SIMULATED FUEL BED FOR FIREPLACE

IMITATION DE LIT DE COMBUSTIBLE POUR FOYER A FEU OUVERT

English Abstract

A simulated fuel bed (10) for an electric or gas fireplace including an ember
bed (24) and a combustible fuel (22). At least one
reflector (34) is mounted to at least one of the ember bed (24) and the
combustible fuel (22) in a position to simulate a hot ember by
reflecting light transmitted from a light source (30).

French Abstract

Cette invention a trait à une imitation de lit de combustible (10) pour foyer à feu ouvert électrique ou à gaz, consistant en un lit de braises (24) et une matière combustible (22). Un réflecteur au moins est monté sur l'un au moins des lits de braises (24) et la matière combustible (22) de façon à simuler l'existence de braises chaudes par réflexion de la lumière émise par une source lumineuse (30).

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A simulated fuel bed for a fireplace incorporating a light source, the
simulated fuel bed
comprising:

a simulated ember bed;

a simulated combustible fuel; and

at least one reflector mounted onto a surface of at least one of the simulated
ember
bed and the simulated combustible fuel in a position to simulate a hot ember
by
reflecting light transmitted from the light source, said at least one
reflector including
a plurality of reflecting regions and non-reflecting regions arranged in an
ember
pattern, the non-reflecting regions simulating cracks between embers.

2. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a grate
disposed between said
simulated combustible fuel and said simulated ember bed.

3. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein said simulated ember
bed and said
simulated combustible fuel are integrally formed.

4. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein said simulated
combustible fuel
resembles at least one log of wood.

5. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein said simulated
combustible fuel
resembles at least one lump of coal.

6. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein said simulated fuel bed
is incorporated
within an electric fireplace.

7. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein said simulated fuel bed
is incorporated
within a gas fireplace.







8. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim l, wherein each said reflector is
generally polygonal
in shape.

9. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 8, wherein two sides of each said
reflector extend
generally parallel to an axis of said simulated combustible fuel corresponding
to a simulated
gram.

10. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reflector is
generally silver in color.

11. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reflector is one
of generally red,
orange or yellow in color.

12. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reflector is
formed from a reflective
metallic foil.

13. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reflector is
formed from a mirrored
glass.

14. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein said simulated ember
bed defines at
least one translucent portion for transmitting light from the light source to
simulate a hot
ember.

15. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 14, wherein said reflector is
mounted to said
simulated combustible fuel in a downwardly facing position sufficiently
opposing said
translucent portion of said simulated ember bed to reflect light transmitted
through said
translucent portion to simulate said ember.

16. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source is a
gas flame.



11




17. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of reflective flecks
disposed on said simulated fuel bed.

18. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 17, wherein said flecks are two
millimetres or less
in width.

19. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reflector is
mounted to said
simulated combustible fuel in an upwardly facing position for reflecting light
from a light
source located above said simulated fuel bed to simulate said hot ember.

20. A simulated fuel bed for a fireplace incorporating a light source, the
simulated fuel bed
comprising:

means for simulating an ember bed;

means for simulating a combustible fuel; and

means for reflecting light from the light source to simulate a hot ember, said
reflector
means being mounted onto a surface of at least one of said ember bed
simulation
means and said combustible fuel simulation means, and at least some of said
reflector
means including a plurality of reflecting regions and non-reflecting regions
arranged
in an ember pattern, said non-reflecting regions simulating cracks between
embers.

21. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 20 further comprising a grate
disposed between said
combustible fuel simulation means and said ember bed simulation means.

22. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 20, wherein said ember bed
simulation means and
said combustible fuel simulation means are integrally formed.



12




23. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 20, wherein said combustible fuel
simulation means
resembles at least one log of wood.

24. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 20, wherein said combustible fuel
simulation means
resembles at least one lump of coal.

25. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 20, wherein said fuel bed is
incorporated within an
electric fireplace.

26. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 20, wherein said fuel bed is
incorporated within a
gas fireplace.

27. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 20, wherein said reflector means
is generally
polygonal in shape.

28. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 2 7, wherein two sides of each
said reflector means
extend generally parallel to an axis of said combustible fuel simulation means
corresponding
to a simulated grain.

29. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 20, wherein said reflector means
is generally silver
in color.

30. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 20, wherein said reflector means
is one of generally
red, orange or yellow in color.

31. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 20, wherein said reflector means
is formed from
a reflective metallic foil.



13




32. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 20, wherein said reflector means
is formed from
a mirrored glass.

33. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 20, wherein said ember bed
simulation means
defines at least one translucent portion for transmitting light from said
light source to
simulate a hot ember.

34. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 33, wherein said reflector means
is mounted to said
combustible fuel simulation means in a downwardly facing position sufficiently
opposing
said translucent portion of said ember bed simulation means to reflect light
transmitted
through said translucent portion to simulate said ember.

35. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 20, wherein said light source is
a gas flame.

36. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 20, further comprising a
plurality of reflective
flecks disposed on said fuel bed.

37. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 36, wherein said flecks are two
millimetres or less
in width.

38. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 20, wherein said reflector means
is mounted to
combustible fuel simulation means in an upwardly facing position for
reflecting light from
a light source located above said fuel bed to simulate said hot ember.

39. A simulated fuel bed for a fireplace incorporating a light source, the
simulated fuel bed
comprising:

a simulated ember bed defining at least one translucent portion;

a simulated combustible fuel; and



14




at least one reflector mounted onto a surface of at least one of said
simulated ember
bed and said simulated combustible fuel in a position to simulate a hot ember
by
reflecting light transmitted from the light source, wherein said at least one
reflector
is mounted in a downwardly and rearwardly facing position sufficiently
opposing
said translucent portion of said simulated ember bed to reflect light
transmitted
through said translucent portion to simulate said ember and sufficiently
opposing a
partially reflective screen for the fireplace disposed in a generally vertical
plane,
wherein said hot ember simulated by said reflector is indirectly observable as
a
reflected image in said partially reflective screen.

40. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 39 further comprising a grate
disposed between said
simulated combustible fuel and said simulated ember bed.

41. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 39, wherein said simulated ember
bed and said
simulated combustible fuel are integrally formed.

42. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 39, wherein said simulated
combustible fuel
resembles at least one log of wood.

43. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 39, wherein said simulated
combustible fuel
resembles at least one lump of coal.

44. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 39, wherein said fuel bed is
incorporated within an
electric fireplace.

45. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 39, wherein said fuel bed is
incorporated within a
gas fireplace.






46. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 39, wherein said reflector is
generally polygonal
in shape.
47. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 39, wherein two sides of each
said reflector extend
generally parallel to an axis of said simulated combustible fuel corresponding
to a simulated
gram.
48. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 39, wherein a plurality of said
reflectors are
arranged in an ember pattern, said ember pattern including non-reflecting
spaces between
adjacent reflectors to simulate cracks between embers.
49. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 39, wherein said reflector
includes a plurality of
reflecting regions and non-reflecting regions arranged in an ember pattern,
said
non-reflecting regions simulating cracks between embers.
50. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 39, wherein said reflector is
generally silver in
color.
51. A simulated fuel bed as claimed. in claim 39, wherein said reflector is
one of generally red,
orange or yellow in color.
52. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 39, wherein said reflector is
formed from a
reflective metallic foil.
53. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 39, wherein said reflector is
formed from a
mirrored glass.
54. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 39, wherein said light source is
a gas flame.
16



55. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 39, further comprising a
plurality of reflective
flecks disposed on said fuel bed.
56. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 55, wherein said flecks are two
millimetres or less
in width.
57. A simulated fuel bed for a fireplace incorporating a light source, the
simulated fuel bed
comprising:
means for simulating an ember bed;
means for simulating a combustible fuel; and
means for reflecting light from the light source to simulate a hot ember, said
reflector
means being mounted onto a surface of at least one of said ember bed
simulation
means and said combustible fuel simulation means, wherein said ember bed
simulation means defines at least one translucent portion for transmitting
light from
said light source to simulate a hot ember, and wherein said reflector means is
mounted in a downwardly and rearwardly facing position sufficiently opposing
said
translucent portion of said ember bed simulation means to reflect light
transmitted
through said translucent portion to simulate said ember and sufficiently
opposing a
partially reflective screen for the fireplace disposed in a generally vertical
plane,
wherein said hot ember simulated by said reflector means is indirectly
observable as
a reflected image in said partially reflective screen.
58. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 57 further comprising a grate
disposed between said
combustible fuel simulation means and said ember bed simulation means.
17


59. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 57, wherein said ember bed
simulation means and
said combustible fuel simulation means are integrally formed.
60. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 57, wherein said combustible fuel
simulation means
resembles at least one log of wood.
61. A simulated fuel bed as claimed :in claim 57, wherein said combustible
fuel simulation means
resembles at least one lump of coal.
62. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 57, wherein said fuel bed is
incorporated within an
electric fireplace.
63. A simulated fuel bed as claimed i.n claim 57, wherein said fuel bed is
incorporated within a
gas fireplace.
64. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 57, wherein said reflector means
is generally
polygonal in shape.
65. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 57, wherein two sides of each
said reflector means
extend generally parallel to an axis of said combustible fuel simulation means
corresponding
to a simulated grain.
66. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 57, wherein a plurality of said
reflectors are
arranged in an amber pattern, said ember pattern including non-reflecting
spaces between
adjacent reflectors to simulate cracks between embers.
67. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 57, wherein said reflector means
includes a
plurality of reflecting regions arid non-reflecting regions arranged in an
ember pattern, said
non-reflecting regions simulating cracks between embers.
18



68. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 57, wherein said reflector means
is generally silver
in color.
69. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 57, wherein said reflector means
is one of generally
red, orange or yellow in color.
70. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 57, wherein said reflector means
is formed from
a reflective metallic foil.
71. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 57, wherein said reflector means
is formed from
a mirrored glass.
72. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 57, wherein said light source is
a gas flame.
73. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 57, further comprising a
plurality of reflective
flecks disposed on said fuel bed.
74. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 73, wherein said flecks are two
millimetres or less
in width.
75. A simulated fuel bed for a fireplace incorporating a light source, the
simulated fuel bed
comprising:
a simulated ember bed;
a simulated combustible fuel; and
19


at least one reflector mounted onto a surface of at least one of said
simulated ember
bed and said simulated combustible fuel in a position to simulate a hot ember
by
reflecting light transmitted from the light source, wherein said reflector is
mounted
in an upwardly and rearwardly facing position sufficiently opposing a
partially
reflective screen for sari fireplace disposed in a generally vertical plane to
reflect
light transmitted through said partially reflective screen to said simulated
ember,
wherein said hot ember simulated by said reflector is indirectly observable as
a
reflected image in said partially reflective screen.
76. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75 further comprising a grate
disposed between said
simulated combustible fuel and said simulated ember bed.
77. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75, wherein said simulated ember
bed and said
simulated combustible fuel are integrally formed.
78. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75, wherein said simulated
combustible fuel
resembles at least one log of wood.
79. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75, wherein said simulated
combustible fuel
resembles at least one lump of coal.
80. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75, wherein said fuel bed is
incorporated within an
electric fireplace.
31. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75, wherein said fuel bed is
incorporated within a
gas fireplace.
32. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75, wherein said reflector is
generally polygonal
in shape.
20



83. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75, wherein two sides of each
said reflector extend
generally parallel to an axis of said simulated combustible fuel corresponding
to a simulated
grain.
84. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75, wherein a plurality of said
reflectors are
arranged in an ember pattern, said ember pattern including non-reflecting
spaces between
adjacent reflectors to simulate cracks between embers.
85. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75, wherein said reflector
includes a plurality of
reflecting regions and non-reflecting regions arranged in an ember pattern,
said
non-reflecting regions simulating cracks between embers.
86. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75, wherein said reflector is
generally silver in
color.
87. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75, wherein said reflector is one
of generally red,
orange or yellow in color.
88. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75, wherein said reflector is
formed from a
reflective metallic foil.
89. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75, wherein said reflector is
formed from a
mirrored glass.
90. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75, wherein said light source is
a gas flame.
91. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 75, further comprising a
plurality of reflective
flecks disposed on said fuel bed.
21



92. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 91, wherein said flecks are two
millimetres or less
in width.

93. A simulated fuel bed for a fireplace incorporating a light source the
simulated fuel bed
comprising:
means for simulating an ember bed;
means for simulating a combustible fuel; and
means for reflecting light from the light source to simulate a hot ember, said
reflector
means being mounted onto a surface of at least one of said ember bed
simulation
means and said combustible fuel simulation means, wherein said reflector means
is
mounted in an upwardly and rearwardly facing position sufficiently opposing a
partially reflective screen for said fireplace disposed in a generally
vertical plane to
reflect light transmitted through said partially reflective screen to simulate
said
ember, wherein said hot ember simulated by said reflector means is indirectly
observable as a reflected image in said partially reflective screen.

94. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93 further comprising a grate
disposed between said
combustible fuel simulation means and said ember bed simulation means.

95. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, wherein said ember bed
simulation means and
said combustible fuel simulation means are integrally formed.

96. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, wherein said combustible fuel
simulation means
resembles at least one log of wood.

22


97. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, wherein said combustible fuel
simulation means
resembles at least one lump of coal.
98. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, wherein said fuel bed is
incorporated within an
electric fireplace.
99. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, wherein said fuel bed is
incorporated within a
gas fireplace.
100. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, wherein said reflector means
is generally
polygonal in shape.
101. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, wherein two sides of each
said, reflector means
extend generally parallel to an axis of said combustible fuel simulation means
corresponding
to a simulated grain.
102. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, wherein a plurality of said
reflectors are
arranged in an ember pattern, said ember pattern including non-reflecting
spaces between
adjacent reflectors to simulate cracks between embers.
103. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, wherein said reflector means
includes a
plurality of reflecting regions and non-reflecting regions arranged in an
ember pattern, said
non-reflecting regions simulating cracks between embers.
104. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, wherein said reflector means
is generally silver
in color.
105. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, wherein said reflector means
is one of generally
red, orange or yellow in color.
23



106. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, wherein said reflector means
is formed from
a reflective metallic foil.
107. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, wherein said reflector means
is formed from
a mirrored glass.
108. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, wherein said ember bed
simulation means
defines at least one translucent portion for transmitting light from said
light source to
simulate a hot ember.
109. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, wherein said light source is
a gas flame.
110. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 93, further comprising a
plurality of reflective
flecks disposed on said fuel bed.
111. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 110, wherein said flecks are two
millimetres or
less in width.
112. A simulated fuel bed for a fireplace incorporating a light source, the
simulated fuel bed
comprising:
a simulated ember bed;
a simulated combustible fuel; and
a plurality of reflectors mounted onto a surface of at least one of said
simulated
ember bed and said simulated combustible fuel in a position to simulate a hot
ember
by reflecting light transmitted from the light source, said plurality of
reflectors being
24



arranged in an ember pattern, said ember pattern including non-reflecting
spaces
between adjacent reflectors to simulate cracks between embers.
113. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 112 further comprising a grate
disposed between
said simulated combustible fuel. and said simulated ember bed.
114. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 112, wherein said simulated
ember bed and said
simulated combustible fuel are integrally formed.
115. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 112, wherein said simulated
combustible fuel
resembles at least one log of wood.
116. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 112, wherein said simulated
combustible fuel
resembles at least one lump of coal.
117. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 112, wherein said fuel bed is
incorporated within
an electric fireplace.
118. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 112, wherein said fuel bed is
incorporated within
a gas fireplace.
119. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 112, wherein said reflector is
generally polygonal
in shape.
120. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 119, wherein two sides of each
said reflector extend
generally parallel to an axis of'said simulated combustible fuel corresponding
to a simulated
grain.
25



121. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 112, wherein said reflector is
generally silver in
color.

122. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 112, wherein said reflector is
one of generally red,
orange or yellow in color.

123. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 112, wherein said reflector is
formed from a
reflective metallic foil.

124. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 112, wherein said reflector is
formed from a
mirrored glass.

125. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 112, wherein said simulated
ember bed defines at
least one translucent portion for transmitting light from said light source to
simulate a hot
ember.

126. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 125, wherein said reflector is
mounted to said
simulated combustible fuel in a downwardly facing position sufficiently
opposing said
translucent portion of said simulated ember bed to reflect light transmitted
through said
translucent portion to simulate said ember.

127. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 112, wherein said light source
is a gas flame.

128. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 112, further comprising a
plurality of reflective
flecks disposed on said fuel bed.

129. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 128, wherein said flecks are two
millimetres or less
in width.


26



130. A simulated fuel bed for a fireplace incorporating a light source, the
simulated fuel bed
comprising:
means for simulating an ember bed;
means for simulating a combustible fuel; and
means for reflecting light from the light source to simulate a hot ember, said
reflector
means being mounted onto a surface of at least one of said ember bed
simulation
means and said combustible fuel simulation means, said reflector means being
arranged in an ember pattern, said ember pattern including non-reflecting
spaces
between adjacent reflecting means to simulate cracks between embers.

131. ~A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 130 further comprising a grate
disposed between
said combustible fuel simulation means and said ember bed simulation means.

132. ~A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 130, wherein said ember bed
simulation means and
said combustible fuel simulation means are integrally formed.

133. ~A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 130, wherein said combustible
fuel simulation
means resembles at least one lag of wood.

134. ~A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 130, wherein said combustible
fuel simulation
means resembles at least one lump of coal.

135. ~A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 130, wherein said fuel bed is
incorporated within
an electric fireplace.

27



136. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 130, wherein said fuel bed is
incorporated
within a gas fireplace.

137. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 130, wherein said reflector
means is generally
polygonal in shape.

138. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 130, wherein two sides of each
said reflector
means extend generally parallel to an axis of said combustible fuel simulation
means
corresponding to a simulated grain.

139. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 130, wherein said reflector
means is generally
silver in color.

140. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 130, wherein said reflector
means is one of
generally red, orange or yellow in color.

141. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 130, wherein said reflector
means is formed
from a reflective metallic foil.

142. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 130, wherein said reflector
means is formed
from a mirrored glass.

143. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 130, wherein said ember bed
simulation means
defines at least one translucent portion for transmitting light from said
light source to
simulate a hot ember.

144. A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 143, wherein said reflector
means is mounted to
said combustible fuel simulation means in a downwardly facing position
sufficiently

28




opposing said translucent portion of said ember bed simulation means to
reflect light
transmitted through said translucent portion to simulate said ember.

145. ~A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 130, wherein said light source
is a gas flame.

146. ~A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 130, further comprising a
plurality of reflective
flecks disposed on said fuel heel.

147. ~A simulated fuel bed as claimed in claim 146, wherein said flecks are
two millimetres or less
in width.

148. ~A fireplace assembly having:
a substantially vertical translucent screen, the screen having a partially
reflective
front surface and a diffusing back surface;

a simulated fuel bed positioned in front of the screen, the simulated fuel bed
having
a partially translucent simulated ember bed including translucent portions and
simulated combustible fuel disposed over the simulated ember bed;

a light source disposed underneath the simulated fuel bed;

a first flicker element disposed behind the screen for reflecting light from
the light
source to the diffusing back surface, such that an image of flames is
transmitted
through the screen;

a plurality of reflectors disposed on the simulated combustible fuel; and

29



a second flicker element disposed beneath the simulated ember bed for
reflecting
light from the light source upwardly through the translucent portions to the
reflectors,
such that the reflectors simulate a plurality of burning embers of differing
heat
intensity.

