U.S. patent application number 11/060398 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for flame simulating assembly including an air filter.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dimplex North America Limited. Invention is credited to Kristoffer Hess, Kelly Stinson.
Application Number | 20060188831 11/060398 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36580415 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060188831 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hess; Kristoffer ; et
al. |
August 24, 2006 |
Flame simulating assembly including an air filter
Abstract
A flame simulating assembly having a housing including a top
panel, two or more side panels supporting the top panel, a back
panel connecting the side panels, and one or more front panels
positioned substantially opposite to the back panel. Also, the
assembly has a simulated fuel bed, a screen positioned behind the
simulated fuel bed, and a flame image subassembly for providing
images of flames on the screen, and the screen, the housing and the
simulated fuel bed define an internal chamber. The assembly also
has a fan positioned to provide an air flow through the chamber
from one or more intake apertures to one or more exit apertures,
through which said air exits the chamber, and one or more filters
for filtering at least a portion of said air in the air flow. The
internal chamber is substantially airtight, except for the intake
and exit apertures.
Inventors: |
Hess; Kristoffer;
(Cambridge, CA) ; Stinson; Kelly; (Kitchener,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VALENTINE A. COTTRILL
SUITE 1020 50 QUEEN STREET NORTH
KITCHENER
ON
N2H6M2
CA
|
Assignee: |
Dimplex North America
Limited
Cambridge
CA
|
Family ID: |
36580415 |
Appl. No.: |
11/060398 |
Filed: |
February 18, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
431/125 ;
126/500; 40/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 7/004 20130101;
F24B 1/1808 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/125 ;
126/500; 040/428 |
International
Class: |
F24B 1/191 20060101
F24B001/191 |
Claims
1. A flame simulating assembly having: a housing including: a top
panel; at least two side panels supporting the top panel; a back
panel connecting said at least two side panels; at least one front
panel positioned substantially opposite to the back panel; a
simulated fuel bed disposed in the housing; a screen positioned
behind the simulated fuel bed, the screen having a front surface
disposed adjacent to the simulated fuel bed; a flame image
subassembly for providing images of flames on the front surface of
the screen; the screen, the housing and the simulated fuel bed
delimiting an internal chamber; a fan positioned to generate an air
flow through the internal chamber from at least one intake
aperture, through which air is drawn into the internal chamber, to
at least one exit aperture, through which said air in the air flow
exits the internal chamber; the internal chamber being
substantially airtight, except for said at least one intake
aperture and said at least one exit aperture; and at least one air
filter for filtering at least a portion of said air in the air
flow, said at least one air filter being positioned to filter said
air in the air flow.
2. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 1 additionally
including at least one heating element for heating said air in the
air flow.
3. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 2 additionally
including a thermal switch positioned proximal to said at least one
heating element and in the air flow, the thermal switch being
operatively connected to at least one alerting device such that the
thermal switch causes said at least one alerting device to be
energized upon the thermal switch sensing that the air in the air
flow reaches at least a predetermined temperature.
4. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 3 in which said
at least one alerting device is an electric lamp.
5. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 1 additionally
including a control device for measuring a flow rate of the air
flow, the control device being operatively connected to an alerting
device such that, upon the flow rate of the air flow falling below
a preselected flow rate, the control device causes the alerting
device to be energized.
6. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 1 in which said
at least one exit aperture is located in said at least one front
panel.
7. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 1 in which said
at least one intake aperture is disposed in the back panel and said
at least one air filter is positioned adjacent to said at least one
intake aperture.
8. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 7 additionally
including a mantel portion positionable substantially above said at
least one air filter, the mantel portion being movable to provide
access to said at least one air filter for removal thereof.
9. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 7 in which the
fan is positioned proximal to the top panel and said at least one
front panel, for generating the air flow through the internal
chamber.
10. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 6 in which said
at least one air filter is approximately 20 inches in height by
approximately 20 inches in width by approximately 1 inch in
thickness and said at least one intake aperture is approximately 20
inches in width and approximately 20 inches in height.
11. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 1 in which: the
housing includes a bottom panel connecting said at least two side
panels and the back panel; the bottom panel includes said at least
one intake aperture; and said at least one air filter is positioned
adjacent to said at least one intake aperture.
12. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 11 additionally
including a front exterior portion positionable in front of said at
least one air filter, the front exterior portion being removable to
provide access to said at least one air filter for removal
thereof.
13. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 11 in which the
fan is positioned proximal to the top panel and said at least one
front panel, for generating the air flow through the chamber.
14. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 11 in which said
at least one air filter is approximately 20 inches in height by
approximately 10 inches in width by approximately 1 inch in
thickness.
15. A flame simulating assembly having: a housing including: at
least two side panels; a bottom panel positioned substantially
orthogonal to said at least two side panels; a back panel
positioned substantially orthogonal to said at least two side
panels; a top panel positioned substantially orthogonal to said at
least two side panels; at least one front panel positioned
substantially orthogonal to the top panel; a simulated fuel bed
disposed in the housing; a screen positioned in the housing behind
the simulated fuel bed; the screen, the simulated fuel bed, and the
housing defining an internal chamber; a flame image subassembly for
providing images of flames on the screen; an air flow generator,
for providing for generating an air flow through at least a portion
of the chamber from at least one input aperture to at least one
exit aperture; and at least one filter for filtering at least a
portion of said air in the air flow.
16. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 14 in which the
internal chamber is substantially airtight, except for said at
least one intake aperture and said at least one exit aperture.
17. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 16 additionally
including at least one heating element for heating said air in the
air flow before said air exits the chamber.
18. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 16 additionally
including: at least one lamp; a control device operatively
connected to said at least one lamp for activating and
de-activating said at least one lamp; and the control device
including at least one sensor for sensing a temperature of said air
in the air flow; and a control circuit operatively connecting said
at least one sensor to said at least one lamp for activating said
at least one lamp when the temperature of said air is at a
predetermined temperature or higher, said at least one sensor being
positioned proximal to said at least one heating element such that
when said at least one air filter is obstructed to a predetermined
extent, said at least one lamp is energized.
19. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 16 additionally
including a control device for measuring a flow rate of the air
flow, the control device being operatively connected to an alerting
device such that, upon the flow rate of the air flow falling below
a preselected flow rate, the control device causes the alerting
device to be energized.
20. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 15 in which said
at least one exit aperture is located in said at least one front
panel.
21. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 15 in which said
at least one intake aperture is disposed in the back panel and said
at least one air filter is positioned adjacent to said at least one
intake aperture.
22. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 18 additionally
including a mantel portion positionable substantially above said at
least one air filter, the mantel portion being removable to provide
access to said at least one air filter for removal thereof.
23. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 21 in which the
fan is positioned proximal to the top panel and said at least one
front panel, for generating the air flow through the chamber.
24. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 21 in which said
at least one air filter is approximately 20 inches in height by
approximately 20 inches in width by approximately 1 inch in
thickness and said at least one intake aperture is approximately 20
inches in width and approximately 20 inches in height.
25. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 15 in which: the
housing includes a bottom panel connecting said at least two side
panels and the back panel; the bottom panel includes said at least
one intake aperture; and said at least one air filter is positioned
adjacent to said at least one intake aperture.
26. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 25 additionally
including a front exterior portion positionable in front of said at
least one air filter, the front exterior portion being removable to
provide access to said at least one air filter for removal
thereof.
27. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 25 in which the
fan is positioned proximal to the top panel and said at least one
front panel, for generating the air flow through the chamber.
28. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 25 in which said
at least one air filter is approximately 20 inches in a first
dimension by approximately 10 inches in a second dimension by
approximately 1 inch in thickness.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is related to flame simulating
assemblies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various types of flame simulating assemblies are known. One
type of known flame simulating assembly (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2)
typically includes a simulated fuel bed, one or more light sources,
a screen disposed behind the simulated fuel bed for diffusing and
transmitting light from the light source, and a flicker element for
causing light from the light source to fluctuate, or flicker, to
simulate flames. Images of flames are provided by fluctuating light
from the light source which is transmitted through the screen.
Typically, the known electric flame simulating assembly also
includes a flames effect element winch configures fluctuating light
from the light source to form the images of flames which are
transmitted through the screen. An example of this type of flame
simulating assembly is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,580 (Hess
et al.).
[0003] In another type of flame simulating assembly, strips of
colored cloth ribbons are suspended behind a screen. The ribbons
are moved by a forced stream of air from a fan, and illuminated to
simulate flames, when viewed through the screen. An example of this
type of flame simulating assembly is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,965,707 (Butterfield).
[0004] In a third type of known flame simulating assembly, a series
of pictorial images of flames are shown on a display panel adapted
to show such images. For example, in GB 2 242 737 (Shute), an
artificial fire unit is disclosed which includes a television set
and a video recorder for playing recordings of fires on the
television set. The artificial fire unit is positioned in a cabinet
so that it appears to be "a conventional domestic fire unit" (p. 2,
at lines 19-20).
[0005] The typical flame simulating assembly is sold with a trim
package according to the purchaser's preference. For example, most
flame simulating assemblies are sold with a trim package which,
upon assembly, resembles a natural fireplace hearth and mantel and
associated woodwork. However, flame simulating assemblies
positioned inside simulated stoves (e.g. cabinets which resemble
wood-burning stoves) are also popular. For the purposes hereof, it
will be understood that a flame simulating assembly includes a
device for simulating flames, regardless of whether, for example,
the device is installed in a simulated stove or fireplace.
[0006] As shown in FIG. 1, a flame simulating assembly 20 of the
prior art includes a housing 22, a screen 24, and a simulated fuel
bed 26 positioned in the housing 22, in front of the screen 24. The
housing 22, the screen 24, and the simulated fuel bed 26 define an
internal chamber 28, through which air is drawn by a fan 30.
