or more fuel elements from the reservoir to an assembly zone to form a fuel stack; a loader for loading a fuel plug and/or a taper into the fuel stack in the assembly zone. Also described is a candle including: one or more fuel elements, including one or more through holes disposed along its length; and one or more scented fuel plugs or tapers disposed in the one or more through holes. Additionally described is a method for building a candle, the method including the steps of: removing one or more fuel elements from a fuel cartridge; mounting one or more fuel plugs or tapers on a taper holder; joining the one or more fuel elements and the fuel plug or taper so that the fuel plug or taper is disposed within the one or more fuel elements.

Claims

1. A candle including: one or more fuel elements including: one or more outer surfaces; one or more recesses disposed in the one or more outer surfaces; and one or more scented fuel plugs configured to cooperate with the one or more recesses, wherein the one or more scented fuel plugs are mounted in the one or more recesses.

2. The candle in accordance with claim 1 further including a wick disposed in the one or more fuel elements or scented fuel plugs.

3. The candle in accordance with claim 1 wherein the recesses are through holes extending from one outer surface to another outer surface.

4. The candle in accordance with claim 1 wherein the recesses and scented fuel plugs and tapers are circular, or square, or triangular, or rectangular, or star-shaped, or tri-lobed, or kidney-shaped, in cross-section.

5. The candle in accordance with claim 1 wherein the scented fuel plugs or tapers include a plurality of scent zones spaced along a longitudinal axis of the scented fuel plug or scented taper.

6. The candle in accordance with claim 1 wherein there is provided a recess disposed in a central region of the fuel elements, and a plurality of recesses spaced from the central region for receiving the scented fuel plugs.

7. The candle in accordance with claim 1 wherein the taper wax scent includes essential oil, mint leaves, cinnamon, bergamot, nutmeg, or other suitable natural plant substances, synthetic scents, disinfectant, antibacterial and/or antiviral ingredients.

8. A candle assembly apparatus including: a housing including an assembly zone in which to assemble a candle from solid fuel; one or more reservoirs disposed in the housing for holding one or more fuel elements for assembling into a candle; a dispenser for dispensing one or more fuel elements from the reservoir into the assembly zone to form a candle; and a loader for loading one or more scented fuel plugs or scented tapers into the fuel stack in the assembly zone.

9. The candle assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the housing includes a closure for controlling access to the reservoir for loading fuel.

10. The candle assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the closure is a lid on a top of the housing.

11. The candle assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the housing includes a loading drawer operatively connected thereto, for loading a scented fuel plug or scented taper.

12. The candle assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the housing includes an assembly zone for assembling the fuel elements, or assembling the scented fuel plug or scented taper into the one or more fuel elements.

13. The candle assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the housing also includes an assembly zone loading drawer for loading a container into the housing to receive the one or more fuel elements and scented plug and scented taper.

14. The candle assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the housing includes a control system including a processor to control the candle assembly process.

15. The candle assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the reservoir includes a fuel magazine which includes one or more hollow tubes for receiving one or more fuel elements or cartridges.

16. The candle assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the loader includes a drawer for transporting the taper to the assembly zone.

17. The candle assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the loader includes a press for pressing the taper into the fuel elements.

18. The candle assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the processor includes an access control module for inhibiting access to unauthorised containers, the access control module including a reader which is configured to read data on a readable strip or tag.

19. The candle assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the dispenser includes a cutter for cutting a fuel element from the fuel cartridge.

20. The candle assembly apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein the reservoir includes a heating unit for heating an inside or the outside portion of the fuel elements in the reservoir for dispensing fuel into the container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0354] In order to enable a clearer understanding, a preferred embodiment of the technology will now be further explained and illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0355] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of two fuel cartridges, one standing up and one lying prone, as well as five embossed fuel elements, each one having embossed cooperating surfaces for locating with like fuel elements;

[0356] FIG. 2 are two section views of candles made by the method and apparatus of embodiments of the present technology;

[0357] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a candle assembly apparatus, with parts of a housing removed for clarity;

[0358] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a candle assembly apparatus, shown from the front, above and the right hand side, with the taper loading drawer shown in an open position;

[0359] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a candle assembly apparatus, shown from the front, above and the right hand side, with the container loading drawer shown in an open position;

[0360] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a candle assembly apparatus shown from the same angle as FIGS. 4 and 5, but with a fuel cartridge closure shown in an open position;

[0361] FIG. 7 is another embodiment of a candle assembly apparatus shown from one side and with housing partially removed for clarity;

[0362] FIG. 8 is a detail view of the wick loading drawer of FIGS. 7 and 3 to 5, shown in an open position;

[0363] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of assembly apparatus shown in

[0364] FIG. 7 shown with the container loading drawer in an open position;

[0365] FIG. 10A is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 9, but with one style of fuel element loading and closure shown;

[0366] FIG. 10B is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 9, but with another style of fuel element loading, via a magazine shown;

[0367] FIG. 11A is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 9, but with a still further style of magazine arrangement;

[0368] FIG. 11B shows a yet further magazine loading arrangement shown;

[0369] FIG. 12 is a front isometric view of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11;

[0370] FIG. 13 is a cutaway isometric view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 12;

