Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FLAME SIMULATING ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a flame simulating assembiy
adapted for storing objects and for affecting the temperature thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In connection with recreational facilities such as pools or hot tubs
(whether indoor or outdoor), there is a need to heat towels or other such
articles
for the convenience and comfort of those coming out of the recreational
facility.
The heated articles are made available conveniently proximal to the pool or
hot
tub, if possible.
[0003] However, especially in summer, there is also a need for cooling
beverages or other food items until they are consumed in or near the
recreational
facility. Preferably, the items are cooled in a location convenient to a
swimming
pool, hot tub, or other recreational facility, which may be indoor or outdoor.
[0004] In the prior art, various devices are known, thermally insulated and
otherwise, which are intended for use proximal to a recreational facility and
adapted for maintaining an object's temperature within a desired temperature
range (e.g., keeping a towel warm, or cooling a beverage). However, the known
devices typically are not adapted for both heating and cooling, but rather are
intended to either heat objects or to cool them. Also, such prior art devices
are
generally not aesthetically pleasing.
[0005] There is therefore a need for a device which mitigates or
overcomes one or more of the defects of the prior art.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In its broad aspect, the invention provides a flame simulating
assembly adapted for storing objects and for affecting the temperature of the
objects. The flame simulating assembly includes a housing having a body
portion with one or more chambers therein accessible via one or more apertures
in the body portion, the objects being receivable in the chamber. Also, the
flame
simulating assembly includes a flame image subassembly for providing one or
more images of flames and disposed at least partially in the housing. The
flame
image subassembly includes one or more light sources and a screen positioned
in a path of light from the light source, the screen being adapted for
transmission
of the image of flames therethrough. In addition, the flame simulating
assembly
has one or more temperature-affecting elements for affecting the temperature
of
the objects positioned in the chamber. The housing additionally includes a
cover
portion for cooperating with the body portion to cover at least part of the
chamber. Also, the cover portion is movable between an open position, in which
the chamber is at least partially exposed, and a closed position, in which the
chamber is at least partially covered.
[0007] In one of its aspects, the temperature-affecting element includes
one or more heat sources adapted for heating the chamber.
[0008] In another aspect, the housing includes one or more openings
through which the image of flames is viewable.
[0009] In yet another aspect, the flame simulating assembly additionally
includes a mesh screen, the image of flames being at least partially viewable
through the mesh screen.
[0010] In another aspect, the cover portion cooperates with the body
portion to substantially close the aperture when the cover portion is in the
closed
position.
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[0011] In another of its aspects, the invention provides a flame simuiating
assembly adapted for storing objects and for affecting the temperature
thereof.
The flame simulating assembly includes a flame image subassembly for
providing an image of flames, and a body with a chamber therein accessible via
one or more apertures in the body. The objects are receivable in the chamber.
The flame simulating assembly also includes one or more temperature-affecting
elements for affecting the temperature of the objects positioned in the
chamber,
and a cover portion positionable on the body to cover the aperture.
[0012] In another aspect, the temperature-affecting element includes one
or more heating elements adapted for heating the chamber.
[0013] In another of its aspects, the flame simulating assembly additionally
includes one or more containers defining a cavity therein, the container being
at
least partially receivable in the chamber.
[0014] In yet another aspect, the temperature-affecting element includes a
cooling element for cooling the cavity.