Typically, the flame simulating assembly 20 also includes a heater
with one or more heating elements 32. A front part 34 of the
housing 22 includes holes 36 to permit air which has been warmed by
the heating elements 32 to exit into the premises in which the
flame simulating assembly 20 is located, as schematically indicated
by arrows 38 in FIG. 1. In many known flame simulating assemblies,
holes 40 may be located in a bottom wall 42 of the housing 22 so
that air is drawn through the holes 40 by the fan 30 from outside
the chamber 28 (as schematically indicated by arrow 44) through the
chamber 28 (as schematically indicated by arrows 46, 48). However,
intake holes 40 are sometimes located in side panels of the housing
(not shown) in prior art flame simulating assemblies, or in other
parts of the housing 22.
[0007] The flame simulating assembly 20 illustrated is the type of
flame simulating assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,580
(Hess et al.), referred to above. The flame simulating assembly 20
has a flame image subassembly 50 which includes the simulated fuel
bed 26, the screen 24 positioned behind the simulated fuel bed 26,
one or more light sources 52, a flicker element 54, and a flame
effect element 56. The flame image subassembly 50 may include a
variety of components in various configurations, and is adapted to
provide one or more images of flames on the screen 24, so that the
images of flames appear to be emanating from the simulated fuel bed
26. Because some heat is generated by the light source 52, the
holes 40 are usually located in the vicinity of the light source
52, so that heat generated by the light source 52 is drawn away and
dissipated by the air flow through the holes 40 towards the holes
36, which air flow is generated by the fan 30.
[0008] Most known flame simulating assemblies do not include air
filtration systems. In addition, known flame simulating assemblies
are not of airtight (whether substantially airtight or otherwise)
construction, so ambient air enters into the internal chamber
through many cracks, holes, and small openings in the housing, and,
for example, between the screen and the housing, between the screen
and the simulated fuel bed, and between the simulated fuel bed and
the housing. In the typical known flame simulating assembly 20,
therefore, airborne contaminants such as dust and other materials
(i.e., not only particles) which are in the ambient air are drawn
into the internal chamber 28, and then sent back out into the
premises without any filtration. In particular, over an extended
time period, dust accumulates in the internal chamber. The air
which exits the chamber 28 through the holes 36 therefore typically
includes as much dust as the ambient air, and can include more on
occasion if, for example, some of the dust in the chamber is picked
up by the air flow through the chamber.
[0009] Filtering the air drawn through the intake holes 40 is
somewhat difficult, as the holes 40 are relatively small, even when
considered in the aggregate. In general, in order to ensure that
smaller particles are caught in an air filter, the filter typically
has relatively small holes in it. As is known in the art, for an
air filter with relatively small holes in it, a relatively high
pressure differential across the air filter is required to draw the
air through the filter. However, a fan capable of providing the
relatively high volume required and a relatively high pressure
differential is relatively expensive. Furthermore, because the
known flame simulating assemblies are not of airtight construction,
known filtering systems are of limited effectiveness.
[0010] Therefore, there is a need for an improved flame simulating
assembly which overcomes or mitigates at least one of the
disadvantages of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In its broad aspect, the invention provides a flame
simulating assembly having a housing, a simulated fuel bed disposed
in the housing, a screen positioned behind the simulated fuel bed,
and a flame image subassembly for providing images of flames on a
front surface of the screen positioned adjacent to the simulated
fuel bed. The housing includes a top panel, two or more side panels
supporting the top panel, a back panel connecting said at least two
side panels, and at least one or more front panels positioned
substantially opposite to the back panel. The screen, the housing
and the simulated fuel bed delimit an internal chamber. The flame
simulating assembly also includes a fan positioned to provide an
air flow through the internal chamber from one or more intake
apertures, through which air is drawn into the internal chamber, to
one or more exit apertures, through which the air in the air flow
exits the internal chamber. In addition, the flame simulating
assembly includes one or more air filters for filtering at least a
portion of the air in the air flow, the air filter being positioned
to filter contaminants out of the air in the air flow. The internal
chamber is substantially airtight, except for the intake and exit
apertures.
[0012] In another aspect, the flame simulating assembly
additionally includes one or more heating elements for heating the
air in the air flow.
[0013] In yet another aspect, the invention also includes a thermal
switch positioned proximal to the heating elements. The thermal
switch is adapted to cause one or more alerting devices to be
energized upon the thermal switch reaching a predetermined
temperature. The increase in the temperature of the air surrounding
the thermal switch up to the predetermined temperature (and beyond)
results from at least partial obstruction of the air filter.
[0014] In another aspect, the alerting device is an electric
lamp.
[0015] In another of its aspects, the invention provides intake
apertures disposed in the back panel, and the air filter is
positioned adjacent to the intake apertures.
[0016] In yet another aspect, the invention additionally includes a
mantel portion positionable substantially above the air filter, the
mantel portion being movable to provide access to the air filter
for removal thereof.
[0017] In another of its aspects, the housing includes a bottom
panel connecting the side panels and the back panel, and the intake
aperture(s) is (or are) positioned in the bottom panel. The air
filter is positioned adjacent to the intake aperture(s).
[0018] In yet another aspect, the invention additionally includes a
front exterior portion positionable in front of the air filter, the
front exterior portion being removable to provide access to the air
filter for removal thereof.
[0019] In yet another aspect, the invention includes one or more
electric lamps, and a control device operatively connected to the
lamp(s) for activating and de-activating the lamp(s). The control
device includes one or more sensors for sensing a temperature of
the air in the air flow. The invention also includes a control
circuit operatively connecting the sensor to the lamp for
activating the lamp when the temperature of the air is at a
predetermined temperature or higher. The sensor is positioned
proximal to the heating element so that when the air filter is
obstructed to a predetermined extent, the lamp is energized,
indicating that the air filter is due for replacement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The invention will be better understood with reference to
the drawings, in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 (also described previously) is a cross-section of a
flame simulating assembly of the prior art of a first version of a
flame simulating assembly of the prior art;
[0022] FIG. 2 (also described previously) is an isometric view of
the flame simulating assembly of the prior art of FIG. 1, drawn at
a smaller scale;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of a
flame simulating assembly of the invention, drawn at a larger
scale;
[0024] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the flame simulating assembly
of FIG. 3, drawn at a smaller scale;
[0025] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of
a control circuit for providing an indication that a filter is
obstructed to a predetermined extent;
[0026] FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment
of a control circuit for providing an indication that a filter is
obstructed to a predetermined extent;
[0027] FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram of another alternative
embodiment of a control circuit for providing an indication that a
filter is obstructed to a predetermined extent;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of
the flame simulating assembly of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the flame simulating assembly
of FIG. 6, drawn at a smaller scale;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a cross-section of an alternative embodiment of
the flame simulating assembly of the invention, drawn at a larger
scale;
[0031] FIG. 9 is a cross-section of another alternative embodiment
of the flame simulating assembly of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a front view of the alternative embodiments of
the invention shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, drawn at a smaller scale;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the alternative embodiments of
the invention shown in FIGS. 8 and 9;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a cross-section of another alternative embodiment
of the flame simulating assembly of the invention, in which a
mantel portion of the flame simulating assembly is in a closed
position, drawn at a smaller scale;
[0035] FIG. 13 is a cross-section of the flame simulating assembly
in which the mantel portion is in an open position,
[0036] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the flame simulating
assembly of FIG. 13, drawn at a smaller scale;
[0037] FIG. 15 is another isometric view of the flame simulating
assembly of FIG. 13, drawn at a smaller scale; and
[0038] FIG. 16 is a top view of the flame simulating assembly of
FIG. 13, drawn at a larger scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0039] Reference is first made to FIGS. 3-5 to describe a preferred
embodiment of a flame simulating assembly in accordance with the
invention indicated generally by the numeral 120. The flame
simulating assembly 120 preferably includes a housing 122 with a
top panel 123, two or more side panels 125 supporting the top panel
123, a back panel 127 connecting the side panels 125, and one or
more front panels 134 positioned substantially opposite to the back
panel 127. As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the flame simulating
assembly also includes a simulated fuel bed 126 disposed in the
housing 122 and a screen 124 positioned behind the simulated fuel
bed 126, and the screen 124 has a front surface 129 disposed
adjacent to the simulated fuel bed. The flame simulating assembly
120 additionally includes a flame image subassembly 150 for
providing images of flames on the front surface 129 of the screen
124, as will be described. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the screen
124, the housing 122 and the simulated fuel bed 126 delimit an
internal chamber 128. The flame simulating assembly 120 also
includes a fan 130 positioned to generate an air flow through the
chamber 128 from one or more intake apertures 140, through which
air is drawn into the chamber 128, to one or more exit apertures
136, through which the air exits the chamber 128. In the preferred
embodiment, the flame simulating assembly 120 also includes one or
more air filters 160 for filtering at least part of the air in the
air flow through the internal chamber 128. Preferably, the air
filter 160 is positioned to filter the air in the air flow before
the air enters the chamber 128.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, in the preferred embodiment, the flame
simulating assembly 120 additionally includes one or more heating
elements 132 for heating the air in the air flow before the air
exits the chamber 128.
[0041] The exit apertures 136 are preferably located in the front
panel 134, also as shown in FIG. 3. In addition, the intake
apertures 140 are preferably positioned in the back panel 127. As
shown in FIG. 3, the air filter 160 is positioned immediately in
front of the intake apertures 140 in the preferred embodiment. The
air filter 160 is preferably mounted in a frame 161 therefor which
is positioned on the back panel 127. As is known in the art a seal
(not shown) is provided between the air filter 160 and the frame
161, to provide a substantially airtight seal. As is known in the
art, a seal, or sealing element, could be positioned in the frame
161 and/or included in the filter 160. FIG. 3 shows that ambient
air (schematically represented by arrows 131) is drawn towards the
intake apertures 140, through the air filter 160, and through the
chamber 128 (as represented schematically by arrows 133 and 135).
The air flow generated by the fan 130 results in the air in the air
flow exiting the chamber 128 through exit apertures 136, as
represented schematically by arrows 137.
[0042] The air filter 160 is for removing contaminants in the air
flow from the air. As is known in the art, more than one air filter
may be used together. For example, a charcoal filter (for odors)
may be used with a pre-filter (to remove larger particles), and a
filter with smaller holes in it to remove smaller particles.
Further, and as is also known in the art, air filtration systems
can include chemical and other systems for filtering air, as well
as particulate filtration systems. For the purposes hereof,
references to the "air filter" will be understood to include a
single filter and any of the foregoing types of air filtration
systems.
[0043] As is known in the art, the housing is preferably
constructed of panels of sheet metal which are fastened together
using any suitable means. However, because the housing is used to
form part of a plenum (i.e., the internal chamber 128), the housing
is manufactured to be substantially airtight (i.e., except for the
intake and exit apertures), at least in the portions of the housing
which delimit part of the internal chamber 128. In addition, the
other components of the flame simulating assembly 120 which also
delimit the internal chamber 128, i.e., the screen 124 and tho
simulated fuel bed 126, are preferably mounted in the housing 122
so that substantially airtight seals are formed between the
housing, the screen 124 and the simulated fuel bed 126. Such
sealing can be effected by any suitable means, including caulking
with a suitable sealant, or using gaskets. The function of the
sealing elements is to direct, or guide, the air in the air flow so
that, in the preferred embodiment, virtually all of the air in the
air flow is directed through the filter (i.e., the air filtration
system). To the extent that there is leakage around the filter
(i.e., around the internal chamber), however, airborne contaminants
(and especially dust) in the ambient air will get into the air in
the air flow, which is undesirable. It will be understood that,
although the sealing of the internal chamber (i.e., excluding the
intake and exit apertures) should be substantially airtight, some
leakage around the sealing elements can be permitted, for
acceptable functioning of the filtering system.
[0044] In the preferred embodiment, the fan 130 is positioned
proximal to the top panel 123 and the front panel 134, so that the
air flow which is generated through the internal chamber 128 exits
the internal chamber 128 above the screen 124, though the exit
apertures 136 in the front panel 134.
[0045] Preferably, the air filter 160 (i.e., the operational area
of the filter) is as large as possible, in order to facilitate
efficient filtering of the air which passes through the filter 160.
Because the filter 160 covers a relatively large area, the filter
160 can have a plurality of relatively small holes in it through
which the air is drawn, however, with a relatively low pressure
gradient across the filter 160. For example, the air filter 160 is
preferably a standard size particle filtering system, such as a
filter 20 inches in height by approximately 20 inches in width by
approximately one inch in thickness. In the preferred embodiment,
the air filter 160 is an electrostatically charged filter, because
an electrostatically charged filter operating with a relatively
lower pressure drop across the filter is nevertheless generally as
effective as a non-electrostatic filter operating with a higher
pressure drop across it. It is generally preferred that the holes
in the air filter 160 are relatively small, so that the filter can
accumulate relatively small particulates. The intake apertures 140
are preferably distributed over an area of the back panel 127 which
has approximately the same dimensions overall as the operative part
of the air filter 160.
[0046] The filter 160 tends to become obstructed after usage over a
period of time, as particulates accumulate on the filter 160 and
gradually build up to obstruct or close the holes in the filter
160. Because of this, the filter 160 has to be removed from the
flame simulating assembly 120 from time to time, for maintenance.
For example, depending on the type of filter, the air filter may be
replaced by a new air filter. However, if the air filter is of a
type which is to be cleaned, rather than replaced, then the air
filter is cleaned.
[0047] The flame simulating assembly 120 preferably includes a
thermal switch (or control device) 162 (FIG. 5) positioned proximal
to the heating element 132 (FIG. 3). The thermal switch 162 is
adapted to cause an alerting device (preferably, an electric lamp)
164 to be energized upon the thermal switch sensing a predetermined
temperature (or a higher temperature) in the air in the air flow.
In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, thermal switch 162
and the electric lamp 164 are connected in series in a control
circuit 166. Preferably, the circuit 166 is connected (in parallel)
to other circuits 168, 170, 172 included in the flame simulating
assembly 120, also as shown in FIG. 5. The other circuits 168, 170,
and 172 are required for the operation of other aspects of the
flame simulating assembly 120, as is known in the art.
