Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
FLAME SIMULATING ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a flame simulating assembly
adapted for displaying an image of flames.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(0002] Various types of flame simulating assemblies are known. Often, a
flame simulating assembly is designed to be included in an electric fireplace,
to
simulate a fire in a real fireplace. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,965,707
(Butterfield) discloses a simulated flame system for an electric fireplace in
which
a light source is combined with billowing ribbons to simulate flames. The
effect
resulting tends to resemble flames from a coal fuel source more than flames
from
a wood fuel source. The flames for burning wooden logs tend to be more active
and extend higher above the fuel source.
[0003] Known flame simulating assemblies have certain advantages over
actual fireplaces, in which a combustible fuel (usually wood or coal, or
natural
gas) can be burned. Among other things, electric flame simulating assemblies
can be used in an interior room (such as in a condominium building or a hotel)
from which access to a chimney (i.e., for an actual fireplace) would be
difficult.
Also, and in particular, known flame simulating assemblies usually occupy less
space than actual fireplaces.
[0004] The relatively narrow configurations of known flame simulating
assemblies is one of their advantages, as noted above. However, known flame
simulating assemblies typically have somewhat less depth (i.e., distance from
front to back) than ordinary fireplaces. Due to this, the overall effect
presented
by these flame simulating assemblies is often not as realistic as may be
.
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
desirable. This is because the relatively smaller depth of the typical flame
simulating assembly, as compared to the usual depth of a real fireplace, tends
to
undermine the overall simulation effect sought with the typical flame
simulating
assembly.
[0005] There is therefore a need for an improved flame simulating
assembly adapted for displaying an image of flames.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flame
simulating assembly for providing an image of flames. The flame simtalating
assembly has a light source for producing the image of flames, a screen, and a
simulated interior fireplace wall positioned behind the screen. The screen has
a
front surface and is positioned in a path of light from the light source. The
screen
is adapted to transmit the image of flames through the front surface. The
front
surface of the screen includes an observation region, which is adapted to
permit
observation of part of the simulated interior fireplace wall.
[0007] In yet another of its aspects, the front surface of the screen
includes a viewing region disposed proximate to the simulated fuel bed, an
observation region disposed distal to the simulated fuel bed so that at least
part
of said at least one simulated interior fireplace wall is observable through
the
observation region, and a transition region disposed between the viewing
region
and the observation region. Part of the simulated interior fireplace wall is
at least
partially observable through the transition region, and the image of flames is
partially transmittable through the transition region. The viewing region, the
transition region and the observation region are produced by the steps of
providing a source of vaporized metal adapted for spraying vaporized metal
onto
the front surface, providing a mask element configured to substantially block
2
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
vaporized metal sprayed from the source from condensing upon the observation
region of the front surface, positioning the mask element in a predetermined
mask position relative to the source and the front surface of the screen,
positioning the source in a predetermined source position relative to the mask
element and the front surface, so that vaporized metal is sprayable from the
source onto the viewing region and the transition region of the front surface,
spraying vaporized metal from the source onto the front surface, and
permitting
the metal sprayed onto the front surface to condense thereon in the viewing
and
transition regions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The invention will be better understood with reference to the
drawings, in which:
[0009] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the flame
simulating assembly including a simulated fuel bed and a screen positioned
behind the simulated fuel bed;
[0010] Fig. 2A is a front view of the flame simulating assembly of Fig. 1;
[0011] Fig. 2B is a front view of the screen;
[0012] Fig. 2C is a back view of the screen;
[0013] Fig. 3A is a cross section of the flame simulating assembly of Fig. 1
taken along line 3-3 in Fig. 2A, drawn at a larger scale;
[0014] Fig. 3B is a cross section of an alternative embodiment of the flame
simulating assembly of the invention;
3
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
[0015] Fig. 4 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the flame
simulating assembly of the invention, drawn at a smaller scale;
[0016] Fig. 5 is a front view of the flame simulating assembly of Fig. 4;
[0017] Fig. 6A is a cross section of the flame simulating assembly of Fig. 4
taken along line 6-6 in Fig. 5, drawn at a larger scale;
[0018] Fig. 6B is a cross section of another alternative embodiment of the
flame simulating assembly of the invention;
[0019] Fig. 7 is an isometric view of a screen having a front surface, with a
mask element and a source of vaporized metal positioned relative to each other
and to the front surface;
[0020] Fig. 8 is a front view of the screen, the mask element, and the
source of Fig. 7, drawn at a larger scale; and
[0021] Fig. 9 is a cross section of the screen, the mask element, and the
source of Fig. 8 taken along line 8-8 in Fig. 7;
[0022] Fig. 10 is a cross section of the flame simulating assembly of Fig.
