U.S. patent application number 10/077412 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-21 for fireplace with simulated flame.
Invention is credited to Dung (David), Diep Chi, Jamieson, Donald R., Luu, Duong (Andy).
Application Number | 20030156828 10/077412 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27732646 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030156828 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jamieson, Donald R. ; et
al. |
August 21, 2003 |
Fireplace with simulated flame
Abstract
A fireplace assembly is provided by which the image of a working
combustible fuel-burning fireplace may be simulated. The fireplace
assembly includes a housing having a lenticular panel assembly
including a moving simulation of at least flames for generating the
appearance of simulated flames within the housing. The lenticular
panel assembly includes a means for mounting and rotating the panel
through an arc to provide the illusion of moving flames within the
fireplace assembly.
Inventors: |
Jamieson, Donald R.;
(Oakville, CA) ; Dung (David), Diep Chi; (Toronto,
CA) ; Luu, Duong (Andy); (Mississauga, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael H. Baniak
BANIAK PINE & GANNON
150 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 1200
Chicago
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
27732646 |
Appl. No.: |
10/077412 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
392/348 ;
40/427 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 7/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
392/348 ;
40/427 |
International
Class: |
F24B 001/18 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fireplace assembly comprising: a housing; a lenticular panel
assembly positioned within said housing, said lenticular panel
assembly including a lenticular panel and a mount attached thereto,
said mount adapted to permit said lenticular panel to pivot about
said mount; and means for providing reciprocating motion to said
lenticular panel through a predetermined range of motion.
2. The fireplace assembly of claim 1 wherein said means for
providing reciprocating motion comprises: an electric motor; and a
link member operatively connected to said electric motor, said link
member connected to said lenticular panel for imparting said
reciprocating motion to said lenticular panel.
3. The fireplace assembly of claim 1 wherein said means for
providing reciprocating motion comprises: an electric motor; and a
drive wheel operatively connected to said electric motor, said
drive wheel being positioned to contact said lenticular panel for
imparting said reciprocating motion to said lenticular panel.
4. The fireplace assembly of claim 3 wherein said electric motor is
a variable speed motor.
5. The fireplace assembly of claim 3 wherein said drive wheel
includes at least one cam lobe configured with a profile for urging
said lenticular panel into said reciprocating motion.
6. The fireplace assembly of claim 5 wherein said drive wheel
includes a plurality of cam lobes.
7. The fireplace assembly of claim 4 wherein said variable speed
motor is adapted to rotate said lenticular panel in a period of
about 1/2-15 seconds.
8. The fireplace assembly of claim 3 wherein said lenticular panel
assembly includes a return member for providing a return bias to
said lenticular panel.
9. The fireplace assembly of claim 8 wherein said return member is
a spring extending between said housing and said lenticular
panel.
10. The fireplace assembly of claim 1 including a first light
source positioned between a back of said housing and said
lenticular panel.
11. The fireplace assembly of claim 10 further comprising: a
simulated firebox positioned within said housing; at least one
artificial log positioned in said simulated firebox, said at least
one artificial log having an exterior surface; and a second light
source positioned beneath said simulated firebox and positioned so
as to illuminate at least a portion of said exterior surface of
said at least one artificial log.
12. The fireplace assembly of claim 11 further comprising an
artificial ember bed positioned beneath said at least one
artificial log, wherein said second light source is positioned so
as to illuminate at least a portion of said artificial ember
bed.
13. The fireplace assembly of claim 11 wherein said artificial
ember bed comprises a plurality of apertures positioned so as to
permit light from said second light source to illuminate at least a
portion of an exterior surface of said at least one artificial
log.
14. The fireplace assembly of claim 13 further comprising a
translucent colored panel positioned between said second light
source and said at least one artificial log.
15. The fireplace assembly of claim 1 further comprising a heater
assembly, said heater assembly including a blower and a heating
element.
16. The fireplace assembly of claim 15 wherein said heater assembly
is positioned between said simulated firebox and said housing.
17. The fireplace assembly of claim 1 wherein said lenticular panel
includes images of a fire.
18. The fireplace assembly of claim 17 wherein said lenticular
panel includes images of logs.
19. The fireplace assembly of claim 18 wherein said lenticular
panel includes images of embers.
20. The fireplace assembly of claim 1 wherein said lenticular panel
provides images of a burning wood fire.
