U.S. patent application number 09/851803 was filed with the patent office on 2002-11-14 for simulated electric glowing embers system for fireplaces.
Invention is credited to Berg, Richard Donald.
Application Number | 20020166554 09/851803 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25311715 |
Filed Date | 2002-11-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020166554 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berg, Richard Donald |
November 14, 2002 |
Simulated electric glowing embers system for fireplaces
Abstract
A simulated electric glowing embers system disposed within a
fireplace is provided. One embodiment discloses, a fireplace
comprising an enclosure defining a chamber, a support structure
disposed within the chamber, a plurality of translucent artificial
embers disposed upon a top surface of the support structure, and a
light source positioned to pass light through at least a portion of
the support structure to illuminate the translucent artificial
embers. Another embodiment discloses, an apparatus for electrically
simulating glowing embers within a fireplace comprising an ember
support bed, a plurality of translucent artificial embers
individually arrangeable upon a top surface of the ember support
bed, and a light source positioned to pass light through at least a
portion of the ember support bed to illuminate the loose
translucent artificial embers. A method for electrically simulating
glowing embers within a fireplace is also provided.
Inventors: |
Berg, Richard Donald;
(Lakeville, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Family ID: |
25311715 |
Appl. No.: |
09/851803 |
Filed: |
May 9, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
126/512 ;
126/500; 40/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24B 1/1808 20130101;
F24C 7/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
126/512 ;
126/500; 40/428 |
International
Class: |
F24C 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fireplace comprising: an enclosure defining a chamber; a
support structure having an ember support surface, said support
surface being disposed within the chamber; a plurality of
translucent artificial embers, wherein the translucent artificial
embers are disposed upon but separable from said support surface;
and a light source positioned to pass light through at least a
portion of the support structure to illuminate the translucent
artificial embers.
2. The fireplace of claim 1, wherein the support structure
comprises: a raised floor positioned above a bottom panel of the
enclosure; and an ember support bed coupled to the raised floor and
forming said ember support structure, wherein the translucent
artificial embers are disposed on a top surface of the ember
support bed.
3. The fireplace of claim 2, wherein the ember support bed
comprises a translucent plate.
4. The fireplace of claim 2, wherein the ember support bed
comprises a mesh screen.
5. The fireplace of claim 2, wherein the ember support bed
comprises a perforated plate.
6. The fireplace of claim 1, further comprising a gas burner
positioned above the ember support surface to provide flames and
heat upon combustion.
7. The fireplace of claim 1, wherein the light source is disposed
within the chamber.
8. The fireplace of claim 1, wherein the translucent artificial
embers comprise fused silica particles.
9. The fireplace of claim 1, wherein the support structure defines
at least one aperture through said ember support surface to deliver
combustible gas to the chamber.
10. The fireplace of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises
components that withstand temperatures greater than 500 degrees
Fahrenheit.
11. The fireplace of claim 10, wherein the light source comprises a
halogen light.
12. A fireplace comprising: a combustion chamber enclosure, wherein
the combustion chamber enclosure includes a support structure, said
support structure being configured to support a plurality of
loosely separable and at least partially translucent artificial
embers; and a light source arranged and configured relative to said
support structure so as to illuminate said artificial embers when
supported by said support structure.
13. The fireplace of claim 12, wherein the support structure
defines at least one aperture to provide combustion air to the
combustion chamber enclosure.
14. The fireplace of claim 12, wherein the support structure
defines at least one aperture to provide combustion gas to the
combustion chamber enclosure.
15. A fireplace comprising: an enclosure, wherein the enclosure
includes a support structure, said support structure being
configured to support a plurality of loosely separable and at least
partially translucent artificial embers; and a light source
arranged and configured relative to said support structure so as to
illuminate said artificial embers when supported by said support
structure.
16. The fireplace of claim 15, further comprising a colored plate
disposed between the light source and the plurality of supported
artificial embers to generate the color of glowing embers with the
plurality of supported artificial embers.
17. The fireplace of claim 15, wherein light from said light source
passes through at least a portion of said support structure.