[0015] In another aspect, the temperature-affecting element includes a
Peltier device for heating and cooling the chamber.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention will be better understood with reference to the
drawings, in which:
[0017] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a flame simulating
assembly of the invention;
[0018] Fig. 2 is a partial cross-section showing the flame simulating
assembly of Fig. 1 and a chamber therein;
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[0019] Fig. 3 is a partial cross-section of the flame simulating assembly of
Fig. 1, showing a container positioned in the chamber;
[0020] Fig. 4 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the
flame simulating assembly of the invention with a cover portion of the flame
simulating assembly in an open position;
[0021] Fig. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the flame simulating
assembly of Fig. 4 showing the container and the chamber;
[0022] Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram of electric circuits included in the
flame simulating assembly of Fig. 1;
[0023] Fig. 6B is a front view of an alternative device for heating and
cooling objects stored in the flame simulating assembly, drawn at a larger
scale;
[0024] Fig. 6C is a side view of the device of Fig. 6B;
[0025] Fig. 7 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the
flame simulating assembly of the invention, drawn at a smaller scale;
[0026] Fig. 8 is a partial cross-section of another alternative embodiment
of the flame simulating assembly of the invention showing a chamber therein;
[0027] Fig. 9 is a partial cross-section of the flame simulating assembly of
Fig. 8 showing a container positioned in the chamber;
[0028] Fig. 10 is a partial cross-section of another alternative embodiment
of the flame simulating assembly of the invention showing a chamber therein;
and
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[0029] Fig. 11 is a partial cross-section of the flame simulating assembly of
Fig. 10 showing a container positioned in the chamber.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] Reference is first made to Figs. 1- 6A to describe an embodiment
of a flame simulating assembly in accordance with the invention indicated
generally by the numeral 20. The flame simulating assembly 20 is adapted for
storing objects 21, 23 (Figs. 2, 3) and for affecting a temperature of the
objects,
as will be described. The flame simulating assembly 20 preferably includes a
housing 22 with a body portion 24 having one or more chambers 26 therein
accessible via one or more apertures 28 in the body portion 24 (Fig. 5). Also,
the
flame simulating assembly 20 preferably includes a flame image subassembly 30
(Figs. 2, 3) for providing one or more images of flames 31 (Figs. 1, 4, 5) and
disposed at least partially in the housing 22. It is preferred that, as can be
seen
in Figs. 2 and 3, the flame image subassembly 30 includes one or more light
sources 32 and a screen 34 positioned in a path of light 35 (schematically
represented by arrows A, B, and C in Fig. 2) from the light source 32. The
screen 34 is adapted for transmission of the image of flames 31 through the
screen 34. In addition, the flame simulating assembly 20 preferably includes a
temperature-affecting element 37 for affecting temperature of the objects
positioned in the chamber 26, as will also be described. Preferably, the
housing
22 also includes a cover portion 40 positionable on the body portion 24 to
cover
at least part of the chamber 26 (Fig. 3). The cover portion 40 is movable
between an open position (Figs. 4, 5), in which the chamber 26 is at least
partially exposed, and a closed position (Figs. 1- 3), in which the chamber 26
is
at least partially covered.
[0031] Preferably, when the cover portion 40 is in the closed position, the
cover portion 40 cooperates with the body portion 24 to substantially close
the
aperture 28, as will be described. It will be understood that the cover
portion 40
may be mounted on the body portion 24 in any suitable manner. For example,
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the cover portion 40 may be attached to the body portion 24 by a hinge, about
which the cover portion 40 is pivotable. Alternatively, the cover portion 40
may
be detachable or removable from the body portion 24, i.e., when the cover
portion 40 is in the open position.
[0032] The temperature-affecting element 37 may be any device for
changing or maintaining the temperature of the object 21, 23 positioned in the
chamber 26. (The object 23 (Fig. 3), which is positioned in a cavity 52 of a
container 50 received in the chamber 26 (as will be described), is considered,
for
the purposes hereof, to be positioned in the chamber 26.) Accordingly, the
temperature-affecting element 37 is any one or all of a heat-producing device,
a
cooling device, or a device for both heating and cooling. The temperature-
affecting element 37 may, for example, heat towels 21 up to a desired
temperature, and/or maintain preheated towels at a desired temperature.
Similarly, the temperature-affecting element 37 may cool cans or bottles of
beverages 23 to a desired temperature, and/or maintain cooled cans or bottles
at
a desired temperature.
[0033] As can be seen in Fig. 2, in one embodiment, the temperature-
affecting element 37 preferably includes a heat source 48 for heating the
chamber 26. The heat source 48 is any suitable heat source, e.g., a resistive
heating element. For example, a resistive element printed on a base made of
mica is suitable. Other suitable heat sources will occur to those skilled in
the art.
Also, the heat source 48 (i.e., the heating element) may be mounted in the
flame
simulating assembly 20 in any suitable manner.