21. The fireplace assembly of claim 1 wherein said lenticular panel
provides images of a burning coal fire.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to fireplaces. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a fireplace assembly that simulates
the flames emanating from a bed of logs and glowing embers of an
actual wood-burning fireplace using a moving image applied to a
lenticular panel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Fireplaces are desirable features in the home. However, for
many years, in response of an increased population density in
certain areas and an increased sensitivity to environmental
concerns, wood-burning fireplaces have been discouraged, banned and
replaced by gas, electric or otherwise simulated fireplaces.
[0003] Fireplaces of various designs have been suggested that
provide a simulated fire and related effects with varying degrees
of success. Gas fireplaces successfully provide real flames and
heat. Typically, simulated logs and embers are provided to give the
impression of a wood fire. However, the expense of the gas can be
high and a working flue is usually required to vent the combustion
products. Electric fireplaces may be installed in locations where
gas fireplaces are not desired or will not fit. An electric
fireplace may provide a reasonably realistic simulation of a
wood-burning fireplace. The success of the simulation depends on
the skill of the manufacturer to provide various mechanisms to
manipulate various combinations of lights, screens, and filters,
and so on, to provide a random and lifelike flame and ember effect.
While generally less expensive than a wood burning or gas
fireplace, the complexity of the unit and skill necessary to
produce a realistic simulation can be quite high.
[0004] There is a demand therefore for a simple and cost-effective
simulated fireplace that accurately and realistically simulates a
combustible fuel-burning fireplace. The present invention satisfies
the demand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention has a principal objective of providing
a realistic simulation of a combustible fuel-burning fireplace or
like device.
[0006] One embodiment of the present application provides a
fireplace having a firebox housing with a top, a bottom, a back and
two sides. The firebox housing includes a lenticular panel assembly
for generating the appearance of simulated flames emanating from
artificial logs in the fireplace firebox. The lenticular panel
assembly includes a lenticular panel having a plurality of
incorporated interleaved images of a fire as from a movie or the
like. A motor and associated mechanism may be operatively attached
to the lenticular panel adapted to rock the lenticular panel
through a predetermined arc in such a manner as to animate, display
or replay the images from the movie to a viewer. The lenticular
panel may be backlit or otherwise illuminated by one or more lights
to enhance the viewability of the images.
[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing
may further include a log and ember set having one or more
artificial logs positioned above an artificial bed of embers. The
fireplace may also include a means for illuminating the underside
of at least a portion of the artificial logs and a portion of the
artificial bed of embers so as to create the illusion that the
artificial logs and the artificial bed of embers are glowing. In
particular, a light can be projected upwardly through openings in
the artificial bed of embers and onto the underside and sides of
the artificial logs. Some of the light striking the underside of
the artificial logs may be redirected back down on to the bed of
embers.
[0008] These and other advantages, as well as the invention itself,
will become apparent in the details of construction and operation
as more fully described and claimed below. Moreover, it should be
appreciated that several aspects of the invention can be used in
other applications where accurate flame simulations would be
desirable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective new of an embodiment of a fireplace
including the simulated flame assembly according to the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a fireplace
including the simulated flame assembly according to the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1; and
[0013] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of one embodiment of an ember and
log set of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] A fireplace assembly 10 according to the present invention
is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 and includes a housing 12 having a
housing top 14, a housing bottom 16, left and right housing sides
18A, 18B, a housing front 20 and a housing back 22. The housing 12
may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as, for
example sheet metal. In such a case, the sheet metal can be cut,
bent and formed by joining and the like, to form the structure of
the housing 12. In the embodiment shown, the housing back 22 and
housing sides 18A, 18B may be cut from a single piece of sheet
metal and bent into shape.
[0015] For purposes of this application, the combined housing back
22 and housing sides 18A, 18B of the housing 12 is commonly
referred to as the fireplace wrapper. In the alternate, the housing
top 14 and housing bottom 16 panels can be attached to the housing
back 22 and housing sides 18A, 18B to complete the basic structure
of the housing 12 by known methods. In such a case, the edges of
the individual sheet panels (14, 16, 18A, 18B, 20 and 22) are
typically bent to provide a small overlap at the juncture of
adjoining panels. The metal panels may then be joined together by
any suitable fastening method, such as, for example, fasteners,
sheet metal screws, or by crimping or welding.