18. The fireplace of claim 15, wherein the support structure
comprises an ember support bed for supporting said artificial
embers.
19. An apparatus for electrically simulating glowing embers within
an enclosure of a fireplace, the apparatus comprising: a support
structure configured to be insertable with the enclosure and
defining an ember support bed for supportably holding a plurality
of translucent artificial embers; a plurality of translucent
artificial embers, configured to be loosely supported by said ember
support bed; and a light source arranged and configured to pass
light through the ember support bed to illuminate the translucent
artificial embers.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the translucent artificial
embers comprise fused silica particles.
21. An apparatus for electrically simulating glowing embers within
a fireplace, the apparatus comprising: an ember support bed; a
plurality of translucent artificial embers, wherein the translucent
artificial embers are individually arrangeable upon the ember
support bed; and a light source positioned to pass light through at
least a portion of the ember support bed to illuminate the loose
translucent artificial embers.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the translucent artificial
embers comprise fused silica particles.
23. An apparatus for electrically simulating glowing embers within
a fireplace, the apparatus comprising: means for loosely supporting
a plurality of translucent artificial embers; and means for
illuminating the plurality of translucent artificial embers.
24. A method for electrically simulating glowing embers within a
fireplace, comprising: providing an enclosure, wherein the
enclosure defines a chamber; disposing an ember support bed
structure within the chamber; arranging a plurality of translucent
artificial embers on said ember support bed structure; providing a
light source to produce a light beam; and passing said light beam
through at least a portion of the artificial embers to illuminate
the translucent artificial embers.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising, dusting a portion
of the surfaces of the translucent artificial embers with
paint.
26. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of passing
said light beam through at least a portion of said ember support
bed structure to illuminate said artificial embers.
27. A method for electrically simulating glowing embers within a
fireplace, comprising: providing an enclosure, wherein the
enclosure defines a chamber; disposing an ember support bed
structure within the chamber to support a plurality of loosely
separable and at least partially translucent artificial embers; and
providing a light source to produce and pass a light beam through
at least a portion of the artificial embers to illuminate the
translucent artificial embers.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to fireplaces. In addition, the
invention relates to a simulated electric glowing embers system
disposed within a fireplace.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Gas, electric, and wood burning fireplaces are an efficient
method for providing warmth and creating the appeal of a fire
within a room. Fireplaces have become commonplace in today's
building trades for both residential and commercial applications.
Most new home construction designs include at least one, and often
several fireplaces. Further, a significant number of remodeling
projects are focused on fireplaces.
[0003] The representation of glowing embers in such fireplaces is
desirable to provide the realistic effect of a fire. Previous
systems created to provide artificial glowing embers typically call
for a glass panel with artificial embers fused to the panel and a
light source positioned below the panel to illuminate the embers
and thereby create the illusion of glowing embers. However, such
systems have several drawbacks.
[0004] First, previous systems do not perform well in high
temperatures. The materials used to create the artificial embers
break down at the higher temperatures found in fireplaces, and such
systems require that the illumination device be remotely positioned
from the combustion chamber enclosure because of the intense heat
created in the combustion chamber. Second, the individual simulated
glowing embers provided in the systems are not movable or adaptable
to different burning environments because the simulated embers in
the previous systems are fused together and to the glass panel.
Third, the previous systems fail to provide the most aesthetically
appealing embers because the artificial embers are fused and
therefore create only a two-dimensional look. Fourth, the
composition of the materials selected to create the artificial
embers do not create a naturally looking ember bed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Generally, the present invention relates to gas, electric,
or wood burning fireplaces. One embodiment may include a fireplace
comprising an enclosure defining a chamber, a support structure
disposed within the chamber, a plurality of translucent artificial
embers disposed upon a top surface of the support structure; and a
light source positioned to pass light through at least a portion of
the support structure to illuminate the translucent artificial
embers.
[0006] In another respect, the invention is directed to a fireplace
comprising an enclosure including a support structure, a plurality
of translucent artificial embers disposed upon a top surface of the
support structure, and a light source positioned to pass light
through at least a portion of the support structure to illuminate
the translucent artificial embers.
