Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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Candle magazine
The present invention relates to a candle magazine which has a multiplicity of
deep-drawn
cup-like structures in which there is provided in each case one candle
composed of a
combustible material and of a wick. The present invention also relates to a
candle, to a
method for producing a candle or a candle magazine, and to a deep-drawing
apparatus.
At present, candles, in particular tealights, are provided in an aluminum
container. The
production of said candles is however highly cumbersome and a large amount of
packaging
waste, which places a burden on the environment, is produced.
It was therefore the object of the present invention to provide a candle
magazine or a candle
that does not have the disadvantages of the prior art.
The object is achieved by means of a candle magazine which has a multiplicity
of deep-
drawn cup-like structures in which there is provided in each case one candle
composed of a
combustible material and of a wick.
The statements made regarding this subject of the present invention apply
equally to the
other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.
The present invention relates to a candle magazine which has a multiplicity of
deep-drawn
cup-like structures. For this purpose, a planar material web is generally
provided which is
subsequently deep-drawn under the influence of an elevated temperature and/or
pressure
and/or vacuum such that the cup-like structure is formed in the material web.
A candle is
then provided in said cup-like structure, which candle is composed of a
combustible material,
in particular wax, for example beeswax, stearin and/or paraffin, that is to
say in particular
hardened or refined vegetable and/or animal fats, wax-like materials and/or
technical wax
mixtures, and of a wick. The combustible material is initially solid and is at
least partially
liquefied as a result of the release of heat from the burning wick.
In this way, it is advantageously possible, in a simple manner, to produce
candle magazines
and/or candles which are easy to produce, stack and therefore also transport.
In relation to
conventional tealights in aluminum containers, the candle magazine according
to the
invention can be produced more quickly and with lower production costs.
Furthermore, owing
to the lower thermal conductivity of the material from which the magazine is
produced in
relation to aluminum, less energy is released to the cup-like structure by
heat conduction,
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and the burn-off of the candle is thus advantageously slowed. In this way,
less combustible
material is required to achieve the same combustion duration. Furthermore, the
candle
magazine according to the invention advantageously does not heat up to the
same extent as
a conventional candle container composed of aluminum or glass. If the candle
is arranged in
a vessel, for example for decorative purposes, then the risk of ignition of
the candle as a
whole, or of the magazine, such as exists in the case of candles with an
aluminum casing, is
advantageously eliminated. A further advantage of the candle magazine
according to the
invention consists in that there is no risk, or at least a greatly reduced
risk, of a user being
burned, because the material from which the magazine is produced does not
reach
temperatures as high as those encountered during the burn-off of the candles
in the case of
the vessels known from the prior art.
The combustible material preferably has no colorants whatsoever. The
combustible material
particularly preferably has at least one colorant, in particular such that the
combustible
material in the cup-like structure is at least partially transparent. The
combustible material
very particularly preferably has the same colorant as the material from which
the cup-like
structure is manufactured. The combustible material is even more preferably
arranged in
layered fashion, wherein at least two layers have a different colorant. The
combustible
material preferably comprises one or more scents. The combustible material
preferably
comprises an additive which has the effect of coloring the flame. In this way,
it is
advantageously possible to provide a white or colored candle, in particular a
candle which is
colored even in the lit state, that is to say has a colored flame. If the
material from which the
cup-like structure or the material is manufactured is also colored, an
aesthetically pleasing
overall color impression is realized.
The cross section of the cup-like structure is preferably provided such that
the length of the
wick that protrudes out of the combustible material is always shorter than the
shortest
dimension of the cross section of the cup-like structure. This prevents the
wick or the flame
of the wick from coming into contact with a side wall of the cup-like
structure.
Any deep-drawable material that is familiar to a person skilled in the art may
be used as a
material for producing the cup-like structure or the magazine. The material
from which the
cup-like structure or the magazine is produced is preferably a plastic, and
the material web
is preferably a plastics foil. The material from which the cup-like structure
or the magazine is
produced may be provided in single-layer or multi-layer form. The material
from which the
cup-like structure or the magazine is produced may be composed partially or
entirely of
paper, in particular deep-drawable paper, and/or from cardboard, in particular
deep-
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drawable cardboard. The material from which the cup-like structure or the
magazine is
produced may be composed partially, for example in one layer, of metal, in
particular
aluminum. The material from which the cup-like structure or the magazine is
produced is
preferably non-combustible and/or of low flammability. The material from which
the cup-like
structure or the magazine is produced particularly preferably complies with a
fire protection
rating in accordance with the standard UL94 VO, V1 or V2 and/or in accordance
with the
standards IEC/DIN EN 60 695-11-10 and/or IEC DIN EN 60 695-11-20. In this way,
it is
particularly advantageously possible for the cup-like structure to be
manufactured from a
material which, even in the event of improper use, does not burn and conducts
heat only
poorly, which firstly lowers the fire risk in relation to cup-like structures
composed of
aluminum and secondly advantageously increases user convenience, because a
candle of
said type can, even in a lit state, be comfortably held by a user, without the
risk of the user
being burned.
The material from which the cup-like structure and/or the magazine is produced
is preferably
REACH-compliant. This means that the material complies with the requirements
of the
directive (EC) no. 1907/2006 (REACH).
Examples of such materials are:
- technical polymers
- wood/plastic composite materials
- bioplastics
- thermoplastic starches
- crystalline polyethylene terephthalate (C-PET)
- amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (A-PET)
- polyethylene terephtalate with glycol (PET-G)
- polyether ether ketone (PEEK)
- polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
- polyamide imide (PAI)
- polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
- ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)
- polycarbonate (PC)
- polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Terratec
- Biocellat
- maize starch
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- paper of low flammability or composite foils of low flammability,
and/or
' - composite materials composed of plastics and biomaterial.
A person skilled in the art understands that, in particular, all
thermoformable foils with
cellulose may be used.
The bioplastic is preferably a polyactide (PLA), a cellulose product, a starch
product,
composed in particular of potato starch and/or maize starch, and/or
polyhydroxybutyrate
(PH B).
The plastics foil is preferably a PET foil, in particular an A-PET foil or a
PET-G foil, a PC foil,
a PLA foil and/or an EVA foil. The material web is particularly preferably a
composite foil, in
particular a PET-GAG foil. A PET-GAG foil of said type has multiple layers,
very particularly
preferably a layer of an A-PET foil, which is connected on both sides to in
each case one
layer of PET-G foil. Even more preferably, the A-PET foil layer has a
thickness of 80% of the
total thickness of the PET-GAG foil, and in particular, the PET-G foil layers
have a thickness
of an each case 10% of the total thickness of the PET-GAG foil. A PET-GAG foil
of said type
offers the advantage that the surface is easily printable, sealable and
weldable and also
food-safe. The A-PET foil layer yields a certain strength, limits the gas
permeability, and is
cheaper than a PET-G foil of the same thickness. Furthermore, a recycled A-PET
foil may
also be used, such that the sustainability of the foil is advantageously
increased.
A person skilled in the art understands that plastics composite materials
refer in particular to
plastics to which an additive has been added. The additive is preferably
provided such that
the plastics composite that is formed has a higher fire protection rating than
the plastic
without additive.
The foil thickness is preferably between 0.00001 mm and 2 mm, particularly
preferably
between 2 pm and 7 pm, very particularly preferably between 3 pm and 4 pm.
The material from which the cup-like structure or the magazine is produced may
be
transparent and/or colored. The material may be printed using any desired
method familiar
to a person skilled in the art. In particular, the material may be transparent
and printed with
color. This advantageously makes it possible to provide a substantially
transparent cup-like
structure or a substantially transparent magazine and nevertheless provide
important
product information and/or warnings on the cup-like structures. Furthermore,
in the case of
an at least partially colored material, it is advantageously possible for a
pleasing appearance
of the magazine to be realized. For scented candles in particular, it is thus
possible to realize
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simple color coding. For example, red candle magazines, that is to say candle
magazines
produced from an at least partially red material, may have a rose scent, green
candle
magazines may have an apple scent, and white or colorless candle magazines may
be
substantially scentless.
In a preferred embodiment, the combustible material at least partially has the
same color as
the material from which the cup-like structure and/or the magazine is
produced. In this way,
it is advantageously possible to provide a uniform appearance of the candle
magazine
and/or of the individual candles. A person skilled in the art understands
that, alternatively or
in addition, the combustible material may at least partially have a different
color than the
material from which the cup-like structure and/or the magazine is produced. In
this way, it is
possible in a particularly advantageous manner to realize different color
effects, in particular
in a burning candle. For example, a candle with a red cup-like structure but a
green
combustible material appears yellow at least in the lit state.
It is particularly preferable for the material from which the cup-like
structure or the magazine
is produced to at least partially have a compostible material, in particular a
natural raw
material, which has starch, for example. In this way, the cup-like structure
can be disposed of
without residue after the candle has been burned.
The material from which the cup-like structure and/or the magazine is produced
is very
particularly preferably an at least partially recyclable material. In this
way, the sustainability of
the candle magazine according to the invention, in particular in relation to
conventional
candles with a cup-like structure composed of aluminum, is advantageously
increased.
In one preferred embodiment, the wick is a filiform mesh. The wick
particularly preferably
has, in particular on its outer side, a stiffening means, for example a hard
wax coating and/or
a sleeve, in particular composed of a combustible material. In this way, it is
advantageously
possible for the wick to have a certain degree of inherent stability, and/or
for the combustion
characteristics of said wick to be influenced in a desired way.
In a preferred embodiment, the wick of the candle is directly or indirectly
connected to the
cup-like structure in positively locking, non-positively locking and/or
cohesive fashion. For
example, the wick has a wick holder which is preferably connected to the cup-
like structure
by means of adhesive bonding, sealing, welding or preferably by means of a
snap-action
fastener. It is however also conceivable for the wick to be connected to the
cup-like structure
in positively locking, non-positively locking and/or cohesive fashion without
a wick holder, for
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example by pressing-in and/or sealing. It is particularly preferable for the
wick, the wick
s holder and/or the cup-like structure to be connected by way of ultrasound
sealing and/or by
way of an in particular fire-retardant adhesive, in particular a melt adhesive
(hot melt).
-- In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, each cup-like
structure has a base
region in which there is provided a recess and/or protuberance and/or an
opening in which
the wick and/or a wick holder is fastened. Said fastening is particularly
preferably a positively
locking, non-positively locking and/or cohesive fastening. The recess or
protuberance serves
to prevent a slippage of the wick during the production of the candle magazine
and/or as the
-- candle is burned. The recess and/or protuberance preferably has an undercut
that interacts
in positively locking and/or non-positively locking fashion with the wick
and/or with the wick
holder.