3A, drawn at a smaller scale;
[0023] Fig. 11 is a cross section of the flame simulating assembly of Fig.
3B;
[0024] Fig. 12 is a cross section of an alternative embodiment of the flame
simulating assembly including an alternative embodiment of the screen, drawn
at
a larger scale;
4
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
[0025] Fig. 13 is a cross section of another alternative embodiment of the
flame simulating assembly including the alternative embodiment of the screen
in
the flame simulating assembly of Fig. 12; and
[0026] Fig. 14 is a front view of the alternative embodiment of the screen
of Figs. 12 and 13, drawn at a larger scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0027] Reference is first made to Figs. 1, 2A, 2B, 2C and 3A to describe a
preferred embodiment of a flame simulating assembly indicated generally by the
numeral 10 in accordance with the invention. The flame simulating assembly 10
is for providing one or more images of flames 11 (Figs. 1, 2A). Preferably,
the
flame simulating assembly 10 includes one or more light sources 16 for
producing the images of flames 11, and a screen 18 positioned in a path of
light
19 (schematically represented by arrows 15, 17 in Fig. 3A) from the light
source.
As can be seen in Fig. 3A, the screen 18 has a front surface 20. The screen 18
is adapted to transmit the images of flames 11 through the front surface 20.
Preferably, the flame simulating assembly 10 also includes a simulated
interior
fireplace wall 26 which is positioned behind the screen 18, as can be seen in
Figs. 1, 2A, and 3A. In the preferred embodiment, the front surface 20 of the
screen 18 includes an observation region 30 (Figs. 2A, 2B). The observation
region 30 is adapted to permit observation of at least part of the simulated
interior
fireplace wall 26. The front surface 20 of the screen 18 also includes a
viewing
region 28 (Figs. 1, 2A, 2B).
[0028] For clarity, an image of flames 11 is illustrated in Figs. 1, 2A, 4,
and
in ghost outline. It will be understood that the image of flames is constantly
changing (in shape and intensity of light, and color) while the flame
simulating
assembly 10 is operating.
5
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
[0029] As can be seen in Figs. 1, 2A, and 3A, the flame simulating
assembly 10 preferably includes a simulated fuel bed 14 which is positioned
adjacent to the viewing region 28. In the preferred embodiment, the images of
flames 11 are transmitted through the front surface 20 proximal to the
simulated
fuel bed 14, for a realistic flame simulation effect (Figs. 1, 2A, 3A).
[0030] Preferably, the viewing region 28 is partially reflective. Because of
this, the simulated fuel bed 14 is reflected in the viewing region 28 to an
extent
sufficient to provide an illusion of depth, as described in U.S. Patent No.
5,642,580. However, the images of flames 11 are also transmittable through the
partially reflective viewing region 28. As can be seen in Figs. 1 and 2A, the
viewing region 28 is located proximal to the simulated fuel bed 14 so that,
when
images of flames 11 are transmitted through the screen 18, the images of
flames
11 appear to be rising from and out of the simulated fuel bed 14, similar to
flames
in a real fire. At the same time, the simulated interior fireplace wall 26 is
observable through an observation region 30, thereby simulating a firebox in a
real fireplace (not shown) in which wood or coal may be burned. The
observation region 30 is preferably transparent or translucent, or at least
partially
transparent or translucent.