[0007] In another respect, the invention is directed to an
apparatus for electrically simulating glowing embers within a
fireplace comprising a support structure, a plurality of
translucent artificial embers disposed upon a top surface of the
support structure, and a light source positioned to pass light
through the ember support bed to illuminate the translucent
artificial embers.
[0008] In another respect, the invention is directed to an
apparatus for electrically simulating glowing embers within a
fireplace comprising an ember support bed, a plurality of
translucent artificial embers individually arrangeable upon a top
surface of the ember support bed, and a light source positioned to
pass light through at least a portion of the ember support bed to
illuminate the loose translucent artificial embers.
[0009] In another respect, the invention is directed to an
apparatus for electrically simulating glowing embers within a
fireplace comprising a means for supporting a plurality of
translucent artificial embers and a means for illuminating the
translucent artificial embers.
[0010] In another respect, the invention is directed to a method
for electrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace, the
method including: providing an enclosure defining a combustion
chamber, disposing a support structure within the combustion
chamber, arranging a plurality of translucent artificial embers on
a top surface of the support structure, and passing light through
at least a portion of the support structure to illuminate the
translucent artificial embers.
[0011] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of
the present invention. The figures and the detailed description
that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The invention may be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of various
embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an
embodiment of a direct vent gas fireplace incorporating an
embodiment of the simulated electric glowing ember system,
according to the invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic detailed view of the embodiment of the
simulated electric glowing ember system of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of one embodiment of the
support structure of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4A is a schematic top view of one embodiment of an
ember support bed, according to the invention;
[0017] FIG. 4B is a schematic top view of a second embodiment of an
ember support bed, according to the invention;
[0018] FIG. 4C is a schematic top view of a third embodiment of an
ember support bed, according to the invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 a schematic side cross-sectional view of a second
embodiment of a direct vent gas fireplace incorporating a second
embodiment of the simulated electric glowing ember system,
according to the invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic detailed view of the embodiment of the
simulated electric glowing ember system of FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a third
embodiment of a direct vent gas fireplace incorporating a third
embodiment of the simulated electric glowing ember system,
according to the invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an
embodiment of an electric fireplace incorporating the simulated
electric glowing ember system of FIG. 2, according to the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an
embodiment of a multisided gas fireplace incorporating an
embodiment of the simulated electric glowing ember system of FIG.
2, according to the invention; and
[0024] FIG. 10 is a schematic front cross-sectional view of the
multisided gas fireplace of FIG. 9 incorporating the simulated
electric glowing ember system of FIG. 2.
[0025] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] The present invention relates to gas, electric, or wood
burning fireplaces. In particular, the present invention is
directed to a simulated electric glowing embers system disposed
within a fireplace. While the present invention is not so limited,
an appreciation of various aspects of the invention will be gained
through a discussion of the examples provided below.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, a side elevation in section of a direct
vent gas fireplace 100 is shown including a simulated glowing ember
system 110. An example of a direct vent fireplace is of the type
shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,322, herein incorporated
by reference.
[0028] Fireplace 100 includes an enclosure 120 that defines a
chamber 122. A portion or all of the enclosure 120 can be used for
the combustion of burnable or combustible fuels. It will be
understood that as used herein, the term "enclosure" is any
structure that at least partially surrounds the simulated glowing
ember system and is intended to be included in embodiments of all
types of known fireplaces, including fireplaces that simulate
combustion and do not combust a burnable or combustible fuel. An
example of an enclosure that does not include combustion within its
defined chamber is illustrated as enclosure 720 in an embodiment
disclosed in FIG. 7, which defines chamber 722.
[0029] In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the
glowing embers system 110 is shown disposed within the chamber 122
between a gas burner 123 and a bottom panel 125 of the enclosure
120. The gas burner is generally located at 123, but not
specifically illustrated in FIG. 1. The glowing embers system 110
includes a support structure 124, a plurality of translucent
artificial embers 126 disposed upon the support structure 124, and
light source 128. At least a portion of the support structure 124
allows light to pass from the light source 128 to the translucent
artificial embers 126 to simulate the glowing embers of a fire
within a fireplace.