[0034] As shown in Fig. 2, the heat source 48 preferably is mounted on an
underside of floor 76 of the chamber 26. The objects 21 to be heated are
placed
in the chamber 26 (i.e., positioned on the floor 76 of the chamber 26) in any
suitable arrangement, and the heat source 48 is activated. The cover portion
40
is also positioned to close the aperture 28. As shown in Fig. 2, the objects
21
preferably are heated by conduction of heat from the floor 76. However, once
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the air in the chamber 26 is at a temperature greater than the ambient
temperature, the objects 21 (or portions thereof, as the case may be) may also
be heated by convection within the chamber 26.
[0035] Any suitable means may be used to prevent overheating of the
objects 21. For instance, a self-regulating heating element (e.g., including
material having a positive thermal coefficient of resistance) may be used.
However, it is preferred for simplicity that this is achieved by limiting the
amount
of power provided to the heat source 48. For example, in practice, if the
power
provided to the heat source 48 is limited to about 75 watts, the heat source
48
provides adequate heat.
[0036] The wall 74 has an inner wall 75, and the floor 76 has an inner wall
77. The inner walls 75, 77 are positioned for direct contact with the objects
21
which are to be warmed. It is preferred that the inner walls 75, 77 are made
of
steel or any other suitable metal with good heat-conducting characteristics,
and
which is fairly durable. It is desirable that the inner walls 75, 77 conduct
heat
reasonably well from the heat source 48, to warm the chamber 26 (and the
objects 21 therein) as efficiently as is practicable.
[0037] As can be seen in Figs. 1, 4 and 5, the housing 22 preferably is
configured so that it generally has the appearance of a heating appliance,
e.g., a
wood-burning (or alternatively, coal-burning) stove. The flame simulation
effect
is enhanced by the overall appearance of the housing, i.e., the housing's
resemblance to a stove.
[0038] The flame simulating subassembly 30 is for providing simulated
flames for aesthetic effects, for example, like the flame simulating assembly
disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,642,580 (Hess et al.), the entire specification
of
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. As can be seen in Figs. 1,
4,
and 5, the housing 22 preferably includes one or more openings 42 through
which the image of flames 31 is viewable. It is also preferred that the
housing 22
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includes doors 43 in which the openings 42 are located. The doors 43 are
openable to allow a user (not shown) access, so that, for example, cleaning of
the flame image subassembly 30 is relatively easy. Also, because the doors 43
are openable, access is provided thereby to replace light bulbs included in
the
light source 32 in the flame image subassembly 20, as may be required from
time to time.
[0039] In one embodiment, the flame simulating assembly 20 additionally
includes a front panel 44 positioned at the opening 42 (or in the opening 42,
as
the case may be) and in front of the screen 34, so that the image of flames 31
is
at least partially viewable through the front panel 44. The front panel 44 is
made
of any suitable transparent or translucent material.
[0040] However, it is preferred that the flame simulating assembly 20 be
provided without the front panel 44, because the lack of glass in the openings
42
appears to enhance the simulation of a real fire in the flame simulating
assembly
20 (Fig. 1). In particular, when the flame simulating assembly 20 is located
outdoors, the front panel 44 tends to get dusty (or dirty), and detracts from
the
realistic simulation of flames.
[0041] The screen 34 includes a front surface 36 on which, or through
which, the image of flames 31 is viewable. As shown in Figs. 1- 5, the flame
image subassembly 30 preferably includes a simulated fuel bed 45 positioned in
front of, and proximal to, the front surface 36 of the screen 34. As
described, for
example, in the Hess et al. patent, the simulated fuel bed 45 preferably
simulates
fuel for an open fire (e.g., wood or coal), and is positioned so that the
image of
flames 31 appears to arise from the simulated fuel bed 45, to simulate a real
fire.
In one embodiment, the front surface 36 is at least partially reflective, to
reflect
part of the simulated fuel bed 45, thereby providing the illusion that the
simulated
fuel bed extends behind the screen. The simulation effect is enhanced by a
partially reflective front surface accordingly.
