U.S. patent application number 11/699727 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-31 for panel for use in electric fireplace and fireplace incorporating the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Refractory Specialties, Incorporated. Invention is credited to Gregory J. Gorby, Suhas N. Patil.
Application Number | 20080181587 11/699727 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39668093 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080181587 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patil; Suhas N. ; et
al. |
July 31, 2008 |
Panel for use in electric fireplace and fireplace incorporating the
same
Abstract
A panel for simulating a firebox for use in an electric
fireplace and an electric fireplace incorporating the same. The
electric fireplace includes housing with a grate, a plurality of
artificial firelogs positioned on the grate and an ember bed
positioned under the grate. A light source is positioned to
transmit light through a plurality of apertures in a rotatable
cylinder that is disposed rearwardly of the firelogs. The panel is
a planar member that is positioned in the housing between the
cylinder and the firelogs. The panel includes a pattern thereon
which represents a firebox of a wood-burning fireplace. The pattern
is formed by silk-screening, painting or etching a pattern of a
flat wall of firebricks, a recessed wall of firebricks, stones,
logs or any other markings that represent a firebox found in a
fireplace. The light source preferably transmits light through
flame-shaped apertures in the rotatable cylinder, thereby
projecting flame-shaped images onto the panel or onto a screen that
is positioned forwardly of the panel.
Inventors: |
Patil; Suhas N.; (Alliance,
OH) ; Gorby; Gregory J.; (Hanoverton, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAND & SEBOLT
AEGIS TOWER, SUITE 1100, 4940 MUNSON STREET, NW
CANTON
OH
44718-3615
US
|
Assignee: |
Refractory Specialties,
Incorporated
Sebring
OH
|
Family ID: |
39668093 |
Appl. No.: |
11/699727 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
392/348 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24C 7/004 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
392/348 |
International
Class: |
F24B 1/18 20060101
F24B001/18 |
Claims
1. An electric fireplace comprising: a housing having a top, a
bottom, opposing sides and a back; a grate positionable on the
bottom of the housing; a plurality of artificial firelogs
positionable on the grate; an ember bed positionable under the
grate and fireplace; a light source provided in at least one of the
bottom and back of the housing; at least one rotatable cylinder
having a pattern of a plurality of apertures formed therein;
wherein light from said light source is transmitted through the
apertures in the cylinder during rotation of the same; a panel
positionable in the housing between said cylinder and the firelogs
on the grate; and wherein said panel includes a pattern thereon,
said pattern being a representation of an interior of a firebox of
a wood-burning fireplace.
2. The electric fireplace as defined in claim 1, wherein the panel
is a flat, planar sheet.
3. The electric fireplace as defined in claim 1, wherein the panel
is at least partially one of one of opaque, translucent and
transparent.
4. The electric fireplace as defined in claim 1, wherein the
pattern is a representation of one or more of a flat wall of
bricks, a three-dimensional recessed wall of bricks, stonework and
a three-dimensional recessed or protruding logset.
5. The electric fireplace as defined in claim 4, wherein the
pattern is formed on the panel by one or more of silk screening,
painting and etching.
6. The electric fireplace as defined in claim 5, wherein pattern is
produced at least partially in color.
7. The electric fireplace as defined in claim 1, wherein the
apertures in the cylinder are flame-shaped; and wherein the panel
further includes a second pattern thereon, said second pattern
being a projected image of a plurality of flames formed by the
light transmitted from the light source through the flame-shaped
apertures in the cylinder.
8. The electric fireplace as defined in claim 7, wherein the
projected second pattern is positioned on the panel so that when
the fireplace is viewed from a front end, the images of the flames
begin behind an upper portion of the firelogs in the housing and
extend upwardly and outwardly away therefrom.
9. The electric fireplace as defined in claim 1, further comprising
a screen positioned between the panel and the grate with the
firelogs thereon.
10. The electric fireplace as defined in claim 9, wherein the
screen includes a second pattern thereon, said second pattern being
a plurality of flames.
11. The electric fireplace as defined in claim 10, wherein the
apertures in the cylinder are flame-shaped; and wherein the second
pattern is a projected image of the plurality of flames formed by
light being transmitted from the light source through the
flame-shaped apertures in the cylinder.
12. The electric fireplace as defined in claim 1 wherein the panel
is integrally formed with a logset that includes one or more of a
plurality of artificial firelogs, a grate and an ember bed.
13. A panel for use in an electric fireplace, said panel comprising
a member having a pattern formed thereon, said pattern being a
representation of a firebox of a wood-burning fireplace.
14. The panel as defined in claim 13, wherein the pattern is a
representation of one or more of a flat wall of bricks, a
three-dimensional recessed wall of bricks, stonework and a
three-dimensional recessed or protruding logset.
15. The panel as defined in claim 14, wherein the pattern is formed
on the panel by one or more of silk screening, painting and
etching.