[0030] In FIG. 1, the glowing ember system 110 is shown, for
example, disposed within a direct vent fireplace 100. FIG. 2 shows
in greater detail an embodiment illustrating the glowing embers
system 110 of FIG. 1. Some examples of additional fireplace
structures with which the glowing ember system of this invention
could be used include universal vent, horizontal/vertical vent,
B-vent, and dual direct vented fireplaces, as well as multisided
units having two or three glass panels as side panels, or in any
other unit used as a gas, electric, or wood burning fireplace,
stove or insert.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the support structure 124 can divide the
chamber 122 into a combustion air chamber 162 and a combustion
chamber 163. The support structure 124 and that portion of the
enclosure 120 in which combustion occurs form the combustion
chamber enclosure 121 and define the combustion chamber 163. The
support structure 124 can include a raised floor 130 and an ember
support bed 132. The raised floor 130 is positioned above the
bottom panel 125 of the enclosure 120.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 3, a top schematic view of the ember
support bed 124 disposed upon the raised floor 130 of FIG. 1 is
shown. The ember support bed 132 is placed on a top surface 134 of
the raised floor 130. The raised floor 130 can include, for
example, a rectangular opening over which is placed the glowing
ember support bed 132. The opening can be any other desired shape
or can include multiple openings. The raised floor 130 and ember
support bed 132 can optionally define one or more air gaps 137 to
allow fresh combustion air to pass into the chamber 122. The ember
support bed 132 can be held into place over the light source with,
for example, sheet metal clamps. Any other suitable means, such as
high temperature adhesive, flanges, or screws, can alternatively be
used to hold the ember support bed in position.
[0033] Alternatively, the raised floor can be constructed so the
top surface of the ember support bed is positioned at approximately
the same level as the top surface of the raised floor. For example,
the raised floor can include a recessed area sized to fit the ember
support bed and include flanges to support the ember support bed
above the bottom panel of the enclosure.
[0034] One embodiment of the ember support bed 132 shown in FIG. 1
is a solid plate that may be constructed of material such as
ceramic glass, tempered glass, or a ceramic/glass composite
material. The solid plate is constructed of a clear or translucent
material that allows light from the light source 128 to pass
through to translucent artificial embers 126. A typical ceramic
glass plate can withstand temperatures in excess of 1400 degrees
Fahrenheit. A typical tempered glass plate can withstand
temperatures in excess of 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The glass can be
colored with stove paint to enhance the glowing color of the
translucent artificial embers. Alternatively, the glass plate can
be formed into colored glass for generating a desired glowing ember
effect.
[0035] Other materials that can withstand high temperatures that
can be present within the combustion chamber can also be used to
construct the plate, such as, for example, metal. Further, a
combination of two or more materials may be bonded together to form
the plate.
[0036] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the ember support bed 132
is a non-perforated plate of material. Examples of other
configurations for ember support beds are shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. In
a second ember support bed embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4A, a
wire mesh ember support bed 432A can be used having individual
longitudinal wires 433 and latitudinal wires 435. The spaces 437
between wires may vary in size so long as the spaces 437 are not
large enough to allow an individual translucent artificial ember to
pass through the ember support bed 432A.
[0037] In a third ember support bed embodiment includes a plate
432B defining a plurality of slots 439 (FIG. 4B). The slots 439 may
be of varying dimension, so long as the space is not large enough
to allow individual translucent artificial embers to fall through
the ember support bed 432B.
[0038] In a fourth ember support bed embodiment shown in FIG. 4C,
the ember support bed 432C is formed with a plurality of apertures
441. Once again, the diameter of each aperture 441 must be less
than the size of individual translucent artificial embers.
[0039] The ember support beds shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A-4C are by way
of example only, and many other configurations are possible. For
example, the surface of the ember support beds can include, for
example, multiple elevations to aid in the placement of translucent
artificial embers at different pitches and heights. Further, the
ember support bed need not be a separate component, but may be
formed integrally with other components of the fireplace, such as
the raised floor 130 shown in FIG. 1.