[0031] In the preferred embodiment, the front surface 20 of the screen 18
also includes a transition region 32 disposed between the viewing region 28
and
the observation region 30. Preferably, the images of flames 11 are at least
partially transmittable through the transition region 32, and the simulated
interior
fireplace wall 26 is also at least partially observable through the transition
region
32. The transition region 32 is for providing a relatively gradual transition
from
the viewing region 28 to the observation region 30, in order to provide a more
realistic overall simulation effect. Preferably, if the viewing region 28 is
partially
reflective, then the transition region 32 is also partially reflective,
however, to a
somewhat lesser extent. To achieve this, the transition region 32 is
preferably
less silvered relative to the viewing region 28, as will be described.
6
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CA 02455381 2004-01-19
[0032] In the preferred embodiment, the screen 18 additionally includes a
back surface 34 positioned opposite to the front surface 20. Preferably, the
back
surface 34 is adapted to diffuse light transmitted through the screen 18 to
prevent
an observer (not shown) from observing the light source 16, or other internal
components of the flame simulating assembly 10. Such a back surface 34 is
described in U.S. Patent No. 5,642,580. In the preferred embodiment of the
flame simulating assembly 10, however, the back surface 34 of the screen 18
includes a diffusing portion 33 which is located substantially opposite to the
viewing region 28 and the transition region 32 (Fig. 2C). The back surface 34
also includes a non-diffusing portion 35 which is located substantially
opposite to
the observation region 30 (Fig. 2C).
[0033] In the preferred embodiment, the diffusing portion 33 is divided into
a first part 37, located opposite to the viewing region 28, and a second part
39,
located opposite to the transition region 32. Preferably, the extent to which
light
is diffused by the second part 39 is somewhat less than the extent to which
light
is diffused by the first part 37. Because of this, the simulated interior
fireplace
wall 26 is at least partially observable through the transition region 32.
[0034] Preferably, the screen 18 is glass, plastic, or another other suitable
material. In the preferred embodiment, the screen 18 is lightly silvered so
that it
is partially reflective, to provide a two-way mirror in the viewing region 28.
The
transition region 32 is preferably more lightly silvered. Within the
transition
region 32, the extent of reflective material on the front surface 20 varies
from a
relatively greater amount closer to the viewing region 28 to a relatively
lesser
amount closer to the observation region 30. This variation within the
transition
region 32 is for providing a gradual decrease in reflective material, from the
viewing region 28 to the observation region 30, to enhance the simulation
effect
provided by the flame simulating assembly 10. The preferred method of
producing the viewing region 28, the observation region 30, and the transition
region 32 will be described.
7
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CA 02455381 2007-07-31
[0035] Alternatively, however, the screen 18 could be suitably tinted or
otherwise treated in any suitable manner to provide the described simulation
effect. For example, the screen could be tinted (i.e., without silvering on
the front
surface 20) to provide the viewing region 28 and the transition region 32, so
that
the viewing region 28 is darker than the transition region 32. The observation
region 30 could also be tinted or screened to achieve any desired effects, but
still
permitting relatively unobstructed observation therethrough.
[0036] An upper edge 29 of the viewing region 28 (which is also a lower
edge 29 of the transition region 32), is shown in Fig. 2B. Also, an upper edge
31
of the transition region 32 (which is also a lower edge 31 of the observation
region 30) is shown in Fig. 2B. It will be understood that, in the preferred
embodiment, the regions 28, 32, and 30 are not sharply distinguished from each
other. The edges 29, 31 are shown as clearly distinguished lines for
illustrative
purposes. In the preferred embodiment, the change from the viewing region 28
to the transition region 32 is gradual, and the change from the transition
region
32 to the observation region 30 is also gradual.
[0037] It is also preferred that the simuiated interior fireplace wall 26 has
a
pattern 36 simulating firebrick thereon (Figs. 1, 2A, 3A). The firebrick
pattern 36
preferably resembles firebrick in walls of a firebox in a real fireplace, and
tends to
enhance the overall simulation effect.
[0038) Preferably, the flame simulating assembly 10 also includes a flame
effect element 46, for configuring light from the light source 16 to form the
image
of flames 11. The flame effect element 46 is positioned in the path of light
19
from the light source 16 between the light source 16 and the screen 18. The
flame effect element 46 can include one or more apertures (not shown) for
configuring light passing through the apertures into the image of flames 11
(Fig.
3A). A similar flame effect element is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,642,580
and in U.S. Patent No. 6,363,636.
8
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
[0039] In the preferred embodiment, the flame simulating assembly 10
also includes a flicker element 44 for causing light from the light source 16
to
fluctuate, thereby enhancing the overall simulation effect. The flicker
element 44
is positioned in the path of light 19 from the light source 16 between the
light
source 16 and the screen 18. Preferably, the flicker element 44 is similar to
the
flicker elements described in U.S. Patents Nos. 5,642,580 and 6,363,636.
[0040] In the preferred embodiment, the flame simulating assembly 10
includes a housing 48 with a substantially vertical back wall 50, a top wall
52, a
bottom wall 54, and at least two side walls 56, 58 extending between the top
and
bottom walls 52, 54, defining a cavity 60 therein. The cavity 60 has an
opening
62 at a front end 12 of the housing 48, so that the cavity 60 is substantially
viewable from the front by the observer. The simulated interior wall 26 is
preferably proximal to the back wall 50. Preferably, the simulated fuel bed 14
is
disposed in the cavity 60 proximal to the opening 62. As shown in Fig. 3A, the
screen 18 is positioned behind the simulated fuel bed 14 and in front of the
interior wall 26.
[0041] As can be seen in Figs. 1, 2A and 3A, the flame simulating
assembly 10 preferably also includes two simulated interior fireplace
sidewalls
38, 40. Each of the simulated interior fireplace sidewalls 38, 40 extends from
the
simulated interior wall 26 forwardly beyond the front surface 20 of the screen
18.
[0042] In the preferred embodiment, the interior element 26 has a pattern
36 simulating firebrick in the firebox of a real fireplace thereon.
Preferably, the
simulated interior fireplace sidewalls 38, 40 also have patterns 42 simulating
firebrick thereon. In the preferred embodiment, the patterns 42 on the
simulated
interior fireplace sidewalls 38, 40 are positioned to be aligned with the
pattern 36
on the interior element 26.
[0043] Although the pattern 36 and the patterns 42 are simulated firebrick
(Figs. 1 and 2A), various patterns could be used on the interior element 26
and
9
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CA 02455381 2004-01-19
the interior sidewalls 38, 40. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art,
various patterns could be used to achieve different simulating effects.
[0044] In use, the flicker element 44 causes light from the light source 16
to fluctuate upon reflection thereof by the flicker element 44. In the
preferred
embodiment, light from the light source 16 reflected by the flicker element 44
and
thereby caused to fluctuate, or flicker, is configured by the flame effect
element
46 to form one or more images of flames 11 transmitted through the screen 18.
The images of flames 11 appear to be rising from the simulated fuel bed 14,
and
the observer also can simultaneously observe the simulated interior fireplace
wall
26. The transition region 32 provides a relatively gradual transition between
the
viewing region 28 and the observation region 30, to enhance the simulation
effect.
[0045] Referring to Fig. 10, an eye 66 of an observer (not shown) is
typically positioned so that a lower extent of the observer's field of vision
(schematically represented by a line 67) intersects the screen 18 at 68. In
Fig.
10, the lower edge 29 of the transition region 32 (i.e., the upper edge 29 of
the
viewing region 28) (Fig. 2B) is preferably located substantially at 68 on the
front
surface 20 of the screen 18. Similarly, an approximate middle of the
observer's
field of vision (schematically represented by a line 69) intersects the screen
18 at
70. In the preferred embodiment, the lower edge 31 of the observation region
30
(i.e., the upper edge 31 of the transition region 32) (Fig. 2B) is preferably
located
at 70 on the front surface 20 of the screen 18. The positioning of the edges
29,
31 of the regions 28, 30, 32 on the front surface 20 can be varied to suit the
relative positioning of the screen 18 and the internal components in a flame
simulating assembly 10, and in accordance with an assumed relative positioning
(or range of positions) of the observer.
[0046] If preferred, the flame simulating assembly 10 optionally includes a
shield 64, for obstructing light from the light source 16 which is directed to
the
vicinity of the observation region 30 or for concealing certain components.