[0371] FIG. 14 is a cutaway isometric view of a candle builder with wax cutter;

[0372] FIG. 15 shows the wax cutter in the candle builder of FIG. 14 half way through a cut in a wax fuel cylinder;

[0373] FIG. 16 shows the wax cutter at the end of its cut;

[0374] FIG. 17 shows a cutaway isometric view of a wax cartridge with a plurality of pucks disposed in a jacket;

[0375] FIG. 18 shows an isometric cutaway wax cartridge with a solid wax cylinder as fuel for a candle builder shown in FIGS. 14 to 16;

[0376] FIG. 19 shows an isometric cutaway fuel cartridge showing a liquid fuel such as an oil with an outlet at a base region of the cartridge;

[0377] FIG. 20 shows a side elevation section view of the liquid fuel cartridge shown in FIG. 19;

[0378] FIG. 21 shows an isometric view of a wax puck with fastening bosses;

[0379] FIG. 22 is an isometric view of another embodiment of puck which has gripping and locating formations on the top and bottom surfaces of the pucks;

[0380] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of another embodiment of puck with a further different set of locating formations;

[0381] FIG. 24 shows a kitchen or other working room where a candle building apparatus of an embodiment of the present technology shown built into a cabinet, the apparatus being operatively mounted on a slide for installation and maintenance;

[0382] FIG. 25 shows two different embodiments of candle assembly apparatus, one with a taper drawer for loading in a hollow fuel and another one shown without a taper drawer;

[0383] FIG. 26 is an isometric view of a wax puck shown with a square taper aperture;

[0384] FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a wax puck shown with a triangular taper aperture;

[0385] FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a taper;

[0386] FIG. 29 is an isometric view of the multi-scent taper;

[0387] FIG. 30 is an isometric view of a kidney-shaped taper;

[0388] FIG. 31 is an isometric view of a multi-scented kidney-shaped taper;

[0389] FIG. 32 is an isometric exploded view of a mobile candle builder with onboard power and charging dock;

[0390] FIG. 33 is an isometric exploded view of another embodiment of a mobile candle builder with onboard power and charging dock;

[0391] FIG. 34 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a candle building apparatus in the form of a vending machine;

[0392] FIG. 35 is an isometric view of two candle building vending machines;

[0393] FIG. 36 is an isometric detail view of a vending machine of FIG. 35 showing dispensing outlet;

[0394] FIG. 37 is an isometric view of a sample kit and scent sampler apparatus;

[0395] FIG. 38 is an isometric view of another arrangement of scent sampler apparatus;

[0396] FIG. 39 is a plan view of scent sample packets;

[0397] FIG. 40 is an isometric view of scent sample packet container;

[0398] FIG. 41 is an isometric cutaway view of a taper security reader;

[0399] FIG. 42 is an isometric cutaway view of a fuel cartridge security reader;

[0400] FIG. 43 is an isometric cutaway view of a container security reader;

[0401] FIG. 44 is a detail view of a security reader disposed in the candle building machine;

[0402] FIG. 45 is a front elevation section view of a heating element for facilitating coupling between the taper and the fuel;

[0403] FIG. 46 is a front elevation section view of the heating element driven into the fuel stack;

[0404] FIG. 47 is a front elevation section view of a taper being inserted into he fuel stack;

[0405] FIG. 48 is a detail view of a candle with taper and fuel stack and cover to retain any melted fuel in the container;

[0406] FIG. 49 is an exploded section view of a heating process wherein the fuel elements are heated so increase compliance with non-parallel walls of a container;

[0407] FIG. 50 is a section view of FIG. 49 wherein the fuel elements are being dropped/lowered/forced into compliance with the walls of the container;

[0408] FIG. 51 is a section view of FIGS. 49 and 50 wherein the fuel elements are pressed/lowered so that they conform to the walls of the container;

[0409] FIG. 52 is a section view of FIGS. 49, 50 and 51 wherein the container is closed with a retainer, and a scented taper is disposed in an aperture in the fuel element stack;

[0410] FIG. 53 are isometric views of fuel cartridges of different cross section;

[0411] FIG. 54 is a section view of a fuel cartridge with outlet drains for molten wax or powder or chips;

[0412] FIG. 55 is an exploded view of the outlets drains draining into a container;

[0413] FIG. 56 is a section view of the container of FIG. 55 with a retaining cap on top to retain any fluid fuel;

[0414] FIG. 57 is a section view of the container of FIG. 55 with solidified fuel;

[0415] FIG. 58 is a section view of a candle with a taper inserted;

[0416] FIG. 59 is an isometric view of a threaded taper which is configured to cooperate with a threaded bore in a wax fuel stack;

[0417] FIG. 60 is an isometric view of a wax tamper;

[0418] FIG. 61 is a side elevation section view of a wax tamper shown tamping a taper into a wax stack, which may or may not be formed from a plurality of wax blocks stacked one atop the other;

[0419] FIG. 62 is a side elevation section view of a wax tamper shown tamping a taper into a wax fuel block, which may or may not be constructed from a plurality of wax blocks;

[0420] FIG. 63 is an exploded view of a candle with a star shaped taper;

[0421] FIG. 64 is an exploded view of of a candle with two square-section tapers;

