US6200129B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermochromic candle
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1999-02-23
•
Granted: 2001-03-13
•
Expires: 2019-02-23
Abstract
Abstract A candle capable of changing color when lighted is disclosed. More particularly, the candle incorporates thermochromic dyes that are a first color at room temperature and a second color upon being raised to an activation temperature. The color change is preferably reversible so that upon cooling, the portions of the candle that underwent a color change return to their original color.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael R. Sullivan
- 👤 John Raymond Sullivan
- 👤 Paul Francis Sullivan
- 👤 Robert Joseph Sullivan
- 👤 Thomas Daniel Fisher
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 00:33
CPC Classifications
C; C11; C11C; C11C5/00; C11C5/002; C11C5/004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A candle having portions thereof which undergo color changes when the candle is lighted, the candle comprising: a) a wick; and b) a candle body surrounding the wick; the candle body formed of at least two segments, a first segment comprising a wax having a first thermochromic dye incorporated therein, the first thermochromic dye characterized in that it is a first color of room temperature and becomes a second color upon being heated to an activation temperature, and a second segment comprising a wax having a second thermochromic dye incorporated therein, the second thermochromic dye characterized in that it is also the first color at room temperature and becomes a third color upon being heated to an activation temperature.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
A candle having portions thereof which undergo color changes when the candle is lighted, the candle comprising: a) a wick; and b) a candle body surrounding the wick; the candle body formed of at least two segments, a first segment comprising a wax having a first thermochromic dye incorporated therein, the first thermochromic dye characterized in that it is a first color of room temperature and becomes a second color upon being heated to an activation temperature, and a second segment comprising a wax having a second thermochromic dye incorporated therein, the second thermochromic dye characterized in that it is also the first color at room temperature and becomes a third color upon being heated to an activation temperature.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The candle of claim 1 wherein the wax comprises a paraffin wax.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The candle of claim 1 wherein the color change is a reversible color change.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The candle of claim 1 wherein the candle body further comprises a viscosity enhancing agent.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The candle of claim 4 wherein the viscosity enhancing agent comprises clay.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The candle of claim 1 wherein the candle body further comprises an emulsifier.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The candle of claim 1 wherein the candle body further comprises at least one fragrance.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The candle of claim 1 wherein the candle body further comprises a beeswax.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
41 words
The candle of claim 1 wherein the thermochromic dyes comprise, in combination, an electron-donating chromogenic material; a 1,2,3-triazole compound; a weakly basic, sparingly soluble azomethine or carboxylic acid primary amine salt; and an alcohol, amide or ester serving as a solvent.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The candle of claim 1 wherein the thermochromic dyes undergo a color change at a temperature in the range of about 60° C. to about 70° C.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The candle of claim 1 wherein the segments are spaced vertically along the candle body.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The candle of claim 1 wherein the segments are spaced horizontally along the candle body.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The candle of claim 1 wherein the segments are spaced concentrically along the candle body.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
110 words
A candle having portions thereof which undergo color changes when the candle is lighted, the candle comprising: c) a wick; and d) a candle body surrounding the wick; the candle body formed of at least two segments, a first segment containing a wax having a first thermochromic dye incorporated therein, and a second segment comprising a wax having a second thermochromic dye incorporated therein whereby the thermochromic dyes are selected such that the candle appears to be a single fist color at room temperature, but upon heating to an activation temperature the dyes change to second and third colors that are different from one another and from the first color.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
110 words
A candle having portions thereof which undergo color changes when the candle is lighted, the candle comprising: c) a wick; and d) a candle body surrounding the wick; the candle body formed of at least two segments, a first segment containing a wax having a first thermochromic dye incorporated therein, and a second segment comprising a wax having a second thermochromic dye incorporated therein whereby the thermochromic dyes are selected such that the candle appears to be a single fist color at room temperature, but upon heating to an activation temperature the dyes change to second and third colors that are different from one another and from the first color.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The candle of claim 14 wherein the segments are spaced vertically along the candle body.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The candle of claim 14 wherein the segments are spaced horizontally along the candle body.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The candle of claim 14 wherein the segments are spaced concentrically along the candle body.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-03-12 | 2004-09-11 | 2005-03-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-03-12 | 2008-09-11 | 2009-03-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-03-12 | 2012-09-11 | 2013-03-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |