Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02375902 2002-03-11
FIREPLACE WITH SIMULATED FLAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fireplaces. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a fireplace assembly that simulates the flames emanating from a bed
of
s logs and glowing embers of an actual wood-burning fireplace using a moving
image
applied to a lenticular panel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fireplaces are desirable features in the home. However, for many years, in
response of an increased population density in certain areas and an increased
~o sensitivity to environmental concerns, wood-burning fireplaces have been
discouraged, banned and replaced by gas, electric or otherwise simulated
fireplaces.
Fireplaces of various designs have been suggested that provide a simulated
fire and related effects with varying degrees of success. Gas fireplaces
successfully
provide real flames and heat. Typically, simulated logs and embers are
provided to
~ s give the impression of a wood fire. However, the expense of the gas can be
high
and a working flue is usually required to vent the combustion products.
Electric
fireplaces may be installed in locations where gas fireplaces are not desired
or will
not fit. An electric fireplace may provide a reasonably realistic simulation
of a wood-
buming fireplace. The success of the simulation depends on the skill of the
2o manufacturer to provide various mechanisms to manipulate various
combinations of
lights, screens, and filters, and so on, to provide a random and lifelike
flame and
ember effect. While generally less expensive than a wood burning or gas
fireplace,
the complexity of the unit and skill necessary to produce a realistic
simulation can be
quite high.
2s There is a demand therefore for a simple and cost-effective simulated
fireplace that accurately and realistically simulates a combustible fuel-
burning
fireplace. The present invention satisfies the demand.
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CA 02375902 2002-07-03
2
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has a principal objective of providing a realistic
simulation of a combustible fuel-burning fireplace or like device.
One embodiment of the present application provides a fireplace having
a firebox housing with a top, a bottom, a back and two sides. The firebox
housing includes a lenticular panel assembly for generating the appearance of
simulated flames emanating from artificial logs in the fireplace firebox. The
lenticular panel assembly includes a lenticular panel having a plurality of
incorporated interleaved images of a fire as from a movie or the like. A motor
and associated mechanism may be operatively attached to the lenticular
panel adapted to rock the lenticular panel through a predetermined arc in
such a manner as to animate, display or replay the images from the movie to
a viewer. The lenticular panel may be backlit or otherwise illuminated by one
or more lights to enhance the viewability of the images.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing may
further include a log and ember set having one or more artificial logs
positioned above an artificial bed of embers. The fireplace may also include a
means for illuminating the underside of at least a portion of the artificial
logs
and a portion of the artificial bed of embers so as to create the illusion
that the
artificial logs and the artificial bed of embers are glowing. In particular, a
light
can be projected upwardly through openings in the artificial bed of embers
and onto the underside and sides of the artificial logs. Some of the light
striking the underside of the artificial logs may be redirected back down on
to
the bed of embers.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a fireplace
assembly comprising:
a housing;
a lenticular panel assembly positioned within said housing, said
lenticular panel assembly including a lenticular panel and a mount attached
thereto, said mount adapted to permit said lenticular panel to pivot about
said
mount; and
CA 02375902 2002-07-03
2a
means for providing reciprocating motion to said lenticular panel
through a predetermined range of motion.
These and other advantages, as well as the invention itself, will
become apparent in the details of construction and operation as more fully
described and claimed below. Moreover, it should be appreciated that several
aspects of the invention can be used in other applications where accurate
flame simulations would be desirable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fireplace including
m_ _..r..i_i_~ n_.r_ ____.rm.. _____..r:_.,. i_ ar.._ .,._.._....,.a
:.........a:.....
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FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a fireplace including the simulated
flame assembly according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of one embodiment of an ember and log set of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A fireplace assembly 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in
FIGS. 1-5 and includes a housing 12 having a housing top 14, a housing bottom
16,
left and right housing sides 18A, 18B, a housing front 20 and a housing back
22.
The housing 12 may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, for
example sheet metal. In such a case, the sheet metal can be cut, bent and
formed
by joining and the like, to form the structure of the housing 12. In the
embodiment
shown, the housing back 22 and housing sides 18A, 18B may be cut from a single
~5 piece of sheet metal and bent into shape.
For purposes of this application, the combined housing back 22 and housing
sides 18A, 18B of the housing 12 is commonly referred to as the fireplace
wrapper.