[0040] The ember support bed shown in the various embodiments can
be constructed of various types of materials and preferably of
ceramic or glass, or other suitable high-temperature materials,
such as metal or refractory materials. The wire mesh, slotted, and
aperture configurations of FIGS. 4A-4C also allow for combustible
gas, as shown, for example in FIGS. 5 and 6, or air, as shown in
FIG. 7, to pass through the ember support bed.
[0041] The translucent artificial embers 126 can be disposed on the
ember support bed 132 in any arrangement desired. The translucent
artificial embers 126 are constructed as individual pieces that
allow for increased placement flexibility thereof upon the ember
support bed 132. The ember support bed 132 can be constructed of a
clear or translucent material, such as high-temperature ceramic
glass, to allow light to pass therethrough from the light source
128 to the translucent artificial embers 126.
[0042] The translucent artificial embers 126 are not integrally
attached to each other or to the ember support structure 132.
Because the translucent artificial embers are not fused to the
ember support structure, there is use flexibility in the amount of
artificial embers that can be provided and the arrangement of the
artificial embers on the support structure. During or after
installation of the fireplace, translucent artificial embers 126
may be added, removed, or rearranged to provide a more
aesthetically pleasing fire. Further, the individual translucent
artificial embers provide a more three-dimensional, aesthetically
pleasing look that resembles real embers because each translucent
artificial ember is separate rather than being fused together and
to the ember support structure. Alternatively, the translucent
artificial embers can be formed into a joined array of artificial
embers through adhesion or other connective techniques and placed
as a single unit upon the ember support structure.
[0043] Individual translucent artificial embers may come in a
variety of shapes and sizes. For example, translucent artificial
embers can be generally cubical, spherical, jagged, or irregular in
shape. Although different sizes may be used, embers can preferably
be sized with average diameters between about 1/8 inch and 3/4
inch. It should be understood that other shapes, sizes, and
dimensions might be used without departing from the scope of the
invention. Further, a combination of differently shaped and sized
translucent artificial embers may be used to better simulate a
glowing ember bed.
[0044] The translucent artificial embers may be made from a variety
of materials. The materials selected to create the translucent
artificial embers preferably should perform in high temperatures
without foaming or breaking up and also be semi-transparent to
allow light to pass through them to simulate glowing. For example,
fused silica particles can be used for the translucent artificial
embers. The material utilized for the translucent artificial embers
in one embodiment of the invention is a fused silica material
manufactured by C-E Minerals, located in King of Prussia, Pa., and
sold under the Teco-Sil.RTM. mark. Teco-Sil.RTM. silica is a high
purity fused silica with greater than 99% non-crystalline
SiO.sub.2. Less than 1% of Teco-Sil.RTM. silica includes
Cristobalite. Teco-Sil.RTM. silica has a melting point of greater
than 3000 degrees Fahrenheit.
[0045] Fused silica is a preferred material for the embers that
withstands very high temperatures without foaming or breaking up.
Also, fused silica will not bind to the ember support bed during
combustion within the combustion chamber. Further, it provides an
aesthetically pleasing glow when illuminated because the fused
silica diffuses light in a more natural way than other materials.
It should be understood, however, that other translucent, high
temperature material could also be used to make the translucent
artificial embers.
[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, paint or other darkening
material can be applied to the surface of a translucent artificial
ember. An individual translucent artificial ember can be provided,
for example, with paint applied to at least a portion of the
surface of the ember. Paint can be applied to the plurality of
translucent artificial embers of an ember bed to give the effect of
a bed having "cool" ember top and a hot glowing underside. The
paint, normally a black or charcoal color, may be applied to a
portion of translucent artificial embers or to all of them. Other
colorization sources besides paint may also be used, such as, for
example, pigmentation that could be added during manufacturing of
the translucent artificial embers.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source 128 is shown
positioned beneath the ember support bed 132. The light generated
by light source 128 passes through the ember support bed 132 and
onto the translucent artificial embers 126. Alternatively, the
light source can be positioned in any location that provides light
to translucent artificial embers, such as disposing the light
source on the raised floor. The translucent artificial embers 126
are constructed to pass at least a portion of the light generated
by light source 128 through them so as to simulate glowing
embers.
