Secret message candle

Abstract

A hidden message candle apparatus comprising a two part container divided into an inner portion and an outer portion, a candle, a message sheet, and a heat-activated covering in sticker form. The transparent top portion of the outer container forms a cylindrical gap, when the inner container is nested in the outer container, and a message imprinted sheet with the heat-activated covering is inserted therein. A candle or other heat source is disposed in the bottom part of the inner container. Upon activating the heat source, the heat from the heat source raises the temperature of the air in the cylindrical gap, and acts on the heat-activated ink sticker causing it to become transparent and reveal the message on the sheet.

1 . An apparatus for displaying hidden messages, the apparatus comprising a transparent container; a heat source disposed in the container; a sheet with messages disposed in the container; a heat-activated covering over the sheet, the heat-activated covering being opaque at room temperature and transparent when heated to a temperature above room temperature; whereby messages on the sheet become visible when the heat-activated covering is heated by a heat source in the container.  
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises an inner container that nests in an outer container.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the inner container is made of transparent heat-resistant material.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the inner container and outer containers comprise cylindrical containers with open top ends.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the outer container has a bottom portion and a top portion, wherein the diameter of the bottom portion causes it to abut the bottom and sides of the inner container, and the diameter of the top portion causes it to create a cylindrical space between the inner and outer containers sufficient to hold a sheet and heat-activated covering.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the inner container has a lip disposed around its rim, wherein the lip extends outward to a distance sufficient to cover a cylindrical space between the inner and outer containers.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the top and bottom portions of the containers comprise any three-dimensional shape with a bottom, sides and an open top.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the top portion of the outer container is transparent, and the bottom portion of the outer container is opaque.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the bottom portion of the outer container comprises a design or fanciful covering.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein wax or gel in the bottom portion of the inner container along with one or a plurality of wicks is used as the heat source.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heat source is a candle.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heat source is electric, and is powered by a cord that extends through the container.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heat source is electric, and is battery powered.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein personalized messages can be added on the sheet.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sheet comprises any paper thin object including a photo, a decorative card, and paper.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the heat-activated covering comprises a sticker placed on backing paper.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the heat-activated covering is peeled from the backing paper and placed over the sheet with messages.  
   
   
       18 . An apparatus for displaying hidden messages, said apparatus comprising a cylindrical lidless inner container, a cylindrical lidless outer container, wherein the outer container comprises a lower portion that abuts the sides and bottom of the inner container and an upper portion that encircles the sides of the inner container at a distance, leaving a cylindrical gap between the inner and outer containers which is covered by a lip projecting outward from the top of the inner container; a candle disposed in the inner container; a sheet with messages; a heat-activated sticker which is opaque at room temperature and transparent when heated above room temperature covering the sheet; the heat-activated sticker and sheet disposed in the cylindrical gap; wherein messages on the sheet are revealed when the candle burns and the heat-activated sticker becomes transparent.  
   
   
       19 . A method of displaying hidden messages comprising the steps of; attaching a message sheet onto an opaque heat-activated sticker; placing the sheet and sticker in a cylindrical gap in a two-part transparent container; disposing a candle in a bottom portion of the container; lighting the candle; and observing the sheet as messages are revealed.