Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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This application is a division of our Canadian patent application
Serial No. 274,230 filed March 18, 1977.
This invention relates to devices that simulate the sound of a pile
of burning logs. In particular, it relates to improvements in such devices.
Burning log simulators are devices designed to be placed primarily
in a Eireplace to simulate a pile of logs burning therein. These devices are
generally of two types, gas operated and electrically operated. The former
involves the use of a combustible gas, such as natural gas or propane, which
is burned in or near a simulated non-combustible pile of logs. Because gas
burns without the sounds of hissing and crackling that normally accompany an
actual pile of burning logs, such devices are either silent or include a
noise simulator. Examples of such devices are disclosed in United States
Patents 3,543,741-Whitehead; and, 3,723,046-Poling, et al.
The electrical type generally comprises a log replica having a
translucent colored portion illuminated from within the replica to create for
the user a visual simulation of the colors and brilliancy of a fire. The
devices may include additional means to simulate the flicker of the flames
and the noises of burning logs. Quite obviously, such electrical devices are
operated without any combustion. Examples of such devices are disclosed in
United States Patents 3,499,239-Mungo; and, 3,526,984-Nielsen et al.
The instant invention is directed primarily to improvements in
burning log simulators of the electrical type.
As is known and obvious, a pile of burning logs produces unique and
variable sensations dependent upon the type of logs, how the logs are stacked,
the age of the fire, the rate of combustion, etc. Most of the commercially
available simulators are intended to represent only one state, i.e., a
specific type of log burning at a fixed rate and in a limited area of the
face of the logs. Thus, simulators generally differ dependent on representing
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primarily different types of logs mostly simulating a normal, uniform fire in
a limited area with a rhythmic motion and small flames. The instant invention
is dirccted to a device for simulating a hissing, snapping fast flickering
hot fire with various size flames throughout the entire face of the logs.
One of the objects of the invention is to provide an improved
burning log simulator for producing unique aural sensations simulating
conditions of a pile of real burning logs.
Another object is to provide a burning log simulator that is cheap
to produce, requires little or no maintenance and is reliable in operation.
A further object is to provide simple and inexpensive means to
simulate the noises of a fire.
According to the broadest aspect of the invention there is
provided a fire sound simulator comprising: a first member; a second member;
sound motive means for moving one of said members relative to the other;
looped material mounted on one of said members; hooked material mounted on
the other of said members; said members being juxtaposed to interengage said
hooked and looped materials whereby said relative movement causes portions of
said hooked and looped material to engage continuously whereby such engagement
and disengagement produces sounds simulating those of a fire.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from
the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing
wherein:
Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a preferred embodiment of
the invention;
Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of the invention shown in
Figure 1, with a back plate removed;
Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the embodiment shown in
Figure 1, with a side plate removed to expose the interior;
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Figure 4 is an enlarged, rear elevational view, with portions
removed, of details shown in Figure l;
Figure 5 is an enlarged detail view taken along reference line 5-5
of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is an enlarged detail view taken along reference line 6-6
of Figure 4;
Figure 7 is an enlarged detail view of a material used in the noise
simulator of the invention; and,
Figure 8 is a front elevational view of an alternate, improved
embodiment of the flicker simulator used in the burning log simulator of the
present invention.
The flicker simulator disclosed herain is claimed in the above
mentioned parent application 274,230.
Referring now to the drawing, a burning log simulator 10 comprises
a burning log replica 12, a frame 14, an electric light 16, a noise simulator
18 and a flicker simulator 20.
As shown in Figure 1, replica 12 is of conventional construction and
includes solid portion 22 shaped like a pile of logs that are in the process
of being burned, and a translucent light-transmitting central portion 24.
Portion 22 may be formed from real logs that are cut to shape, or from suit-
able plastic or ceramic materials and secured together in any conventional
manner. When made of real logs, the logs provide the "smell" of wood that
might add to the enjoyment of the simulator.
Portion 24 is typically made of clear translucent plastic having a
non-uniform surface shadowed black with white highlights to give a charring
effect. Portion 24 diffuses light such that objects therebehind are not
directly visible but light reflected from such objects can be seen.
Frame 14 encloses the bottom, sides and rear of the simulator, with
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the rear wall or plate being removed in Figure 2 for clarity of illustration.
Light 16 is mounted in a socket 26 connected to the rear bottom of frame 14
by a bracket 28, as best seen in Figures 4 - 6. When energized, light 16
emits radiant energy some of which passes through portion 24.
Light source 16 is typically a reddish orange light bulb.