[0016] A lenticular panel assembly 100, in the embodiments of the
fireplace assembly 10 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, is provided by
a lenticular panel 84, a panel frame 86 arranged about the
lenticular panel 84 for supporting the panel, a panel mount 88 for
permitting rotation of the lenticular panel, and an electric motor
90 for imparting periodic motion to the panel 84. Lenticular refers
to a combination of several combined digitally interlaced printed
or photographic images with a specially designed ribbed plastic
lenticular lens. Viewing the interlaced image through the lens
(when either the viewer or panel moves) causes the eyes to "see"
depth, motion, or other effects in what is actually a flat, static
combined image. The sequential presentation of the images through
the lens simulates motion. For this reason, it is preferred that
the lenticular panel 84 is caused to be oscillated periodically,
either back and forth altering a vertical plane of the panel, or
from side to side to provide an image of moving flames and
associated effects to a viewer. For purposes of this application,
reciprocating motion refers to the motion of the panel 84, which is
a periodic arcuate rotation of the panel about a point. The motion
causes a first portion of the panel located on one side of the
pivot to move in a first direction while a second portion of the
panel located on the other side of the pivot moves in a direction
opposite the first.
[0017] The lenticular panel assembly 100 for simulating at least a
moving flame is positioned adjacent an inside surface 22A of the
housing back 22. The lenticular panel assembly 100 may be used
alone to create an appearance of realistic flames in a fireplace or
in another embodiment of the present invention may be used to
create the appearance of realistic looking flames in combination
with an artificial log and ember set 48, which will be explained
more fully below.
[0018] The lenticular panel assembly 100 may include associated
therewith a first light source 82 for illuminating the lenticular
panel 84, a drive cam 92 for urging the panel into an oscillating
motion and a return member 94. A spring may be a suitable return
member 94. The return member 94 is provided to bias the lenticular
panel 84 against the drive cam 92.
[0019] The lenticular panel 84 can be held by frame 86 in position
adjacent the housing back 22 by a pair of pivoting mounts 88, which
are connected to the housing sides 18A, 18B. The mounts 88 may be
located at a position between the top end 87 and a bottom end 85 of
lenticular panel 84. The electric motor 90 and the drive cam 92 can
be located at a position at or near top end 87. In the alternate,
the motor 90 may be positioned anywhere from adjacent the top end
87 to the bottom end 85 of the panel 84. The electrical motor 90
can be a conventional A/C or D/C gear motor. In the alternate, a
variable-speed motor may be employed. The lobes (not shown) of the
cam drive 92 are adapted to contact the panel frame 86 and provide
the desired reciprocation, periodic rocking motion or angular
deflection of the lenticular panel 84. It will be understood that
the drive cam 92 may have a configuration or profile like that of a
cam, i.e., a disc, shaped to convert circular motion into linear
motion when rotated. The drive cam 92 can include one or a
plurality of lobes, e.g., six cam lobes on one drive wheel. The
return member 94 can attach between the lenticular panel 84 at a
top end 87 and the housing back 22.
[0020] It will be understood that a number of devices and methods
may be used to impart periodic motion to the panel 84. For example,
the drive cam 92 may be replaced with a linkage arm or the like
(not shown). In this manner, the spring 94 may be eliminated as the
arm would both urge the panel 84 away and toward an initial
starting point of the periodic motion.
[0021] During operation of the motor 90, lobes of the drive cam 92
engage the panel frame 86 or lenticular panel 84 and cause the
lenticular panel to rock slowly or reciprocate about the mount 88
in a predetermined arc. The reciprocating time or period is
dependent upon the panel design and specifications. In one
embodiment of the invention, the period of reciprocating motion is
from about 1/2 second to about 12 seconds. Preferably, the period
is longer, such as from about 6 to 9 seconds. The amount of arc
also relates to the specific characteristics of the panel. For the
purposes of the present invention, the amount of arc or
predetermined amount of arc refers to the distance the panel is
required to travel so that a person may view an effective amount of
the moving image to produce an effective simulation of, for
example, a wood-burning fire. This amount may be from about 5
degrees to about 45 degrees or more. In one embodiment of the
invention, the panel rotates or swings through an arc of about 20
degrees. It will be understood that other suitable methods may be
used to rock the panel. In this manner, a viewer is provided with
the simulated flame motion embedded in the lenticular panel 84. The
return member 94 provides a bias force to the panel 84 to both
ensure a smooth contact of the panel 84 to the drive cam 92 and a
return to a starting point of the oscillating or cyclical periodic
motion of the panel.