It is furthermore preferable for the base region to be provided so as to be
inclined relative to
-- the horizontal at least in sections. It is ensured in this way that the
combustible material that
liquefies as the candle is burned flows in the direction of the wick such that
at least the most
complete possible burn-off of the combustible material is ensured.
In a preferred embodiment, the side wall is provided so as to be inclined
relative to the
-- vertical at least in sections. The cup-like structure particularly
preferably has a substantially
conical shape, wherein in particular, the diameter in the base region is
smaller than the
diameter in the region of an opening, situated opposite the base region, of
the cup-like
structure. In this way, firstly, a controlled and complete burn-off of the
combustible material is
ensured, and secondly, it is ensured in a particularly advantageous manner
that the candle
-- fits into vessels of different fit, that is to say different diameter. The
candle can thus
advantageously be used in a flexible manner. Furthermore, a cup-like structure
of said type
can be more easily demolded.
It is preferable for a predetermined breaking point to be provided between at
least two cup-
-- like structures of the magazine such that the individual cup-like
structures can be easily
separated off by a user and made available as individual candles. The
predetermined
breaking point is particularly preferably rectilinear, such that the separated
cup-like structures
have, in at least one horizontal plane, a substantially rectangular, in
particular square, cross-
sectional area. In this way, it is advantageously possible, with corresponding
arrangement of
-- the predetermined breaking points, that, after the separation of the cup-
like structures, no
waste material of the material web is generated or, with corresponding
dimensioning of the
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predetermined breaking points, only a small amount of, in particular grid-
shaped, waste
material of the material web is generated.
Alternatively, the predetermined breaking point is provided, at least in
sections, along a
curved line, in particular of a circle. In this way, it is advantageously
ensured that the
separated cup-like structures have an at least partially circular shape. The
predetermined
breaking point very particularly preferably has the same shape as the
horizontal cross
section of the cup-like structure, in particular of the interior space of the
cup-like structure,
wherein the predetermined breaking point preferably has a larger dimension
than the cup-like
structure. Even more preferably, the predetermined breaking point is provided
concentrically
with respect to the cup-like structure. The predetermined breaking point may
be formed into
the material web by punching or by way of a laser or the like. The
predetermined breaking
point is preferably provided after the cup-like structures have been deep-
drawn, and in
particular after the cup-like structures have been filled with the combustible
material, the wick
and/or the wick holder. It is however also possible for the predetermined
breaking points to
be provided in the material web before the latter is deep-drawn.
In one preferred embodiment, the cup-like structure has a means that connects
the
combustible material to the cup-like structure in positively locking and/or
non-positively
locking fashion. Said positive locking and/or non-positive locking is
preferably such that it
holds the candle in the cup-like structure for example during the
transportation and/or use of
said candle, but can be relatively easily overcome by manual force such that
the candle can
be removed from the cup-like structure if desired.
The user can use the candles by separating off the individual cup-like
structures. It is
however also possible for the user to remove the combustible material together
with the wick
from the cup-like structure and to burn the said candle separately from the
deep-drawn cup-
like structure. This embodiment is preferable in particular in the case of so-
called floating
candles, refill packs or refill candles.
In one preferred embodiment, the candle magazine has a connection surface to
which a
cover foil can be fastened, in particular by sealing. By means of this
preferred embodiment of
the present invention, each cup-like structure is closed off, and the candle
situated therein is
thereby protected. In particular in the case of so-called scented candles, a
cover foil prevents
an outgassing of the scent before the candle is burned, and/or, in the case of
a candle
magazine in which the individual candles at least partially have different
scents, mixing of the
scents is prevented. Furthermore, said cover foil, and also the material from
which the cup-
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like structure or the magazine is manufactured, may be printed with
information or branding
or the like. The cover foil preferably has a predetermined breaking point
between two cup-
like structures. The cover foil preferably has, in the region of each cup-like
structure, an
opening region by which the cover foil can be pulled off from the cup-like
structure preferably
after the latter has been separated off. The opening region is particularly
preferably provided
as a tab. The cover foil may be printed using any desired method that is
familiar to a person
skilled in the art. The connecting area is preferably the encircling edge,
described below, at
which the cover foil is sealed. The sealing is performed in particular by way
of ultrasound.
In a preferred embodiment, the cover foil is at least regionally transparent,
in particular
substantially completely transparent. The cover foil is particularly
preferably produced from a
plastics and/or aluminum foil, in particular from a foil which exhibits low
flammability and/or
which is non-combustible. A person skilled in the art understands that
possible materials for
the cover foil include in particular the materials mentioned in this
application for the cup-like
structure and/or magazine material. The cover foil is very particularly
preferably produced
from the same material as the cup-like structure and/or the magazine. Even
more preferably,
the cover foil is produced from a sealable and/or weldable material.
Alternatively or in addition, the candle magazine as a whole may be provided
in a packaging,
for example a tubular-bag-type packaging. Said packaging may likewise be
printed with
branding, product information or the like.
In a preferred embodiment, the candle magazine and/or a candle has an inlay
means. This is
in particular a colored and/or printed inlay means. The inlay means is
particularly preferably
arranged, in separated or separable fashion, in the region of the cup-like
structure, in
particular in the region of the opening situated opposite the base region. In
this way, it is
advantageously possible for information, warnings and/or advertisements to be
provided in
the individual candles. Furthermore, the candles burn more uniformly with the
inlay means. In
the case of advertisements, these can advantageously be clearly read from
above
throughout the burning duration of the candle. A person skilled in the art
understands that the
inlay means may be provided in separated form in the cup-like structures
already before the
separation of the candles, or alternatively, the inlay means is separated
together with the
candles.
In a preferred embodiment, the inlay means is provided in circular or
polygonal form, and in
particular, the outer contour of the inlay means corresponds to an inner cross
section of the
cup-like structure. The inlay means is particularly preferably of
substantially disk-shaped or
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plate-shaped form. The inlay means is very particularly preferably arranged on
the
'combustible material. Even more preferably, the inlay means is connected in
positively
locking, non-positively locking and/or cohesive fashion to the combustible
material, in
particular is adhesively bonded thereto, preferably by way of a non-
combustible adhesive. In
this way, it is advantageously ensured that the inlay means does not slip
during the
transportation and use of the candle and/or of the candle magazine.
The inlay means is preferably manufactured from a metal, in particular
aluminum, a plastic, in
particular a non-combustible plastic, and/or a cellulose-containing material.
The inlay means
is particularly preferably manufactured from a foil material. For this
purpose, reference is
made in particular to the materials mentioned in conjunction with the material
from which the
cup-like structures and/or the magazine are manufactured. In this way, the
inlay means can
advantageously be produced with low costs and with a low weight.
The inlay means preferably has an in particular centrally arranged opening in
which the wick
can be arranged, or through which the wick can be passed.
In a preferred embodiment, the inlay means is of sheetlike form and is
arranged in particular
on the candle magazine, for example is placed loosely on the candle magazine.
The inlay
means particularly preferably has a predetermined breaking point such that at
least a single
cup-like structure together with a separable region of the inlay means can be
separated off
by the user. The predetermined breaking point is particularly preferably
rectilinear.
Alternatively or in addition, the predetermined breaking point is provided, at
least in sections,
along a curved line, in particular of a circle. It is advantageously ensured
in this way that the
separated cup-like structures, and the separated regions of the inlay means
arranged
therein, have an at least partially circular shape. The predetermined breaking
point very
particularly preferably has the same shape as the horizontal cross section of
the cup-like
structure, in particular of the interior space of the cup-like structure,
wherein the separable
region defined by the predetermined breaking point preferably has a smaller
dimension than
the corresponding cross section of the cup-like structure. Even more
preferably, the
predetermined breaking point is provided concentrically with respect to the
cup-like structure
and/or with respect to a predetermined breaking point of the cup-like
structures and/or of the
candle magazine. The predetermined breaking point may be formed into the inlay
means by
punching or by way of a laser or the like.
The inlay means is preferably arranged, in particular loosely, on the candle
magazine and
provided together therewith in a tubular-bag-type packaging. The inlay means
is particularly
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preferably provided in unipartite fashion or separately in the cup-like
structures. The inlay
'means is very particularly preferably sealed onto the candle magazine.
=
Alternatively or in addition, the inlay means is arranged between at least one
cup-like
structure and a cover foil. In this way, it is particularly advantageously
possible for the inlay
means to be optionally provided as a replacement for a cover foil or, for
example in the case
of scented candles, for the candle magazine with inlay means to be sealed in
aroma-tight
fashion by way of a cover foil, wherein the inlay means is arranged in
particular in movable
fashion on the combustible material.
In a preferred embodiment, the inlay means is provided as an endless band. An
endless
band of said type can be produced for example by way of a labeling machine,
and has a
substrate material on which the inlay means is arranged, in particular
adhesively bonded, in
separable fashion at regular intervals.
In a preferred embodiment, each cup-like structure has an encircling edge in
the upper
region. The edge is particularly preferably provided substantially
horizontally, in particular at
an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the side wall, wherein a
radius of
curvature is very particularly preferably provided between the edge and the
side wall.
Alternatively, the edge is provided so as to be inclined relative to the
horizontal. The edge is
very particularly preferably provided as a connecting surface. Even more
preferably, the
edge has an encircling embossment, in particular an elevation, such as for
example a ridge.
Through the provision of an edge, it is ensured that the candle can be more
easily gripped by
a user, in particular even when the candle is in a burning or hot state.
Furthermore, the
stability of the cup-like structure is advantageously greatly increased by way
of an edge of
said type. Here, a horizontal edge, or an edge that encloses a right angle
with the side wall,
is more stable than an inclined edge. An inclined edge, or an embossment,
offers the
advantage of a better sealing surface for the connection to the cover foil. In
particular, an
embossment makes it possible for a cover foil to be sealed on quickly and
easily, without the
sealing apparatus, for example a sonotrode, having to be aligned exactly
relative to the edge
during an ultrasound sealing process.
The magazines are preferably designed such that they can be stacked, in
particular when no
candles are situated in the cup-like structures.
The candle magazine is preferably of multi-part form. The cup-like structures
are particularly
preferably produced from a deep-drawn material and, after the production
process, arranged
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in a material web, wherein the material web very particularly preferably has
openings which
*correspond in terms of their dimensions to the cup-like structures; in
particular, the openings
have a diameter which corresponds to a diameter of a cup-like structure. A
person skilled in
the art understands that, preferably, the diameter of the opening does not
correspond to the
greatest diameter of a cup-like structure, such that the cup-like structures
can in particular be
fastened in positively locking, non-positively locking and/or cohesive fashion
to an edge in
the openings. The cup-like structures are particularly preferably hooked into
the openings. It
is very particularly preferable for a cover foil to be arranged on the multi-
part candle
magazine. This advantageously permits simple packaging and particularly simple
transportation. Even more preferably, the openings are formed into the
material web by
punching. In particular, the cup-like structures and the material web are
produced from
different materials. For example, the material web is produced from a strong
plastic with a
material thickness greater than the material thickness of a deep-drawn
plastics material from
which the cup-like structures are produced.