[0048] In a preferred configuration, an individual light source 128
is used which includes a light bulb 136 and a light socket 138.
Although the embodiment in FIG. 2 shows a light source including
two light bulbs and sockets, it should be understood that one or
more light bulbs could be used. Also, more than one light source
can be used in the system to enhance the glowing ember effect.
Halogen bulbs and ceramic sockets are preferably used to create the
light source because these items can withstand the potentially high
temperature environment of the fireplace that may exceed 600
degrees Fahrenheit. Halogen bulbs and ceramic sockets are examples
of components that can withstand the high temperatures of the
fireplace combustion chamber. However, any other suitable light
source that can withstand high temperatures may also be used. If
the light source is constructed to withstand the high temperatures
found in a fireplace, it is not necessary to seal-off the light
source from the heat generated in the combustion chamber or to
provide other methods to cool the light source. When composed of
high temperature materials, the light source can be placed directly
within the combustion chamber.
[0049] The light source 128 is shown connected to a control box 140
that has an on/off switch 142 located behind a removable intake
panel 144. Although the control box 140 and on/off switch 142 are
provided in this embodiment of the invention, it is possible that
the system could be operated without a control box or switch by
wiring the simulated electric glowing embers system to operate when
the fireplace is in use. Further, other methods, such as a
remote-controlled arrangement, could be used to regulate the light
sources of the glowing ember system 110. When the light source 128
is turned on, it provides illumination through ember support bed
132 and thereby illuminates the translucent artificial embers
126.
[0050] The light source 128 can be controlled by the control box
140 to create a flickering effect and further enhance the
simulation of glowing embers. The light source 128 can project a
pattern of random flickering light onto the translucent artificial
embers 126, which is non-repetitive and simulates real glowing
embers whether or not the gas burner 123 is burning. In some
embodiments, it is possible to simultaneous operate the gas burner
123 and the glowing ember system 110 to provide very low heat and
create the illusion of an extremely hot fire.
[0051] Shadow curtains 146 and 147 can be used to direct the light
generated from the light source through the ember support bed 132
and onto the translucent artificial embers 126. The shadow curtains
146 and 147 also reduce the amount of stray light that is observed
through other openings and apertures in the fireplace. The shadow
curtains 146 and 147 can optionally provide support for the ember
support bed 132 through engagement with the bottom panel 125 of the
enclosure 120, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, the glowing embers
system 110 is mounted directly below the gas burner 123 and a log
set 148. The gas burner 123 is connected to a gas line 150. The gas
line 150 supplies combustible gas to the burner 123 for producing
gas flames 152 that pass up and through a log set 148 that is
supported by a burner 123. The burner 123 can be formed into a log
grate 154 that hides structural elements of the burner 123.
Alternatively, the gas burner can be formed into the log set as
shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,195, incorporated herein
by reference. Optionally, the gas line supplying gas to the burner
can be hidden from view. For example, a leg of the grate can form a
tube for transporting the gas to burner.
[0053] A gas control valve 156 is connected to the gas line 150 and
regulates the amount of gas that is permitted to pass to the burner
123 for combustion. Fresh combustion air enters through a coaxial
duct 158 and comes down through the fresh air duct 160 and into the
combustion air chamber 122B located between the raised floor 134
and bottom panel 125. The combustion air can be passed into the
chamber 122 through the air gaps 137. Burning the gas/air mixture
within the chamber 122 generates products of combustion. The
products of combustion are passed through an exhaust 159 that is
defined by the enclosure 120.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 5, a second embodiment of a direct vent
fireplace 500 is shown including a second embodiment of the
simulated glowing ember system 510. The glowing ember system 510
incorporates a gas burner 523 into its construction. Optionally, a
second burner can be incorporated into grate 554 or log set 548.
