[go: up one dir, main page]

US20050063685A1 - Space heater - Google Patents

Space heater Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20050063685A1
US20050063685A1 US10/501,439 US50143904A US2005063685A1 US 20050063685 A1 US20050063685 A1 US 20050063685A1 US 50143904 A US50143904 A US 50143904A US 2005063685 A1 US2005063685 A1 US 2005063685A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
effect means
flame effect
light
sheet
housing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/501,439
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Gary Bristow
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Burley Appliances Ltd
Original Assignee
Burley Appliances Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Burley Appliances Ltd filed Critical Burley Appliances Ltd
Assigned to BURLEY APPLIANCES LIMITED reassignment BURLEY APPLIANCES LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BRISTOW, GARY
Publication of US20050063685A1 publication Critical patent/US20050063685A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F24C7/00—Stoves or ranges heated by electric energy
    • F24C7/002—Stoves
    • F24C7/004—Stoves simulating flames

Definitions

  • This invention relates to space heaters, and particularly but not exclusively to apparatus for simulating flames in a solid fuel effect fire, to give the impression of flames emanating from combusting fuel.
  • a conventional space heater herein referred to as being of the kind specified, comprises a housing, heating means in the housing, a flame effect means in the housing, a source of light to illuminate the flame effect means in the housing, and a screen through which light is transmitted from the housing.
  • a means is provided, such as by a fan or mechanical means, to cause the flame effect means to move in the housing, and frequently the screen is translucent, to make the visual effect produced within the housing somewhat diffuse.
  • the flame effect means comprises a plurality of reflective ribbons suspended adjacent to a rear part of the fire, the light source being located forwardly of the ribbons, with a translucent screen also being located forwardly of the ribbons, such that light from the light source reflected from the ribbons is incident on a rear face of the screen, giving a flame effect when the screen is viewed from the front.
  • the flame effect means is in the form of a sheet of translucent material, such as crepe-de-chine, which is provided with a plurality of vertically-extending elongate slits, the material being located optically between the light source and the screen.
  • a fan within the housing causes the material to billow, and the slits periodically to open a short distance, allowing light to be transmitted directly onto the screen, thus simulating a flame.
  • a space heater characterised by the feature that light is directed from the light source through the flame effect means onto a reflector, and reflected light passes again through the flame effect means onto the screen.
  • the flame effect means comprises a sheet of flexible material, and is preferably generally matt, producing only a low level of reflected light.
  • the flame effect means may be provided by a sheet of silky material, such as crepe-de-chine, preferably being of a dark colour, such as dark red, or even black.
  • the flame effect means provides openings, means being provided to cause the flame effect means to move in the housing thereby causing the openings to move.
  • the openings which are provided in the sheet are elongate, and the material is suspended loosely within the housing, being caused to “billow” by the flow of air directed there across, or by mechanical means. Such billowing will cause the slits to open, and for these openings to be seen to travel vertically in the upwards direction, or if desired, downwardly.
  • Light passing through the screen will be provided at four levels, as follows:
  • levels a) and b) may be maintained at a low, ineffective level, whilst the level c) is sufficient only to provide a low level background glow.
  • Light at level d will be intermittent, but at a relatively high level, providing a “smoky” flame effect which may achieve a high level of realism.
  • a high quality flame effect means may be produced over a wide range of visual outputs.
  • the flame effect means may comprise a plurality of ribbons.
  • FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of an electric fire which is the preferred embodiment of this invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view, illustrating principles of performance of the fire.