The
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
shield 64 is preferably positioned behind the screen 18 and below the
transition
region 32 and beside or below the transition region 32. As can be seen in Fig.
10, an observer's eye 66 observing the flame simulating assembly 10 is
typically
positioned so that the observer cannot observe the flame effect element 46 or
other components positioned behind the screen 18 directly. However, it is
possible that an observer (not shown) could be positioned so as to view some
of
the internal components (such as the flicker element 44, or the flame effect
element 46) directly, or light from the light source 16 directed to the
observation
region 30 may distract the observer. In either or both of these circumstances,
it
may be advantageous to include the shield 64 in the flame simulating assembly
10. A preferred embodiment of the shield 64 is shown in Fig. 3A.
[0047] However, it has been found that, if the components are positioned
appropriately relative to each other and relative to the observation region 30
and
the transition region 32, the shield 64 is generally not necessary. As can be
seen
in Fig. 10, the positioning of the flame effect element 46 and the flicker
element
44 relative to the transition region 32 and the observation region 30 can
affect the
effectiveness of the simulation provided by the flame simulating assembly 10.
The flame effect element 46 and the flicker element 44 are preferably not
positioned where the ordinarily located observer would be able to observe
these
components directly through the transition region 32 or the observation region
30.
[0048] Additional embodiments of the invention are shown in Figs. 3B, 4,
5, 6A, 6B, 7- 9 and 11 - 14. In Figs. 3B, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7- 9 and 11 - 14,
elements
are numbered so as to correspond to like elements shown in Figs. 1, 2A, 2B,
and
3A.
[0049] An alternative embodiment 110 of the flame simulating assembly is
shown in Figs. 4, 5 and 6A. The flame simulating assembly 110 does not include
a simulated fuel bed, but is adapted for use with a simulated fuel bed (not
shown)
which is to be provided separately by a user (not shown). The simulated fuel
11
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
bed, when provided, is to be located proximate to a front side 112 of the
flame
simulating assembly 110. The flame simulating assembly 110 includes a cavity
160, and also has a light source 116 for providing an image of flames 11 and
the
screen 18 positioned in the cavity 160. The flame simulating assembly 110 also
includes the simulated interior fireplace wall 26 positioned behind the screen
18.
The screen 18 includes the front surface 20 with the viewing region 28, the
observation region 30, and the transition region 32 positioned between the
viewing region 28 and the observation region 30. The viewing region 28 is
positioned, at least in part, at the bottom of the screen 18 - i.e., adjacent
to the
simulated fuel bed, once provided. The observation region 30 is positioned
distal
to the viewing region 28.
[0050] Because it does not include a simulated fuel bed, the flame
simulating assembly 110 requires relatively less materiais, and would be
relatively less costly to construct. The user could use any materials chosen
by
the user as a simulated fuel bed. For example, real wooden logs (with or
without
a grate) could be used.
[0051] Although the flame simulating assembly 110 is adapted for use with
a separate simulated fuel bed, the flame simulating assembly 110 also could be
used without a simulated fuel bed, if the user so chose.
[0052] In the flame simulating assembly 110, the simulated interior
fireplace wall 26 is preferably mounted on or positioned adjacent to the back
wall
50. Also, the flame simulating assembly 110 preferably includes two simulated
interior fireplace sidewalls 38, 40. Each of the simulated interior fireplace
sidewalls 38, 40 extends from the simulated interior fireplace wall 26
forwardly
beyond the front surface 20 of the screen 18. The simulated interior fireplace
wall 26 preferably includes the pattern 36 simulating firebrick thereon.
Preferably, the simulated interior fireplace sidewalls 38, 40 also have
patterns 42
simulating firebrick thereon. It is preferred that the patterns 42 on the
simulated
12
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
interior fireplace sidewalls 38, 40 are positioned to be aligned with the
pattern 36
on the back wall 26.
[0053] In another alternative embodiment 210 of the flame simulating
assembly of the invention, as can be seen in Fig. 3B, a flicker element 244 is
positioned substantially underneath the simulated fuel bed 14. The flame
simulating assembly 210 includes the housing 48, and a flame effect element
246 is mounted on or positioned proximal to the back wall 50. The flame effect
element 246 is substantially reflective, and is preferably formed in the shape
of
flames. Preferably, the flame effect element 246 is similar to a flame effect
element disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,564,485. Also, however, a simulated
interior fireplace wall 226 is mounted proximal to the back wall 50, and in
the
vicinity of the flame effect element 246.