[0422] FIG. 65 is an exploded view of a triangular-prism candle with a single triangular section taper;

[0423] FIG. 66 is an exploded view of a candle with three triangular-section tanpers;

[0424] FIG. 67 is an exploded view of a candle with a single square section taper;

[0425] FIG. 68 is an isometric view of a stand for supporting a candle;

[0426] FIG. 69 shows a candle on the stand of FIG. 68;

[0427] FIG. 70 is a section view of a fuel block which has a blind bore for receiving liquid fuel or solid fuel;

[0428] FIG. 71 is a schematic view of a control system for controlling a candle assembly apparatus as herein described;

[0429] FIG. 72 is an isometric view of a container with interlocking formation;

[0430] FIG. 73 is an isometric view of an assembly zone interlocking formation;

[0431] FIG. 74 is a flowchart for an access control protocol in the candle assembly process implemented by the candle assembly apparatus described in this document; and

[0432] FIG. 75 is an isometric exploded view of a candle showing scented fuel plugs and a scented taper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENT

[0433] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown fuel 6 for feeding a candle building or candle assembly apparatus 10. The fuel is generally indicated at 5. The candle building or candle assembly apparatus itself is shown, in a first embodiment at FIGS. 3 to 6 and, in a second embodiment at 7 to 11. Both apparatus are generally indicated with the numerals (first embodiment) 10 and (second embodiment) 110.

[0434] When discussing the two embodiments of candle assembly apparatus 10 and 110, the first embodiment will have numbers between 10 and 100, and the second embodiment will be indicated with numerals between 110 and 200. Like parts of each embodiment will be indicated by like numerals across the embodiments, so, for example, the reservoir 20 in the first embodiment will be indicated by reservoir 120 in the second embodiment.

[0435] So, broadly, the candle assembly apparatus 10, 110, 210, includes a housing 60, a reservoir 20 in the housing 60 for holding fuel 6 in the form of one or more fuel elements 5, and a dispenser 30 for feeding one or more of the fuel elements 5 from the reservoir 20 to an assembly zone 40 to form a fuel stack 8. A control system 70 that includes a processor 72 is disposed in the housing 60 to control aspects of the assembly process described below.

[0436] The apparatus 10, 110 further includes a loader 50 for loading a taper 9 into the fuel stack 8 in the assembly zone 40. An alternative embodiment shown does not include a loader 50. When there is no wax cutter, the dispenser 30 is configured to work with a stack of wax pucks 4, which may have integral tapers 9, which can be merely dropped or dispensed from the reservoir in operation and stacked in the assembly/loading zone in operation, or the builder may include a wax cutter 90 to form one or more smaller fuel elements 5 or pucks 4 for the dispenser 30 to drop into the assembly zone.

Fuel Elements and Cartridges

[0437] Fuel is in the form of fuel elements 5 and in the form shown, each fuel element 5 includes one or more debossed and/or embossed surface portions 7 configured to cooperate with other like fuel elements 5 when one is stacked atop another (cf FIG. 2). The fuel elements 5 in the form shown are pucks 4, which are a substantially homogenous solid block 3 as shown.

[0438] There may be pucks 4 provided, which include a skin 2, which may be a band or wrap element 1 for at least partially, or fully surrounding fuel element 5. The fuel blocks 3 are solid wax, and have a through hole 17 from the top surface 18 to the bottom surface 19 to receive a taper 9, which is a scented wax jacket 22 around a wick 21. The wax in the puck 4 may be beeswax, vegetable wax, mineral wax, animal wax, soy wax, paraffin wax or other suitable wax. The wax in the fuel puck 4 is intended to have no scent, and it is intended to be slightly less expensive than a scented wax unit 9. This is one of the advantages of the technology, where the candle overall is less expensive for end users than using the entire candle block of scented wax. In any event, the scent of a fully scented candle can also become overpowering, so this embodiment of the technology balances the scent with long term fuel burning, light and ambience.

[0439] Where the fuel in the puck 4 is liquid fuel or oil, which is contemplated as a fuel for the assembly apparatus, the skin would form a complete skin and fully surround the fuel, but a puck 4 would still be formed. There would even be as part of the puck 4, the through hole 17, so as to form a donut or toroid, or cylindrical disc with a through hole 17 (in some embodiments such as those with a circular cross section), as discussed below.

[0440] It is the surface of the puck 4 which is embossed to form locating or fastening surface formations 11 integral with the puck body. The embossed locating or fastening surface formations 11 may be knurled, stamped or moulded formations extending above the surface or the skin. They are intended to be bosses 12, being small stacks 13 about 1 mm across and about 1 mm or 2 mm high and intended to be configured to crush or melt into one another to fuse or bond different adjacent pucks 4 together. There may be any kind of arrangement of stacks, including those across the top and bottom surfaces nearly to the edges, or they may be in a kind of mating arrangement, where half the top surface may be embossed, while the other half may be free, so as to facilitate fastening to an adjacent puck 4. The bosses 12 may be spaced to allow an inter-fit location between surfaces of adjacent pucks 4, where there is not really much crushing, but merely just an accommodation where one boss on one surface fits between two bosses on the corresponding surface of the other puck 4.