Flicker simulator 20 comprises a pair of support wires 30, 30'
connected to a bracket, each wire holding curtains 32 and 34, respectively,
which are agitated or moved by an agitator 36 rotated by a motor 38. Curtains
32 and 34 are made of materials having mirror like reflecting surfaces such
as highly polished aluminum foil, Mylar, etc. and have a series of evenly
spaced strips that hang freely and downwardly from support 30. Curtain 32 is
located in front of curtain 34 and is shorter. Light source 16 is located
between the curtains and portion 24. The strips of each curtain are as wide
as the spacings between the strips.
In a typical embodiment the curtains are spaced two inches apart and
the curtain strips are of Mylar, one quarter inch wide and spaced one quarter
inch apart.
Agitator 36 comprises a shaft 40 driven by motor 38. A plate 42 is
affixed to shaft 40 and is connected to two spaced rods 44 and 46 bent into
serpentine shapes. When motor 38 is energized, rods 44 and 46, which are
located between curtains 32 and 34, rotate and brush against the strips of
the curtains causing them to move in a somewhat haphazard random manner.
Light from source 16 passes onto and is reflected from the strips of the
curtains before reaching portion 24 and, due to the movement of the strips,
produces the sensation of a flickering fire. Rods 44 and 46 are offset with
respect to one another to produce more agitation of the strips 34, 32, hence
the appearance of a hotter fire. Motor 38 is preferably of a constant speed
type that drives shaft 40 at about 60 r.p.m. Speeds approximately 60 r.p.m.
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produce a bouncing fire effect whereas slower speeds yield less desirable,
more rhythmic, more artifical effects.
The burning logs simulator as thus far depicted is characterized in
that the sensation of a fast burning, hot fire is produced throughout the
entire face of the burning logs 22 via light transmitting central portion 24.
There are various size flames with flickering of same in a non-rhythmic or
sporadic fashion.
Sound simulator 18 comprises a constant speed motor 50 on a bracket
52 affixed to frame 14. Motor 50 is connected to and drives a drum 54.
Mounted on bracket 52 above drum 54 is a driven, second drum 56 on an axle,
the outer surfaces of both drums being covered by pieces 58 and 58' of a
synthetic material such as Scotchmate hook and loop fasteners manufactured
by 3M Company under United States Patent 3,009,235. Piece 58' comprises a
multiplicity of hooking elements 62 and piece 58 comprises a multiplicity of
loops 60. Typically, the drums are of wood and the pieces 58, 58' stapled
thereto. Fibers 60 and 62 are relatively stiff and are formed integrally in
a sheet of woven fabric type. When pieces 58 and 58' are pressed together,
the fibers thereof intermesh.
Pieces thus joined can be pulled apart and the act of separation
causes the fibers to produce a unique noise. One aspect of the invention is
the discovery that this unique noise simulates the sound of a fast burning
log fire.
Pieces 58' and 58 on drums 54 and 56 intermesh so that as the drums
are rotated, the intermeshing and separation of the material produces the
noise or sounds simulating those of a real fire. This noise in conjunction
with the visual effects described above combine to simulate a hot, fast flick-
ering pile of burning logs. However, quite obviously, such visual and aural
simulators can be used separately. The sound thus generated is a function of
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the speed of separation. The size of drums 54 and 56 and the speed of motor
50 provide a speed of separation of about one inch per second. Other speeds
can be used. The materials adhere and then are pulled apart, the motor speed
being chosen to provide a snapping action and accompanying sound.
Free wheeling drum is mounted within a right-angled slot 60 having
a lower engaging position and an upper disengaging position. When the sound
simulator is in use the drum is positioned at the lower engaging position,
but where no sound is desired the free wheeling drum is moved to the upper
disengaged position.
Light 16 and motors 38 and 50 are preferably connected to a common
electric cord 66 that, in turn, is connectible to a suitable electric source
and switch (not shown) for selective energization thereof.
Figure 8 depicts an alternate improved embodiment of a flicker
simulator 70 to be used on the burning log simulator of the present invention.
Simulator 70 includes support wires 72, 74 slidably held within bracket 76.
Curtains 78, 80 are agitated or moved by an agitator 82 rotated by motor 84.
It will be noted that agitator 82 comprises a one-piece wire having a threaded
end operatively connected and supported within threaded tubing 86 and at the
opposite end by a vertical looped extension 88 from support wire 72. The
advantages of the improved flicker simulator 70 are readily apparent.
Visually, in use, the appearance to an observer is the same. Cost of
manufacture is substantially reduced. A single agitator 82 is employed.
Support wires 72, 74 are slidably held within bracket 76 and are easily
inserted into and removed from same. Thus curtains 78, 80 may be affixed to
wires 72, 74 prior to insertion within bracket 76 and stored until needed.
Finally, the need for one support bracket is eliminated.
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
changes by way of addition and omission and alterations can be made in the
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details and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the
invention as defined in the appended claims.
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