In the alternate, the housing top 14 and housing bottom 16 panels can be
attached
to the housing back 22 and housing sides 18A, 18B to complete the basic
structure
20 of the housing 12 by known methods. In such a case, the edges of the
individual
sheet panels (14, 16, 18A, 18B, 20 and 22) are typically bent to provide a
small
overlap at the juncture of adjoining panels. The metal panels may then be
joined
together by any suitable fastening method, such as, for example, fasteners,
sheet
metal screws, or by crimping or welding.
25 A lenticular panel assembly 100, in the embodiments of the fireplace
assembly 10 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, is provided by a lenticular panel
84, a
panel frame 86 an-anged about the lenticular panel 84 for supporting the
panel, a
panel mount 88 for permitting rotation of the lenticular panel, and an
electric motor
90 for imparting periodic motion to the panel 84. Lenticular refers to a
combination
30 of several combined digitally interlaced printed or photographic images
with a
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4
specially designed ribbed plastic lenticular lens. Viewing the interlaced
image
through the lens (when either the viewer or panel moves) causes the eyes to
"see"
depth, motion, or other effects in what is actually a flat, static combined
image. The
sequential presentation of the images through the lens simulates motion. For
this
reason, it is preferred that the lenticular panel 84 is caused to be
oscillated
periodically, either back and forth altering a vertical plane of the panel, or
from side
to side to provide an image of moving flames and associated effects to a
viewer.
For purposes of this application, reciprocating motion refers to the motion of
the
panel 84, which is a periodic arcuate rotation of the panel about a point. The
motion
causes a first portion of the panel located on one side of the pivot to move
in a first
direction while a second portion of the panel located on the other side of the
pivot
moves in a direction opposite the first.
The lenticular panel assembly 100 for simulating at least a moving flame is
positioned adjacent an inside surface 22A of the housing back 22. The
lenticular
~ s panel assembly 100 may be used alone to create an appearance of realistic
flames
in a fireplace or in another embodiment of the present invention may be used
to
create the appearance of realistic looking flames in combination with an
artificial log
and ember set 48, which will be explained more fully below.
The lenticular panel assembly 100 may include associated therewith a first
20 light source 82 for illuminating the lenticular panel 84, a drive cam 92
for urging the
panel into an oscillating motion and a return member 94. A spring may be a
suitable
return member 94. The return member 94 is provided to bias the lenticular
panel 84
against the drive cam 92.
The lenticular panel 84 can be held by frame 86 in position adjacent the
2s housing back 22 by a pair of pivoting mounts 88, which are connected to the
housing
sides 18A, 18B. The mounts 88 may be located at a position between the top end
87 and a bottom end 85 of lenticular panel 84. The electric motor 90 and the
drive
cam 92 can be located at a position at or near top end 87. In the alternate,
the
motor 90 may be positioned anywhere from adjacent the top end 87 to the bottom
3o end 85 of the panel 84. The electrical motor 90 can be a conventional A/C
or D/C
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gear motor. In the alternate, a variable-speed motor may be employed. The
lobes
(not shown) of the cam drive 92 are adapted to contact the panel frame 86 and
provide the desired reciprocation, periodic rocking motion or angular
deflection of the
lenticular panel 84. It will be understood that the drive cam 92 may have a
5 configuration or profile like that of a cam, i.e., a disc, shaped to convert
circular
motion into linear motion when rotated. The drive cam 92 can include one or a
plurality of lobes, e.g., six cam lobes on one drive wheel. The return member
94 can
attach between the lenticular panel 84 at a top end 87 and the housing back
22.
It will be understood that a number of devices and methods may be used to
impart periodic motion to the panel 84. For example, the drive cam 92 may be
replaced with a linkage arm or the like (not shown). In this manner, the
spring 94
may be eliminated as the arm would both urge the panel 84 away and toward an
initial starting point of the periodic motion.
During operation of the motor 90, lobes of the drive cam 92 engage the panel
~5 frame 86 or lenticular panel 84 and cause the lenticular panel to rock
slowly or
reciprocate about the mount 88 in a predetermined arc. The reciprocating time
or
period is dependent upon the panel design and specifications. In one
embodiment
of the invention, the period of reciprocating motion is from about 1/2 second
to about
12 seconds. Preferably, the period is longer, such as from about 6 to 9
seconds.
