Apparatus for extinguishing a wick flame of a candle disposed in a candle container and related methods

A method for extinguishing a wick flame of a candle disposed in a candle container, the apparatus comprising:

• a base configured to be positioned adjacent to an opening of the candle container, the opening providing access to a wick and the flame of the candle;
• a flexible, retractable lid connected to the base and configured to move between (a) an open position wherein the wick and the flame are accessible via the opening and (b) a closed position wherein the lid encloses the opening of the candle container to thereby extinguish the wick flame, the retractable lid comprising a first half and a second half;
• control arms positioned around the opening of the candle container configured to:
• keep the halves of the retractable lid in the open position, or cause the retractable lid to close responsive to the one or more control arms being released;
• a mechanical timer configured to control a countdown such that, responsive to an expiration of a predetermined time period, the control arms are caused to be released thereby causing the retractable lid to move from its open position to its closed position;
• and a plurality of sensors provided on the base, the plurality of sensors being spaced around the opening and configured to cause the retractable lid to move from its open position to its closed position responsive to a detection of impact;
• wherein the method comprises:
• setting the mechanical timer for a predetermined amount of time;
• providing the first half and the second half of the retractable lid in the open position;
• lighting a wick of the candle container to produce a wick flame;
• detecting, using at least one of the plurality of sensors, an impact to the candle container;
• and
• causing the control arms to move the first half and second half of the retractable lid from the open position to the closed position,
• wherein the movement of the first half and second half to the closed position comprises moving ends of the halves in a generally upward direction relative to the opening and towards each other to meet in the closed position to thereby extinguish the wick flame.