Electric lighting devices that simulate a flickering flame

• US 9,739,434 B2
• Filed: 03/07/2017
• Issued: 08/22/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 01/30/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
• Original Assignee: Luminara Worldwide LLC
• Inventors: Patton, Douglas
• Primary Examiner(s): Gyllstrom, Bryon T
• Application Number:
  US15/452,547
• Publication Number:
  US 20170175964A1
• Time in Patent Office: 168 Days
• Field of Search: 362267
• 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: F21V 11/18 movable, e.g. flaps, slides
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 14/08 by movement of the screens or filters
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/02 with provision for adjustment F21V17/04 - F21V17/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/10 characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening F21V17/02 - F21V17/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0442 activated by means of a sensor, e.g. motion or photodetectors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0464 the sensor sensing the level of ambient illumination, e.g. dawn or dusk sensors
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/0471 the sensor detecting the proximity, the presence or the movement of an object or a person
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 31/00 Gas-tight or water-tight arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 31/005 Sealing arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0028 Decorative household equipment, e.g. plant holders or food dummies
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/0052 Audio or video equipment, e.g. televisions, telephones, cameras or computers; Remote control devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/007 Array of lenses or refractors for a cluster of light sources, e.g. for arrangement of multiple light sources in one plane combination of two or more refractors F21V5/008
• 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 2113/00 Combination of light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2113/10 of different colours
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/31 : Projection devices for colour picture display , e.g. using electronic spatial light modulators [ESLM]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3141 : Constructional details thereof details not peculiar to the presence of an electronic spatial light modulator G03B21/14
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/16 : by timing means
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/19 : via wireless transmission

Abstract

Various embodiments of electric lighting devices, and especially electric candles, are described. The devices include a projection screen onto which light can be emitted. Advantageously, the projection screen can move with respect to the device'"'"'s housing to thereby create a flickering flame effect. The device can include one or more magnets disposed outside of the housing that can interact with an electromagnetic field generated by the device to thereby move the projection screen.

Claims

1. An electric lighting device that simulates a flickering flame, comprising:

a housing;

a projection screen disposed outside of the housing, wherein the projection screen comprises a magnet at a bottom portion;

a rod extending from an upper surface of the housing, wherein the rod supports the projection screen such that the projection screen can move with respect to the housing at an articulation point located outside of the housing; and

a light source disposed within the housing to emit light on to a surface of the projection screen.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising an electromagnet disposed within the housing and configured to generate a time-varying electromagnetic field.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising an electromagnet disposed outside of the housing and configured to generate a time-varying electromagnetic field.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the electromagnet is disposed at or above the articulation point.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the electromagnet is disposed below the articulation point.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the magnet is disposed below the articulation point.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the magnet is disposed above the articulation point.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the rod is configured to resemble a wick of a traditional wax candle.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the magnet is molded into the projection screen.

10. The device of claim 2, wherein the electromagnet is disposed within the housing immediately below the upper surface.

11. An electric lighting device that simulates a flickering flame, comprising:

a housing that includes an upper surface;

a projection screen coupled to the housing via a rod, wherein the projection screen is disposed above the upper surface of the housing;

wherein the rod extends from the upper surface of the housing, and wherein the projection screen rests on the rod at an articulation point about which the projection screen can move with respect to the rod;

a magnet coupled to the projection screen; and

an electromagnet configured to generate a time-varying electromagnetic field and disposed within the housing.

12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a light source at least partially disposed within the housing and configured to emit light on to an outer surface of the projection screen.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the magnet is disposed below the articulation point and outside of the housing.

14. The device of claim 11, wherein the articulation point is located outside of the housing.

15. The device of claim 11, wherein the rod is configured to resemble a wick of a traditional wax candle.

16. The device of claim 11, wherein the magnet is molded into the projection screen.

17. The device of claim 11, wherein the electromagnet is disposed within the housing immediately below the upper surface.

18. The device of claim 11, wherein the upper surface comprises a closed surface.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein the housing is hermetically sealed.