In a preferred embodiment, the material web is produced from a plastics
material, and the
cup-like structures are produced from a material which is non-combustible
and/or of low
flammability and which differs from the plastics material, in particular are
produced from a
cellulose-containing material of low flammability. In this way, it is
advantageously the case
that candles are provided which can be disposed of in a particularly
straightforward and
environmentally friendly manner and which can be transported easily and safely
by way of
the material web in which they are arranged.
The present invention also relates to a candle having a combustible material
and a wick,
which candle is provided in a deep-drawn cup-like structure.
The statements made regarding this subject of the present invention apply
equally to the
other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.
The candle according to the invention is advantageously simple and inexpensive
to produce.
Owing to the lower thermal conductivity of the plastic relative to aluminum,
less energy is
released to the cup-like structure by heat conduction, and the burn-off of the
candle is
advantageously slowed. In this way, less combustible material is required to
achieve the
same combustion duration. Furthermore, the cup-like structure of the candle
according to the
invention advantageously does not heat up to the same extent as a conventional
candle
container composed of aluminum or glass. If the candle is arranged in a
vessel, for example
for decorative purposes, then the risk of ignition of the candle as a whole,
such as exists in
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.the case of candles with an aluminum casing, is advantageously eliminated. A
further
advantage of the candle according to the invention consists in that there is
no risk, or at least
a greatly reduced risk, of a user being burned, because the cup-like structure
does not reach
temperatures as high as those encountered during the burn-off of the candle in
the case of
the vessels known from the prior art.
The wick of the candle may be connected directly or indirectly to the
packaging cup-like
structure, and it is preferable for the deep-drawn cup-like structure to be
directly filled with
the combustible material, with the combustible material hardening in said cup-
like structure.
The cup-like structure preferably has a base region and a side wall and an
opening situated
opposite the base region. The cup-like structure particularly preferably has a
rectangular, in
particular square, circular, star-shaped or polygonal horizontal cross-
sectional area. It is very
particularly preferable for the side wall to be inclined relative to the
vertical, and/or for the
base region to be inclined relative to the horizontal, in particular inclined
such that the
combustible material, in the liquid state, flows along the base in the
direction of the wick,
which is situated in the center of the base. This permits flexible use in
vessels of different
diameter, and furthermore, the combustible material can flow more easily in
the direction of
the wick along the incline, and thus an improved and as far as possible
complete burn-off of
the candle can be ensured.
A person skilled in the art understands that expressions such as horizontal or
vertical relate
to a normal orientation of a cup-like structure or candles, that is to say to
a positioning of the
cup-like structure or candle on a level surface. A person skilled in the art
also recognizes that
the orientation of the cup-like structure or candle or of the candle magazine
is not restricted
to such an orientation.
The cup-like structure preferably has a recess for the wick or a wick holder.
In this way, it is
possible in a particularly advantageous manner to realize fixing and/or
stabilization of the
wick, in particular positively locking and/or non-positively locking pre-
fixing, before the wick is
connected to the cup-like structure. Furthermore, a combustion stopper is
realized in this
way. Furthermore, the cup-like structure can prevent a slippage of the wick if
the combustion
material has at least substantially liquefied and the candle is placed in an
oblique position.
The candle preferably has a wick holder, wherein the material from which the
wick holder is
manufactured is a plastic, metal, or a natural wax, an artificial wax, a wax-
like material,
and/or a technical wax mixture. In this way, it is particularly advantageously
possible to use
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already known and tested wick holders, whereby the production costs of the
candle are
'lowered.
The material from which the wick holder is manufactured is preferably non-
combustible
and/or of low flammability. The material from which the wick holder is
produced particularly
preferably complies with a fire protection rating in accordance with the
standard UL94 VU, V1
or V2 and/or in accordance with the standards IEC/DIN EN 60 695-11-10 and/or
IEC DIN EN
60 695-11-20.
It is preferable for the material from which the wick holder is manufactured
to be
compostable. It is very particularly preferable for the wick holder to be
manufactured from the
same material as the cup-like structure and/or from the same material as the
combustible
material. In this way, the sustainability of the candle is advantageously
improved, because
both the number of waste items to be separately disposed of is reduced, and/or
the candle,
after burning out, can be recycled and/or composted in its entirety.
The material from which the wick holder is manufactured is preferably a
sealable material, in
particular a plastic. Alternatively or in addition, the wick holder has, at
least on the side facing
toward the base region of the cup-like structure, a sealable coating, in
particular a sealable
plastics coating.
The wick holder is preferably provided as a combustion stopper. In this way,
it is
advantageously possible for the wick to burn only as far as the wick holder,
with the flame
then being extinguished, such that adverse impairment, in particular a risk of
fire, of an
underlying surface is eliminated. The wick holder particularly preferably has
a flame-
extinguishing impregnation, coating and/or shape.
The wick is preferably connected in positively locking, non-positively locking
and/or cohesive
fashion to the wick holder, in particular by being cast into, adhesively
bonded into, clamped
into or thermally and/or mechanically connected to the wick holder. A
mechanical connection
will be understood by a person skilled in the art to mean in particular a
positively locking
and/or non-positively locking connection. A thermal connection is a cohesive
connection, for
example by sealing or welding. The wick and/or the wick holder particularly
preferably have,
at least in sections, a sealable coating and/or a positive locking and/or non-
positive locking
means.
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,According to a preferred embodiment, the wick is provided in the form of an
endless band,
wherein it is particularly preferable for wick holders to be provided, in
particular integrally
formed, on the endless band in particular at regular intervals.
In a preferred embodiment, the candle has a stabilization means. The
stabilization means is
particularly preferably at least one embossment of the side wall, in
particular a recess and/or
protuberance which runs around the entire circumference of the side wall.
Alternatively or in
addition, the stabilization means is at least one embossment in a transition
region between
the base region and the side wall. The stabilization means is preferably
provided as a bead
or double bead, in particular in the region mentioned above. In this way, it
is advantageously
possible for thermal spring-back or restoring of the material from which the
cup-like structure
is manufactured to be at least reduced, for example when the transition region
is warmed up
during the burning of the candle.
In a preferred embodiment, the cup-like structure has, on its underside, at
least one rest
surface, in particular a foot, by which the candle is supported on an
underlying surface. The
rest surface is particularly preferably produced in one piece with the base
region, that is to
say is likewise manufactured by deep drawing. The foot is very particularly
preferably a
concentric embossment which is of encircling form at least in sections.
Alternatively or in
addition, the foot is a local, in particular hemispherical or cuboidal,
embossment. In this way,
a rest surface is provided which advantageously allows the candle to stand in
a stable
manner, which increases the operational safety of the candle. Furthermore, air
recirculation
around the underside of the cup-like structure is made possible, whereby a
build-up of heat is
prevented, and the burn-off of the candle is more controlled and slower.
Damage to the
surface on which the candle is set down is also prevented.
The candle is preferably separated off from the candle magazine according to
the invention.
The present invention also relates to a candle, in particular according to the
present
invention, having a combustible material, wherein the candle comprises, for a
burning
duration of 4h, less than 12 g, preferably less than 11 g, particularly
preferably less than 10
g, in particular between 8.5 g and 9.5 g, of a combustible material.
The statements made regarding this subject of the present invention apply
equally to the
other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.
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,In this way, it is advantageously possible to provide a candle that has less
combustible
material than a conventional candle. In relation to a known candle, for
example a tealight in
an aluminum container, a saving of combustible material of approximately 10%
can be
achieved while maintaining the same burning duration. In this way, the candle
according to
the invention can advantageously be produced with less material usage.
In a preferred embodiment, the candle has a cup-like structure in which the
combustible
material is provided. The cup-like structure is particularly preferably
manufactured from a
plastics material, very particularly preferably from a fire-retardant,
compostable and/or
recyclable plastics material, in particular a plastics foil. In this way, it
is achieved in a
particularly advantageous manner that the packaging waste of the candle is
reduced, and
sustainability is improved. Owing to the lower thermal conductivity of the
plastic relative to
aluminum, less energy is released to the cup-like structure by heat
conduction, and the burn-
off of the candle is advantageously slowed. In this way, less combustible
material is required
to achieve the same combustion duration. Furthermore, the cup-like structure
of the candle
according to the invention advantageously does not heat up to the same extent
as a
conventional candle container composed of aluminum or glass. If the candle is
arranged in a
vessel, for example for decorative purposes, then the risk of ignition of the
candle as a
whole, such as exists in the case of candles with an aluminum casing, is
advantageously
eliminated. A further advantage of the candle according to the invention
consists in that there
is no risk, or at least a greatly reduced risk, of a user being burned,
because the cup-like
structure does not reach temperatures as high as those encountered during the
burn-off of
the candle in the case of the vessels known from the prior art.
In a preferred embodiment, the cup-like structure is manufactured from a deep-
drawn
plastics material.
In a preferred embodiment, the candle comprises 8.5 g, 8.6 g, 8.7 g, 8.8 g,
8.9 g, 9.0 g, 9.1
g, 9.2 g, 9.3 g, 9.4 g or 9.5g of the combustible material.
The present invention also relates to a candle having a combustible material
and a wick
which are arranged in a cup-like structure, wherein the cup-like structure is
produced from a
material which comprises cellulose and/or which is at least partially composed
of cellulose.
The statements made regarding this subject of the present invention apply
equally to the
other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.
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In this way, in a particularly advantageous manner, particularly good
recyclability of the
candle is ensured.
A person skilled in the art understands that at least some cellulose
materials, such as have
been described for example in the context of the present invention, are not
deep-drawn but
are produced from a pasty compound by way of a vacuum.
The present invention also relates to a method for producing a candle
according to the
invention, wherein the cup-like structure is deep-drawn from a material web,
in particular a
plastics foil, the wick is provided in the cup-like structure, and the cup-
like structure is filled
with the combustible material.
The statements made regarding this subject of the present invention apply
equally to the
other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.
By means of the method according to the invention, it is possible for candles
to be produced
in a simple and inexpensive manner. Furthermore, the cup-like structure that
is left over after
the candle is burned is easy to dispose of.