[0022] The electric motor 90 is connected to a source of electric
power 70 and to an on/off rocker switch (not shown) of control unit
32 located on the housing front 20 behind the lower louver panel
30. The electrical wiring (not shown) necessary to connect these
components together is well known in the art. In the preferred
embodiment shown, the electric motor 90 can be turned on and off by
the same control unit 32 that is used to turn on and off the
incandescent light bulbs 66 and 82 of the fireplace assembly 10. In
the alternate, for example, fluorescent or halogen bulbs could be
used in place of the bulbs 66. The rotational speed of the motor 90
and cam 92 can also be controlled or adjusted through use of
control unit 32.
[0023] The lenticular panel assembly 100 is compact, thereby
reducing the overall depth of the fireplace assembly 10. This
allows the fireplace assembly 10 to be installed in locations that
may not otherwise permit installation of a combustible fuel-burning
fireplace or an electric fireplace of a different design. In the
preferred embodiment shown, the depth of the lenticular panel and
frame assembly 100 (i.e., the distance between the panel 84 and the
housing back 22) can be less than about 4 inches, and the overall
depth of the electric fireplace can be made to be approximately
11-12 inches.
[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the lenticular panel 84
is backlit by first light source 82, which may be located on or
adjacent the housing back 22 and housing bottom 16. The light
source 82 may include one or more incandescent bulbs 66 or an
equivalent could be used. In the alternate, for example,
fluorescent or halogen bulbs could be used. The light source 82 is
located beneath the bottom panel 42 of the firebox 36 to provide
backlighting to the lenticular panel 84. Alternatively, light
source 62 that provides light for the illumination of the
artificial log and ember set 48 can be used to light the lenticular
panel 84. Bracket 88 attached to the housing bottom 16 may be used
to support the light source 82. The light bulbs 66 are connected to
an electric power source 70 and to control unit 32 located near the
front 20 of the housing 12 behind the lower louver panel 30 (see
FIG. 2). A dimmer control (not shown) can also be provided the
control unit 32 to permit a viewer to adjust the degree of
illumination. The electrical wiring (not shown) necessary to
connect these components together is well known in the art.
[0025] In another embodiment of the present invention the upper
housing front 20A of the front 20 of the fireplace assembly 10 can
preferably include an upper louver panel 24 having a series of
spaced generally horizontal upper slats 26. The upper slats 26 are
spaced apart to permit air from an adjoining room (not shown) to
pass in through the upper louver panel 24 and subsequently may be
expelled or circulated back into the room. The upper slats 26 of
the upper louver panel 24 may be angled upwardly from front to back
in such a manner as to prevent viewing of a heater assembly 28
positioned behind the upper louver panel 24 from the front of the
assembly 12. The upper louver panel 24 can be made to be removable
to permit access to the heater assembly 28 in the event that
maintenance or repair becomes necessary.
[0026] The lower portion 20B of the housing front 20 of the
fireplace assembly 10 includes a lower louver panel 30 of similar
design and configuration as that of the upper louver panel 24.
Thus, the lower louver panel 30 can include a series of horizontal
slats 26 that are spaced and angled in a similar fashion as the
upper slats 26 of the upper louver panel 24. A control unit 32,
which may include one or more controls (not shown), such as, for
example, switches, potentiometers and the like, for controlling
various aspects of the operation of the fireplace assembly 10 (see
FIG. 2) may be positioned behind the lower louver panel 30.
[0027] The lower louver panel 30 may be connected to the housing
bottom 16 of the housing 12 with one or more hinges (not shown) or
the like. The lower louver panel 30 may then be folded outwardly
and downwardly to gain access to the control unit 32. The hinges
may contain springs, or the like, that bias the lower louver panel
30 in the vertical or closed position.