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[0042] In an embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the flame simulating assembly
20 includes a net-like mesh screen 46 positioned in front of the simulated
fuel
bed 45 through which mesh screen 46 the image of flames 31 is at least
partially
viewable. Preferably, the mesh screen 46 resembles a metal mesh screen of the
type which is sometimes positioned at the front of a real fireplace, i.e., to
catch
sparks from the fire. The mesh screen 46 enhances the simulation of flames
provided by the flame image subassembly 30, thereby improving the aesthetic
appeal of the flame simulating assembly 20. It is preferred that the mesh
screen
46 is attached to inside surfaces of the doors 43 so that the screen 46 is
viewable through the openings 42. In practice, it has been found that the most
realistic simulation is achieved with only the mesh screen 46 (i.e., in the
absence
of a front panel 44) positioned in or near the openings 42 (Fig. 7).
[0043] In the preferred embodiment, the housing 22 is made of sheet
metal, metal parts, and/or suitable plastic components, shaped and fastened
together by any suitable methods. As can be seen in Figs. 3 and 5, the chamber
26 is defined by walls 74 and one or more floors 76, which are preferably made
of sheet metal. If preferred, heating elements may be mounted on the walls 74
and/or floor(s) 76, or built into the walls 74 and/or floor(s) 76. It will
also be
understood that the walls 74 and the floor 76 may be insulated as appropriate,
to
retard heat transfer out of the chamber 26. The chamber 26 does not need to be
air-tight, or even substantially air-tight. Although it is preferred that the
space
(i.e., the chamber 26) defined by the walls 74, the floor 76, and the cover
portion
40 is substantially enclosed, it has been found to be satisfactory if the
construction of the walls and floor is only to a typical manufacturing
tolerance, so
that there may be gaps between these elements.
[0044] The cover portion 40 preferably cooperates with the body portion
24 to close the aperture 28 when the cover portion 40 is in the closed
position.
However, in normal use, it is not necessary that the aperture 28 be completely
closed, e.g., an air-tight seal is not required. A more complete closure is
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desirable, to the extent that it would tend to limit heat transfer out of the
chamber
26 via the aperture 28. But, in order to minimize manufacturing costs and for
the
convenience of the user, the fit of the cover portion 40 in or over the
aperture 28
(as the case may be) preferably is not particularly tight.
[0045] As can be seen in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the flame simulating assembly
20 preferably also includes the container 50 defining the cavity 52 therein.
The
container 50 is at least partially receivable in the chamber 26, as shown in
Figs.
2, 3 and 5. The container 50 preferably is formed of walls 80 and at least one
floor 82. Preferably, the walls 80 and the floor 82 are formed of a
lightweight but
relatively rigid plastic (e.g., a suitable polyethylene) with a suitable
insulating
material 84 (e.g., polyurethane foam) positioned therein. Also, the container
50
preferably includes handles 86 by which a user (not shown) can grasp the
container 50, and move the container 50 into and out of the chamber 26, as
shown in Fig. 5. The container 50 preferably is held in the chamber 26 by
gravity.
[0046] The container 50 may be made of any suitable materials. It is
preferred that walls 80 be made of a suitable plastic because such plastic
walls
are relatively easy to manufacture (i.e., to form into a desired shape),
relatively
durable, relatively easy to clean after use, and relatively inexpensive. Those
skilled in the art would be aware of the materials and techniques which are
suitable.
[0047] When the container 50 is at least partially received in the chamber
26, the cover portion 40 is movable between an open position (Figs. 4, 5), in
which the cavity 52 is at least partially uncovered, and a closed position
(Figs. 1,
3), in which the cover portion 40 covers the cavity 52 and cooperates with the
body portion 24 to substantially close the aperture 28. As can be seen in Fig.
3,
when the container 50 is received in the chamber 26 and the objects 23 are
positioned in the cavity 52, the objects 23 are also positioned in the chamber
26.
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[0048] Preferably, the cavity 52 (and the objects 23 therein) are cooled by
any suitable temperature-affecting element 37. In one embodiment, the
temperature-affecting element 37 includes a cooling element 58 which may be
positioned as required to cool objects positioned inside the container, i.e.,
in the
cavity. For instance, in one embodiment, the container 50 is adapted to
receive
one or more cooling elements 58 for cooling the cavity 52. The cooling
elements
58 preferably are portable cooling packs, as is known in the art. However, it
will
be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the cooling elements 58 can be
provided in many forms.