In a preferred embodiment, the material web is pre-drawn and/or pre-stretched
before the
deep-drawing process. It is particularly preferable for at least one region of
the material web,
before and/or during the deep-drawing process, to be cooled and/or to be fixed
by way of a
vacuum to a deep-drawing means, for example a deep-drawing punch. In this way,
it is
possible in a particularly advantageous manner for the material distribution
during the deep-
drawing process to be controlled in targeted fashion, and thus to realize, for
example, a more
homogeneous material thickness of the cup-like structure. Alternatively or in
addition, it is
thus possible for targetedly reinforced regions to be provided in the cup-like
structure. By
virtue of the material web being fixed to the deep-drawing means, in
particular in a central
region of the cup-like structure, it is advantageously possible for
structures, for example a
recess, to be realized in a simple manner already during the deep-drawing
process. In the
same way, the production of at least one rest surface on the underside of the
cup-like
structure is possible by way of targeted cooling and/or fixing by way of a
vacuum.
It is preferable for the wick and/or the wick holder to be connected to the
cup-like structure
before, during or after the deep-drawing but before the filling of the cup-
like structure with the
combustible material. The wick and/or the wick holder are/is preferably
adhesively bonded
into the cup-like structure, in particular by way of an adhesive, in
particular a melt adhesive,
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and/or sealed into the cup-like structure, in particular by ultrasound
sealing. For this purpose,
the material of the wick and/or of the wick holder and/or of the cup-like
structure is
particularly preferably sealable.
In an alternative embodiment, the wick and/or the wick holder is cohesively
connected to the
material web before, during or after the deep-drawing of said material web. A
cohesive
connection is realized in particular by means of adhesive bonding, welding
and/or sealing.
For example, the wick and/or the wick holder may be provided in the region of
the punch of a
deep-drawing apparatus and, during the deep-drawing process, is pushed in the
direction of
the material web and, in the process, is connected to said material web in non-
positively
locking, positively locking and/or cohesive fashion.
The wick is preferably connected to the wick holder in positively locking, non-
positively
locking and/or cohesive fashion before, during or after the insertion into the
cup-like
structure.
In a preferred embodiment, the wick holder is formed in a recess of the cup-
like structure. It
is particularly preferable for the material from which the wick holder is
produced to be
molded, in particular poured, into the recess in the base, and for the wick to
be inserted into
the wick holder simultaneously or subsequently. It is very particularly
preferable for the wick
to be fixed until the material of the wick holder has solidified.
In a preferred embodiment, an adhesive, in particular a melt adhesive, is
introduced into a
recess of the cup-like structure, and subsequently, the wick is inserted into
said adhesive
before the latter has completely solidified, and is particularly preferably
fixed until the
adhesive has completely solidified or hardened. Alternatively, the adhesive is
introduced into
the cup-like structure, and subsequently, the wick is inserted, in particular
pressed, into the
adhesive before the latter has completely solidified. In this way, a wick
holder is
advantageously formed without the need to provide a separate wick holder
and/or a recess in
the cup-like structure.
In one preferred embodiment, the wick holder is pressed into a recess of the
cup-like
structure. It is particularly preferable for the wick holder to be molded, in
particular poured
and/or sprayed and/or pressed, into the recess of the cup-like structure.
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In a further preferred embodiment, the cup-like structure has, in the base
region, an opening
into which the wick and/or the wick holder is inserted in positively locking,
non-positively
locking and/or cohesive fashion. It is particularly preferable for the wick
and/or the wick
holder to be inserted from below. Alternatively, the wick and/or the wick
holder is inserted
into the opening from above. It is very particularly preferable for the wick
and/or the wick
holder to subsequently be connected in positively locking, non-positively
locking and/or
cohesive fashion to the opening or to the cup-like structure material
adjoining the opening. In
particular, the wick holder is connected to the opening, or to the material
adjoining the
opening, by welding, pressing, crimping, adhesive bonding and/or upsetting.
In one preferred embodiment, the wick is provided as an endless band on which
wick holders
are provided, in particular at regular intervals. The wick holders are
particularly preferably
formed on the wick. It is very particularly preferably provided that the
endless band is guided
through the opening of the cup-like structure from above or below, the wick
holder and/or the
wick is connected to the cup-like structure, and the wick is cut to length.
In one preferred embodiment, for each cup-like structure, a wick equipped with
a wick holder
is inserted into the cup-like structure by a wick supply means in a first
step, and in a second
step, said wick equipped with a wick holder is connected to the cup-like
structure in positively
locking and/or non-positively locking fashion, in particular by pressing
and/or upsetting.
In one preferred embodiment, a molding means is filled with the material from
which the wick
holder is produced, a wick is arranged in the molding means and/or in the
material, and the
material is hardened, and the wick with the wick holder formed thereon is
removed from the
molding means and connected to the cup-like structure or the material web. It
is particularly
preferable for the material to be at least partially in a liquid or pasty
state during the filling
process. It is very particularly preferable for the molding means to be cooled
and/or
irradiated, for example by means of ultraviolet radiation, at least after the
filling process
and/or until the removal of the wick holder.
It is preferable for the combustible material to be in the form of a liquid or
pasty medium
when the cup-like structure is filled therewith, said combustible material
hardening in said
cup-like structure. The filling of the cup-like structures with the
combustible material is
preferably performed by means of one filling nozzle per cup-like structure,
but particularly
preferably at multiple cup-like structures simultaneously.
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It is preferable for the cup-like structures to be cooled before, during
and/or after the filling
thereof with the combustible material, in order to accelerate the hardening of
the combustible
material.
In a preferred embodiment, a predetermined breaking point is formed into the
material web,
in particular by punching or perforation. In this way, the cup-like structures
and/or candles
are advantageously provided in separable form. It is particular preferable for
multiple
predetermined breaking points to be formed into the material web in the form
of a grid and/or
in circular form, wherein the predetermined breaking points are in particular
provided
concentrically with respect to the cup-like structure. It is very particularly
preferable for the
predetermined breaking points to be provided so as to have substantially the
same cross
section as the cup-like structures, for example in the interior space thereof,
wherein said
predetermined breaking points have, in particular, a larger dimension.
It is preferable for a separated or separable inlay means to be arranged in
the cup-like
structures and/or on the candle magazine. It is particularly preferable for a
cover foil to be
sealed onto the candle magazine. Alternatively or in addition, the inlay means
is connected in
positively locking, non-positively locking and/or cohesive fashion, in
particular by sealing, to
the cup-like structures and/or to the candle magazine.
The present invention also relates to a deep-drawing apparatus, having a
forming station
which forms cup-like structures into a material web by means of deep drawing,
wherein said
deep-drawing apparatus has a wick supply means that connects one wick per cup-
like
structure directly or indirectly to the material web or to the cup-like
structure.
The statements made regarding this subject of the present invention apply
equally to the
other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.
By means of the deep-drawing apparatus according to the invention, it is
advantageously
possible to provide a simple, fast and inexpensive apparatus for producing the
candle
magazine according to the invention and/or the candle according to the
invention.
In a preferred embodiment, the deep-drawing apparatus comprises a cooling
means and/or a
vacuum-generating means. The cooling means is particular preferably provided
such that at
least a predetermined region of the material web is at least temporarily
cooled. In particular,
the predetermined region of the material web is cooled before, during and/or
after the deep-
drawing process. It is also conceivable, for example, for a first region to be
cooled before
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and/or during the deep-drawing process, whereas a second region, which at
least partially
' differs from the first region, is cooled during and/or after the deep-
drawing process. The
vacuum-generating means is particularly preferably provided such that at least
a
predetermined region of the material web is connected or fixed, at least
temporarily to the
deep-drawing apparatus, in particular to a deep-drawing means, by way of a
vacuum. In this
way, the deep-drawing process can advantageously be controlled in a precise
manner,
wherein in particular, the thickness of the cup-like structure in different
regions can be set in
an exact manner, and structures can be generated in a particularly simple
manner. The
deep-drawing means is preferably a deep-drawing punch, wherein the vacuum-
generating
means is particularly preferably arranged in a central region of the deep-
drawing punch.
In one preferred embodiment, the wick supply means is configured such that, by
means
thereof, a wick which is provided as an endless band and which is provided, in
particular at
regular intervals, with wick holders is led through an opening of the cup-like
structure, and
the wick is cut to length. For this purpose, the wick supply means
particularly preferably
comprises a means for cutting the wick to the respectively desired length. It
is very
particularly preferable for the wick to be cut to length after the connection
of the wick and/or
of the wick holder to the material web or to the cup-like structure.
In a preferred embodiment, the wick supply means is provided such that, by non-
positive
interaction of at least one section of the wick supply means and a recess in
the base region
of the cup-like structure, the recess is reversibly deformed, in particular
flared. In this way, it
is possible in a particularly advantageous manner for the equipping of the cup-
like structure
with a wick to be performed in a simple manner, wherein in particular, after
the insertion of
the wick and removal of the wick supply means, the elastic spring-back of the
recess gives
rise to a positively locking and/or non-positively locking connection to the
wick.
In a preferred embodiment, the wick supply means has at least one wick holding
apparatus
for holding and/or inserting wicks. The wick holding apparatus is particularly
preferably
provided as a changeable tool. In this way, it is possible in an advantageous
manner,
through the use of more than one wick holding apparatus, to provide a
continuously
operating deep-drawing apparatus, whereby the productivity of the deep-drawing
apparatus
is increased. Furthermore, with a wick holding apparatus provided as a
changeable tool, it is
possible in a particularly advantageous manner to provide a flexible apparatus
by means of
which a multiplicity of different magazine sizes can be fitted with wicks in
one working step.
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The wick supply means, in particular the wick holding apparatus, preferably
has a vacuum-
generating means. The vacuum-generating means is particularly preferably
provided for
reversibly holding at least one wick.
In a preferred embodiment, the wick supply means, in particular the wick-
holding apparatus,
is provided for equipping a magazine with a multiplicity of wicks
simultaneously. The wick
holding apparatus particularly preferably has a multiplicity of wick holders
for this purpose.
The wick holders are very particularly preferably provided so as to be
controllable
independently of one another. In particular, the wick holders are at least
coupled to the
vacuum-generating means. A person skilled in the art understands that, here,
it is preferable
for in each case only one wick to be inserted into each cup-like structure. In
this way, it is
advantageously made possible for a candle magazine to be fitted with wicks in
a single
working step.
In a preferred embodiment, the deep-drawing apparatus, in particular the wick
supply means,
comprises at least one detection means. The detection means is particularly
preferably
provided for detecting correct positioning of at least one wick in a cup-like
structure and/or in
a wick holder. The detection means is very particularly preferably an optical,
electrical,
magnetic, electromagnetic, hydraulic and/or pneumatic detection means. For
example, the
detection means comprises a photodiode, a capacitive sensor, a resistive
sensor and/or an
inductive sensor. Alternatively or in addition, the detection means is part of
the electronic
control of the deep-drawing apparatus, in particular of the wick supply means.
The detection
means preferably detects a higher power consumption of the vacuum-generating
means, in
particular with regard to a single wick holder. Such a higher power
consumption is then
regarded as an absence or incorrect positioning of a wick. In this way, it is
possible in a
particularly advantageous manner to prevent a candle magazine being fitted
with wicks in an
erroneous manner. Since it is the case that, in the event of erroneous wick
fitting or an
absence of wick fitting even at a single cup-like structure, said cup-like
structure cannot be
separated out from the magazine, but rather the entire candle magazine must be
discarded
at a final inspection stage, it is thus advantageously possible for the reject
rate of the deep-
drawing apparatus to be reduced.
The wick supply means is preferably configured such that, if a fault signal is
detected in
conjunction with at least one wick holder, fitting of the other wicks is
performed, and renewed
wick fitting is particularly preferably performed by way of the wick holder.
Alternatively, the
wick supply means is configured such that, if a fault signal is detected, the
wick holding
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apparatus is equipped with wicks again, in particular only at those wick
holders to which the
fault signal related.
In a preferred embodiment, the detection means is provided for detecting
correct positioning
of at least one wick before, during and/or after the wick fitting process. In
this way, it is
advantageously optionally possible for erroneous wick fitting to be avoided,
and/or for a
magazine that has been fitted with wicks in an erroneous manner, and/or a cup-
like structure
that has been fitted with a wick in an erroneous manner, to be detected and
separated out.
In a preferred embodiment, the deep-drawing apparatus comprises a
transportation means
for transporting the deep-drawn cup-like structures to the wick supply means.
The
transportation means is particularly preferably a conveyor belt, in particular
an endless belt.
In a preferred embodiment, the deep-drawing apparatus is at least assigned a
cutting
apparatus which is provided for separating off the candle magazines and/or the
candles
and/or which is provided for generating at least one contour of the material
web in the region
of a candle magazine and/or of a candle.
In a preferred embodiment, the wick supply means comprises a positioning means
which
provides wicks equipped with wick holders and, in a first step, for each cup-
like structure,
positions a wick with wick holder in the cup-like structure and, in a second
step, connects the
wick holder and/or wick to the cup-like structure in positively locking, non-
positively locking
and/or cohesive fashion. It is particularly preferable for the positioning
means to have a
centering means, in particular a centering disk, which is provided on the
positioning means
such that, by means of a positively locking and/or non-positively locking
connection of the
centering means to the cup-like structure, the wick and the wick holder are
positioned at a
predetermined location in each cup-like structure.
It is preferable for the positioning means to comprise two plates arranged
substantially
parallel to one another, which plates are at least partially movable, in
particular perpendicular
to their common main plane of extent, and at least one pipe element which
extends through
openings in the plates and which connects the two plates and in which at least
one wick with
wick holder is provided. It is particularly preferable for the main direction
of extent of the pipe
element to be arranged perpendicular to the main plane of extent of the
plates, and is very
particularly preferable for the diameter of the pipe element to substantially
correspond to a
largest diameter of the wick holder.
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It is preferable for the pipe element to have, at its end facing toward the
cup-like structure, a
closing means which between an open position, in which a wick with wick holder
can exit the
pipe element past the closing means, and a closed position, in which the wick
and the wick
holder are held in the pipe element and in which the closing means can exert a
force on a
wick and/or wick holder positioned in the cup-like structure such that
positive locking and/or
non-positive locking is effected between the cup-like structure and the wick
and/or the wick
holder.
It is preferable for a spring means, in particular a spiral spring, to be
arranged between the
plates.
The plates are preferably coupled to the closing means such that a movement of
at least one
of the plates moves the closing means between the open position and the closed
position. It
is particularly preferable for the plates to be coupled to the pipe element
such that a further
movement of at least one of the plates moves the pipe element between a first
position and a
second position, wherein in the second position, a force is exerted on a wick
and/or wick
holder positioned in the cup-like structure.
In one preferred embodiment, the wick supply means and/or the deep-drawing
apparatus is
assigned a preparation station which comprises a holding apparatus and a
forming means,
wherein the holding apparatus and the forming means are configured such that
the holding
apparatus withdraws a wick with wick holder formed thereon from the forming
means,
wherein it is particularly preferable for the forming means to be filled, by
means of a dosing
unit, with a material from which the wick holder is produced, wherein a wick
is inserted into
the forming means and/or the material and the material is hardened. It is very
particularly
preferable for a transportation means, in particular a rotary disk, to be
provided, which
transportation means has a multiplicity of forming means. Alternatively or in
addition, the
transportation means is a linear guide, for example an endless belt, which has
the multiplicity
of forming means.
The transportation means is preferably driven such that, in a continuous
manner, wick
holders are formed onto wicks and withdrawn from at least one forming means of
the
transportation means. The wick holders is formed on the wicks in each case
sequentially or
in batches. Here, "in batches" should be understood to mean that in each case
multiple wick
holders are formed onto wicks simultaneously.
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The wick connected to the material web directly or indirectly, preferably
before the deep
drawing of the foil web. The wick is connected to the cup-like structure
during or after the
deep-drawing process.
The deep-drawing apparatus preferably also has a means for cutting the wick to
the
respectively desired length.
Furthermore, the deep-drawing apparatus preferably has means for filling each
cup-like
structure with a liquid and/or or pasty combustible material. It is preferable
for several such
means to be provided, such that several cup-like structures can be filled
simultaneously.
The deep-drawing apparatus preferably has a cooling apparatus by means of
which the
combustible material can be cooled after the respective cup-like structure has
been filled
therewith. Said cooling apparatus is particularly preferably the cooling means
for the material
web.
Yet a further subject matter of the present invention is a deep-drawing
apparatus, having a
forming station which forms cup-like structures into a material web by means
of deep
drawing, wherein said deep-drawing apparatus has a loading station which
places in each
case one complete candle into a cup-like structure and connects said candle to
the cup-like
structure if appropriate in positively locking and/or non-positively locking
fashion.
The statements made regarding this subject of the present invention apply
equally to the
other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.
Yet a further subject matter of the present invention is an apparatus that
delivers complete
prefabricated magazines that have a multiplicity of cup-like structures. A
wick may already be
provided in each of said cup-like structures. The apparatus furthermore has a
means with
which a wick can be placed into each cup-like structure and/or with which each
cup-like
structure is filled with the combustible material. The prefabricated magazine
may already
have the predetermined breaking points for separating-off purposes. The
apparatus may also
have a loading apparatus with which complete candles are placed into the cup-
like
structures.
The statements made regarding this subject of the present invention apply
equally to the
other subjects of the present invention and vice versa.
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It is preferable for the magazines to be delivered in stacked form. In one
preferred
embodiment, the apparatus therefore has a separation apparatus that separates
the
magazines.
The apparatus preferably comprises a sealing apparatus, in particular a so-
called tray sealer,
for sealing the cover foil onto the candle magazines. Tray sealers are used
for sealing
foodstuffs into tray-like containers. Through the use of tray sealers, simple
and rapid sealing
of the candle magazines to the cover foil is made possible.
The inventions will be explained below on the basis of figures 1 to 20.
These explanations are merely exemplary and do not restrict the general
concept of the
invention. The explanations apply equally to all subjects of the present
invention.
Figure 1 shows the candle according to the invention.
Figure 2 shows the candle magazine according to the
invention.
Figures 3 and 4 show exemplary embodiments of the cup-like
structure.
Figure 5 shows a recess for the wick or the wick holder.
Figure 6 shows the candle magazine in a tubular-bag-type
packaging.
Figure 7 shows the packaging machine according to the invention.
Figures 8a, 8b and 9a, 9b show exemplary embodiments of the cup-like structure
and of
the wick or wick holder.
Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the wick and of the wick holder.
Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the preparation station.
Figure 12 shows an embodiment of the positioning means.
Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the positioning means.
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Figures 14a, 14b, 14c show the positioning means in different positions.
Figure 15 shows a candle magazine according to the invention.
Figures 16a to 16d show different embodiments of the cup-like structure.
Figures 17a and 17b show recesses for the wick or the wick holder.
Figures 18a to 18c show candle magazines with inlay means.
Figures 19a to 19e show an embodiment of the method for producing a
candle
magazine.
Figure 20 shows an exemplary embodiment of the preparation
station.
Figure 1 shows the candle 14 according to the invention which is composed of a
combustible material 3, for example a wax, a wax-like material or a technical
wax mixture, in
which a wick is provided. According to the invention, the combustible material
3 and the wick
4 are provided in a deep-drawn cup-like structure 2. The cup-like structure 2
is preferably
manufactured from a material which is non-combustible and/or of low
flammability, in this
case from a plastic. It is particularly preferable for said plastic to be
compostable, such that
no unnecessary residues remain after the candle 14 has been burned.
Figure 2 shows the candle magazine 1 according to the invention. Said candle
magazine is
in this case manufactured from a plastics foil into which a multiplicity of
cup-like structures 2
have been formed, in particular simultaneously, by deep drawing. In each of
said cup-like
structures 2 there is provided a candle 14 composed of a combustible material
3 and a wick
4. Each cup-like structure 2 may be closed off by means of a cover foil 6
which is connected,
in particular by sealing, to the candle magazine 1. Furthermore, a
predetermined breaking
point may be provided in each case between two cup-like structures 2, thus
enabling a user
to separate off the cup-like structures 2 with the candles 14 situated
therein, such that in
each case one candle 14 as per figure 1 is obtained. Here, the predetermined
breaking
points 5 are provided in the form of a grid, such that the separated-off
candles 14 have a
protruding portion of material web 12 of substantially square shape. There is
thus no material
waste after the candles 14 have been separated off, for example in a cutting
station 13.
Predetermined breaking points 5 of said type are furthermore particularly
suitable for candles
which have a substantially square cross section. Conversely, this means that
the
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, predetermined breaking points 5 preferably have substantially the same cross
section as the
cup-like structures 2, but with larger dimensions, for example a larger
diameter, than the cup-
like structures 2. The candles 14 situated in the magazine 1 may be used
together with the
cup-like structure 2, that is to say the candle 14 burns in the cup-like
structure 2, thus
preventing run-off of the combustible material 3 which liquefies as the candle
14 is burned.
Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable for the candles 14 to be
removed from the
magazine 1 or the cup-like structure 2 before being burned. This form of use
is expedient in
particular in the case of so-called floating candles, refill packs or refill
candles. The user then
preferably presses the candle 14 out of the cup-like structure 2, preferably
overcoming a
corresponding positive locking and/or non-positive locking action.
Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of the cup-like structure 2. Said cup-like
structure has a
side wall 2.1, preferably a side wall which is inclined with respect to the
vertical, wherein the
cross section of the cup-like structure 2 preferably tapers toward a base
region 2.3.