2o The amount of arc also relates to the specific characteristics of the
panel. For the
purposes of the present invention, the amount of arc or predetermined amount
of arc
refers to the distance the panel is required to travel so that a person may
view an
effective amount of the moving image to produce an effective simulation of,
for
example, a wood-burning fire. This amount may be from about 5 degrees to about
25 45 degrees or more. In one embodiment of the invention, the panel rotates
or
swings through an arc of about 20 degrees. It will be understood that other
suitable
methods may be used to rock the panel. In this manner, a viewer is provided
with
the simulated flame motion embedded in the lenticular panel 84. The return
member
94 provides a bias force to the panel 84 to both ensure a smooth contact of
the
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CA 02375902 2002-03-11
s
panel 84 to the drive cam 92 and a return to a starting point of the
oscillating or
cyclical periodic motion of the panel.
The electric motor 90 is connected to a source of electric power 70 and to an
on/off rocker switch (not shown) of control unit 32 located on the housing
front 20
behind the lower louver panel 30. The electrical wiring (not shown) necessary
to
connect these components together is well known in the art. In the preferred
embodiment shown, the electric motor 90 can be turned on and off by the same
control unit 32 that is used to turn on and off the incandescent light bulbs
66 and 82
of the fireplace assembly 10. In the alternate, for example, fluorescent or
halogen
bulbs could be used in place of the bulbs 66. The rotational speed of the
motor 90
and cam 92 can also be controlled or adjusted through use of control unit 32.
The lenticular panel assembly 100 is compact, thereby reducing the overall
depth of the fireplace assembly 10. This allows the fireplace assembly 10 to
be
installed in locations that may not othenivise permit installation of a
combustible fuel-
~s burning fireplace or an electric fireplace of a different design. In the
preferred
embodiment shown, the depth of the lenticular panel and frame assembly 100
(i.e.,
the distance between the panel 84 and the housing back 22) can be less than
about
4 inches, and the overall depth of the electric fireplace can be made to be
approximately 11-12 inches.
2o In one embodiment of the invention, the lenticular panel 84 is backlit by
first
light source 82, which may be located on or adjacent the housing back 22 and
housing bottom 16. The light source 82 may include one or more incandescent
bulbs 66 or an equivalent could be used. In the alternate, for example,
fluorescent
or halogen bulbs could be used. The light source 82 is located beneath the
bottom
25 panel 42 of the firebox 36 to provide backlighting to the lenticular panel
84.
Alternatively, light source 62 that provides light for the illumination of the
artificial log
and ember set 48 can be used to light the lenticular panel 84. Bracket 88
attached
to the housing bottom 16 may be used to support the light source 82. The light
bulbs 66 are connected to an electric power source 70 and to control unit 32
located
3o near the front 20 of the housing 12 behind the lower louver panel 30 (see
FIG. 2). A
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dimmer control (not shown) can also be provided the control unit 32 to permit
a
viewer to adjust the degree of illumination. The electrical wiring (not shown)
necessary to connect these components together is well known in the art.
In another embodiment of the present invention the upper housing front 20A
of the front 20 of the fireplace assembly 10 can preferably include an upper
louver
panel 24 having a series of spaced generally horizontal upper slats 26. The
upper
slats 26 are spaced apart to permit air from an adjoining room (not shown) to
pass in
through the upper louver panel 24 and subsequently may be expelled or
circulated
back into the room, The upper slats 26 of the upper louver panel 24 may be
angled
upwardly from front to back in such a manner as to prevent viewing of a heater
assembly 28 positioned behind the upper louver panel 24 from the front of the
assembly 12. The upper louver panel 24 can be made to be removable to permit
access to the heater assembly 28 in the event that maintenance or repair
becomes
necessary.
~s The lower portion 20B of the housing front 20 of the fireplace assembly 10
includes a lower louver panel 30 of similar design and configuration as that
of the
upper louver panel 24. Thus, the lower louver panel 30 can include a series of
horizontal slats 26 that are spaced and angled in a similar fashion as the
upper slats
26 of the upper louver panel 24. A control unit 32, which may include one or
more
2o controls (not shown), such as, for example, switches, potentiometers and
the like, for
controlling various aspects of the operation of the fireplace assembly 10 (see
FIG. 2)
may be positioned behind the lower louver panel 30.
The lower louver panel 30 may be connected to the housing bottom 16 of the
housing 12 with one or more hinges (not shown) or the like. The lower louver
panel
2s 30 may then be folded outwardly and downwardly to gain access to the
control unit
32. The hinges may contain springs, or the like, that bias the lower louver
panel 30
in the vertical or closed position.