[0441] The skin or the wax may be provided with recesses and/or bosses 12, and they may be moulded on or pressed on into the skin or wax surface. FIG. 21 shows small round flat-topped bosses in rows.

[0442] It can be seen that the bosses 12 can take the form of spaced-apart arcuate ribs (FIG. 22), or, as shown in FIG. 23, spaced-apart radial ribs. Other forms are also possible, for example, where the bosses are conical.

[0443] The skin 14 may be a packaging layer 15 for a wax puck, or indeed the packaging layer may be a separate layer on the outside of the other skin. The packaging layer 15 is a cartridge for containing one or more of the fuel elements 5.

[0444] The packaging layer 15 includes a sleeve 16 which form a cartridge 16A for receiving the one or more fuel elements 5. In some embodiments the sleeve 16 may receive a plurality of pucks 4, but there will be embodiments available, it is contemplated, where there is just one long pillar disposed inside the sleeve, and a dispenser includes a cutter (not shown) to cut off a selected length of the fuel pillar. In the embodiment shown, it is to be understood that there will be a plurality of fuel elements 5 disposed in the cartridge sleeve 16, perhaps separated if necessary by a liner to inhibit welding together in the sleeve 16, but the dispenser, as will be explained below, will select one puck 4 at a time, and drop each one in the assembly zone 40 for assembly with a taper 9 and combining with the other pucks 4 by pressure.

[0445] In one embodiment the packaging layer includes a cardboard tube element for protecting the fuel element from damage and from adjacent fuel elements during transportation or during use or storage.

[0446] The skin 14 may be scented with a scent, but it is to be understood that the main scent unit is the taper 9. The taper 9 is intended to be sold in stacks, which may be cylindrical to fit in an (optionally) cylindrical through hole through the pucks 4. It is contemplated that the tapers 9 may be semi-cylindrical in section (to obtain a scent mix by placing two together in the through hole 17.

[0447] The skin may be about 0.1 mm thick or about 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1.0 mm thick.

[0448] Many puck 4 shapes are contemplated to work, and each kind has different advantages: cylindrical pillars are easy to load, easy to handle, to hold in the hand, and make an attractive pillar candle.

[0449] But the puck 4 may be a square prism to facilitate ready formation of a square-sided pillar candle, which can be attractive. This is shown in FIGS. 53, 64 and 67.

[0450] The fuel element 5 may be in the form of a square-section pillar (FIG. 53), or a cylindrical pillar (FIGS. 53), or a triangular-section pillar (FIGS. 53, 65 and 66), or a star-section pillar (FIG. 53).

[0451] For that matter, the through holes 17 in the fuel element 5 may be square, splined or star shaped (FIG. 63), triangular (FIGS. 65, 66) or other useful and attractive feature. The through hole 17 does not have to be the same shape as the shape of the fuel element 5, as shown in FIG. 63 where the taper hole 17 and taper 9 is star shaped in section while the fuel element 5 is cylindrical. The greater the contact area the greater the heat transfer from taper 9 to fuel stack 8.

[0452] Each fuel element is about 10 mm high and about 30 mm across.

[0453] Other useful dimensions of the fuel element 5 are contemplated for various reasons, and advantages, and they may be about 5 mm, 7 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 18 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, 100 mm, 125 mm, or 150 mm high. For various reasons, the fuel elements may also be about 20 mm, 25 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, or 100 mm across.

[0454] As shown in FIGS. 64 and 66, there may be more than one through hole 17 through the pucks 4. Each one may be about 5 mm across and may be slightly tapered from bottom to top to assist loading into the through hole 17.

[0455] The hole 17 for the taper 9 may be square in section as shown in FIGS. 53 and 26, or they may be triangular in section as shown in FIGS. 27 and 53 or they may be circular as shown in 21 to 23, or they may be kidney-shaped to take a kidney shaped taper as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31. These shapes may have advantages in locking the pucks 4 together, and where there is a fine vertex, there is likely to be slightly higher temperature and heat welding. The shapes may also facilitate grip when handling, such as for example the kidney-shape facilitates a finger hold to provide a secure fit in the fingers when handing and inserting into the builder.

[0456] FIG. 59 shows a taper 9 that includes a thread formed on its outer surface. The Figure also shows a cooperating thread on the through hole 17 of the fuel element 5.

[0457] The taper 9 wax scent includes essential oil to provide the scent.

[0458] The taper 9 may be infused in the wax with a medicament such as antiviral, or antibacterial medicament.

[0459] Taper 9 shown in FIG. 30 is a kidney shaped taper. The kidney lobes 9d and 9e lock the taper 9 into cooperating lobes (not shown) for more security and more friction when interlocking. This increased surface area increases heat transfer to the fuel in the fuel stack 8.

[0460] The taper 9 is shown in FIG. 31 as a multi-scent taper, where the top portion 9a is one scent, a mid portion 9b is a different scent, and the base portion 9c is a different scent. For example, the top portion may be a scent such as peppermint for energy, while the middle scent may be infused with lavender to calm the nerves, and then the base is chamomile to aid in sleep. As the candle burns down, the user is sent slowly into an ever-more relaxed state.