Furthermore, the cup-like structure 2 has a base region 2.3 which, in the
present case, is
inclined relative to the horizontal in the direction of the center of the cup-
like structure 2, such
that the liquefied combustible material 3 flows in the direction of the wick
4. It is preferable for
a recess or protuberance, in this case a recess 2.4, to be provided on the
base region 2.3, in
which recess the wick 4 and/or a wick holder 7 can be arranged. The wick 4
and/or the wick
holder 7 are preferably connected to the base region 2.3, in particular to the
recess 2.4, in
positively locking, non-positively locking and/or cohesive fashion. The recess
and/or
protuberance 2.4 serves to prevent the wick 4 from departing from its centered
position
during the filling with the combustible material 3 and/or as the candle 14 is
burned.
Furthermore, the base region 2.3 and/or the side wall 2.1 are preferably
provided such that
the base region 2.3 in which the wick 4 and/or the wick holder 7 is situated
is spaced apart
from the rest surface 2.2. It is ensured in this way that the rest surface 2.2
on which the
candle 14 stands is not damaged as the candle 14 is burned. In the present
case, this is
achieved by virtue of the side wall 2.1 being deep-drawn to a greater extent
than the base
region 2.3, 2.4. Alternatively or in addition, however, the base region 2.3,
2.4 may also have
protuberances with which the cup-like structure 2 stands on the rest surface
2.2 and which
generate a spacing between the base region 2.3, 2.4, in which the wick 4 or
the wick holder 7
is situated, and the rest surface 2.2. In the present case, opposite the base
region 2.3, the
side wall 2.1 has an edge 2.5, in this case an encircling edge, which may
serve as a sealing
surface for a cover foil 6 that may be provided. Furthermore, however, said
edge 2.5 of the
cup-like structure 2 also provides additional stability. In particular, it is
preferably possible for
the side wall 2.1 to have additional recesses and/or protuberances, in
particular in order to
increase the stability thereof.
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Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the cup-like structure 2. Reference may
be made
substantially to the statements made regarding figure 3. In the present case,
there is
additionally provided in the side wall 2.1 a positive locking and/or non-
positive locking means
2.6, in this case an undercut, which interacts in positively locking and/or
non-positively
locking fashion with the combustible material 3 of the candle 14. Said
positive locking and/or
non-positive locking action serves to prevent the combustible material 3 and
the wick 4, that
is to say the candle 14, from inadvertently becoming detached from the cup-
like structure 2.
The positive locking and/or non-positive locking action is achieved in
particular by virtue of
liquid combustible material 3 being introduced into the cup-like structure 2
and solidifying
there. The positive locking and/or non-positive locking action is generated
during the
solidification process. Said positive locking and/or non-positive locking
means 2.6 is
preferable in particular if the candle 14 is to be removed from the candle
magazine 1 or the
cup-like structure 2 before being burned. For this purpose, it is for example
the case that a
pressure is exerted on the base region, which pressure pushes the candle 14
out of the cup-
like structure 2. Here, the positive locking and/or non-positive locking
action between the
candle 14 and the cup-like structure 2 is eliminated, preferably with a
snapping action, and
the candle 14 can be used for example as a floating candle. This embodiment is
preferable in
particular if the candle magazine 1 is used merely as a transportation and/or
storage
container for the candle 14.
Figure 5 shows details of the recess and/or protuberance 2.4 for the wick 4.
It can be clearly
seen that the side walls 2.4.1 of the recess are provided with an undercut
such that a
positively locking and/or non-positively locking connection is produced
between the wick 4 or
wick holder 7 and the base region of the cup-like structure 2. Said recess, or
a recess of any
other form, may for example be produced by virtue of the wick holder 7 being
pressed into
the plastics foil, for example by means of a punch, during the deep drawing of
the cup-like
structure 2, with the desired deep-drawn form being produced in the process.
When the
punch is removed, the wick 4 and/or the wick holder 7 then remains in the thus
completed
packaging cup-like structure, and is preferably connected to the latter in
positively locking
and/or non-positively locking fashion.
A person skilled in the art understands that it is also possible in this way
for a cohesive action
to be generated between the wick 4 or wick holder 7 and the base region 2.3,
2.4 of the cup-
like structure 2, for example by means of (ultrasound) sealing or adhesive
bonding using an
adhesive 21, in particular a melt adhesive, a so-called hot melt adhesive.
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, Figure 6 shows the candle magazine 1 which, in the present case, is provided
in a
packaging, in particular a plastics packaging 8, in particular in a tubular-
bag-type packaging.
In addition to said packaging, the magazine 1 may also have a cover foil 6.
This preferred
embodiment of the present invention is desirable in particular if scented
candles of different
scents are situated in the candle magazine 1. The cover foil 6 prevents the
scents of the
candles from assimilating.
Figure 7 shows the deep-drawing apparatus 9 according to the invention by
means of which
the candle magazine 1 according to the invention or the candle 14 according to
the invention
can be produced. In the case of this deep-drawing apparatus 9, a material web
12, in this
case a foil web 12, moves along the deep-drawing apparatus 9, in this case
from right to left.
Said transportation is preferably continuous though may also take place in
intermittent, that is
to say cyclic fashion. The cup-like structure 2 is formed into said material
web 12 by deep
drawing in a forming station 10. It is preferable for a multiplicity of cup-
like structures 2 to be
situated adjacent to one another, in particular in the form of a matrix, such
that multiple cup-
like structures 2 are deep-drawn simultaneously. The deep drawing is
preferably performed
by virtue of the material web 12 initially being heated, being pre-shaped or
pre-drawn if
appropriate, and then being formed into a die by means of negative pressure
and/or by
means of a punch. A wick 4 is fastened in the cup-like structure 2 or to the
foil web 12 before,
during or after the deep-drawing process. During the deep-drawing process, it
is possible for
predetermined regions of the material web 12 to be cooled and/or to be fixed
to the punch by
way of a vacuum. In this way, it is possible for structures, for example
recesses, for the
fastening of the wick 4 to be produced in a simple manner and in one process
step with the
cup-like structure 2, and for the material thickness of the cup-like structure
2 to be locally set
in an exact manner. A filling station 11 is provided downstream of the forming
station 10 and
after the point at which the wick 4 is inserted. In the filling station 11,
the cup-like structure 2
is filled with a liquid or pasty combustible material 3, which subsequently
hardens in the cup-
like structure 2. It is however alternatively also possible for an already
complete candle 14 to
be placed in the cup-like structure 2. This is referred to by a person skilled
in the art as a
loading station 11.
A person skilled in the art understands that it is also possible for already
prefabricated
magazines Ito be delivered to the apparatus. In this case, the forming station
10 may be
omitted, and is preferably replaced by an unstacking means.
In a preferred embodiment, the candle magazine 1 is then closed off by means
of a cover foil
6 which is fastened, preferably by means of cohesive connection, in particular
by means of
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sealing, to the foil web 12 from which the cup-like structures 2 are
manufactured. The candle
' magazines 1 or the candles 14 are subsequently separated by means of a
transverse and/or
longitudinal cut in a cutting station 13, and may then optionally also be
provided with an
additional packaging, for example in a so-called tubular bag machine.
Figures 8a, 8b and 9a, 9b show exemplary embodiments of the cup-like structure
2 and of
the wick holder 7. Here, figures 8a and 9a show schematic sectional drawings,
and figures
8b and 9b show plan views. Reference is generally made to the statements made
with
regard to figures 3 and 4. Here, it is the case in particular that figures 8a
and 9a show the
situation before the wick 4 and the wick holder 7 are connected to the cup-
like structure 2.
The cup-like structure 2 as per the embodiment illustrated in figure 8a has,
in the base
region 2.3, an opening into which the wick holder 7 is inserted. In this case,
the wick 4 is
already connected to the wick holder 7, though it is alternatively also
possible for the wick 4
to be inserted into the wick holder 7 in positively locking, non-positively
locking and/or
cohesive fashion only after the wick holder 7 has been connected to the cup-
like structure 2.
The wick holder 7 is preferably inserted into the opening of the cup-like
structure 2 from
above or below. The wick holder 7 is subsequently connected to the cup-like
structure 2 for
example by welding, pressing and/or crimping, in particular when the base
region of the wick
holder 7 is arranged flush with the base region 2.3. For this purpose, it is
preferable for the
wick holder 7 and the cup-like structure 2 to be composed of the same
material, in this case
plastic, for example. It is alternatively also possible for the wick holder 7
and/or the wick 4 to
be connected to the cup-like structure 2 merely in non-positively locking
and/or positively
locking fashion, in particular by pressing. In this case, the opening of the
cup-like structure 2
preferably has a slightly smaller cross section than the wick holder 7. It is
also for example
conceivable that, after the wick holder 7 and/or the wick 4 has been arranged
in the opening,
the punch of the deep-drawing apparatus 9 upsets the material in the region of
the opening
such that a positive locking and/or non-positive locking action is generated
between the
material in the region of the opening and the wick holder 7 and/or the wick 4.
In particular, the cup-like structure 2 as per the embodiment illustrated here
has substantially
vertical wall elements in the region of the opening, by means of which wall
elements the
connection is established between the cup-like structure 2 and wick holder 7.
Alternatively,
the wall elements are inclined, wherein the resulting weir-like structure
serves in particular to
predefine a preferential direction for the insertion of the wick 4 and/or of
the wick holder 7.
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Figure 8b shows a plan view in which the cup-like structure 2 with the central
opening can
' be clearly seen.
In the embodiment illustrated in figure 9a, the cup-like structure 2 has
recesses or
protuberances. In an edge region of the cup-like structure 2, a recess or
protuberance of said
type is provided in this case as a groove-like rest surface 2.2, and in the
central region of the
cup-like structure 2, a recess or protuberance 2.4 serves as a receptacle for
the wick holder
7 and/or the wick 4. It is also the case here that the wick 4 is preferably
inserted into the wick
holder 7 before the connection to the cup-like structure 2 is established.
Alternatively, the
central recess or protuberance 2.4 is filled with a liquid or pasty material,
the wick 4 is
inserted into said material, and the material is caused to solidify, such that
the recess or
protuberance 2.4 serves as a mold for the wick holder 7.
In the embodiment illustrated here, however, the wick holder 7 is pressed into
the recess or
protuberance 2.4 and is preferably subsequently welded to or sealed with the
cup-like
structure 2.
At its upper edge, the wick holder 7 has, in this case, a flange-like edge
region which serves
as a combustion stopper. When the wick 4 has burned down as far as said edge
region, the
flame is extinguished, such that melting and/or excessive heating of the base
region 2.3 of
the cup-like structure 2 is prevented. For this purpose, the wick holder may
for example
additionally or alternatively have a flame-extinguishing coating.
Figure 9b shows a plan view of the cup-like structure 2 according to the
invention. In
particular, said figure shows the recess or protuberance 2.4 in the center.
The cup-like
structures 2 illustrated in figures 8 and 9 are of circular form. A person
skilled in the art
however understands that any other desired shape, for example square,
triangular, elliptical
and/or polygonal, is also possible.
Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the wick 4 and of the wick holder 7 before
the
connection to the cup-like structure 2 or to the material web 12 is
established. Here, the wick
4 is provided in the form of an endless band on which wick holders 7 are
provided at regular
intervals. Said wick holders are for example formed onto the wick 4. The wick
4 thus
resembles a string of pearls. For stabilization and ease of handling, the wick
4 is for example
provided with a coating composed of a combustible material, preferably hard
wax.
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A wick supply means 19, 19' is then for example configured such that the
endless band is
guided through the opening of a cup-like structure 2 as per the embodiment
described in
conjunction with figures 8a and 8b, the wick 4 and/or wick holder 7 is
connected to the cup-
like structure 2 in positively locking, non-positively locking and/or cohesive
fashion, in
particular by pressing, crimping, welding and/or sealing, and the wick 4 is
cut to length.
Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of the preparation station 16. A
transportation means, in
this case a rotary disk 164, which is driven in rotation about a vertical axis
A arranged in its
center, has a multiplicity of forming means 162, in this case recesses. A
dosing unit 163 fills
a forming means 162 with a material from which the wick holder 7 is produced.
Here, the
material is for example in liquid or at least partially flowable, for example
pasty, form. A wick
4 is subsequently inserted into the material or into the forming means 162 and
the material is
caused to harden.
Here, the material may harden of its own accord, though the hardening may also
be assisted,
for example by virtue of the forming means 162 being cooled in the case of a
wax or wax-like
material. Alternatively or in addition, the hardening may be externally
induced. For example,
a suitable plastic may for example be hardened by being subjected to
ultraviolet radiation.
A holding apparatus 161 grips the wick 4 and/or the wick holder 7 formed
thereon, withdraws
it from the forming means 162, and conveys it to the deep-drawing apparatus 9.
Here, the rotary disk 164 is moved in continuous or stepped fashion. It is
clear to a person
skilled in the art that the preparation station may also be provided such that
multiple dosing
units 163 simultaneously fill multiple forming means 162. In this case, it is
likewise the case
that multiple holding apparatuses 161 are provided or that the holding
apparatus 161 is
designed such that it simultaneously withdraws multiple wicks 4 and/or wick
holders 7.
Alternatively, the transportation means is a linear guide such as, for
example, an endless
conveyor belt. This is advantageous if a large number of wick holders 7 are to
be formed
onto wicks 4 simultaneously.
Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment of the positioning means 15. The
positioning means 15
comprises two plates 151 which are arranged parallel to and spaced apart from
one another.
The plates 151 are connected by a pipe element 152 which is guided in each
case through
openings in the plates 151 and is oriented perpendicular to the plates. Here,
the pipe
element 152 is dimensioned such that exactly one wick 4 with wick holder 7 can
be guided in
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the interior of the pipe element 152, that is to say, for example, the
internal diameter of the
pipe element 152 corresponds to a largest diameter of the wick holder 7.
The plates 151 and the pipe element 152 are coupled, in this case inter alia
by means of a
spiral spring 153 which is arranged between the plates 151 and around the pipe
element
152. The coupling may additionally or alternatively be realized by way of
positive locking
and/or non-positive locking means, for example by means of a slotted guide, or
by means of
a cohesive connection. The spring means advantageously makes an automatic
restoring
action possible.
The plates 151 are in this case movable toward one another and away from one
another
independently of one another. It is thus possible here for the plates 151 to
assume in each
case a first position and a second position.
The pipe element 152 has, on one end, a closing means 154 that can be adjusted
at least
between an open position and a closed position. The illustration here shows
the open
position. In this position, the wick 4 with wick holder 7 falls out of the
pipe element 152 under
the force of gravity. In the closed position, the wick 4 and wick holder 7 are
held in the pipe
element 152 such that they cannot fall out.
In order that the wick 4 and wick holder 7 are reproducibly always positioned
in the center of
a cup-like structure 2, the positioning means 15 has a centring means, in this
case a centring
disk 155, which is arranged, for example in positively locking, non-positively
locking and/or
cohesive fashion, on the pipe element 152 in the region of the closing means
154. The mode
of operation of the positioning means 15 will be explained in detail on the
basis of figures
14a to 14c.
Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the positioning means 15. In the
embodiment
illustrated here, multiple pipe elements 152 are provided between the plates
151, such that a
multiplicity of cup-like structures 2 can be supplied with wicks
simultaneously. The movement
of the plates 151 is transmitted synchronously to all of the pipe elements 152
by means of
the spiral springs 153.
Figures 14a, 14b, 14c show the positioning means 15 in different positions.
The function of
the positioning means 15 will in this case be described, for simplicity, for
only one pipe
element 152, wherein a person skilled in the art however understands that the
statements
also apply to a positioning means 15 as illustrated in figure 13.
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' The positioning means 15 is lowered into a cup-like structure 2. Here, a
positive locking
and/or non-positive locking action is generated between the side wall 2.1 of
the cup-like
structure 2 and the centring disk 2, such that the pipe element 152 is centerd
with respect to
the cup-like structure 2. As illustrated in figure 14a, the upper plate 151 is
now lowered into
the second position, as indicated by the double arrow, such that by means of
corresponding
coupling, the closing means 154 is moved into the open position. A wick 4 with
wick holder 7
provided in the pipe element 152 falls out into the cup-like structure 2, for
example into a
recess or protuberance 2.4.
The upper plate 151 is then moved back into the first position, as illustrated
in figure 14b.
Owing to the coupling, the closing means 154 is moved back into the closed
position. It is
thus no longer possible for a wick 4 or wick holder 7 to fall out, thereby
ensuring that only
one wick 4 with wick holder 7 is provided in each cup-like structure 2.
Finally, the second, lower plate 151 is moved into the second position, as
illustrated in figure
14c. As a result, the pipe element 152 is likewise moved in the direction of
the cup-like
structure 2, whereupon the closing means 154 exerts a force on the wick 4
and/or on the
wick holder 7, whereby the wick 4 and/or the wick holder 7 is connected to the
cup-like
structure 2.
In the embodiment illustrated, the wick 4 and/or wick holder 7 are pressed
into a recess or
protuberance 2.4 such that a positive locking and/or non-positive locking
action is generated.
Alternatively or in addition, the side wall 2.4.1 of the recess or
protuberance is upset.
The positioning means 15 can then be moved out of the cup-like structure 2,
the cup-like
structure 2 provided with a wick can be removed, and a cup-like structure 2 to
be provided
with a wick can be moved under the positioning means, whereupon the described
steps are
performed again from the beginning.
A person skilled in the art understands that the upper and lower plates 151
are
interchangeable in terms of their functionality. It is clear that the
described mechanism is
similar to that of a propelling pencil.
Figure 15 illustrates a candle magazine 1 according to the invention. Here,
the candle
magazine 1 substantially corresponds to the candle magazine 1 illustrated in
figure 2.
Therefore, the statements relating to said figure are referred to generally
here. By contrast to
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, the candle magazine 1 illustrated in figure 2, the predetermined breaking
points 5 are in this
case provided in circular form and concentrically with respect to the likewise
circular cup-like
structures 2. The candles 14 can be separated off from the candle magazine 1
for example
by being pushed out. In this way, although the remaining material web 12 forms
waste, it is
realized in exchange that the separated-off candles 14 already substantially
correspond to
their desired shape for use. If the candle magazine 1 comprises a cover foil
6, the
predetermined breaking points 5 may alternatively or additionally also be
provided such that
an opening region in the form of a tab is provided in order that the cover
foil 6 can be easily
pulled off from the separated-off candles 14. It is preferable for the
predetermined breaking
points 5 to border a region which has the same shape as, and is arranged
concentrically with
respect to, the cup-like structure 2 arranged therein.
Figures 16a to 16d illustrate different embodiments of the cup-like structure
2. Here, the
individual figures illustrate differing features in each case in an exemplary
manner. A person
skilled in the art will recognize that the individual features may also be
exchanged for one
another, that is to say a cup-like structure 2 may for example have an edge
2.5
corresponding to figure 16c, a base region 2.3 corresponding to the
illustration in figure 16a
and a stabilization means 17 corresponding to the illustration in figure 16d.
Here, the
individual figures show merely details.
Figure 16a illustrates a cup-like structure 2 with a substantially
horizontally oriented edge
2.5, onto which there is sealed a cover foil 6 which covers the candle 14, for
example in
aroma-tight fashion. The side wall 2.1 is inclined relative to the vertical,
and the base region
2.3 is inclined relative to the horizontal. In this case, the angle of the
incline of the base
region 2.3 is smaller than the angle of the incline of the side wall 2.1. The
edge 2.5 has, in
this case, a radial extent of approximately 2 mm.
Figure 16b illustrates a cup-like structure 2 with a substantially vertical
side wall 2.1 and
horizontal base region 2.3. In the case of such an arrangement, there is
consequently a right
angle between the side wall 2.1 and the base region 2.3. Furthermore, the edge
2.5 of the
cup-like structure 2 is in this case inclined relative to the horizontal and
relative to the side
wall 2.1. Sealing of a cover foil 6 is made simpler in this way.
Since the cup-like structure 2 is produced from a deep-drawn material web 12,
the material
exhibits a certain thermal restoring or spring-back movement, normally in the
range of
around 2%. This means that, when a combustible material 3 provided in the cup-
like
structure 2 burns, the resulting generation of heat leads to a deformation as
shown in the
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lower left-hand region of the illustration. Such material bulging may be
disadvantageous, for
example if the candles 14 are arranged in a vessel and the material bulge
prevents air
recirculation, causing an exchange of heat to be prevented and at least a
faster burn-off of
the candle.
To prevent such a thermal restoring movement, the cup-like structure 2
preferably has a
stabilization means 17. The cup-like structures 2 illustrated in figures 16c
and 16d each
have a stabilization means 17 of said type in the connecting region between
side wall 2.1
and base region 2.3. In figure 16c, the stabilization means 17 is a double
bead. This
functions for example as a material reservoir and/or as a mechanical
reinforcement. A
temperature-induced spring-back movement in this case does not lead to a
material bulge in
the radial direction beyond the side wall 2.1 as in the illustration of figure
16b, but rather for
example to a connecting region similar to the illustration in figure 16a. In
the embodiment as
per figure 16c, the edge 2.5 of the cup-like structure 2 furthermore has an
elevation which
facilitates sealing of the cover foil 6.
The cup-like structure 2 as per the embodiment illustrated in figure 16d has
an inclined edge
2.5 and an inclined side wall 2.1, whereas the base region 2.3 is provided so
as to be
substantially parallel to the horizontal. Furthermore, the cup-like structure
2 has a
stabilization means 17 in the form of a single bead. By contrast to the
stabilization means 17
as per the embodiment illustrated in figure 16c, the individual sections of
the bead are in this
case provided so as to be inclined relative to the horizontal and relative to
the vertical.
In a preferred embodiment, it is alternatively or additionally provided that
the material web 12
is pre-stretched during the deep-drawing process, such that the material
thickness of the
cup-like structure 2 can be controlled in all regions. For example, by way of
the pre-stretching
or pre-drawing, it is possible for a thermal spring-back or restoring movement
in the
connecting region between side wall 2.1 and base region 2.3 to be at least
reduced.
Figures 17a and 17b show recesses 2.4 for the wick 4 or the wick holder 7. In
both cases,
the cup-like structure 2 has rest surfaces 2.2 in the form of elevations on
the underside of the
base region 2.3, for example in the form of feet. These are preferably of
substantially
hemispherical form. Alternatively or in addition, an encircling concentric
bead is provided in
the base region as a rest surface 2.2. In figure 17a, the elevations form the
only rest
surfaces 2.2 that make contact with an underlying surface, whereas the
elevations in the
illustration in figure 17b form rest surfaces 2.2 together with the recess
2.4. The local rest
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surfaces 2.2 have the effect of improving the air recirculation on the
underside of a candle 14
standing on an underlying surface.
Figure 17a illustrates two recesses 2.4; one narrow, deep recess 2.4, into
which the wick 4
is inserted, and one wide, shallow recess 2.4, which is filled with adhesive
21, for example a
melt adhesive. Firstly, after the deep-drawing process, melt adhesive is
introduced into the
cup-like structure 2. The wick 4 is inserted before the melt adhesive has
fully hardened. By
way of the melt adhesive and the narrow, deep recess 2.4, the wick 4 is
connected in both
cohesive and also positively locking and non-positively locking fashion to the
cup-like
structure 2.
By contrast, in figure 17b, the cup-like structure 2 has only one narrow, deep
recess 2.4.
Here, either the positively locking and/or non-positively locking connection
of the wick 4 to
the recess 2.4 is sufficient for adequate stabilization of the wick 4, or said
wick is additionally
connected to a wick holder 7.
Figures 18a to 18c illustrate candle magazines 1 with inlay means 18 in
schematic cross
sections. Figure 18a illustrates a candle magazine with cup-like structures 2
in which
combustible material 3 and wicks 4 have already been arranged. The candle
magazine 1
has, around the cup-like structures 2, predetermined breaking points 5 by way
of which the
cup-like structures 2 and the candles 14 can be separated off. A sheetlike
inlay means 18
has been arranged on the candle magazine 1. Here, for better clarity, the
inlay means 18 has
been illustrated spaced apart from the candle magazine 1. In reality, however,
the inlay
means 18 lies on the candle magazine 1. The inlay means 18 is produced for
example from
a flame-retardant composite foil, and has predetermined breaking points 5
which are
arranged such that regions of the inlay means 18 can be separated off, wherein
said regions,
in terms of their shape, substantially correspond to the inner cross section
of the cup-like
structures 2, but preferably have a slightly smaller radius than the cup-like
structures 2.
The inlay means 18, and preferably each of the regions that can be separated
off, are
preferably of colored design and/or printed, and have an opening in particular
in the region of
the wicks 4. Here, the inlay means 18 has a main plane of extent, the
dimensions of which
correspond substantially to the dimensions of the candle magazine 1. The inlay
means 18 is
for example laid onto the candle magazine 1 and subsequently enclosed,
together with the
candle magazine 1, in a tubular-bag-type packaging.
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, Before use, the tubular-bag-type packaging is removed, and a candle 14 is
separated off
from the candle magazine 1 by exertion of force, in such a way that a region
of the inlay
means 18 is also separated off. In this case, the predetermined breaking
points 5 of the
candle magazine 1 are not provided congruently with the predetermined breaking
points 5 of
the inlay means 18. As a result, during the separating-off of the candles 14,
it is firstly the
case that an edge 2.5 is realized, and secondly, the separated-off region of
the inlay means
18 is smaller than the inner cross section of the cup-like structure 2, such
that, during the
burning of the candle 14, the region moves downward, together with the
combustible material
3, in the direction of the base region 2.3. The inlay means 18 is preferably
fire-retardant in
order to eliminate the risk of fire.
Figure 18b illustrates a further embodiment of the inlay means 18. In this
case, the inlay
means 18 is cohesively connected to the candle magazine 1, in particular to
the cup-like
structures 2, for example by being sealed on in the edge regions 2.5 of the
cup-like
structures 2. Alternatively or in addition, the inlay means 18 is provided, on
its underside,
with an adhesive, such that it adheres to the candle magazine 1 and/or to the
combustible
material 3 when it comes into contact therewith. In this way, the inlay means
18 can serve as
a replacement for a cover foil 6.
It is however also conceivable for a cover foil 6 to additionally be fastened
over the inlay
means 18, for example by sealing. In this embodiment, too, the inlay means 18
has regions
that can be separated off by way of predetermined breaking points 5.
Figure 18c shows yet a further embodiment. In this case, the inlay means 18 is
arranged in
the form of already-separated regions on the combustible material 3 in the cup-
like structures
2, and is for example cohesively connected thereto by way of an adhesive. In
this case,
merely for better clarity, the inlay means 18 is illustrated spaced apart from
the combustible
material 3.
Figures 19a to 19e illustrate an embodiment of the method for producing a
candle magazine
1. Here, figure 19a firstly schematically shows the material web 12 for the
cup-like structure
2 and/or the magazine 1. For simplicity, the figures illustrate just one cup-
like structure 2, but
a person skilled in the art will understand that the method discussed can
likewise be
transferred to a magazine 1 having multiple cup-like structures 2.
A cup-like structure 2 is deep-drawn out of said material web 12. The deep-
drawn cup-like
structure 2 is shown in figure 19b. Subsequently, as illustrated in figure
19c, an adhesive
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21, preferably a hot melt adhesive, is introduced, in particular centrally,
into the cup-like
'structure. Here, the amount of adhesive 21 is selected such that a wick 4
inserted therein is
held adequately securely when the adhesive 21 is in the solidified state.
As illustrated in figure 19d, a wick 4 is then inserted by way of a wick
supply means 19, 19'
into the cup-like structure, in particular into the adhesive 21. The wick 4 is
preferably pressed
into the adhesive 21, that is to say is inserted into the adhesive 21 with a
force greater than
an opposing force generated by the adhesive 21. Here, the adhesive 21 has not
yet
solidified, or at least has not yet fully solidified.
After the solidification of the adhesive 21, a wick holder 7 is thus formed
integrally in the cup-
like structure 2 as a result of the insertion or pressing-in of the wick 4
into the adhesive 21.
This is shown in figure 19e.
Figure 20 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the wick supply means. Deep-
drawn cup-
like structures 2 or magazines 1 are supplied by way of a transportation means
20, in this
case a conveyor belt in the form of an endless belt. The transportation
direction is indicated
here by arrows.
A wick supply means 19, 19' is in this case of two-part form. Firstly, the
wick supply means
19, 19' comprises a wick fitting station 19', which in this case is
illustrated merely
schematically in the right-hand region of the figure, by means of which wick
fitting station
wicks 4 are provided and at which wick fitting station a wick holding
apparatus of the wick
supply means 19 is equipped. Said wick holding apparatus is in this case
provided on a
movable robot arm. The wick holding apparatus preferably has at least one
vacuum-
generating means. The one or more vacuum-generating means is or are formed at
wick
holders. In this case, the wick-holding apparatus is of substantially plate-
like form, wherein
the wick-holding apparatus preferably has, in its main plane of extent,
substantially the same
dimensions as the magazine 1, that is to say said wick-holding apparatus is
preferably
congruent with the magazine 1 when arranged over the latter.
At the wick fitting station 19', the wick holders receive wicks 4. A detection
means preferably
monitors whether a wick 4 is arranged, or correctly position and/or
orientated, in all of the
wick holders. Erroneous fitting of a magazine 1 with wicks is thus prevented.
Subsequently, the robot arm moves the wick-holding apparatus, preferably such
that said
wick-holding apparatus is positioned over the magazine 1 and congruently with
respect
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= thereto. Then, the wick supply means 19 presses the wicks 4 into the cup-
like structures 2,
wherein the wick holders are arranged at or in the wick-holding apparatus, and
the wick-
holding apparatus is moved, such that a wick 4 is inserted centrally, and in
particular
vertically, into each cup-like structure 2. The wicks 4 may in this case
already be equipped
with a wick holder 7 in the wick supply means 19, 19', the wick holders 7 may
be provided
before the insertion into the cup-like structures 2, or the wick holders may
be formed into the
cup-like structures 2 during or as a result of the insertion.
The detection means, or a further detection means, preferably monitors for the
presence of a
wick 4 in each cup-like structure 2, and/or for the correct positioning of the
wicks 4. For this
purpose, it is for example possible for a camera system to be provided.
Finally, the magazine 1 that has been fitted with wicks is moved to a filling
station 11, in
which the combustible material 3 is introduced into the cup-like structures 2.
This is not
illustrated here.
In one possible refinement of the embodiment, the wick supply means 19
comprises multiple
robot arms, which each have a wick-holding apparatus. Here, the wick supply
means 19, 19'
is preferably configured such that it is always the case that one wick-holding
apparatus is
equipped with wicks 4 at the wick fitting station 19' while a further wick-
holding apparatus fits
wicks to the magazine 1. Thus, a continuous process is made possible, and the
process
speed is significantly increased.
The wick-holding apparatus is preferably provided as a changeable tool, such
that, for the
fitting of wicks to different magazine shapes and/or sizes, it is merely
necessary for the wick-
holding apparatus or apparatuses to be exchanged.
It is also conceivable, for example, for a detection means to monitor the
advancing
movement of the transportation means 20, and to synchronize this with the
cycle speed of
the wick supply means 19, 19'.
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List of reference signs:
1 Candle magazine
2 Cup-like structure
2.1 Side wall
2.2 Rest surface
2.3 Base region
2.4 Recess or protuberance for the wick
2.4.1 Side wall of the recess or protuberance
2.5 Edge, encircling edge
2.6 Undercut
3 Combustible material
4 Wick
5 Predetermined breaking point
6 Cover foil
7 Wick holder
8 Packaging
9 Deep-drawing apparatus
10 Forming station
11 Filling station, loading station
12 Material, in particular foil web for the cup-like structure
and/or the magazine
13 Cutting station
14 Candle
15 Positioning means
151 Plate
152 Pipe element
153 Spiral spring
154 Closing means
155 Centring disk
16 Preparation station
161 Holding apparatus
162 Forming means
163 Dosing unit
164 Rotary disk
17 Stabilization means
18 Inlay means
19, 19 Wick supply means
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20 Transportation means
' 21 Adhesive
A Axis of rotation
