1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to battery operated LED (light emitting diode) candles, commonly referred to as “flameless candles”, and in particular, to the LED of such candle using a colored lens which can simulate a blackened wick when the LED in not operating.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various configurations of LED flameless candles are known in prior art. Typically, such prior art devices use one (1) single diode LED concealed within a flame shaped cap, known as a “flamecap”, or multiple LEDs which are usually exposed. It is also known that a prior art device simulates a blackened wick with a small plastic post that is placed in a position on the top of the candle shelf (the surface that simulates the upper level of the candle when the flame has burned away wax). In this particular design, the LED is placed within the body of the flameless candle. These prior art designs have drawbacks that limit their ability to achieve a more realistic simulation of a traditional wick burning candle. When the LED is concealed within a flamecap, there is a lack of realism when the device is not operating. The non-illuminated flame shaped cap does not have the appearance of a real candle at this point. Nor do exposed LEDs, such as with the multiple LED configuration, which usually exposes clear LEDs with no flamecap. Again, this configuration does not appear very realistic when the candle is not operating. The prior art design that uses the simulated blackened wick with the LED positioned within the body of the flameless candle does appear more realistic than other designs when the candle is not operating, however, because the LED is positioned within it does not appear realistic when the candle is operating.
The drawbacks mentioned above have not been adequately addressed by prior art. It is the intention of the present invention to remedy, at least in part, these deficiencies.
Accordingly, there is provided herein, in various embodiments, a flameless candle incorporating the use of a colored lens LED. The colored lens LED is mounted onto an internal housing that also contains electronic circuit components to control the aforementioned independent flickering of each diode within the LED. The internal housing also contains the batteries as well as various operational switches such as for power, timer functions and remote control among others. The internal housing ideally is positioned within an artificial candle shell, which may be constructed of wax, plastic, resin or other suitable material. Further, the location of the colored lens LED is such that it is below the top lip of the candle shell and above the partition of the candle shell and the top of the internal housing (referred to as the “shelf” in the industry). This exposes the position of the colored lens LED to the external portion of the candle shell while keeping it in a position to cast illumination through the side wall of the candle shell creating “glow” in the candle shell. The color of the LED lens is light enough that it does not noticeably impair light output while being dark enough that when the LED is not operating it appears to be black. Due to the cylindrical shape of the LED, it provides that appearance of a blackened wick when not operating, especially when viewed in position above the “shelf” of the flameless candle shell. Although the preferred design is to use an LED that possesses a colored lens as previously described, it is foreseen that it is possible to alternatively use a cylindrical cover over a traditional clear LED lens to achieve the same effect. The LED lens cover would be made to fit snuggly over the shape of an LED. The colored LED lens cover can be attached in a variety of methods including but not limited to gluing, snap fit, and screw on attachment.
In another aspect of the foregoing embodiment, the shape of the colored lens LED is concave. An LED is covered by a plastic lens. This lens not only protects the delicate electronic diode of the LED, but it is influential in determining the light pattern that is cast when the LED is operational. The colored lens LED will, preferably, use a concave shape lens. The lens contains an inverted cone design directly opposite of the location of the diode which effectively acts as a reflector to redirect light to the side of the LED rather than allowing it to project straight. The use of this shape LED lens improves the illumination and ambience of a flameless candle. Although the preferred design incorporates the use of a concave LED lens, it may be possible to use other lens shapes, such as the traditional dome shape, for other applications. In the preferred design, it is envisioned the use of 3 mm to 5 mm LEDs (measurement based on diameter measurement), although other sizes may be applicable depending on application. In another aspect of the invention, the flickering effect is controlled with an integrated chip (IC) built into the LED, which is the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is also possible to develop an independent integrated chip that would not be positioned within the LED but rather placed on the electronic circuit board or other location to actuate a flickering pattern.
In another aspect of the invention, it is envisioned that power could be supplied by various means, including but not limited to, rechargeable batteries via removable A/C power adaptor, hard wired A/C power and solar power. It is also contemplated that the device could incorporate features such as a timer to allow for auto on and off operation, remote control to allow for operation of the candle unit from a distance, and light sensing technology to allow unit to automatically turn on whenever ambient light levels are sufficiently low.
In another aspect of the invention, it is envisioned the colored lens LED could be used in flameless candle shells made from wax, plastic, resin or any material capable of simulating a natural candle shell. This application is viable for flameless candles intended for use in both any indoor and outdoor application.
A more complete understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same reference numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms “front,” “back,” “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower,” “height,” “top,” “bottom,” “outer,” “inner,” “width,” “length,” “end,” “side,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawing and are utilized only to facilitate describing the invention.
All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings of the present invention only; the extensions of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the preferred embodiment will either be explained or will be within the skill of persons of ordinary skill in the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific width, length, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have been read and understood.
Preferred embodiments of the colored lens LED flameless candle according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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