The gas burner 523 includes a burner pan 521 located below an ember
support bed 532. The burner 523 is supplied with combustible gas
from a gas line 551. As illustrated in more detail in FIG. 6, ember
support bed 532 includes a plurality of burner apertures 541 that
allow combustible gas or a gas/air mixture to pass from through the
ember support bed 532 for combustion within the chamber 522. The
plurality of apertures can be arranged and configured in any
pattern to provide a desired flame pattern on the top surface of
the ember support bed 532. The diameter of the apertures can be
adjusted to vary the size of flames produced from combustion.
[0055] Light source 528 can be disposed within the pan 521 of the
burner 523 below the ember support bed 532. Light generated by the
light source 528 passes through the burner apertures 541 and onto
translucent artificial embers 526 disposed upon the top surface of
the ember support bed. With this arrangement, the light source 528
and translucent artificial embers 526 are manufactured to endure
excessive amounts of heat created from being located in close
proximity to burner 523. Teco-Sil.RTM. silica is one example of
translucent artificial ember material that can withstand the high
temperatures encountered with this embodiment. The ember support
bed 532 can be supported by downwardly depending support members
546 and 547 attached to the burner and in engagement with bottom
panel of the combustion chamber, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 7, a third embodiment of a direct vent
fireplace 700 is shown including a third embodiment of the
simulated glowing ember system 710. The fireplace 700 includes an
enclosure 720 defining a chamber 722 and the glowing ember system
710. A rear panel 760 and bottom panel 762 of the enclosure 720 and
a rear panel 768 and bottom panel 770 of an intermediate enclosure
764 define a fresh air duct 772. The fresh air duct 772 provides
for the passage of fresh air from the exterior of the fireplace to
the chamber 722, as indicated by the arrows "A" on FIG. 7. Fresh
combustion air enters through coaxial duct 774 and comes down
through the fresh air duct 772.
[0057] The glowing ember system 710 includes an ember support bed
732, a lower translucent plate 776, and a light source 728. The
ember support bed 732 forms at least a portion of a bottom panel
762 of the enclosure 720 and defines a plurality of apertures 741
for the passage of fresh air from the fresh air duct 772 to the
chamber 722. Translucent artificial embers 726 are disposed on the
top surface of the ember support bed 732. The lower translucent
plate 776 forms at least a portion of the bottom panel 770 of the
intermediate enclosure 764. The light source 728 is housed below
the lower translucent plate 776 and passes light through the fresh
air duct 772 and the ember support bed 732 to illuminate the
translucent artificial embers 726. The lower translucent plate 776
and the ember support bed 732 can be constructed of materials, for
example, previously described with respect to embodiments of the
ember support bed 132 of FIG. 1 and beds 432A, 432B, and 432C.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 8, an embodiment of an electric fireplace
800 is shown including the glowing ember system 810. The glowing
ember system 810 is similar in configuration and operation to the
glowing ember system 110 previously described with respect to FIG.
2. In this embodiment, a log set 848 is disposed in chamber 822
defined by enclosure 820. The log set 848 is mounted directly over
simulated electric glowing embers system 810 having translucent
artificial embers 826, an ember support bed 832, and light source
828 positioned below. The simulated electric glowing embers system
810 in this embodiment functions similarly to the glowing ember
systems in the embodiments described above.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, side and front cross-sectional
views of a multisided gas fireplace 900 are shown including the
embodiment of the glowing ember system 110 of FIG. 2. Such a direct
vent fireplace is of the type shown and described, for example, in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,016,609, incorporated by reference.
[0060] Fireplace 900 includes an enclosure 920 that defines a
chamber 922. A portion or all of the enclosure 920 can be used for
the combustion of burnable or combustible fuels. Referring to FIG.
10, the glowing embers system 110 is shown disposed within the
chamber 922 between a gas burner 923 and a bottom panel 925 of the
enclosure 920.
[0061] The present invention should not be considered limited to
the particular examples described above, or to the materials used
to describe the various embodiments, but rather should be
understood to cover all aspects of the invention as broadly set out
in the attached claims. Various modifications, equivalent
processes, as well as numerous structures to which the present
invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of
skill in the art to which the present invention is directed upon
review of the instant specification.
* * * * *