149. ~A fireplace assembly as defined in claim 148 wherein the fireplace
assembly additionally
includes a grate disposed above the simulated ember bed, the simulated
combustible fuel
being disposed over the grate.

150. ~A fireplace assembly as defined in claim 148 wherein the fireplace
assembly additionally
includes a flame effect element disposed behind the screen for configuring
light to an image
of flames, and the first flicker element reflects light from the light source
through the flame
effect element to the diffusing back surface, such that the image of flames is
transmitted
through the screen.

1151. A fireplace assembly having:

a substantially vertical translucent screen, the screen having a partially
reflective
front surface and a diffusing back surface;

a simulated fuel bed positioned in front of the screen, the simulated fuel bed
having
a partially translucent simulated ember bed including translucent portions and
simulated combustible fuel disposed over the simulated ember bed, the
partially
translucent simulated ember bed having a plurality of light-transmitting
apertures;

a light source disposed underneath the simulated fuel bed;




a first flicker element disposed behind the screen for reflecting light from
the light
source to the diffusing back surface, such that an image of flames is
transmitted
through the screen;

a plurality of reflectors disposed on the simulated combustible fuel;

a second flicker element disposed beneath the simulated ember bed for
reflecting
light from the light source upwardly through the translucent portions and to
the
reflectors, such that the reflectors simulate a plurality of burning embers of
differing heat intensity; and

at least one static reflector disposed underneath the simulated ember bed,
whereby light from the light source is reflected by the second flicker element
to the static
reflector and is further reflected from the static reflector through the light-
transmitting
apertures to the reflectors.

152. A fireplace assembly as defined in claim 151 wherein the fireplace
assembly additionally
includes a grate disposed above the simulated ember bed, the simulated
combustible fuel
being disposed over the grate.

153. A fireplace assembly as defined in claim 151 wherein the fireplace
assembly additionally
includes a flame effect element disposed behind the screen for configuring
light to said
image of flames, and the first flicker element reflects light from the light
source through
the flame effect element to the diffusing back surface, such that the image of
flames is
transmitted through the screen.

31



154. A flame simulating assembly as defined in claim 151 wherein the
respective widths of the
light-transmitting apertures are between approximately 4 millimetres and
approximately
20 millimetres.

155. A flame simulating assembly as defined in claim 151 wherein the
respective widths of the
light-transmitting apertures are between approximately 6 millimetres and 12
millimetres.

156. A flame simulating assembly as defined in claim 151 wherein each light-
transmitting
aperture has a width of approximately 8 millimetres.

157. A flame simulating assembly as defined in any one of claims 154, 155 or
156 wherein the
reflectors are disposed adjacent to the apertures respectively, and the
respective widths of
the reflectors are substantially the same as the corresponding respective
widths of the
apertures.

158. A fireplace assembly having:

a substantially vertical first translucent screen, the first screen having a
partially
reflective front surface and a diffusing back surface;

a first simulated fuel bed positioned in front of the first screen, the first
simulated
fuel bed having a partially translucent first simulated ember bed including
translucent portions and first simulated combustible fuel disposed over the
first
simulated ember bed, the partially translucent first simulated ember bed
having a
plurality of light-transmitting apertures;

a light source disposed underneath the first simulated fuel bed;

32



a first flicker element disposed behind the first screen for reflecting light
from the
light source to the diffusing back surface, such that an image of flames is
transmitted
through the first screen;

a plurality of first reflectors disposed on the first simulated combustible
fuel;

a second flicker element disposed beneath the first simulated ember bed for
reflecting
light from the light source upwardly through the translucent portions and to
the first
reflectors, such that the first reflectors simulate a plurality of burning
embers of
differing; heat intensity;

a first static reflector positioned beneath the first simulated ember bed,
such that light
from the light source is reflected by the second flicker element to the first
static
reflector and is further reflected from the first static reflector through the
light-
transmitting apertures to the first reflectors;

a substantially vertical translucent second screen, disposed in front of the
first
simulated fuel bed;

a second simulated fuel bed positioned in front of the second screen, the
second
simulated fuel bed having a partially translucent second simulated ember bed
including translucent portions and second simulated combustible fuel disposed
over
the second simulated ember bed, the partially translucent second simulated
ember
bed having a plurality of light-transmitting apertures;

a plurality of second reflectors disposed on the second simulated combustible
fuel;
and

a second static reflector positioned beneath the second simulated ember bed,

33


whereby light from the light source is reflected by the second flicker element
to the
second static reflector and is further reflected from the second static
reflector through the
light-transmitting apertures to the second reflectors, such that the second
reflectors
simulate a plurality of burning embers of differing heat intensity.

159. A fireplace assembly as defined in claim 158 wherein the fireplace
assembly additionally
includes a grate disposed above the simulated ember bed, the simulated
combustible fuel
being disposed over the grate.

