Artificial candle

Abstract

An artificial candle includes a tube that simulates a wax candle and has top and bottom ends. A post extends upward from the top end. A nub, mounted on the post, is diametrically larger than the post. A flame piece simulating a candle flame has a bore configured to receive the nub as the piece is slid down over the post by a user. The bore has a diametrically enlarged section that is axially and radially the same size as the nub to provide the flame piece being slid down over the post with a tactile detent position, and enabling the piece to be slid downward beyond the detent position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an artificial candle and a candleholder;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the candle, including a flame piece mounted on a post;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the flame piece separated from the post;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the flame piece in one mounted position;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the flame piece in another mounted position;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a second flame piece in one mounted position; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the second flame piece in another mounted position.

Claims

1. An artificial candle comprising: a tube simulating a candle and having top and bottom ends;a post extending upward from the top end;a nub mounted on the post and diametrically larger than the post; anda flame piece simulating a candle flame and having a bore configured to receive the nub as the piece is slid down over the post by a user, the bore having a diametrically enlarged section that is sized with respect to the nub to provide the flame piece being slid down over the post with a tactile detent position, yet enabling the piece to be slid downward beyond the detent position.

2. The candle of claim 1 wherein the flame piece can be slid downward beyond the detent position into contact with the tube.

3. The candle of claim 1 further comprising an electric lamp supported by the post so as to be encased by the flame piece when the flame piece is in the detent position.

4. The candle of claim 3 wherein the lamp is located in the nub.

5. An artificial candle comprising: a tube simulating a candle and having top and bottom ends;a post extending upward from the top end;a nub mounted on the post and diametrically larger than the post; anda flame piece simulating a candle flame and having a bore configured to receive the nub as the piece is slid down over the post by a user, the bore having a lower section diametrically smaller than the nub and an upper section diametrically larger than the lower section, configured for the nub to pass through the lower bore section and into the upper bore section.

6. The candle of claim 5 wherein the upper bore section is axially about the same size as the nub to provide the flame piece with a detent position that is spaced above the tube.

7. The candle of claim 5 wherein the upper bore section is axially longer than the nub, for the nub to remain in the upper bore section as the flame piece is moved downward toward and into contact with the tube.

8. The candle of claim 5 further comprising an electric lamp supported by the post so as to be encased by the flame piece when the bore receives the post.

9. The candle of claim 8 wherein the lamp is located in the nub.

10. An artificial candle apparatus comprising: a tube simulating a candle and having top and bottom ends;a post extending upward from the top end;a lamp mounted on the post; andflame pieces simulating a candle flame, configured to be interchangeably mounted over the lamp by a user, and differing from each other in size, shape and/or color.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the tube, the post, the lamp, and the flame pieces are packaged in a merchandise package.

12. A method for use with the apparatus of claim 10, comprising offering the tube, the post, the lamp and the flame pieces, all packaged together, for sale to a store customer.

13. The candle of claim 1 wherein the enlarged section is axially the same size as the nub.

14. The candle of claim 1 wherein the enlarged section is radially the same size as the nub.

15. An artificial candle comprising: a tube simulating a candle and having top and bottom ends;a post structure extending upward from the top end; anda flame piece simulating a candle flame, configured to be slid down over the post structure into a tactile detent position and further able to be slid down beyond the detent position.

16. The candle of claim 15 wherein the post structure includes a post extending upward from the top end of the tube and a nub mounted on the post, and the flame piece includes a bore for receiving the nub, the bore having a diametrically enlarged section that is sized with respect to the nub to provide the detent position.

17. The candle of claim 15 further comprising an electric lamp supported by the post structure so as to be encased by the flame piece when the flame piece is in the detent position.