[0054] The flicker element 244 is positioned in a path of light 219 between
the light source 16 and the screen 18. Similarly, the flame effect element 246
is
positioned in the path of light 219 between the light source 16 and the screen
18.
The path of light 219 is schematically represented by arrows 213, 215, and 217
(Fig. 3B).
[0055] The screen 18 in the flame simulating assembly 210 includes the
viewing region 28, the observation region 30, and the transition region 32.
The
flicker element 244 causes light from the light source 16 to fluctuate upon
reflection thereof by the flicker element 44. Light from the light source 16
which
is reflected by the flicker element 44 and thereby caused to fluctuate, or
flicker, is
configured by the flame effect element 246 to form one or more images of
flames
11 transmitted through the screen 18. The images of flames 11 appear to be
rising from the simulated fuel bed 14, and the observer also can
simultaneously
observe the simulated interior fireplace wall 226. The transition region 32
provides a relatively gradual transition between the viewing region 28 and the
observation region 30, to enhance the simulation effect. The positioning of
the
flicker element 244 substantially underneath the simulated fuel bed 14, and
the
13
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
positioning of the at least partially reflective flame effect element 246
proximal to,
or on the back wall 50, results in an enhanced simulation effect.
[0056] Referring to Fig. 11, an eye 266 of an observer (not shown) is
typically positioned so that a lower extent of the observer's field of vision
(schematically represented by a line 267) intersects the screen 18 at 268. In
Fig.
11, the lower edge 29 of the transition region 32 (i.e., the upper edge 29 of
the
viewing region 28) (Fig. 2B) is preferably located substantially at 68 on the
front
surface 20 of the screen 18. Similarly, an approximate middle of the
observer's
field of vision (schematically represented by a line 269) intersects the
screen 18
at 270. In the preferred embodiment, the lower edge 31 of the observation
region 30 (i.e., the upper edge 31 of the transition region 32) (Fig. 2B) is
preferably located on the front surface 20 of the screen 18. The positioning
of
the edges 29, 31 of the regions 28, 30, 32 on the front surface 20 can be
varied
to suit the relative positioning of the screen 18 and the internal components
in a
flame simulating assembly 210, and in accordance with an assumed relative
positioning (or range of positions) of the observer.
[0057] If preferred, the flame simulating assembly 210 optionally includes
a shield 264, for obstructing light from the light source 16 which is directed
to the
vicinity of the observation region 30 or for concealing certain components.
The
shield 264 is preferably positioned behind the screen 18 and beside or below
the
transition region 32. As can be seen in Fig. 11, an observer's eye 266
observing
the flame simulating assembly 210 is typically positioned so that the observer
cannot observe the flame effect element 246 or other components positioned
behind the screen 18 directly. However, it is possible that an observer (not
shown) could be positioned so as to view some of the internal components (such
as the flicker element 244, or the flame effect element 246) directly, or
light from
the light source 16 directed to the observation region 30 may distract the
observer. In either or both of these circumstances, it may be advantageous to
14
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
include the shield 264 in the flame simulating assembly 210. A preferred
embodiment of the shield 264 is shown in Fig. 3B.
[0058] However, it has been found that, if the components are positioned
appropriately relative to each other and relative to the observation region 30
and
the transition region 32, the shield 264 is generally not necessary. As can be
seen in Fig. 11, the positioning of the flame effect element 246 and the
flicker
element 244 relative to the transition region 32 and the observation region 30
can
affect the effectiveness of the simulation provided by the flame simulating
assembly 210. The flame effect element 246 and the flicker element 244 are
preferably not positioned where the ordinarily located observer would be able
to
observe these components directly through the transition region 32 or the
observation region 30.
[0059] In Fig. 6B, another alternative embodiment 280 of a flame
simulating assembly of the invention is shown. The flame simulating assembly
280 is the same as the flame simulating assembly 210 shown in Fig. 3B, except
that flame simulating assembly 280 does not include a simulated fuel bed. As
in
flame simulating assembly 110, the user can provide a simulated fuel bed or,
if
preferred, operate the unit without a simulated fuel bed. The flame simulating
assembly 280 also is not shown as including the optional shield element.
[0060] An alternative embodiment 318 of a screen is shown in Figs. 12 -
14. As can be seen in Fig. 12, the screen 318 is inciuded in an alternative
embodiment of a flame simulating assembly 310. The flame simulating assembly
330 includes the housing 48, which includes the back wall 50, a top wall 352,
a
bottom wall 54, and at least two side walls 56, 58 extending between the top
and
bottom walls 352, 54. The flame simulating assembly 310 also includes a
simulated interior fireplace wall 326 mounted on or positioried proximal to
the
back wall 50. The screen 318 is positioned behind the simulated fuel bed 14
and
in front of the simulated interior fireplace wall 326.
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
[0061] As can be seen in Fig. 12, the flame simulating assembly 310 also
includes a light source 316, a flicker element 344 positioned in a path of
light 319
(schematically represented by arrows 315, 317), and a flame effect element
346,
also positioned in the path of light 319. The flame effect element 346 is for
configuring light from the light source 316 into one or more images of flames
11
which are transmitted through the screen 318. The flicker element 344 is for
causing light from the light source to flicker or fluctuate, thereby enhancing
the
overall simulation effect.
[0062] As can be seen in Figs. 12 and 14, the screen 318 extends
upwardly to a top edge 370, located distal to the simulated fuel bed 14. The
top
edge 370 is spaced apart from the top wall 352 to form an upper opening 372
between the top wall 352 and the screen 318. Substantially unobstructed
observation is thus permitted through the upper opening 372, so that the
simulated interior fireplace wall 326 is observable. Because this is similar
to the
substantially unobstructed observation of a firebox which may be enjoyed by an
observer of a real fireplace (i.e., one in which wood or coal may be burned),
the
upper opening 372 tends to enhance the overall simulation effect.
[0063] Optionally, a shield 374 (shown in Fig. 12) may be included in the
flame simulating assembly 310. The shield 374 (similar to the shield 64, shown
in Fig. 3A) is for obstructing light from the light source 16 which may be
directed
above the top edge 370 of the screen 318 or for concealing certain components.
The shield 374 is preferably positioned behind the screen 318 and beside or
below the transition region 332. It is possible that the observer could be
positioned so as to view some of the internal components (such as the flicker
element 344, or the flame effect element 346) directly, or light from the
light
source 16 directed above the top edge 370 of the screen 318 may distract the
observer. In either or both of these circumstances, it may be advantageous to
include the shield 374 in the flame simulating assembly 310. A preferred
embodiment of the shield 374 is shown in Fig. 12.
16
.. ......... . _ __ ._,.... ~... ~_..~ e__... A _
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
[0064] However, it has been found that, if the internal components are
positioned appropriately relative to each other and relative to the transition
region
332 and the top edge 370, the shield 374 is generally not necessary. The flame
effect element 346 and the flicker element 344 are preferably not positioned
where the ordinarily located observer would be able to observe these
components directly through the transition region 332 or the upper opening
372.
[0065] Preferably, the screen 318 includes a viewing region 328 and a
transition region 332. In the preferred embodiment, the viewing region 328 is
partially reflective, although the images of flames 11 are also transmittable
through the viewing region 328. Also, the screen 318 preferably includes a
transition region 332 extending from the viewing region 328 to the top edge
370.
The transition region 332 is preferably lightly silvered (and therefore also
partially
reflective), so that the simulated interior fireplace wall 326 is at least
partially
viewable through the transition region 332. A back surface 334 of the screen
318
diffuses light from the light source 16, also to enhance the overall
simulation
effect. Also, however, the images of flames 11 are partially observable
through
the transition region 332.
[0066] Alternatively, the viewing region 332 is translucent. For example,
the screen 318 could be suitably tinted glass or plastic (or other suitable
material)
through which the image of flames 11 is transmittable. The transition region
332
also could be suitably tinted, to enhance the overall simulation effect.