160. A fireplace assembly as defined in claim 158 wherein the fireplace
assembly additionally
includes a flame effect element disposed behind the first screen for
configuring light to an
image of flames, and the first flicker element reflects light from the light
source through
the flame effect element to the diffusing back surface, such that the image of
flames is
transmitted through the first screen.

34

Description

CA 02321716 2000-08-22
WO 99/45326 PCT/CA99/00190
-1-
SIMULATED FUEL BED FOR FIREPLACE
The present invention relates to components for electric or
gas fireplaces and in particular to a simulated fuel bed.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Simulated fuel beds are well known for use with electric or
gas fireplaces. The fuel beds typically simulate combustible fuel, such as
wood logs or lumps of coal, positioned upon an ember bed.
For electric fireplaces, simulated fuel beds are typically
molded from plastic, fibreglass and/or ceramic materials that are colored
or painted to resemble a combustible fuel arranged on a bed of embers. The
appearance of glowing embers is provided by transmitting light from
beneath the simulated fuel bed through colored translucent panels on the
body of the simulated fuel bed.
For gas fireplaces, the simulated fuel beds are typically formed
from cast concrete, ceramics or other suitable flame retardant materials
that are painted to resemble a combustible fuel arranged on an ember bed.
Rock wool is disposed on parts of the combustible fuel and the ember bed.
The wool is heated to incandescence by the gas flames in order to simulate
burning embers on the ember bed and on the combustible fuel.
While the use of translucent panels or rock wool provides a
reasonably realistic simulated effect of glowing embers, there is a
continuing need to improve the effect.


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WO 99145326 - 2 - PCTlCA99100190
In one aspect, the invention provides a simulated fuel bed fox
a fireplace incorporating a light source, ttt,e simulated fuel bed comprising:
an ember bed;
a combusti'bIe fuel,; and
means for reffectfng Iight transmitted from the light source to
simulate a hot ember, said reflection means being disposed in an ember
pattern on at least ane of said ember bed and said combustible fuel
Advantageously, the reflector allows for embers to be
simulated, in a Lost-effective manner, on portions of the fuel bed that axe
not translucent (for instance, on solid ceramic logs).
Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an electric fireplace
incorporating a simulated fuel bed in accordance with the present
invention;
Fig. 2 is a partial side view of the fireplace of Fig. l;
Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the portion of the fireplace
indicated by arrow 3 in Fig. 1 showing a first embodiment of reflector
arrangement;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the portion of the fireplace
indicated by arrow 3 in Fig. 1 showing a second embodiment of reflector
arrangement;
Fig. 5 is a partial side view of a second embodiment of the
fireplace of Fig.1; and
Fig. 6 is a partial side view of a third embodiment of the
fireplace of Fig. 1.
AMENDED SHEET
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WO 99/45326 PCT/CA99/00190
_3_
DETALLED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A simulated fuel bed in accordance with the present invention
is shown generally at ll0 in Figs. 1-6. The fuel bed 10 is shown incorporated
within an electric fireplace 12.
The preferred electric fireplace 12 produces a simulated image
14 of flames between the fuel bed 10 and a reflected image 10' of the fuel bed
10. The electric fireplace 12 includes a translucent screen 16 having a
partially reflecting surface 18 located immediatelybehind the fuel bed 10 for
producing the reflected image 10' of the fuel bed 10. The simulated image
14 of flames is created by reflecting light from a flicker element 20 located
behind the screen 1 fi and transmitting the reflected light through a
diffusing
region 21 on the screen 16. More detail concerning the structure of the
preferred embodiment of electric fireplace 12 is provided in U.S. Patents
4,965,707 and 5,642,580. It should be understood however that the invention
is intended to be user, with necessary modifications, with other types of
electric fireplaces as well as with gas fireplaces.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, it may be seen that the fuel bed 10
has a simulated combustible fuel 22, a simulated ember bed 24 and a real or
simulated grate 26. T'he combustible fuel 22 is preferably formed from an
expanded polystyrene; material and colored to resemble wood logs. The
ember bed 24 is preferably formed from a plastic material having red, orange
or yellow colored translucent portions 28 to resemble an ember bed for the
logs. The grate 26 is preferably formed from a metal or ceramic material and
colored if necessary to resemble the metallic material of a real fireplace
grate. 'The grate 26 is optional and the fuel bed 10 may be only made up of
the combustible fuel 22 and ember bed 24. It will be understood that the
elements 22, 24 and 26 of the fuel bed 10 may be constructed from any
materials that accurately simulate the element in a cost effective and
CA 02321716 2001-06-11