[0461] It can be seen in FIG. 75 a candle 525 that includes three scented fuel plugs 509 which are disposed in a fuel stack 508, radially outwardly of a central taper 9, which may or may not be scented. The reason for the three scented fuel plugs 509 is so that the candle 525 may provide a stronger scent when in use. In fact it is contemplated that there may not even be a central taper 9 but a solid fuel stack 508 which has an integral wick, but the scented fuel plugs 509 provide the scent, but no wick.

The Candle

[0462] So, the candle 25 produced by the assembly apparatus 10, 110, 210, is shown in

[0463] FIG. 2 and includes, one or more fuel elements 5 stacked one atop another, and a scented taper 9 disposed in the one or more through holes 17. The container 23 may be provided to neatly present the resulting pillar candle 25, and to provide it with support and wax retention during use, or it may stand alone.

[0464] A medium candle and a large candle are shown in FIG. 2, and this shows the flexibility of the apparatus 10, 110. The apparatus in use will count off the desired number of fuel elements 5, which in use are extracted from the cartridge sleeve 16, stack them into the container, or merely one atop another, and then drop or drive the scented taper 9 into the through hole 17.

[0465] If the fuel is liquid, it can be a good idea to include a closure on the container.

[0466] Alternatively, the candle 25 includes a single block fuel element 5 cut from a fuel block in a cartridge 16A. The process and the apparatus for cutting the fuel element 5 from the fuel block in a cartridge 16A is described below and shown in FIGS. 14 to 16. The scented taper 9 is then dropped, screwed, pressed or driven into the through hole 17 to provide the one or more candles shown in FIGS. 63 to 67.

A Candle Assembly Apparatus

Reservoir

[0467] The housing 60 is provided to protect and support the components described below, the housing 60 including a user interface 62 for actuating the candle building process. The housing 60 includes an access means 61 for loading fuel into the reservoir 20. The access means 61 may be a lid 61 or a port (not shown). The port may have an automatic lid which swings out of the way when the solid fuel block 5 or the cartridge 16 is inserted. The access means 61 is intended to provide access for solid fuel blocks. The lid 61 could be hinged or sliding.

[0468] The reservoir 20 is disposed in the housing 60 and is configured to receive and temporarily hold about ten, a dozen, fifteen, twenty, twenty five, thirty, thirty five, or up to about fifty fuel elements 5. The fuel elements 5 are in a stacked disposition inside a cartridge 16, which can be loaded straight into a tube 26 of the reservoir 20. The reservoir includes at least one hollow tube 26 of a cross sectional dimension and shape which cooperates with that of the one or more fuel element cartridges 16. One form of cartridge 16 contains a solid fuel pillar and the dispenser 30 dispenses fuel elements 5 by cutting one or more from the solid fuel pillar as described below.

[0469] In the apparatus shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the reservoir only has one hollow tube 26.

[0470] In the apparatus shown in FIGS. 7 to 16, the reservoir 20 includes three hollow tubes 26, disposed side by side in a magazine arrangement. A magazine frame 27 is provided which is configured to receive three fuel cartridges 16 (or, as herein discussed, monolithic fuel pillars or stacks of fuel elements 5, which may be provided without any kind of covering).

[0471] The cartridge outer jacket 16A may act as a loader for the wax blocks. The wax block or pucks may be dispensed therefrom into the magazine. This makes cutting fuel elements or pucks 4 from the block of fuel 5, and dispensing, easier.

[0472] The fuel magazine fame 27 is configured to operatively mount into the reservoir 20 for ready loading. The fuel magazine frame 27 is shown to slide from above, swing from one side, or slide in from the side as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0473] The reservoir 20 includes an inlet 28 at a top end and an outlet 29 at a base end for fuel 5 flow into and out; the outlet leading to an inlet of the dispenser 30 for transferring one or more fuel elements 5 thereto.

[0474] The reservoir 20 includes a heating unit 29 which is in the form of a heating jacket and is shown in FIG. 49. The heating jacket 29 can melt the fuel in the reservoir 20 so that the wax flows from dispensing outlets, or it can merely warm the wax so that it can be forced, under pressure from the press 80, to conform to the walls of a container.

[0475] The heating unit 29 may facilitate the use of wax flakes or granules, which can be melted or warmed to form a more dense fuel block.

[0476] The fuel used in the reservoir may be flakes or granules or solid blocks, since they can be pressed with the press 80. The press 80 and/or the heat can still facilitate a the convenience discussed herein, being a fairly rapid candle formation process.

Dispenser

[0477] The dispenser 30 includes an inlet closure 32 for selectively inhibiting access of fuel elements 5 from the reservoir 20. The dispenser 30 also includes an outlet 33 for transporting the fuel elements 5 from the reservoir 20 to the assembly zone 40.

[0478] The dispenser 30 includes a selector 34 for selecting a particular one or more fuel elements from selected portions of the tube 26 or magazine 27. The selector 34 is a rotating transporter 35 which includes one or more recesses 36, cooperating in cross section with the fuel elements 5 for receiving fuel elements 5 for loading into the assembly zone 40. The selector 34 in an embodiment not shown, is a drive for rotating the magazine 27 to align the reservoir outlet 29 with the dispenser inlet for transport to the assembly zone 40.