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged view illustrating the production of “openings” in the flame effect means.
  • the space heater which is the preferred embodiment of this invention is an electric fire, comprising a housing 4 having a base 6 and a rear wall 8 . Located forwardly of the front wall 10 an illuminated coal effect 12 may be provided, in conventional manner. Heating means (not shown) is also provided, in conventional manner.
  • a sheet 14 of a lightweight flexible material Suspended within the housing 4 from an upper support 13 is a sheet 14 of a lightweight flexible material, such as crepe-de-chine, said sheet being secured loosely by lower securing means 16 , adjacent a lower end of the housing.
  • a fan 18 mounted adjacent to the lower securing means 16 is a fan 18 arranged to direct a flow of air upwardly against the material 14 , to cause the material to billow in an upward direction, and if desired, the lower end of the sheet may be secured to a rear wall of the fan housing.
  • slits 20 As is seen from FIG. 2 , provided in the sheet 14 are a plurality of slits 20 , said slits extending a majority of the height of the sheet 14 , and being generally parallel to the side edges of the sheet, there being in the preferred embodiment perhaps sixteen such slits disposed uniformly width-wise of the housing 4 .
  • a translucent screen 24 Extending upwardly to an upper closure member 21 is a translucent screen 24 , conveniently of perspex or glass.
  • a light source 28 Provided within the housing 10 adjacent a front face of the sheet 14 is a light source 28 , arranged to direct light against the front face of the sheet 14 , conveniently the light source simultaneously providing an illumination for a solid fuel (wood or coal) effect element 12 .
  • the slits form openings 21 (see FIG. 3 ), which move generally in the upwards direction as the sheet billows under the influence of the flow of air.
  • the air flow may be directed downwardly, to cause the openings 21 to move in the downward direction.
  • Light directed against the sheet 14 in part passes through the material itself, falling against a generally triangular reflector 32 mounted on the rear wall 8 of the housing, light reflected therefrom passing forwardly through the sheet 14 and through the screen 24 .
  • Some of the light transmitted against the sheet 14 will also pass through the openings themselves in one direction of traverse of the sheet 14 , whilst some light will pass through openings formed by the slits 20 in both directions of traverse of the light.
  • This latter light appears through the screen 24 , and hence to a viewer of the space heater as areas 30 of light moving upwardly of the screen, quickly dissipating due to the lower degree of incidence of light from the source 28 on the upper parts of the reflector 32 , and by virtue of the shape of the reflector itself, simulating flickering flames.
  • the level of the background glow which will be observed on the screen 24 will primarily be produced by light being reflected from the front face of the material 14 through the screen.
  • the intensity of the background glow will be determined in part of course by the colour of the material of the sheet 14 , and may, if desired, be enhanced by a reduction in thickness, so that there is a small contribution to the background glow, by light being reflected from the reflector 32 , and passing through the material 14 itself.
  • crepe-de-chine which is black in colour
  • the light source 14 is arranged to transmit a white light
  • a “smoky” flame effect is produced.
  • a warmer effect may be produced, by the use of crepe-de-chine of a dark red colour, together with an orange light as the light source 14 .
  • the flame effect means may be provided by a plurality of ribbons, suspended between the reflector and the light source in a manner such that light passes from the source 28 to the ribbons, some light being reflected directly from the ribbons through the screen, other light passing the ribbons and being reflected by the reflector 32 , whereby light falling on the screen is at a number of different levels.
  • the ribbons may be of translucent material, such as crepe-de-chine, but may be partly reflective.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Central Heating Systems (AREA)
  • Curtains And Furnishings For Windows Or Doors (AREA)
US10/501,439 2002-01-14 2003-01-09 Space heater Abandoned US20050063685A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB02000656.7 2002-01-14
GBGB0200656.7A GB0200656D0 (en) 2002-01-14 2002-01-14 Apparatus for simulating flames
PCT/GB2003/000058 WO2003058127A1 (fr) 2002-01-14 2003-01-09 Radiateur independant