CA 02321716 2000-08-22
WO 99/45326 PCT/CA99/00190
-4-
functionally practical manner.
As shown in Fig. 2, a light source 30 such as one or more light
bulbs is positioned underneath the simulated fuel bed 10. Light from the
light source 30 is transmitted through the colored translucent portions 28
of the ember bed to give the illusion of burning embers. Light from the
light source is also transmitted toward the flicker element 20 where it is
reflected toward the rear of the screen 16 to produce the simulated image
14 of flames. The flicker element 20 is preferably rotatable about its center
axis 31 so that the simulated flames 14 appear to flicker (as described in
more detail in U.S. Patent 5,642,580). In the case where the fuel bed 10 is
incorporated within a gas fireplace, the light source 30 could simply
comprise the gas flames produced by the fireplace.
. A plurality of reflectors 34 are disposed in an ember pattern 33
on parts of the combustible fuel 22 of the fuel bed 10 to reflect light that
is
transmitted from the light source 30. The reflection of light from the
reflectors 34 gives the illusion of burning embers on the combustible fuel.
The reflectors 34 may also be disposed on parts of the ember bed 24 where
it is otherwise difficult to give the illusion of hot embers by transmitted
light through colored translucent portions 28. For instance, red colored
reflectors 34 may be mounted to an upwardly facing surface of the ember
bed 24 to reflect light from a light source located at the top of the
fireplace
(not shown).
The reflectors 34 are mounted to the fuel bed 10 using a
pressure sensitive glue (such as double-sided tape), a hot melt glue or any
other suitable fastener that withstands the temperature associated with the
electric or gas fireplaces. It has been found that double-sided tape allows a
plurality of reflectors 34 to be applied at one time to a desired portion of
the fuel bed 10. A transfer decal (not shown) is formed with the reflectors
arranged in an ember pattern 33 as described further below. The sticky side


WO 99/45326 PCT/CA99/00190
-5-
of the decal is then peeled off so the decal can be mounted to the fuel bed
10.
The remaining portion of the decal that does not form the reflectors 34 is
then peeled away so that all that remains is the reflectors 34 arranged in the
ember pattern 33. This allows the reflectors to be mounted to the fuel bed 10
in a cost effective manner with a precise arrangement of reflectors 34 in the
ember pattern.
Referring to a first embodiment depicted in Fig. 3, it can be
seen that a plurality of reflectors 34, each polygonal in shape, are arranged
in the ember pattern 33 with two opposing sides 36 of each reflector 34
extending generally parallel to the simulated grain 38 for the simulated
combu;ctible fuel 22. T he reflectors 34 are arranged relative to each other
such that they follow l.lxe grain 38. Wood logs for instance have a grain that
extend:. longitudinally along the log. Lumps of coal also include a grain,
although its direction is not apparent from the shape of the lump of coal. The
ember pattern 33 of reflectors 34 includes non-reflecting spaces 40 between
reflectors 34 to simulate cracks that would be found between embers on a
burnin~; fuel. The spaces 40 are generally uniform in width. The size and
shape of the reflectors 34 varies however although most of the reflectors 34
will be generally trapezoidal in shape.
Referring to a second embodiment of reflector 34 depicted in
Fig. 4, it can be seers that a single reflector 34' is provided which includes
a
plurality of reflective regions 41 and non-reflective regions 43. The shape
and size of the respective regions 41 and 43 corresponds to the shape and size
of the individual reflectors 34 and spaces 40 described for Fig. 3 above. The
non-reflective regions 43 of the reflector 34' are formed by etching or by
applying a paint, ink or other suitable non-reflective materials to the
surface
of a reflector 34.
lft will be noted in Fig. 2 that the reflectors 34 are positioned in a
number of distinct locations on the combustible fuel 22. Reflectors 34a
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WO 99/45326 PCT/CA99/00190
_ 6 ._
are positioned along a downwardly facing front surface 37 of a foreground log
39. Reflectors 34b are positioned along a downwardly facing rear surface 45
of the foreground log 39.. Reflectors 34c are positioned along an upwardly
facing rc;ar surface 42 o:f a background log 44. The background log 44 is
split
such that it will appear as an entire log when combined with its reflected
image
44' observed in the reflective surface 18 of screen 16. 'The foreground log 39
similarly has a reflected image 39'.
As shown in Fig. 2, depending upon their location, reflectors
34a, 34b and 34c each function differently in reflecting light from light
source
30 to produce an illusion of embers. Reflectors 34a and 34b reflect light 46
that has been colored by passing through the translucent portions 28 of the
ember bed 24. Light from reflectors 34a is directly observable by a viewer 48
located in front of the fireplace. Light from reflectors 34b is indirectly
observable since the light must first be reflected again on the reflecting
surface
18 of screen 16 before reaching the eye of the viewer. Reflectors 34c reflect
light 50 that is transmitted through the diffusing region 21 of screen 16.
Light
from reflectors 34c is indirectly observable by the viewer 48 since the light
must first be reflected by the reflecting surface 18 of screen 16 before
reaching
the eye of the viewer. Any flickering of the simulated flame 14 that is
reflected
by the reflector 34c givca the enhanced illusion of corresponding changes of
heat intensity for the simulated ember.
'the reflectors 34 are each formed from a suitable reflective material
such as a highly reflective metallic foil. A thin foil of chromed MYLARTM or
metallized polyester has been found to be a suitable material. A red, orange
or
yellow colored reflectivf; foil is preferred for reflectors 34c to enhance the
color
of the reflected light. A silver colored reflective foil is preferred for
reflectors
34a and 34b where the incident light has already been colored. While foil is
currently preferred for forming the reflectors 34, it is also contemplated
that
reflective glass or other reflective materials
CA 02321716 2001-06-11