[0048] As is known in the art, the thermal switch (or control
device) 162 includes one or more sensors for sensing (i.e.,
measuring) a temperature of the air in the air flow as the air
exits the heating elements 132. The control circuit 166 operatively
connects the sensors to the lamp for activating the lamp 164 when
the measured temperature of the air in the air flow is at the
predetermined temperature, or at a temperature greater than the
predetermined temperature. When the air filter 160 is sufficiently
obstructed, the rate of flow of the air through the heating
elements 132 decreases. When that happens, the temperature of the
air exiting the heating elements 132 quickly rises, becoming much
hotter than the temperature of the air exiting the heating elements
132 under normal operating conditions. The thermal switch 162,
which (in the preferred embodiment) is normally open, closes when
the predetermined temperature is reached, thereby completing the
control circuit 166, and causing current to flow through the
electric lamp 164. As is known in the art, the thermal switch
remains closed until a reset button is operated, regardless of the
temperature of the air in the air flow after the thermal switch has
closed.
[0049] The electric lamp 164 preferably is mounted in a position
where it is easily viewed by a user (not shown), such as in a
control panel (not shown) mounted on the flame simulating assembly.
Accordingly, upon activation of the electric lamp 164, the user is
thereby alerted that the air filter 160 should be replaced. It will
be appreciated that, instead of the electric lamp 164, any other
suitable alerting device, such as a device for emitting an audible
warning, could be used.
[0050] It will be understood that, alternatively, other control
devices could be used to determine whether the air filter 160 is
obstructed to a predetermined extent. For example, instead of the
thermal switch, the control device can include an air flow meter
(FIGS. 5B and 5C) included in an alternative embodiment of the
control circuit. Although the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C
have the advantage that a sensor is monitoring the flow rate of the
air flow in the absence of operation of the heating elements, this
embodiment has the disadvantage (relative to the thermal switch)
that the air flow meter components are slightly more complex than
the components used in the thermal switch embodiment.
[0051] As will be described, an air flow meter 182 is adapted to
sense a flow rate of the air flow and is included in a control
circuit 183 (FIG. 5B). The control circuit 183 preferably includes
an alerting device 184 to which the air flow meter 182 is
operatively connected, so that a decrease in the flow rate of the
air flow to a predetermined flow rate (or below) results in
activation of the alerting device 184. Preferably, the air flow
meter 182 includes a Pitot tube 186 which is operatively connected
to the alerting device 184 by a microelectronic component (or
components) 188, as is known in the art. As is also known in the
art, the Pitot tube has an inner tube (not shown) and an outer tube
(not shown) bent into an L shape, and the inner tube is open at an
end 190 directed upstream. Accordingly, the end 190 of the Pitot
tube 186 is positioned appropriately in the air flow, so that the
flow rate of the air flow is sensed by the Pitot tube 186.
Preferably, the control circuit 183 is electrically connected to
the fireplace circuits (not shown in FIG. 5B) at terminals 191 of
the control circuit 183, as is known in the art.
[0052] An alternative air flow meter 192, included in another
alternative embodiment of a control circuit 193, is schematically
illustrated in FIG. 5C. The air flow meter 192 includes a
mechanical velocity meter 194 and an alerting device 195, the
mechanical meter 194 and the alerting device 195 being operatively
connected by a microelectronic component (or components) 196, as is
known in the art. The mechanical meter 194 is positioned in the air
flow, and is adapted to sense the rate of flow of the air flow. If
the rate of flow decreases to a predetermined flow rate (or below),
the alerting device 195 is activated. Preferably, the alerting
device 195 is an electric lamp. It is also preferable that the
control circuit 193 is electrically connected to the fireplace
circuit(s) at terminals 198.
[0053] In the preferred embodiment, the flame image subassembly 150
includes one or more light sources 152, a flicker element 154, and
a flame effect element 156 (FIG. 3). Preferably, the arrangement of
the flame image subassembly 150 and its operation are generally as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,580 (Hess et al.), the entire
specification of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
It will be understood that the structures supporting and
positioning the light source 152 and the flicker element 154 are
known, and not included in FIG. 3 for clarity of illustration.
[0054] Light from the light source 152 is reflected by the flicker
element 154 towards a back surface 155 of the screen 124. The
reflected light which is thus directed is also caused to flicker by
the flicker element 154 because the flicker element 154 includes a
plurality of reflective strips 157 which are rotated about an axis
158. The reflective strips 157 are arranged so that they appear to
reflect light from the light source 152 intermittently, to mimic
the flickering light produced by a fire. The flame effect element
154 is preferably made of sheet metal, with an outline of flames
159 (FIG. 4) cut out of the sheet metal. Preferably, the flame
effect element 154 is positioned between the flicker element 152
and the back surface 155 of the screen 124. The flickering light
which is directed towards the back surface 155 of the screen 124 is
configured by the flame effect element 154 so that the images of
flames are directed onto the back surface 155 of the screen 124.
The structure of the screen 124 is preferably as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,642,580 (Hess et al.), or as described in U.S. Pat. No.
6,363,636 (Hess et al.), the entire specification of which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, one or more
images of flames is provided at the front surface 129 of the screen
124 by the flame image subassembly 150. Due to the position of the
front surface 129 immediately behind the simulated fuel bed 126,
the images of flames provided by the flame image subassembly 150
appear to an observer (not shown) to be emanating from the
simulated fuel bed 126. The illusion is enhanced when the front
surface 129 is at least partially specularly reflective, as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,580 (Hess et al.).
[0055] It will be understood that the images of flames could be
provided by other known flame image subassemblies. For example, the
flame simulating assembly included in the flame simulating assembly
150 could include the components needed to provide images of flames
in accordance with any of the various methods disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,965,707 (Butterfield) or in GB 2 242 737 (Shute). Or,
the images of flames could be provided via motion pictures of
flames, as disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/038,118 filed on Jan. 21, 2005, the entire specification of
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0056] It will also be understood that different components which
are known in the art could be substituted for various components in
the preferred embodiment of the flame image subassembly described
above. For instance, although a preferred embodiment of a flicker
element has been described, it will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that different ways of causing light from the light
source 152 to flicker, or fluctuate, could be used.
[0057] In use, ambient air is drawn by the fan 130 from the
premises in which the flame simulating assembly 120 is located into
the internal chamber 128 through the inlet apertures 140, as
indicated by arrows 131 (FIG. 3). The air is drawn through the
internal chamber (as indicated by arrows 133 and 135) and through
the fan 130 and the heating elements 132, to exit the internal
chamber 128 through the exit apertures 136 (as indicated by arrows
137). As is known in the art, in the preferred embodiment, the fan
130 can be operated independently of the heating elements 132. It
will be understood that the fan 130 could "pull" or "push" the air
in the air flow.
[0058] When, as in the preferred embodiment, the air filter is
mounted in the back panel, the air filter can have a relatively
large operational area. This enables the filter to filter the air
in the air flow relatively efficiently (i.e., at a relatively high
flow rate) a relatively low pressure drop is provided across the
filter.
[0059] Additional embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS.
6-16. In FIGS. 6-16, elements are numbered so as to correspond to
like elements shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0060] An alternative embodiment of a flame simulating assembly 220
is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The flame simulating assembly 220
includes a flame image subassembly 250 which differs from the flame
image subassembly 150 shown in FIG. 3. In the flame image
subassembly 250, light from a light source 252 is reflected by a
flicker element 254 towards a flame effect element 256 which has,
on a front surface 257 thereof, an outline of flames in a
reflective material or finish (not shown) which reflects the
flickering light towards a back surface 255 of a screen 224, to
provide an image of flames at a front surface of the screen 224.
The flame simulating assembly 220 additionally includes a simulated
fuel bed 226 which is positioned adjacent to the front surface 229
of the screen 224, so that the images of flames produced by the
flame image subassembly 250 appear to be emanating from the
simulated fuel bed 226.
[0061] The flame simulating assembly 220 includes a housing 222
with a top panel 223, two or more side panels 225 supporting the
top panel 223, a back panel 227 connecting the side panels 225, and
one or more front panels 234 positioned substantially opposite to
the basic panel 227. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the screen 224, the
housing 222 and the simulated fuel bed 226 delimit an internal
chamber 228. The flame simulating assembly 220 also includes a fan
230 positioned to provide an air flow through the chamber 228 from
one or more intake apertures 240, through which air is drawn into
the chamber 228, to one or more exit apertures 236, through which
the air exits the chamber 228. The flame simulating assembly
additionally includes an air filter chamber 260 for filtering at
least part of the air in the air flow through the internal chamber
228. The air filter 260 is positioned to filter the air in the air
flow before the air exits the chamber 228. It is also preferred
that the flame simulating assembly 220 includes one or more heating
elements 232 for heating the air in the air flow before the air
exits the chamber 228.
[0062] As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the intake apertures 240
are positioned in the back panel 227, and the exit apertures 236
are positioned in the front panel 234. The air filter 260 is
positioned immediately in front of the intake apertures 240,
mounted in a frame 261 therefor. Ambient air (schematically
represented by arrows 231) is drawn towards the intake apertures
240 and, through the air filter 260, and through the chamber 228
(as represented schematically by arrows 233 and 235). The air flow
generated by the fan 130 results in the air in the air flow exiting
the chamber 228 through the exit apertures 236, as represented
schematically by arrows 237.
[0063] An alternative embodiment of a flame simulating assembly 320
of the invention is disclosed in FIGS. 8, 10, and 11. As can be
seen in FIG. 8, in the flame simulating assembly 320, an air filter
360 is mounted on a bottom panel 342 of a housing 322 in a frame
361. The frame 361 preferably extends below the bottom panel 342
because it is necessary to allow space inside the flame simulating
assembly 320 for components of a flame image subassembly 350 (i.e.,
a light source 352) above the bottom panel 342 and below a screen
324 and a simulated ember bed 326.