16. The panel as defined in claim 15, wherein at least a portion of
the pattern is formed in color.
17. The panel as defined in claim 13, wherein the panel is a
diffuser screen.
18. The panel as defined in claim 13, wherein the panel is at least
partially one of opaque, translucent and transparent.
19. The panel as defined in claim 13, wherein the panel is a flat,
planar sheet.
20. The panel as defined in claim 13, wherein the panel is
integrally formed with a logset that includes one or more of a
plurality of artificial firelogs, a grate and an ember bed.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] This invention generally relates to fireplaces. More
particularly, the invention relates to electric fireplaces which
simulate the appearance of a wood-burning or gas-burning fireplace.
Specifically, the invention relates to an electric fireplace that
includes a planar panel having an image of a firebox thereon, with
the panel being positioned rearwardly of a plurality of artificial
firelogs and in front of a light source.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Fireplaces may add to the warmth and ambiance of any room.
However, in many locations, installing a wood-burning or
gas-burning fireplace is not practical or even possible because of
space constraints or venting issues. In warmer climates, on the
other hand, homeowners may want the ambiance offered by a fireplace
but do not want any heat to be emitted therefrom. It is in these
instances that electric fireplaces are the ideal solution.
[0005] An electric fireplace will only tend to add to the
appearance of a room if it creates an effective illusion that it is
a wood-burning or gas-burning fireplace. This has caused
manufacturers to include various components in electric fireplaces
that are essentially decorative and not functional. So, for
example, electric fireplaces include a grate, artificial firelogs
and embers, and none of these components contribute to the
production of heat from the fireplace. Furthermore, the fireplaces
have included mechanisms for creating the illusion of burning
firelogs. These mechanisms have included providing a rotating
cylinder that has flame-shaped apertures formed in its exterior
surface. A light is shone through the rotating cylinder and onto a
diffuser screen positioned behind the firelogs. Other fireplaces,
such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,393,207 and 6,757,487
both issued to Martin et al, include a screen on which colored
flame-shaped images are silk screened. A light is shone through an
apertured rotating cylinder positioned rearwardly of the screen and
the moving light causes the silk-screened images to appear to
flicker, thereby creating the illusion of burning logs
[0006] Another of the components that manufacturers have needed to
include, but which does not serve any functional purpose, is a
firebox in which the grate, artificial firelogs and embers are
presented. So, for example in the patents to Martin et al
referenced previously, a simulated firebox insert having a top, a
bottom, a back and sides is positioned within a cavity in a
housing. The sides of the insert are painted to appear like
firebricks or, alternatively, ceramic fiber refractory panels which
are appropriately shaped and colored are attached to the interior
sides of the insert. These additional components add to the cost of
manufacturing the electric fireplace.
[0007] There is therefore a need in the art for an improved
electric fireplace that has the illusion of a firebox for a
wood-burning or gas-burning fireplace, but that does not require
the actual construction of a firebox during manufacture of the
unit.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The device of the present invention comprises a panel for
simulating a firebox in an electric fireplace. The electric
fireplace includes housing with a grate, a plurality of artificial
firelogs positioned on the grate and an ember bed positioned under
the grate. A light source is positioned to transmit light through a
plurality of apertures in a rotatable cylinder that is disposed
rearwardly of the firelogs. The panel is a planar member that is
positioned in the housing between the cylinder and the firelogs.
The panel includes a pattern thereon which represents a firebox of
a wood-burning fireplace. The pattern is formed by silk-screening,
painting or etching one of a flat wall of firebricks, a recessed
wall of firebricks, stones, a logset or any other markings that
represent a firebox found in a fireplace. The light source
preferably transmits light through flame-shaped apertures in the
rotatable cylinder, thereby projecting flame-shaped images onto the
panel or onto a screen that is positioned forwardly of the
panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of
the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the
principles, are set forth in the following description and are
shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed
out and set forth in the appended claims.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an electric fireplace
in accordance with the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the electric
fireplace taken through line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front view of a first embodiment of a panel for
use in the electric fireplace of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of a second embodiment of a panel for
use in the electric fireplace;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a front view of a third embodiment of a panel for
use in the electric fireplace;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a panel for
use in the electric fireplace;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of an alternative
embodiment of a fireplace in accordance with the present invention;
and
[0017] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the electric
fireplace of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown an electric fireplace
10 in accordance with the present invention. Fireplace 10 comprises
a housing that includes a mantel 12, a base 14 and side panels 16,
18 that surround and define an interior cavity 20. Fireplace 10 has
the appearance of being a natural wood-burning fireplace when
viewed from a front end 10a thereof and includes a grate 22,
artificial firelogs 24 and an ember bed 26 which are positioned
within cavity 20. A light source (not shown) may be provided in
base 14 to illuminate ember bed 26 from beneath, as is known in the
art.
[0019] One or more rotatable cylinders 28, 30 are positioned
rearwardly of firelogs 24. Cylinders 28, 30 each have an outer
surface in which a plurality of flame-shaped apertures (not shown)
are formed. Light from a light source 29 shines through the outer
surface of cylinders 28, 30 and through these flame-shaped
apertures. As the cylinders 28, 30 rotate, the light shining
through the apertures is directed forwardly toward front end 10a of
fireplace 10 and onto a diffuser screen 32. An image of a plurality
of flames 36 is thereby formed on diffuser screen 32 by the
light.
[0020] In accordance with a specific feature of the present
invention, fireplace 10 is provided with a panel 34 situated
between diffuser screen 32 and cylinders 28, 30. Panel 34
preferably is a planar sheet that is at least partially one of
opaque, translucent or transparent to allow some light to be
transmitted therethrough. Panel 34 is provided with a pattern
thereon to represent the interior of a firebox of a wood-burning
fireplace. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, pattern 38
is one of a plurality of firebricks. This is illustrated in a first
embodiment in FIG. 3 where the panel shows a flat wall of
firebricks. In a second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the panel shows
a recessed wall of firebricks. It will be understood, however, that
any other suitable pattern may be utilized on panel 34, such as one
to simulate the stonework of a firebox in a stone fireplace.
Furthermore, the pattern 38 may also include a three-dimensionally
recessed or protruding logset 39 which includes a plurality of logs
seated on a grate above an ember bed. This third embodiment is
shown in FIG. 5.
[0021] It will also be understood that the pattern 38 preferably is
produced at least partially in color. The pattern 38 is formed on
panel 34 any suitable method including silk screening, painting,
etching or any combination of these.
[0022] While panel 34 has been disclosed above to preferably be a
planar sheet, it will be understood that panel 34 may also be
integrally formed with or otherwise attached to the logset without
departing from the spirit of the present invention. This fourth
embodiment is shown in FIG. 6 where the panel 32 is attached by an
adhesive 23 to one or more of the grate 22, logs 24 and ember bed
26.
[0023] Fireplace 10 is used in the following manner. A switch (not
shown) is used to activate both the light source 29 and cylinders
28, 30. As cylinders 28, 30 are rotated, the light from light
source 29 passes through the flame-shaped apertures in the rotating
cylinders 28, 30, through panel 34 and through diffuser screen 32.
The pattern of firebricks 38 on panel 34 is illuminated by the
light forming the flame-shaped images 36 on diffuser screen 32.
This creates the illusion, when viewed from the front end 10a of
fireplace 10, that the firelogs 24 are burning and that the flames
are illuminating a portion of the firebox in which the logs are
situated. The illusion of a firebox is thus created by the
provision of the planar panel 34. There is therefore no need for
the construction of a specially shaped firebox to be received
within a cavity of the fireplace housing. The panel 34 is simply
positioned across a rear portion of the generally rectangular
cavity 20 formed by the mantel, base and sides. There is also no
need for painting a brickwork pattern onto the interior side walls
of a specially shaped firebox or for the attachment of ceramic
fiber panels onto the interior side walls thereof. Panel 34
therefore reduces the time required and the cost for manufacturing
an electric fireplace.
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is shown an alternative
embodiment of a fireplace in accordance with the present invention
and generally indicated at 110. Fireplace 110 includes a housing
having a mantel 112, a base 114 and side panels 116, 18 that
surround and define an interior cavity 120. Fireplace 110 includes
a grate 122, artificial firelogs 124, and ember bed 126 positioned
within the cavity 120. As with the previous embodiment, a light
source 129 is provided to shine through flame-shaped apertures in
cylinders 128, 130. In this instance, fireplace 10 includes a
single diffuser panel 140 positioned intermediate firelogs 124 and
cylinders 128, 130. Panel 140 is a planar sheet that is at least
partially one of opaque, translucent and transparent and is
provided with a pattern 138 of firebricks thereon. Pattern 138 is
formed by silk-screening, painting or etching firebricks onto the
diffuser panel 140. When diffuser panel 140 is illuminated with the
flame pattern produced by light shining through the flame-shaped
apertures in cylinders 128, 130, panel 140 creates the illusion
that fireplace 110 includes a firebox in which the firelogs 124 are
burning. The pattern 138 on diffuser panel 140 may be of any
suitable type such as that illustrated in FIG. 7. It will be
understood, however, that any other suitable pattern may be
utilized on panel 140, such as one to simulate a flat brick wall or
a firebox of a stone fireplace, for example.
[0025] It will be understood that the illusion of the flames may be
created in a manner other than by shining light through
flame-shaped apertures in the rotating cylinders, without departing
from the spirit of the present invention. So, for example, the
fireplace may include a screen in which the flames are preformed
such as by silk-screening or painting. Furthermore, the pattern 38,
138 of the firebricks disclosed and claimed herein may be
superimposed upon any such screen.
[0026] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0027] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact
details shown or described.
* * * * *