Multi-flame electric candles

• US 10,100,991 B2
• Filed: 07/10/2017
• Issued: 10/16/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 10/23/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
• Original Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
• Inventors: Patton, Douglas
• Primary Examiner(s): A, Minh D
• Application Number:
  US15/645,713
• Publication Number:
  US 20170307158A1
• Time in Patent Office: 463 Days
• 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: F21V 23/0435 activated by remote control means
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/04 of lens shape
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/12 using optical feedback
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/20 Controlling the colour of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/115 by determining the presence or movement of objects or living beings
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/16 by timing means
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/19 via wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Abstract

Various embodiments of electric candles are described having multiple flame elements, each of which generate a flickering flame effect, and collectively simulate a candle having multiple flames. The candles include a housing that encloses various lighting devices and circuitry that can control one or more aspects of the lighting devices. The enclosure can also house one or more drive mechanisms that help to effect movement of the flame elements.

Claims

1. A multi-flame electric candle comprising:

an enclosure having first and second apertures on a top surface;

first and second pendulum members disposed within the enclosure such that a first portion of each of the pendulum members protrudes through the first and second apertures, respectively;

first and second sets of light sources positioned and oriented within the enclosure to project light onto the first and second pendulum members, respectively;

first and second drive mechanisms, wherein the first drive mechanism is configured to cause movement of the first pendulum member, and the second drive mechanism is configured to cause movement of the second pendulum member;

a memory configured to store a set of profiles;

circuitry to control at least one of (1) the first and second drive mechanisms and (2) the first and second sets of light sources, according to a selected profile of the set stored in the memory.

2. The electric candle of claim 1, wherein the set of profiles includes multiple profiles, each of which when selected causes different movement of the first and second pendulum members.

3. The electric candle of claim 1, wherein the selected profile coordinates projection of light from the first and second light sources with movement of the first and second pendulum members, respectively.

4. The electric candle of claim 1, wherein the selected profile coordinates projection of light from the first and second light sources according to a time of day.

5. The electric candle of claim 1, wherein the selected profile coordinates projection of light from the first and second light sources according to a location of the candle.

6. The electric candle of claim 5, wherein a brightness of the light is varied depending upon a room location of the candle.

7. The electric candle of claim 5, wherein a color of the light varies depending on a room location of the candle.

8. The electric candle of claim 1, wherein the selected profile causes different signals to be sent to the first and second sets of light sources.

9. The electric candle of claim 1, wherein at least one of the profiles of the set specifies a current flow to each of the first and second drive mechanisms over time.

10. The electric candle of claim 9, wherein the at least one profile specifies the current flow to occur at regular pulses.

11. The electric candle of claim 9, wherein the at least one profile specifies the current flow to occur at random intervals.

12. The electric candle of claim 9, wherein the selected profile further coordinates an intensity of light from the first and second sets of light sources with the current flow to each of the first and second drive mechanisms over time.

13. The electric candle of claim 1, further comprising:

a remote control configured to send a command signal to the candle; and

wherein the candle comprises a receiver configured to receive the command signal and control the at least one of (1) the first and second drive mechanisms and (2) the first and second sets of light sources, according to the received command signal.

14. The electric candle of claim 13, wherein the circuitry is configured to store the received command signal in the memory.

15. The electric candle of claim 13, wherein the remote control further comprises a user interface that allows a user to select one of the stored set of profiles, and the command signal directs the circuitry to select the selected profile.

16. The electric candle of claim 13, wherein the remote control further comprises a user interface that allows a user to create a new profile that affects at least one of (1) movement of the first and second pendulum members and (2) illumination of the first and second sets of light sources;

and wherein the command signal includes the new profile.

17. The electric candle of claim 13, wherein the receiver is configured to receive the new profile and store the new profile in the memory.

18. The electric candle of claim 1, wherein the first pendulum member is a master element, and the second pendulum member is a slave pendulum member, and the circuitry primarily coordinates movement of the master pendulum member resulting in movement of the slave pendulum member.

19. The electric candle of claim 1, wherein the circuitry comprises a circuit to sense a movement in each of the first and second pendulum members.

20. The electric candle of claim 1, further comprising a light sensor configured to detect a level of ambient light near the candle, and wherein the circuitry is configured to receive a signal from the light sensor and vary a brightness or color of the light from the sets of light sources based on the received signal.