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050063685A1 true US20050063685A1 (en) 2005-03-24

Family

ID=9928969

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/501,439 Abandoned US20050063685A1 (en) 2002-01-14 2003-01-09 Space heater

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20050063685A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1466125A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN1313771C (fr)
AU (1) AU2003201995A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2473311A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB0200656D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2003058127A1 (fr)

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040165383A1 (en) * 2003-01-20 2004-08-26 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20040181983A1 (en) * 1996-05-17 2004-09-23 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20050072031A1 (en) * 2003-01-20 2005-04-07 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20060026894A1 (en) * 2001-09-12 2006-02-09 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20060162198A1 (en) * 2005-01-21 2006-07-27 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20060188831A1 (en) * 2005-02-18 2006-08-24 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly including an air filter
US20070094903A1 (en) * 2004-01-20 2007-05-03 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20070107280A1 (en) * 2004-01-20 2007-05-17 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20070224561A1 (en) * 2006-03-08 2007-09-27 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US7373743B1 (en) 2007-03-14 2008-05-20 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20100162599A1 (en) * 2005-12-14 2010-07-01 O'neill Noel Flame Effect Fire
US20120155075A1 (en) * 2010-12-20 2012-06-21 Twin-Star International, Inc. Multi-Color Simulated Flame System for Electric Fireplaces
US8361367B2 (en) 2004-11-17 2013-01-29 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US10371333B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2019-08-06 Living Style (B.V.I) Limited Flame simulating assembly for simulated fireplaces including an integrated flame screen and ember bed
US10584841B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2020-03-10 Living Style (B.V.I.) Limited Flame simulating assembly with occluded shadow imaging wall
US11067238B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2021-07-20 Living Style (B.V.I.) Limited Flame simulating assembly for simulated fireplaces including a reflecting light system
US11920747B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2024-03-05 Living Style (B.V.I.) Limited Flame simulating assembly for simulated fireplaces including a reflecting light system
US12158251B2 (en) * 2022-07-25 2024-12-03 Ningbo Richen Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd Flame simulation projection device

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2430487B (en) * 2005-09-21 2009-12-09 Basic Holdings Apparatus for producing an optical effect
GB2467302A (en) * 2009-01-27 2010-07-28 Valor Ltd Flame effect apparatus comprising a partially-reflective, translucent, sheet that reflects and transmits light received from a source to a reflector or screen

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2285535A (en) * 1941-03-04 1942-06-09 Schlett Otto Fireplace display
US3395475A (en) * 1967-03-07 1968-08-06 Frost & Company Ltd H Electrical illumination devices
US6269567B1 (en) * 1996-05-17 2001-08-07 Dimplex North America Limited Diffusing screen with matte region
US6302555B1 (en) * 1997-05-31 2001-10-16 Burley Appliances Limited Apparatus for simulating flames
US6564485B1 (en) * 2000-08-29 2003-05-20 Dimplex North America Limited Fire simulating assembly
US6757487B2 (en) * 1999-01-14 2004-06-29 Cfm Corporation Electric fireplace with light randomizer, filter and diffuser screen
US7080472B2 (en) * 2002-09-27 2006-07-25 Napoleon Systems And Develpements Inc. Flame simulating apparatus

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB968568A (fr) 1963-04-26 1964-09-02 H. Frost & Co Ltd
GB1186655A (en) 1968-02-06 1970-04-02 Frost & Company Ltd H Electric Illumination Devices
GB2222000A (en) * 1988-06-22 1990-02-21 Dimplex Ltd Glen Optical component used for flame effect in heating apparatus
CA2175442C (fr) * 1996-04-30 1998-12-22 Kristoffer Hess Systeme simulateur de flammes
GB9916007D0 (en) * 1999-07-09 1999-09-08 Burley Appliances Ltd Apparatus for simulating flames

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2285535A (en) * 1941-03-04 1942-06-09 Schlett Otto Fireplace display
US3395475A (en) * 1967-03-07 1968-08-06 Frost & Company Ltd H Electrical illumination devices
US6269567B1 (en) * 1996-05-17 2001-08-07 Dimplex North America Limited Diffusing screen with matte region
US6302555B1 (en) * 1997-05-31 2001-10-16 Burley Appliances Limited Apparatus for simulating flames
US6757487B2 (en) * 1999-01-14 2004-06-29 Cfm Corporation Electric fireplace with light randomizer, filter and diffuser screen
US6564485B1 (en) * 2000-08-29 2003-05-20 Dimplex North America Limited Fire simulating assembly
US7080472B2 (en) * 2002-09-27 2006-07-25 Napoleon Systems And Develpements Inc. Flame simulating apparatus