The upper and lower louver panels 24, 30 may also be designed and
configured to simulate a concealed heat exchanger plenum arrangement (not
3o shown) of the type often incorporated in combustible fuel-burning
fireplaces. For
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CA 02375902 2002-03-11
example, natural gas fireplaces often have a series of interconnected pienums
sun-ounding a firebox that form a convection air passage around the firebox.
Room
air is typically drawn into and expelled out from the plenum arrangement by
passing
through louver panels above and below the firebox. The upper and lower louver
panels 24, 30 of one embodiment of the present invention are designed and
configured to suggest the presence of a heat exchange plenum arrangement,
thereby increasing the realism of the fireplace assembly.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the fireplace assembly 10
includes a firebox 36 positioned within the housing 12. The firebox may
include a
heater assembly 28 positioned above a top panel 40 of the firebox 36. The
heater
assembly 28 may include a heating element and tangential blower fan (not
shown).
As best seen in FIG. 2, the heated air from the heater assembly 28 is directed
out
through the front of the fireplace through the upper louver panel 24. The
heater
assembly 28 can draw the air to be heated from the room in which the fireplace
10 is
~s situated. The heater assembly 28 is connected to a source of electric power
70 and
can be controlled by control unit 32 on the front 22 of the fireplace 10
located behind
the lower louver panel 30. The heater assembly may 28 also be connected to the
control unit 32 including various controls including a thermostatically
controlled
switch (not shown) which automatically toms the heater assembly 28 on or off
at
2o pre-determined temperature settings.
As best seen in FIG. 2, the firebox 36 is positioned within the housing 12 of
the fireplace 10 and comprises a top panel 40, a bottom panel 42, and two side
panels 44. In the preferred embodiment shown, the firebox 36 extends from
approximately the lower louver panel 30 to the upper louver panel 24. The top
and
25 bottom panels 40, 42 can be attached or fastened to the interior surface of
the
housing back 22 and two housing sides 18A, 18B of the housing 12. As will be
discussed in greater detail below, the top and bottom panels 40, 42 of the
firebox 36
may support various components of the fireplace assembly 10.
In one embodiment of the present invention, as best seen in FIG. 1, the
3o fireplace housing sides 18A, 18B may define the side panels 44 of the
firebox 36.
s
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The firebox side panels 44 may be painted to appear like firebrick, which is
typically
used to line the firebox of combustible fuel-burning fireplaces.
Alternatively, ceramic
fiber refractory panels (not shown) that have been shaped and colored to look
like
firebrick can be attached to the interior surface of the housing to form a
realistic-
s appearing firebox. The manufacturing process for vacuum forming and coloring
ceramic fiber refractory panels is well known in the art. Other suitable
materials can
also be used to manufacture the artificial refractory panels.
The housing front 20 of the fireplace assembly 10 also may include a
transparent viewing panel 34. The viewing panel 34 is positioned between the
upper
and lower louver panels 24, 30 and permits viewing of the firebox 36. The
viewing
panel 34 is supported by a doorframe 38 and may include hardware (not shown)
designed to simulate a glass door assembly of the type typically used to
enclose the
firebox of a combustible fuel-burning fireplace. The viewing panel 34 may be
either
clear or tinted depending on the desired aesthetic appearance of the
fireplace.
~5 Tinting of the viewing panel 34 may increase the realism of the fireplace
by inhibiting
the viewer's ability to discern the artificial components that have been used
to create
the illusion of a real wood-burning fire. In the preferred embodiment shown,
the
viewing panel 34 is comprised of clear glass. However, any transparent
material
can be utilized for the viewing panel 34. For example, clear or tinted acrylic
could be
2o used in lieu of glass. The glass panel may also be omitted. The glass panel
can
thus be made easily removable to permit cleaning, maintenance or repair of
components within the firebox 36.
In another embodiment of the present invention, an artificial log and ember
set 48 can be positioned in firebox 36 to further enhance the simulation of a
wood-
2s burning fireplace. As best seen in FIG. 5, the log and ember set 48 can
include one
or more artificial logs 50 supported by an ember bed 52. The logs 50 and the
ember
bed 52 may be molded from ceramic fiber by a vacuum forming process that is
well
known in the art. The logs 50 are shaped and colored to simulate the
appearance of
actual logs of any type. The ember bed 52 is shaped and colored to simulate
the
so appearance of glowing, burnt and/or burning coals or embers.
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~o
Other materials can also be used to manufacture the artificial logs 50 and the
ember bed 52. For example, these components can be molded from concrete,
which provides for greater detail than can be achieved by using ceramic fiber.
However, concrete is much heavier and is prone to breakage if accidentally
dropped.
The artificial logs 50 and ember bed 52 can also be made from other materials
such
as plastic, although plastic is not as realistic looking as either ceramic
fiber or
concrete. Preferably, the artificial logs 50 can be made as a hollow member
out of
styrene, or any suitable material, with a tinted plastic inlay for producing a
glowing
log effect when illuminated from inside or underneath.
In the illustrated embodiment, the artificial logs 50 are positioned above the
ember bed 52. As best seen in FIG. 5, several locator pins 54 may extend
upwardly
from the top of the ember bed 52. These locator pins 54 coincide with
indentations
(not shown) in the bottom of logs 50 and assist in the proper alignment of the
logs 50
on top of the ember bed 52. Alternatively, brackets (not shown) attached to
the
~s firebox 36 can support some or all of the logs 50. As will be explained
below, proper
alignment of the logs 50 on top of the ember bed 52 helps to create the
appearance
of an actual fire burning inside the firebox 36 of the fireplace assembly 10.
The ember bed 52 may be positioned on top of a metal grate and ember
support 56, which is in turn supported by the bottom panel 42 of the firebox
36. The
2o grate and ember support 56 has one or more grate openings 58 that coincide
with
apertures 60 in the ember bed 52. Openings 58 and apertures 60 allow light
provided by a second light source 62 positioned. beneath the firebox 36 to
pass up
through apertures 60 of the ember bed 52 so as to illuminate the underside of
certain portions of the artificial logs 50 positioned thereabove. Some of the
light that
25 illuminates the underside of the artificial logs 50 may be redirected
downwardly and
back on to upper side of the ember bed 52. The illumination of the artificial
logs 50
and the ember bed 52 is intended to create the appearance that the logs 50 and
the
ember bed 52 are glowing, thereby simulating an actual wood-burning fire above
a
bed of burning coals or embers. Of course, the number and configuration of the
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11
grate openings 58 and apertures 60 depends on the positioning of the
artificial logs
50 and the aesthetic effect desired.
A front edge 64 of the metal grate and ember support 56 projects upwardly
from the bottom panel 42 of the firebox 36 to prevent light from leaking or
spilling out
from the underside of the ember bed 52, thereby destroying the illusion of an
actual
wood-burning fireplace. The front edge 64 of the grate and ember support 56
may
also be shaped to resemble the type of grate often used in actual wood-burning
fireplaces.
As best seen in FIG. 2, a second light source 62 for illumination of the
artificial
log and ember set is provided by one or more 60 watt incandescent light bulbs
66
positioned beneath the bottom panel 42 of the firebox 36. Bracket 68 attached
to
the housing bottom 16 of the fireplace housing 12 to support the light bulbs
66. The
light bulbs 66 are connected to an electric power source 70 and to control
unit 32,
which may include one or more on/off rocker switch, or the like. A dimmer
control
(not shown) can also be provided the control unit 32 to permit the viewer to
adjust
the current flowing to the light bulb 66 to vary the degree of illumination.
The
electrical wiring (not shown) necessary to connect these components together
is well
known in the art.
A piece of reflective material (not shown), such as reflective or metalized
2o plastic (such as MylarTM) can be positioned beneath and in front of the
light bulbs 66
to reflect additional light up through the ember bed 52. The reflective
material can
be curved to increase the total amount of reflected light. The reflective
material may
also increase the area of the artificial log 50 that is illuminated by
changing the point
and angle of the second light source 62.
As best seen in FIG. 5, a translucent colored panel 74 positioned between the
ember bed 52 and the grate and ember support 56 changes the color and
intensity
of the second light source 62. A redlorange panel of translucent plastic film
is
utilized to change the color of the incandescent light bulbs 66 to a color
that
simulates glowing embers.
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It should be appreciated that the apparatus of the present invention is
capable
of being incorporated in the form of a variety of embodiments, only a few of
which
have been illustrated and described above. For example, aspects of the present
invention could be incorporated in an electric fireplace designed to simulate
a coal
s burning hearth of the type commonly used in Europe. Likewise, aspects of the
present invention can be incorporated in other types of heating appliances
such as
electric simulated freestanding wood or coal burning stoves. Therefore,
reference to
a fireplace including aspects of the present invention will be understood to
mean
other types of heating appliances where a simulated flame as described herein
is
1o desired. Thus, the invention may be embodied in other forms without
departing from
its spirit of essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive, and the
scope of the
invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the
foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of
1s equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
12