[0028] The upper and lower louver panels 24, 30 may also be
designed and configured to simulate a concealed heat exchanger
plenum arrangement (not shown) of the type often incorporated in
combustible fuel-burning fireplaces. For example, natural gas
fireplaces often have a series of interconnected plenums
surrounding a firebox that form a convection air passage around the
firebox. Room air is typically drawn into and expelled out from the
plenum arrangement by passing through louver panels above and below
the firebox. The upper and lower louver panels 24, 30 of one
embodiment of the present invention are designed and configured to
suggest the presence of a heat exchange plenum arrangement, thereby
increasing the realism of the fireplace assembly.
[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fireplace
assembly 10 includes a firebox 36 positioned within the housing 12.
The firebox may include a heater assembly 28 positioned above a top
panel 40 of the firebox 36. The heater assembly 28 may include a
heating element and tangential blower fan (not shown). As best seen
in FIG. 2, the heated air from the heater assembly 28 is directed
out through the front of the fireplace through the upper louver
panel 24. The heater assembly 28 can draw the air to be heated from
the room in which the fireplace 10 is situated. The heater assembly
28 is connected to a source of electric power 70 and can be
controlled by control unit 32 on the front 22 of the fireplace 10
located behind the lower louver panel 30. The heater assembly may
28 also be connected to the control unit 32 including various
controls including a thermostatically controlled switch (not shown)
which automatically turns the heater assembly 28 on or off at
pre-determined temperature settings.
[0030] As best seen in FIG. 2, the firebox 36 is positioned within
the housing 12 of the fireplace 10 and comprises a top panel 40, a
bottom panel 42, and two side panels 44. In the preferred
embodiment shown, the firebox 36 extends from approximately the
lower louver panel 30 to the upper louver panel 24. The top and
bottom panels 40, 42 can be attached or fastened to the interior
surface of the housing back 22 and two housing sides 18A, 18B of
the housing 12. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the
top and bottom panels 40, 42 of the firebox 36 may support various
components of the fireplace assembly 10.
[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, as best seen in
FIG. 1, the fireplace housing sides 18A, 18B may define the side
panels 44 of the firebox 36. The firebox side panels 44 may be
painted to appear like firebrick, which is typically used to line
the firebox of combustible fuel-burning fireplaces. Alternatively,
ceramic fiber refractory panels (not shown) that have been shaped
and colored to look like firebrick can be attached to the interior
surface of the housing to form a realistic-appearing firebox. The
manufacturing process for vacuum forming and coloring ceramic fiber
refractory panels is well known in the art. Other suitable
materials can also be used to manufacture the artificial refractory
panels.
[0032] The housing front 20 of the fireplace assembly 10 also may
include a transparent viewing panel 34. The viewing panel 34 is
positioned between the upper and lower louver panels 24, 30 and
permits viewing of the firebox 36. The viewing panel 34 is
supported by a doorframe 38 and may include hardware (not shown)
designed to simulate a glass door assembly of the type typically
used to enclose the firebox of a combustible fuel-burning
fireplace. The viewing panel 34 may be either clear or tinted
depending on the desired aesthetic appearance of the fireplace.
Tinting of the viewing panel 34 may increase the realism of the
fireplace by inhibiting the viewer's ability to discern the
artificial components that have been used to create the illusion of
a real wood-burning fire. In the preferred embodiment shown, the
viewing panel 34 is comprised of clear glass. However, any
transparent material can be utilized for the viewing panel 34. For
example, clear or tinted acrylic could be used in lieu of glass.
The glass panel may also be omitted. The glass panel can thus be
made easily removable to permit cleaning, maintenance or repair of
components within the firebox 36.
[0033] In another embodiment of the present invention, an
artificial log and ember set 48 can be positioned in firebox 36 to
further enhance the simulation of a wood-burning fireplace. As best
seen in FIG. 5, the log and ember set 48 can include one or more
artificial logs 50 supported by an ember bed 52. The logs 50 and
the ember bed 52 may be molded from ceramic fiber by a vacuum
forming process that is well known in the art. The logs 50 are
shaped and colored to simulate the appearance of actual logs of any
type. The ember bed 52 is shaped and colored to simulate the
appearance of glowing, burnt and/or burning coals or embers.
[0034] Other materials can also be used to manufacture the
artificial logs 50 and the ember bed 52. For example, these
components can be molded from concrete, which provides for greater
detail than can be achieved by using ceramic fiber. However,
concrete is much heavier and is prone to breakage if accidentally
dropped. The artificial logs 50 and ember bed 52 can also be made
from other materials such as plastic, although plastic is not as
realistic looking as either ceramic fiber or concrete. Preferably,
the artificial logs 50 can be made as a hollow member out of
styrene, or any suitable material, with a tinted plastic inlay for
producing a glowing log effect when illuminated from inside or
underneath.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the artificial logs 50 are
positioned above the ember bed 52. As best seen in FIG. 5, several
locator pins 54 may extend upwardly from the top of the ember bed
52. These locator pins 54 coincide with indentations (not shown) in
the bottom of logs 50 and assist in the proper alignment of the
logs 50 on top of the ember bed 52. Alternatively, brackets (not
shown) attached to the firebox 36 can support some or all of the
logs 50. As will be explained below, proper alignment of the logs
50 on top of the ember bed 52 helps to create the appearance of an
actual fire burning inside the firebox 36 of the fireplace assembly
10.
[0036] The ember bed 52 may be positioned on top of a metal grate
and ember support 56, which is in turn supported by the bottom
panel 42 of the firebox 36. The grate and ember support 56 has one
or more grate openings 58 that coincide with apertures 60 in the
ember bed 52. Openings 58 and apertures 60 allow light provided by
a second light source 62 positioned beneath the firebox 36 to pass
up through apertures 60 of the ember bed 52 so as to illuminate the
underside of certain portions of the artificial logs 50 positioned
thereabove. Some of the light that illuminates the underside of the
artificial logs 50 may be redirected downwardly and back on to
upper side of the ember bed 52. The illumination of the artificial
logs 50 and the ember bed 52 is intended to create the appearance
that the logs 50 and the ember bed 52 are glowing, thereby
simulating an actual wood-burning fire above a bed of burning coals
or embers. Of course, the number and configuration of the grate
openings 58 and apertures 60 depends on the positioning of the
artificial logs 50 and the aesthetic effect desired.
[0037] A front edge 64 of the metal grate and ember support 56
projects upwardly from the bottom panel 42 of the firebox 36 to
prevent light from leaking or spilling out from the underside of
the ember bed 52, thereby destroying the illusion of an actual
wood-burning fireplace. The front edge 64 of the grate and ember
support 56 may also be shaped to resemble the type of grate often
used in actual wood-burning fireplaces.
[0038] As best seen in FIG. 2, a second light source 62 for
illumination of the artificial log and ember set is provided by one
or more 60 watt incandescent light bulbs 66 positioned beneath the
bottom panel 42 of the firebox 36. Bracket 68 attached to the
housing bottom 16 of the fireplace housing 12 to support the light
bulbs 66. The light bulbs 66 are connected to an electric power
source 70 and to control unit 32, which may include one or more
on/off rocker switch, or the like. A dimmer control (not shown) can
also be provided the control unit 32 to permit the viewer to adjust
the current flowing to the light bulb 66 to vary the degree of
illumination. The electrical wiring (not shown) necessary to
connect these components together is well known in the art.
[0039] A piece of reflective material (not shown), such as
reflective or metalized plastic (such as Mylar.TM.) can be
positioned beneath and in front of the light bulbs 66 to reflect
additional light up through the ember bed 52. The reflective
material can be curved to increase the total amount of reflected
light. The reflective material may also increase the area of the
artificial log 50 that is illuminated by changing the point and
angle of the second light source 62.
[0040] As best seen in FIG. 5, a translucent colored panel 74
positioned between the ember bed 52 and the grate and ember support
56 changes the color and intensity of the second light source 62. A
red/orange panel of translucent plastic film is utilized to change
the color of the incandescent light bulbs 66 to a color that
simulates glowing embers.
[0041] It should be appreciated that the apparatus of the present
invention is capable of being incorporated in the form of a variety
of embodiments, only a few of which have been illustrated and
described above. For example, aspects of the present invention
could be incorporated in an electric fireplace designed to simulate
a coal burning hearth of the type commonly used in Europe.
Likewise, aspects of the present invention can be incorporated in
other types of heating appliances such as electric simulated
freestanding wood or coal burning stoves. Therefore, reference to a
fireplace including aspects of the present invention will be
understood to mean other types of heating appliances where a
simulated flame as described herein is desired. Thus, the invention
may be embodied in other forms without departing from its spirit of
essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive, and the scope of the invention is, therefore,
indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing
description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their
scope.
* * * * *