WO 99/45326 PCT/CA99/00190
_7_
may be substituted. For instance, in gas fireplace applications, it may be
necessary
to utilize a heat resistant mirrored glass for the reflectors 34 where it is
found that a
foil is affected by the high temperatures. The fuel bed 10 for gas fireplaces
of course
would also be required to be made from suitable heat resistant materials as
known in
the art.
In addition to the reflectors 34, it has been found that an enhanced fuel
bed effect is generated by randomly sprinkling minute flecks 60 of reflective
material
on the combustible fuel 22 and ember bed 24. The flecks 60 are formed of a
similar
reflective metallic foil as is preferred for forming the reflectors 34. The
flecks 60 are
sufficiently minute in size (two millimetres or less in width) to give the
illusion of
a sparkling ash. Due to the minute size and random distribution ofthe flecks
(which
are disposed in a variety of different angular orientations on the fuel bed 10
to reflect
light from different angles above and below the flecks 60), the viewer 48
observes
random sparkles of light from the fuel bed 10 for brief instances of time
(since the
sparkle will disappear when the viewer 48 moves slightly such that the angle
of
observed reflected light changes). The flecks 60 may be treated with a glue
before
being sprinkled upon the fuel bed 10 or the fuel bed 10 may be sprayed with a
clear
adhesive substance prior to sprinkling of the flecks 60.
Referring to Fig. 5, a second embodiment of simulated fuel bed 10 is
shown. For convenience, corresponding elements from the embodiment described
above are assigned the same reference numerals.
In the second embodiment of fuel bed 10, a flicker element 20' is
located beneath the ember bed 24 for reflecting light from a light source 30'.
The flicker element 20' has a similar construction to the flicker element 20
located behind the screen 16 as described above, and as described in U.S.
Patents 4,965,707 and 5,642,580. The flicker element 20' includes a plurality
of reflective strips 62 extending
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WO 99/45326 PCT/CA99/00190
_g_
from an axis 31'. The flicker element 20' is caused to rotate about the axis
31' by
means of an electric motor (not shown). The rotation of the flicker element
20'
produces moving beams of light from a light source 30' that are subsequently
transmitted to and reflected by reflectors 34a, b to give the impression of
burning
embers of differing heat intensity.
Referring to Fig. 6, a third embodiment of the fuel bed 10 is shown.
Again, for convenience, corresponding elements from the embodiments described
above are assigned the same reference numerals.
In the third embodiment of fuel bed 10, a flicker element 20' and a
static reflector 70 are located beneath the ember bed 24. Light from the light
source
30' may be transmitted to the reflectors 34a, b directly or by reflection by
the flicker
element 20' further by the static reflector 70. By virtue of its rotation, the
flicker
1 S element 20' produces moving beams of light which, when reflected in
reflectors 34a,
b provide the observer with the impression of glowing embers and ashes, the
appearance ofwhich is constantly changing, with different areas
constantlybecoming
more and less intensely illuminated.
The ember bed 24 also includes a plurality of light transmitting
apertures 72. The apertures 72 will generally have a diameter (if generally
circular)
or a width of between 4 and 20mm, preferably between 6 and l2mm and especially
about 8rnm. The reflectors 34a, b are of a size generally equivalent to the
size of
apertures 72.
The combustible fuel 22 and the ember bed 24 are so arranged that
light reflected from the flicker element 20' may pass (via the static
reflector 70)
through the apertures 72 onto the reflectors 34a, b.
The apparatus of the invention will desirably include a transparent or
translucent front screen 8U which may be of glass or other
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WO 99/45326 PCT/CA99/00190
-9-
suitable material such as a plastic. Preferably, the front screen 80 will be
tinted
(or "smoked") so that when the light source 30' is not switched on, the
interior
of the apparatus is not visible to the observer.
In order 1:o enhance the visual effect provided by the apparatus
of the invention, the depth of the simulated hearth may be increased by
providing an additional simulated fuel bed 24' and at least one additional
simulated combustible fuel piece 22' with reflectors 34d and 34e in front of
the
screen 80. An additional static reflector 70' is then provided to reflect
light
directly from the light source 30' and from the flicker element 20' onto the
reflectors 34d and 34e.
It is to be understood that what has been described is a preferred
embodiment to the invention. The invention nonetheless is susceptible to
certain changes and alternative embodiments fully comprehended by the spirit
of the invention as described above, and the scope of the claims set out
below.
CA 02321716 2001-06-11

Representative Drawing