[0479] The dispenser 30, in one embodiment (FIGS. 14 to 16) includes the cutter 90 which includes a cutting arm or cutting carriage 91 and a hub 92, and a cutting element 93 in the form of a cutting wire 94 which extends between the hub 92 and the cutting arm or carriage 91. The hub 92 which includes an adjuster 95 for adjusting the height of the cutting wire 93. The adjuster 95 includes a hub carriage 96 and an arm carriage (not shown) which can help to adjust the height of the cutting wire 94 by elevating or lower the wire 94 depending on instructions from the computer controller.

Loader

[0480] The loader 50 includes a loader 52 for loading the taper 9 into the fuel stack 8. The loader 52 includes a holder 53 for holding the taper 9 so it is kept in a stable position on the loader 52 while the loader is in motion. The holder may be a clamp or at least a pair of resilient jaws for holding the taper 9.

[0481] The loader 52 includes a drawer 54 which is disposed in a wall of the housing 60, which receives the taper 9 from the user, and transporting the taper 9 to the assembly zone 40. The loader 50 includes a drive 55 for driving the taper 9 into the fuel stack 8; or, the loader 50 includes a clamp and a release to drop the taper 9 into the stack 8.

[0482] The drive 55 includes a press 80 for pressing the taper 9 into the fuel stack 8. The press 80 includes a press plate 82 for pressing the stack together and for pressing the taper 9 into the stack.

Assembly Zone

[0483] The assembly zone 40 includes a loading zone 42 at an entrance thereof, for receiving a candle container 23. The loading zone 42 includes a door 43 for controlling access to the assembly zone 40. The loading zone 40 includes a drawer 44 to assist in transporting the container 23 to the assembly zone 40. The loading zone 42 includes an access controller 45 described below for inhibiting access to unauthorised containers.

Sampling Module

[0484] Shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the housing 60, 360, includes a scent sampling module 91 for dispensing sample scents. The sampling module 91 includes a sample receiving dock 92 for receiving a sample fuel element 93, and a heating unit 129 disposed in the dock for heating the sample fuel element 93. The sample receiving dock 92 is disposed on a landing body 94, on a distal end.

[0485] The landing body 94 is an extendable drawer 96, extendable from the housing 60, by swinging or sliding from the housing 60. A button 97 is configured to unlock and extend the drawer 96. In one form, the sampling module is disposed under a closure 32 for the housing 60.

Sampler Kits

[0486] As shown in FIGS. 37, 39 and 40 there are scent sample kits 78 including a tray 79 of scented wax buttons 93 disposed thereon. The scent sample kit 78 includes a packet of wax buttons 77 for mounting in the dock 92.

[0487] A wallet 76 of scent samples is shown in FIG. 40, the wallet 76 including a housing 74 for receiving a plurality of scent sample packets 77, and an access opening 73 for removing one scent sample packet 77 from the wallet 76.

User Interface and Control

[0488] The housing 60 includes a user interface 62 for actuating the candle building process. The user interface 62 includes an actuator 64 which causes the building process to commence. The actuator is a button 65 for simplicity of use.

[0489] Referring to FIG. 71, there is provided a control system 70 within the housing 60 for controlling the operation of the machine 10, for example controlling the assembly/build process. The control system includes a processor 72 configured for controlling the loader 50, the dispenser 40, the drive and press 80. The processor is configured to include an access controller 45 and an assembly module 45. The control system 70 further includes various sensors, for example an optical sensor such as camera 73 for assessing the size of a container, container sensor 74 for sensing the presence of a container in the assembly zone 40, and a reader 47 used to determine the presence of an identifier located with, on, or within a fuel element 5 and/or fuel cartridge 16. The processor 72 is configured to execute an assembly module 76 for making decisions on assembly steps in response to user inputs received from the user interface 62 and/or in response to inputs received from one or more of the sensors 71.

[0490] The processor 72 may be any suitable microprocessor, for example an ESP8266 with Wi-Fi capability, or an ESP32 with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability. In some embodiments a single processor may be used. In other embodiments one or more processors may be used to implement various functions of the machine 10 as described herein

[0491] The onboard processor 72 is configured to instruct the building of a candle upon receipt of data relating to the presence of an authorised container, or in response to a press of the actuator 64. Candles of a selected height may be assembled, under the control of the processor 72, depending on the length or number of presses of the button 65. In one embodiment, the onboard processor 72 is configured to implement the assembly of a candle of a low height (two fuel elements) if the button 65 is pressed once, and of a medium height (three fuel elements) if the button 65 is pressed two times, and of a tall height (four fuel elements) if the button 65 is pressed three times. The control system 70 includes a wireless module 75 for communicating with a mobile device for configuration and remote control.

[0492] Alternatively the processor 72 may instruct the cutting of a fuel block 5 from the fuel 6 in the reservoir 20 by actuating the cutter 90 and dispensing the fuel block 5 into the container in the assembly zone 40.

[0493] On the actuator button 65 there is disposed a biosensor which identifies the fingerprint of the user as authorised to operate the candle builder.

Access Controller

[0494] The access controller 45 its in communication with a reader 47 and an interlock module 48 in the processor so that only containers and fuel which are of a selected geometry or fitted with a security coating or strip or tag are allowed through into the loading/assembly zone 40. FIGS. 72 and 73 show an example geometric feature which is disposed at the base of a container. The container interlocks with the lock tabs in the loading/assembly zone 40 and a camera or sensor disposed in the loading/assembly zone 40 and shown in schematic view in FIG. 71 identifies that the container is disposed in an interlocked position. Then the access controller 45 either moves to receive data from the reader (disclosed below) or provides authority for the candle building process to begin.

[0495] The access controller 45 also inhibits operation of any part of the candle assembly apparatus 10 until a reader 47 reads an authorised message on a security coating or strip or tag, which may be disposed on the container or the wax fuel 5 or the taper 9. There is provided a magazine access controller 46 which includes similar interlock features as those of the loading zone access controller 45. The magazine access controller 46 includes a reader 47 to read a security coating or tag or strip on the fuel cartridge or fuel pillar. The access controller and/or magazine access controller includes an optical reader to read a barcode on the magazine, fuel cartridge or container. The barcode is stamped into the fuel. If the reader 47 reads the right code on the security strip then the access controller allows the candle assembly to begin. The reader 47 adjacent the taper loader drawer also provides access control. These access control readers are shown in FIGS. 41, 42, 43 and 44.

[0496] An alternative access controller is arranged such that there is a biosensor for detection of a selected gene or constituent part of the wax. Only authorised types of wax are contemplated to be able to be used in the candle builder 10, 110 and the authorised type of wax is identified by the biosensor. The biosensor is a gene sensor which identifies a selected wax or scent by the presence of a gene or other watermark. The biosensor is operatively connected to an interlock and the interlock will shut down the operation of the candle builder if the gene is not detected in the wax or cartridge or candle container in the assembly zone.

Tracking Fuel Elements and Cartridges

[0497] In some embodiments, the machine 10 includes one or more sensors 71 adapted to sense an identifier associated with a fuel element 5 and/or a fuel cartridge 16. The identifier may be associated with one or more identification particulars such as the type of fuel, the origin of the fuel, a vendor or manufacturer of the fuel, etc. The processor 72 is configured to receive the identifier data from the sensor 71, and to cause the network module 75 to communicate the identifier data to an external and/or remote computing system, for example a user device (such as a smart phone or laptop), a server, or a computer, etc.

[0498] The processor 72 may be any suitable microprocessor, for example an ESP8266 with Wi-Fi capability, or an ESP32 with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability. In such embodiments, the network module 75 would then include the onboard networking capability of the microprocessor.

[0499] In some embodiments the identifier may include an optical identifier such as a QR code; in these embodiments the sensor 71 includes an optical sensor such as a camera configured to input the QR code and provide the QR code data to the processor 72 for extracting the identifier data.

[0500] In some embodiments the identifier may include a radio frequency identifier (RFID) in the form of a passive or active RFID tag. The sensor 71 in such embodiments includes an RFID antenna adapted to query the RFID tag and to communicate the RFID tag identifier data to the processor 72.

[0501] It will be appreciated that various forms of identifiers can be used (tags, labels, etc.) that are adapted to be sensed by associated sensing mechanisms, for example optical codes such as barcodes, proximity cards using near-field communication (NFC), location tracking technologies such as GPS, nanotechnologies or nano-barcodes, etc.

[0502] In some embodiments the control system 70 functions as a reader, whereby the sensors 71 sense or detect an identifier, and the processor is configured to process the sensed data in order to read the data associated with the identifier. In other embodiments, the machine 70 may include a separate reader comprising a reading sensor and an associated reader processor.

[0503] In some embodiments the machine 10 includes a machine identifier. In these embodiments, the processor 72 may be configured to associate the element identifier and the machine identifier, and to cause the network module 75 to transmit the associated identifiers.

[0504] In some embodiments the sensor 71 is adapted to sense the presence of a fuel element 5 in the dispenser 30, and the sensor 71 communicates each instance of an element 5 to the processor 72, and the processor 72 is configured to count a number of elements 5 used with the machine 10. In some embodiments the sensor 71 is adapted to sense the presence of an element 5 or a cartridge 16 in the reservoir 20 and to communicate each instance of an element 5 or a cartridge 16 being received (or replaced) to the processor, and the processor 72 is configured to count the number of elements and/or cartridges used with the machine 10.

Power Supply

[0505] One embodiment of the assembly apparatus, shown in FIGS. 7, 10A and 10B, is powered by mains power. As is typical with bench top appliances for the home, the assembly apparatus may operate on 240v/110v at 50/60 Hz, and utilises a plug for connecting to a GPO (general power outlet).

[0506] Another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, is powered by an onboard power supply, being a battery or capacitor or other power or heat storage device such a solid graphite block, molten salt, or water. The battery or onboard heat or energy storage is charged by a charging dock 77. While the batteries could be in the form of disposable batteries, in the embodiment shown, the housing 60 is configured to dock in the dock, for charging. The battery on board may release power to form and build a candle when travelling in remote places, or in the bedroom or bathroom or rumpus or shed. The whole candle building apparatus is then portable.

In Operation

[0507] In operation the processor 72 wakes up when it receives data from a sensor 71, for example the camera 73 or container sensor 74, if a container is detected in the assembly zone 40 or when the processor 72 receives data from the user interface 62, eg from button 65 to wake up and start the assembly process. The sensor or camera checks whether the container is locked into the loading drawer by checking clearance between the container and the base of the drawer. The camera or sensor may assess the size of the container and send that data to the processor 72. If the container is assessed to be below a small threshold, then the processor 72 will instruct the dispenser 30 to cut or dispense a small size or number of fuel elements 5. If the container is assessed to be medium sized, then the processor 72 will cut or dispense a medium size or number of fuel elements 5. And so on for large size containers.

[0508] The processor 72 receives data from sensors in the loader 50 that the loader drawer 52 is open. The user inserts the taper 9 into the loader 50. The access control reader 47 adjacent the drawer 52 reads for the security strip on the taper 9 and if it is present, then the access control module allows the loader 50 to proceed with loading the taper into the fuel stack 8 described below.

[0509] The processor 72 then actuates the dispenser to cut, using the cutter 90, a fuel element 5 from the fuel 6, of the right size for the container. If the cartridge 16 has a plurality of fuel pucks 4 stacked therein, then the processor 72 causes the turntable to rotate to fill the container with the right number of wax pucks 4 to form a stack 8 of the right size for the container.

[0510] The wax puck dispenser 30 dispenses pucks in a stack in the container.

[0511] The processor 72 may actuate the heating probe 98 to warm the inside of the bore in the stack 8. There may also be provided a heating jacket around the cartridge 16 to warm the wax up to a temperature where the wax may slump or be formable under pressure. This is suitable for a container 23 which has angled or curved walls. This arrangement is shown in FIGS. 49, 50, 51 and 52, where the wax can be slumped with a little heat to allow the press 80 to form it against the walls of a non-straight sided container 23.

[0512] The processor 72 then causes the press 80 to drive the taper from the loader into the bore of the stack 8.

[0513] The other embodiments of the apparatus are controlled by the processor 72 in a similar way. For example, in the kiosk 300, shown in FIGS. 34, 35, and 36, the above arrangement of cold candle building may be utilised, or there may be a hot bath of wax, from which the processor 72 controls the dispensing into the container. This is shown in FIGS. 54, 55, 56, 57 and 58, where a container 23 is shown receiving liquid wax from a dispenser 30. In this arrangement, the reservoir 20 is surrounded by a heating jacket 29, and the wax in the cartridge 16 flows out the dispenser jets 31. A lid assembly 39 which includes a taper 9 fitted to a lid 38, is then mounted on the rim of the container 23 and the container is then cooled before release from the assembly zone 40. The camera 73 reader includes an IR function which identifies the temperature of the container 23. That data is sent to the processor 72 to causes the assembly zone door to be locked until the temperature is below a threshold.

[0514] A user may pay with a credit card or phone tap zone 368 or by inserting coins and/or notes in a slot 369. The processor 72 then causes the loader 50 to insert a taper into the warm bath of wax, as shown in FIG. 70. There is a lid dispenser (not shown) which the processor 72 causes to be loaded onto the container as shown in FIG. 70. The processor 72 causes the cooler to cool the container before it is released to the user.

[0515] The building cycle described above should take only a minute or two and then the user can then light the candle and then use the candle. This is a convenient way to build a tailored candle for a mood—select the desired taper scent then build up some fuel around it, and then burn it, without fuss or destroying the mood.

Manual Tool and Kit

[0516] In FIGS. 60 to 62 there is shown a tool 85 for assembling a candle 25, and a kit of parts formed into the candle 25. The tool 85 is for driving a taper 9 into a bore of a wax block 8, the tool 85 including a handle 86 for gripping and operating the tool 85, a flange 87 disposed at a base 88 of the handle 86 for pressing down on the wax block 8, wherein the flange 87 includes a recess 89 for receiving a portion of the taper 9. The tool has a similar arrangement as the press 80 inside the housing 60 of the machine 10, but is totally manually operated.

[0517] To form the candle 25 with the tool and the kit, the user cuts out a fuel block from a cartridge 16 of the size which is about right for the container 23. The user may also stack pucks 4 to form a fuel pillar. The pucks 4 may be already bored with through holes 17, or the user may form one or more through holes 17 in the fuel block 8. Then, the user places one or more tapers 9 into the one or more holes 17 in the fuel block 8. The tool 85 then is fitted over the taper 9, which is received in the recess 89. The user then drives the tool downwards and then the taper 9 is driven into the bore 17. The recess 89 is an interference fit on the taper 9, or there may be a gripper or a clamp (not shown) in the recess 89 to hold the upper part of the taper 9. Therefore the tool 85 may be rotated which may then cause the taper 9 shown in FIG. 59 to be threaded into the bore 17.

[0518] The user may of course hand thread the taper 9 from FIG. 59 into the threaded bore 17.

[0519] The user may, alternatively, load the container with the taper 9, and sprinkle granular fuel into the container 23. The tool 85 is then pressed down and the candle 25 is formed.

[0520] A kit as shown in FIGS. 60 to 62, includes a container 25, a wax block in the form of a cartridge of pucks 4 or a solid block of wax fuel 6, a tool 85 and one or more tapers 9. There may also be a knife provided or a wire cutter for cutting the wax block into a suitable length.

Clarifications

[0521] Modifications and improvements to the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of this invention.