[0049] It is also preferred that the flame simulating assembly 20 includes
one or more switches 60 for controlling an electric circuit 62 which includes
the
heat source 48 (Fig. 6A). Electricity from a source thereof (not shown) is
provided to the heat source 48 via the circuit 62 when the circuit is
complete.
The heat source 48 preferably includes a suitable resistive element which
generates heat when electric current is passed therethrough.
[0050] Preferably, the flame simulating assembly 20 includes a magnetic
switch assembly 64 (Fig. 6A) which includes first and second magnets 66, 68.
The magnetic switch assembly 64 is configured to open the circuit 62 when the
container 50 is at least partially received in the chamber 26 (Fig. 3). The
second
magnet 68 is disposed in a preselected location in the chamber 26 (Fig. 3).
The
first magnet 66 is positioned on the container 50 so that, when the container
50 is
received in the chamber 26, the first magnet 66 contacts the second magnet 68
(Fig. 3). As is known in the art, upon contact of the first and second magnets
66,
68 with each other, the circuit 62 is open (i.e., broken), so that the
electric circuit
62 does not provide electricity to the heat source 48. Accordingly, the
magnetic
switch assembly 64 provides a means for ensuring that the heat source 48 is
not
activatable when the container 50 is received in the chamber 26.
[0051] Preferably, the switch 60 includes a manual switch device 61
mounted for convenience on an exterior surface 63 of the housing 22 (Fig. 2).
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The switch 60 is not operable to complete the circuit 62 if the circuit is
broken
due to engagement of the first and second magnets 66, 68. However, if the
switch 61 is in the "on" position when the container 50 is removed from the
chamber 26, then the circuit 62 is completed, and the heat source 48 is
activated.
[0052] As can be seen in Fig. 6A, for safety and as is known in the art, the
flame simulating assembly 20 preferably also includes a master switch 65
adapted for controlling all the electric circuits in the flame simulating
assembly
20.
[0053] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the light source 32 preferably is
positioned in the housing 22 so that the light source 32 can provide light in
the
flame simulating subassembly 30. It will be understood that the light source
32
also provides heat which contributes, to a limited extent, to the warming of
the
chamber 26 (i.e., when the chamber 26 is intended to be warmed). In
circumstances where the container 50 is positioned in the chamber 26 and it is
intended to cool the objects, then the heat produced by the light source 32
still
tends to warm the chamber 26 if the flame image subassembly 30 is
simultaneously activated.
[0054] Preferably, the flame image subassembly 30 also includes a flicker
element 38 for causing light from the light source to flicker or fluctuate, so
that
the image of flames 31 flickers, to simulate flames in a real fire. The
flicker
element 38 preferably includes a rod with reflective strips attached thereto
and
rotated by a motor, as described in the Hess et al. patent.
[0055] It is also preferred that the flame image subassembly 30
additionally includes a flame effect element 73 positioned in the path of
light 35
from the light source 32 between the flicker element 38 and the screen 34
(Fig.
2), for configuring light from the light source 32 to form the image of flames
31.
Preferably, the flame effect element 73 has a reflective surface and a flame-
like
profile, like the flame effect element having reference numeral 58" disclosed
in
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PCT application no. PCT/CA97/00299 (published as WO 97/41393), the entire
specification of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. (The flame
effect element 58" is disclosed in Figs. 15 - 17 in WO 97/41393, and on page
19,
at lines 15 - 31 thereof.)
[0056] The front panel 44 may be made of glass, if preferred. If the front
panel 44 is included in the flame simulating assembly 20, then the front panel
44
preferably is tinted to improve the flame simulating effect. In practice,
however,
and as noted above, it is preferred that the flame simulating assembly 20 not
include the front panel 44.
[0057] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various devices
could be used in the flame simulating assembly 20 as the temperature-affecting
element 37 for heating and/or cooling objects. For example, in one embodiment,
the temperature-affecting element 37 includes one or more Peltier devices 90
(Figs. 6B, 6C). As is known, in a Peltier device, the Peltier effect is
created by
passing current through two dissimilar metals (or semiconductors) that are
connected to each other at junctions. In a Peltier cooler/heater, heat is
transferred from one side of the device to the other, and this characteristic
is
used to heat or cool as required, as is known in the art.
[0058] As is known, the Peltier device 90 is operated using direct current,
and the direction of the heat transfer effected by the Peltier device 90 is
changed
by changing polarity. For example, if heat is transferred from a first side 91
to a
second side 92 when the current is flowing in a first direction, then heat is
transferred from the second side 92 to the first side 91 when polarity is
reversed.
As is known in the art, this is preferably achieved via operation of a manual
switch (not shown). It is also known in the art that suitably sized fans (not
shown) preferably are provided to distribute heat, in order for the Peltier
device to
function properly. For instance, if the Peltier device 90 is installed in a
wall of the
chamber (not shown), a means is required for distributing heat (or the lack
thereof, as the case may be) generated by the device inside the chamber 26,
and
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another means is required to dissipate heat (or the lack thereof) to the
ambient
environment. Such means may be any suitable means, for example, a heat sink,
or a fan, as is known in the art. Also, where the temperature-affecting
element
37 includes the Peltier device 90, the walls of the chamber 26 preferably are
insulated. Peltier devices are well known in the art. The details of how the
Peltier device 90 is used in the flame simulating assembly 20 would be readily
determinable by one skilled in the art, and therefore it is not necessary to
provide
further details regarding the use of the Peltier device 90 in the flame
simulating
assembly 20.
[0059] In use, the flame simulating assembly 20 is activated via the main
switch 65, resulting in activation of the flame image subassembly 30. The
image
of flames 31 appears to rise from the simulated fuel bed 45 (Figs. 1, 4, 5).
The
image of flames 31 and the exterior of the housing 22 provide an aesthetic
effect,
so that the flame simulating assembly 20 simultaneously heats or cools an
object
and provides a pleasing aesthetic effect. The flame simulating assembly 20 may
be positioned, for example, beside a swimming pool, i.e., whether the pool is
located indoors or outdoors.
[0060] If it is intended to cool objects, then the container 50 is placed in
the chamber 26, and objects 23 to be cooled are positioned therein, with
cooling
elements 58. The cover portion 40 is normally closed, to minimize heat
transfer
into the cavity 52.
[0061] If it is intended to heat objects, then the container 50 is removed
from the chamber 26 (Fig. 5), and the objects 21 to be heated are placed in
the
chamber 26. The heat source 48 is activated, to heat the objects 21 positioned
in the chamber 26. Once again, the cover portion 40 is normally closed, in
this
situation, to minimize heat transfer from the chamber 26.
[0062] As can be seen in Figs. 1- 5, the cover portion 40 may be
provided in the form of a lid which is removable. In this embodiment, the
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container 50 is moved substantially vertically in and out of the chamber 26.
However, other arrangements may be used.
[0063] Alternative embodiments of the flame simulating assembly of the
invention are disclosed in Figs. 8-11. Elements are numbered in Figs. 8-11 so
as
to correspond to like elements shown in Figs. 1-7.
[0064] An alternative embodiment of a flame simulating assembly 120 of
the invention is disclosed in Figs. 8 and 9. As shown in Fig. 8, the flame
simulating assembly 120 preferably includes a housing 122 with a body portion
124 having a chamber 126 therein accessible via an aperture 128, the aperture
128 being positioned at a rear side 129 of the housing 122. The housing 122
includes a cover portion 140 which is pivotable about a hinge 141 between a
closed position, in which the cover portion 140 closes the aperture 128, and
an
open position, in which the aperture 128 is open. It will be understood that
the
cover portion 140 is not necessarily attached to the body portion 124, i.e.,
whether by the hinge 141, or by other means. For example, the cover portion
140 may be removable from the body portion 124, when the cover portion 140 is
in the open position.
[0065] In addition, the flame simulating assembly 120 preferably includes
a temperature-affecting element 137 which includes a heat source 148, as shown
in Fig. 8. The heat source 148 is for heating the chamber 126.
[0066] The flame simulating assembly 120 preferably also includes a
container 150 which is receivable in the chamber 126 (Fig. 9). The container
150
at least partially defines a cavity 152 therein. It is preferred that the
container
150 is moved into the chamber 126 when the container 150 is pushed by the
user (not shown) in the direction indicated by arrow "D" in Fig. 9.