[0067] Another alternative embodiment of a flame simulating assembly
410 of the invention, shown in Fig. 13, includes the screen 318. In the flame
simulating assembly 410, a flicker element 444 is positioned substantially
underneath the simulated fuel bed 14. The flame simulating assembly 410
includes the housing 48, and a flame effect element 446 is mounted on or
positioned proximal to the back wall 50. The flame effect element 446 is
preferably reflective (or substantially reflective), and is preferably formed
in the
shape of flames. Preferably, the flame effect element 446 is similar to a
flame
17
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
effect element disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,564,485. Also, however, a
simulated interior fireplace wall 426 is mounted proximal to the back wall 50,
and
in the vicinity of the flame effect element 446.
[0068] The flicker element 444 is positioned in a path of light 419 between
the light source 16 and the screen 318. Also, the flame effect element 446 is
positioned in the path of light 419 between the light source 16 and the screen
318. The path of light 419 is schematically represented by arrows 413, 415,
and
417 (Fig. 13).
[0069] The positioning of the flicker element 444 substantially underneath
the simulated fuel bed 14, and the positioning of the flame effect element 446
proximal to or on the back wall 50, results in an enhanced simulation effect.
Preferably, the flame simulating assembly 410 includes a shield 464 for
obstructing light from the light source directed above the screen 318.
[0070] The translucent portion 28 and the transition portion 32 on the front
surface 12 of the screen 18 are preferably partially reflective, and are
preferably
created as follows. As shown in Fig. 7, a source 180 of vaporized metal (not
shown) adapted for spraying vaporized metal onto the front surface 20 is
provided. Also, a mask element 182 is provided, to substantially prevent
vaporized metal sprayed from the source 180 from condensing on the
transparent portion 32 of the front surface 20. The mask element 182 is
positioned in a predetermined mask position relative to the source 180 and the
front surface 20, as shown in Figs. 7 - 9. The source 180 is also positioned
in a
predetermined source position relative to the mask element 182 and the front
surface 20 so that vaporized metal is sprayable from the source 180 onto the
translucent portion 28 and the transition portion 32 of the front surface 20.
[0071] The path of the vaporized metal sprayed from the source 180 onto
the front surface 20 is schematically shown by arrows C and D in Fig. 9. The
arrows identified as C in Fig. 9 represent metal vapor which is sprayed
directly
18
CA 02455381 2004-01-19
onto the front surface 20 to form the transiucent portion 28. The arrows
identified
as D in Fig. 9 represent the metal vapor which is distributed over a portion
of the
front surface 20 to form the transition portion 32. As can be seen in Fig. 9,
the
transition portion 32 is in an area 184 on which vaporized metal condenses,
spread out so that its concentration is not as great as in the translucent
portion
because the mask element 182 prevents spraying of the vaporized metal directly
onto the area 184. As can be seen in Fig. 9, the mask element 182 also
prevents vaporized metal from condensing in the transparent portion 30, formed
in an area 186.
[0072] Preferably, the screen 18, 118 comprises glass. Alternatively, a
suitable polycarbonate (such as plexiglas) or a suitable acrylic material can
be
used.
[0073] The vaporized metal is preferably produced by passing a relatively
high electric current through a suitably prepared metal, such as aluminium. As
is
known in the art, the high current vaporizes the metal, i.e., changes the
metal so
that it is in a gaseous state. The vaporized metal can then be sprayed onto a
surface which is at a lower temperature (e.g., the surface 20, at room
temperature), causing the rapid "condensation" (i.e., solidification) of the
vaporized metal on the cooler surface.
[0074] Alternatively, some or all of the viewing region 28 can be formed
using silvered film, attached to the front surface by any suitable means. For
example, where the viewing region includes silvered film, the transition
region
could be formed by spraying suitable materials onto the front surface.
Alternatively, both the viewing region 28 and the transition region 32 could
be
formed using silvered film.
[0075] It will be evident to those skilled in the art that the invention can
take many forms, and that such forms are within the scope of the invention as
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CA 02455381 2004-01-19
claimed. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be
limited to the descriptions of the versions contained herein.