[0064] The flame simulating assembly 320 includes a housing 322
which includes the bottom panel 342, a back panel 327 extending
upwardly from the bottom panel 342, side panels 325 (FIG. 10)
connected to each other by the bottom panel 342 and the back wall
327, a top panel 323 at the top of the side panels 325, and one or
more front parts 334 positioned opposite to the back panel 327. As
can be seen in FIG. 8, the front parts 334 include a lower front
part 370 positioned proximal to the bottom panel 342 and an upper
front part 371 positioned proximal to the top panel 323. An
internal chamber 328 is delimited by the housing 322, the screen
324, and the simulated fuel bed 326. As shown in FIG. 8, the
housing 322 also preferably includes feet 368 to support the bottom
panel 342 above the floor (not shown), so that ambient air can flow
into the internal chamber 328 from the premises.
[0065] Because the air filter 361 is positioned partly below the
bottom panel 342, the bottom panel 342 has one or more intake
apertures 340 positioned in it through which air is drawn by a fan
330 from the premises in which the flame simulating assembly 320 is
located (schematically represented by arrows 331). Alternatively,
the frame 361 for the filter 360 can be positioned substantially in
an aperture 340 in the bottom panel 342. The fan 330 also drawn the
air through the internal chamber 328 (as represented by arrows 333,
335) towards the fan 330, and the air is subsequently pushed by the
fan 330 through exit apertures 336 out of the internal chamber
328.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the air filter frame 361
preferably extends to the lower front part 370. Preferably, this
permits relatively easy removal of the air filter 360 from the
frame 361, by sliding the filter 360 forwardly (i.e., in the
direction of arrow "A" in FIG. 8). The filter 360 can be placed in
the frame 361 by pushing the filter backwardly (i.e., in the
direction of arrow "B" in FIG. 8). The filter 360 is preferably
securely positioned in the frame 361 by a latching mechanism or any
other suitable mechanism, as is known in the art.
[0067] The frame 361 is also shown in FIG. 11 to extend to the
front panel 371. For convenience, arrows "A" and "B" are also shown
in FIG. 11, to indicate the direction in which the filter 360 is
moved when it is to be removed and the direction in which the
filter 360 is moved when it is to be installed, respectively.
[0068] As can be seen in FIGS. 8, 10, and 11, the access from the
front which is provided in the flame simulating assembly 320 is
generally more convenient than the access to the filter which is
provided in the embodiments of the flame simulating assembly (120,
220) in which the air filter (160, 260) is mounted on the back
panel (127, 227). However, due to space constraints, the air filter
360 is generally not as large as the air filter which is positioned
in the back panel. For example, the bottom-mounted filter is
typically a size such as approximately 20 inches by approximately
10 inches by 1 inch which is standard, and readily available from a
variety of manufacturers. As described above, a larger operative
area of an air filter is generally advantageous because a
relatively large air flow volume can be provided through relatively
small holes in the filter with a relatively low pressure
differential across the filter. However, as shown in FIGS. 8 and
10, access to the bottom-mounted filter is relatively
convenient.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 9, another alternative embodiment of a
flame simulating assembly 420 includes a bottom-mounted filter 460
and a flame image subassembly 450 similar to the flame image
subassembly 250. In particular, the flame image subassembly 450
includes a flame effect element 456 with a reflective portion 459
shaped to resemble flames, similar to the flame effect element 256
shown in FIG. 6.
[0070] It will be understood that a front elevation view of the
flame simulating assembly 420 also would be as shown in FIG. 10.
For clarity, however, FIG. 10 is an illustration of a front
elevation view of the flame simulating assembly 320 also shown in
FIG. 8. Also, a bottom elevation view of me flame simulating
assembly 420 would be as shown in FIG. 11.
[0071] Another alternative embodiment 520 of a flame simulating
assembly is shown in FIGS. 12-16. As can be seen in FIGS. 12 and
13, the flame simulating assembly 520 includes an exterior
subassembly 572 enclosing at least a portion of a housing 522 and
generally including a mantel portion 574, a front portion 578, and
side walls 580 (FIGS. 14, 15). The flame simulating assembly 520
also includes a bottom portion 581 (FIG. 12). The exterior
subassembly 572 comprises a "trim" package resembling a mantel and
other decorative parts of an actual fireplace, which is provided to
enhance the simulation effect of the flame simulating assembly. For
example, the exterior subassembly 572 can be made of wood, wood
veneer, or any other suitable material, and provided with a
suitable finish. Preferably, the exterior subassembly 572 does not
include a back wall, unless needed in a particular application.
[0072] In the flame simulating assembly 520, the mantel portion 574
is movable relative to the housing 522 between a closed position
(FIG. 12), in which an air filter 560 is inaccessible because it is
covered by the mantel portion 574, and an open position (FIGS.
13-16), in which the air filter 560 is accessible because the
mantel portion 574 has been moved forwardly. In this way, access to
the air filter is provided when the air filter is mounted in or on
the back panel, to enable the user to remove the air filter 560
from a frame 561 for replacement or repair or cleaning of the
filter 560, as appropriate.
[0073] 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 as claimed. Therefore, the spirit and scope
of the appended claims should not be limited to the descriptions of
the preferred versions contained herein.
* * * * *