Preferably, a
contact 168 is positioned in the chamber 126 so that it is contacted by a
first
magnet 166 mounted on the container 150 (Fig. 9). As the container 150 is
fully
inserted into the chamber 126, the first magnet 166 contacts the second magnet
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168, thereby breaking (or opening) the electric circuit of the heat source
148.
Preferably, the temperature-affecting element 137 includes cooling elements
158
to cool the cavity 152. However, various means for heating the chamber 126 and
cooling the cavity 152 are known to those skilled in the art.
[0067] It will be understood that the cover portion 140 is shown in the open
position in Figs. 8 and 9, and the cover portion 140 is shown in the closed
position in ghost outline in each of Figs. 8 and 9, to simplify illustration
thereof.
[0068] After the container 150 is positioned in the chamber 126, the cover
portion 140 is pivoted upwardly to close the aperture 128. The cover portion
140
preferably is latched to, or otherwise suitably releasably attached to, the
body
portion 140 at a top end 125 thereof. Similarly, when the container 150 is not
received in the chamber 126, the cover portion 140 preferably is latched to
the
body portion at the top end 125, to close the aperture so that objects (not
shown)
in the chamber 126 may be heated, if desired.
[0069] Another alternative embodiment of the flame simulating assembly
220 of the invention is disclosed in Figs. 10 and 11. As shown in Fig. 10, the
flame simulating assembly 220 preferably includes a housing 222 with a body
portion 224 having a chamber 226 therein accessible via an aperture 228
positioned at a front side 231 of the housing 222. The housing 222 includes a
cover portion 240 which is pivotable between a closed position, in which the
cover portion 240 closes the aperture 228, and an open position, in which the
aperture 228 is open. The flame simulating assembly 220 preferably also
includes a temperature-affecting element 237 which includes a heat source 248
for heating the chamber 226, as shown in Fig. 10.
[0070] Although the cover portion 240 is shown as being attached to the
body portion 224 by a hinge 241, it will be understood that the cover portion
240
is not necessarily attached to the body portion 224, when the cover portion
240 is
in the open position.
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[0071] In addition, the flame simulating assembly 220 preferabiy includes
a container 250 which is receivable in the chamber 226. The container 250 at
least partly defines a cavity 252 therein. It is preferred that the container
250 is
moved into the chamber 226 when the container 250 is pushed in the direction
indicated by arrow "E" in Fig. 11. Preferably, a contact 268 is positioned in
the
chamber 226 so that it is contacted by a first magnet 266 mounted on the
container 250 (Fig. 11). As the container 250 is fully inserted into the
chamber
226, the first magnet 266 contacts the second magnet 268, thereby breaking (or
opening) the electric circuit of the heat source 248. Preferably, the
temperature-
affecting element 237 includes cooling elements (not shown) to cool the cavity
252. However, various means for heating the chamber 126 and cooling the
cavity 152 are known to those skilled in the art.
[0072] It will be understood that the cover portion 240 is shown in the open
position in Figs. 10 and 11, and the cover portion 240 is shown in the closed
position in ghost outline in each of Figs. 10 and 11, to simplify illustration
thereof.
[0073] After the container 250 is positioned in the chamber 226, the cover
portion 240 is pivoted upwardly to close the aperture 228. The cover portion
240
preferably is latched to, or otherwise suitably releasably attached to, the
body
portion 240 at a top end 227 thereof. Similarly, when the container 250 is not
received in the chamber 226, the cover portion 240 preferably is latched to
the
body portion at the top end 227, to close the aperture so that objects (not
shown)
in the chamber 226 may be heated, if desired.
[0074] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state "means for"
performing a specified function, or "step for" performing a specific function,
is not
to be interpreted as a "means" or "step" clause as specified in 35 U.S.C.
112,
paragraph 6.
[0075] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention
can take many forms, and that such forms are within the scope of the invention
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CA 02581253 2007-03-07
as claimed. For instance, in the drawings herein, the aperture providing
access
to the chamber has been shown as being located at the top, the front, and the
back of the housing. Although not disclosed in the enclosed drawings, it would
be evident to those skilled in the art that the aperture could be located on
either
side (or both sides) of the housing. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the
appended claims should not be limited to the descriptions of the preferred
versions contained herein.
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