Imitation candle device with a gravity held swing piece attached to the flame sheet

• US 10,060,585 B2
• Filed: 06/20/2016
• Issued: 08/28/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
• Original Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
• Inventors: Li, Xiaofeng
• Primary Examiner(s): Tso, Laura
• Application Number:
  US15/187,640
• Publication Number:
  US 20160348864A1
• Time in Patent Office: 799 Days
• Field of Search: 362277, 362810
• CPC Class Codes: F21K 9/00 Light sources using semiconductor devices as light-generating elements, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED] or lasers
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/04 simulating flames
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/043 by selectively switching fixed light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 10/046 by movement of parts, e.g. by movement of reflectors or light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 6/001 being candle-shaped with varying lighting effect of simulating flames F21S10/04; string of light sources F21S4/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 9/02 the power supply being a battery or accumulator
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/001 the elements being electrical wires or cables
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/009 the casing being inside the housing of the lighting device
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/04 the elements being switches safety devices F21V25/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0407 for flashing
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0028 Decorative household equipment, e.g. plant holders or food dummies
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 9/30 Elements containing photoluminescent material distinct from or spaced from the light source shades F21V1/17; globes, bowls or cover glasses F21V3/08, F21V3/12; refractors F21V5/10; reflectors F21V7/26, F21V7/30; elements with provision for controlling the spectral properties or intensity F21V9/40
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 9/40 with provision for controlling spectral properties, e.g. colour, or intensity
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/00 Use or application of lighting devices or systems for decorative purposes, not provided for in codes F21W2102/00 – F21W2107/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2101/00 Point-like light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 7/064 Circuit arrangements for actuating electromagnets circuit arrangements for obtaining special operating characteristics H01F7/18; driving circuits for electromagnets making use of a switching regulator H01H47/325
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/20 Controlling the colour of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/38 using boost topology
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/155 Coordinated control of two or more light sources
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/16 : by timing means
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 : Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/81 : Imitation candle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49002 : Electrical device making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/4902 : Electromagnet, transformer or inductor

Abstract

An electronic lighting device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The electronic lighting device may comprise a core, which may comprises an enclosure, a light-emitting element, a flame sheet and a swing mechanism. The flame sheet is movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, and may comprise an upper sheet which is of a flame-like shape. The upper sheet is configured to expose above the top of the enclosure. The light-emitting element may be installed on the enclosure. A light outgoing direction of the light-emitting element may be intersected with the surface of the upper sheet so that the light of the light-emitting element is projected on the surface of the upper sheet. The swing mechanism is disposed beneath the flame sheet and can apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flame sheet to sway or swing. By the present application, a visual experience of true fire can be achieved and an interestedness and appreciation can be improved.

Claims

1. A flame element for use in an imitation candle device, comprising:

a flame sheet including an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion of the flame sheet shaped to resemble a fire flame;

a hanging member, wherein a first end of the hanging member is coupled to the lower portion of the flame sheet; and

a swing piece coupled to a second end of the hanging member to allow the swing piece to hang downward under a force of gravity.

2. The flame element of claim 1, wherein the hanging member comprises a rope that is attached to a lower end of the lower portion of the flame sheet.

3. The flame element of claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the flame sheet includes one or more depressions.

4. The flame element of claim 2, wherein the upper portion of the flame sheet includes one or more depressions.

5. The flame element of claim 1, wherein the lower portion of the flame sheet has a lower end that is substantially rectangular in shape.

6. The flame element of claim 1, wherein flame sheet includes a middle portion that includes a through hole for insertion of a support rod upon which the flame sheet sways.

7. The flame element of claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the flame sheet is curved to form a non-zero angle with respect to a vertical axis that runs through the flame sheet.

8. The flame element of claim 7, wherein the lower portion of the flame sheet has a lower end that is substantially rectangular in shape.

9. An imitation candle device, comprising:

a housing;

a flame element that includes;

(a) a flame sheet including an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion of the flame sheet shaped to resemble a fire flame;

(b) a hanging member, wherein a first end of the hanging member is coupled to the lower portion of the flame sheet; and

(c) a swing piece coupled to a second end of the hanging member to allow the swing piece to hang downward under a force of gravity;

a rotary block coupled to an electrical motor and rotatable under control of the electric motor, the rotary motor positioned in the housing to contact the swing piece; and

one or more light sources to illuminate the upper portion of the flame element.

10. The imitation candle device of claim 9, further including a support element passing through a through hole in a middle portion of the flame sheet and connecting at both ends to the housing.

11. The imitation candle device of claim 9, wherein at least one of the one or more light sources is positioned on a sidewall of the housing to project light onto the upper portion of the flame sheet from within the housing.

12. The imitation candle device of claim 11, wherein the housing includes a through hole on a top section of the housing, and wherein the at least one of the one or more light sources is positioned to illuminate the upper portion of the flame sheet through the through hole.

13. The imitation candle device of claim 9, wherein the hanging member comprises a rope that is attached to a lower end of the lower portion of the flame sheet.

14. The imitation candle device of claim 9, wherein the upper portion of the flame sheet includes one or more depressions.

15. The imitation candle device of claim 13, wherein the upper portion of the flame sheet includes one or more depressions.

16. The imitation candle device of claim 9, wherein the lower portion of the flame sheet has a lower end that is substantially rectangular in shape.

17. The imitation candle device of claim 9, wherein in the upper portion of the flame sheet is curved to form a non-zero angle with respect to a vertical axis that runs through the flame sheet.

18. The imitation candle device of claim 17, wherein the lower portion of the flame sheet has a lower end that is substantially rectangular in shape.

19. The imitation candle device of claim 9, wherein the rotary block is positioned within the housing to collide with the swing piece upon actuation of the electric motor.

20. The imitation candle device of claim 9, further including an electronic circuit having a microprocessor to control operation of the electric motor.