Cited By (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040181983A1 (en) * 1996-05-17 2004-09-23 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20060026894A1 (en) * 2001-09-12 2006-02-09 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US7134229B2 (en) 2003-01-20 2006-11-14 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20050072031A1 (en) * 2003-01-20 2005-04-07 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20040165383A1 (en) * 2003-01-20 2004-08-26 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US7162820B2 (en) 2003-01-20 2007-01-16 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US7770312B2 (en) 2004-01-20 2010-08-10 Dimplex North America Limited Flame stimulating assembly
US7673408B2 (en) 2004-01-20 2010-03-09 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20070094903A1 (en) * 2004-01-20 2007-05-03 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20070107280A1 (en) * 2004-01-20 2007-05-17 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US8480937B2 (en) 2004-11-17 2013-07-09 Dimplex North America Limited Method of forming a simulated combustible fuel element
US8361367B2 (en) 2004-11-17 2013-01-29 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20060162198A1 (en) * 2005-01-21 2006-07-27 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20060188831A1 (en) * 2005-02-18 2006-08-24 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly including an air filter
US20100162599A1 (en) * 2005-12-14 2010-07-01 O'neill Noel Flame Effect Fire
US20070224561A1 (en) * 2006-03-08 2007-09-27 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US7373743B1 (en) 2007-03-14 2008-05-20 Dimplex North America Limited Flame simulating assembly
US20120155075A1 (en) * 2010-12-20 2012-06-21 Twin-Star International, Inc. Multi-Color Simulated Flame System for Electric Fireplaces
US8739439B2 (en) * 2010-12-20 2014-06-03 Twin-Star International, Inc. Multi-color simulated flame system for electric fireplaces
US10371333B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2019-08-06 Living Style (B.V.I) Limited Flame simulating assembly for simulated fireplaces including an integrated flame screen and ember bed
US10451235B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2019-10-22 Living Style (B.V.I.) Limited Flame simulating assembly for simulated fireplaces including a flame screen having non-continuous flame segments
US10520149B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2019-12-31 Living Style (B.V.I.) Limited Flame simulating assembly for simulated fireplaces including a light channeling shield
US10584841B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2020-03-10 Living Style (B.V.I.) Limited Flame simulating assembly with occluded shadow imaging wall
US10711964B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2020-07-14 Living Style (B.V.I.) Limited Flame simulating assembly for simulated fireplaces including an integrated flame screen and ember bed
US10731810B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2020-08-04 Living Style (B.V.I.) Limited Flame simulating assembly for simulated fireplaces including a reflecting light system
US11067238B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2021-07-20 Living Style (B.V.I.) Limited Flame simulating assembly for simulated fireplaces including a reflecting light system
US11519576B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2022-12-06 Living Style (B.V.I.) Limited Flame simulating assembly for simulated fireplaces including a reflecting light system
US11920747B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2024-03-05 Living Style (B.V.I.) Limited Flame simulating assembly for simulated fireplaces including a reflecting light system
US12253226B2 (en) 2017-06-20 2025-03-18 Living Style (B.V.I.) Limited Flame simulating assembly for simulated fireplaces including a reflecting light element
US12158251B2 (en) * 2022-07-25 2024-12-03 Ningbo Richen Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd Flame simulation projection device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1466125A1 (fr) 2004-10-13
WO2003058127A1 (fr) 2003-07-17
AU2003201995A1 (en) 2003-07-24
GB0200656D0 (en) 2002-02-27
CN1313771C (zh) 2007-05-02
CA2473311A1 (fr) 2003-07-17
CN1633573A (zh) 2005-06-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20050063685A1 (en) Space heater
US4965707A (en) Apparatus for simulating flames
US6615519B2 (en) Flame simulating assembly
EP0897514B1 (fr) Agencement simulant des flammes.
US6393207B1 (en) Electric fireplace with light randomizer, filter and diffuser screen
US6564485B1 (en) Fire simulating assembly
US7080472B2 (en) Flame simulating apparatus
CA2552708C (fr) Appareil et methode pour simuler les effets de la combustion dans un foyer
US20050097792A1 (en) Apparatus and method for simulation of combustion effects in a fireplace
US20020174579A1 (en) Artificial log burning fireplace assembly
US7194830B2 (en) Flame simulating assembly
US20040114351A1 (en) Flame simulation apparatus
CA2672461A1 (fr) Flamme simulee descendante
GB2290865A (en) Electric fire with simulated flame effect
GB2302172A (en) Flame simulation apparatus
GB2377753A (en) A simulated fire with a holographic fuel bed
GB2350182A (en) Flame effect electric fire
WO2005028962A1 (fr) Appareil simulateur de flammes
GB2317224A (en) Flame-effect electric fire
GB2430487A (en) Apparatus for producing an optical effect
GB2220060A (en) Simulated fire effect
WO2010030924A2 (fr) Appareil et procédés pour la simulation des effets de combustion dans un foyer
EP2032903A1 (fr) Foyers à effet flammes
AU621713B2 (en) Apparatus for simulating flames

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: BURLEY APPLIANCES LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BRISTOW, GARY;REEL/FRAME:015086/0620

Effective date: 20040727

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION