EP2167879B1

EP2167879B1 - Simulated fire

Info

Publication number: EP2167879B1
Application number: EP08762304A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Betz; Wolfram Fischer; Paul Michael Warren
Original assignee: Basic Holdings
Current assignee: Basic Holdings
Priority date: 2007-06-08
Filing date: 2008-06-06
Publication date: 2012-03-21
Anticipated expiration: 2028-06-06
Also published as: GB2449924A; GB0711067D0; WO2008149117A2; EP2167879A2; WO2008149117A3; ATE550607T1

Abstract

A simulated fire apparatus 10 comprises a casing 12 having opposed side walls (20, 22; fig.3), a top wall 14, a bottom wall 16 and a rear wall (18, fig.2) together defining an internal cavity 24, where the casing has an open front. A burning fuel and/or flame simulating means (26, fig.2) is arranged, at least partially, within the cavity. A detachable front panel or decorative frame 54 is operatively mounted to the casing in any of at least two user selectable configurations. Preferably, the front panel or decorative frame comprises an aperture 56 through which the burning fuel and/or flame simulation may be observed. The decorative frame may include visually different first and second faces (58A, 58B; fig.2). Preferably the front panel or decorative frame is made of wood, metal, glass or plastic. The apparatus may comprise a fan convection heater (50, fig.2) to provide space heating.

Description

The present disclosure relates to simulated fires, and more particularly to simulated fires incorporated in to space heating apparatus or appliances, more especially for use in a domestic environment. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the construction of casings or housings within which fire simulating means of such a fire are arranged. A simulated tire apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from US 5 647 342 .
Many types of simulated fire are known in the art, with various different means of providing a fire simulation. Generally a fire simulation means is mounted in a housing casing or cabinet which is configured either for mounting on a floor surface (such as when inset into a fireplace) or which is configured for attaching to a wall, above floor level.
The present disclosure seeks to provide a simulated fire apparatus which is simply constructed and which reduces the cost of manufacture, while maintaining or enhancing desirable qualities which appeal to a user. Furthermore the present disclosure seeks to provide a simulated fire apparatus which is suitable for mounting on a wall above floor level and which provides a user with the possibility of selecting different appearance configurations for the simulated fire.
According to the present invention there is provided a simulated fire apparatus according to claim 1.
Preferably the decorative frame or front panel is attached to the casing by means of mounting means comprising co-operating engagement formations arranged respectively on the decorative frame or front panel and the casing by means of which the front panel is mounted and retained at the casing front.
In preferred embodiments the decorative frame or front panel is attached to the casing by means of mounting means configured for mounting of the front panel without access by an operator to said cavity.
Most preferably wherein the decorative frame or front panel comprises a frame defining an aperture through which the burning fuel and/or flame simulation may be observed by a user. Preferably the aperture of the frame is sized such that the casing may sit within the aperture.
The frame includes a first face observable by a user when the frame is in a first configuration and a second face observable by user when the frame is in a second configuration, the first and second faces being visually differentiated.
Preferably the casing includes at an upper external portion thereof a frame attachment component and the frame includes at an upper aperture-facing portion thereof a complementary attachment component, by means of which attachment components the decorative frame is mounted and retained on the casing.
Preferably the frame attachment component of the casing is an outwardly projecting formation and the complementary attachment formation is a slot or channel formed in the frame into which the outwardly projecting formation is received.
Preferably the casing includes stop formations formed on external faces of the respective side walls against which the frame may rest in a use position.
Preferably the simulated fire apparatus further comprises locking means arranged towards the base of the casing which locking means assist in retaining the frame in its position of use.
Preferably the locking means comprises a locking tab or lug which, in a locking position obstructs forward movement of the frame from its use position.
Preferably the decorative frame or front panel is at least substantially formed from wood, metal, glass or plastic.
Preferably the simulated fire apparatus further comprises a second decorative frame or front panel.
Preferably the second decorative frame or front panel is configured for mounting on the casing only in a single configuration.
Preferably the second decorative frame or front panel is a frame having at least one internal dimension which is less than a corresponding external dimension of the casing.
Preferably the second decorative frame has at least one external dimension which is greater than a corresponding internal dimension of the first decorative frame.
Preferably the second decorative frame is attached to the casing by means of mounting means comprising co-operating engagement formations arranged respectively on the second decorative frame and the casing by means of which the second decorative frame is mounted and retained at the casing front.
Preferably the second decorative frame is attached to the casing by means of mounting means configured for mounting of the front panel without access by an operator to said cavity.
Preferably the mounting means comprise at least one projecting formation and a complementary formation configured to receive the said projecting formation.
Preferably the at least one projecting formation projects from an inner surface of the second decorative frame.
Preferably the casing includes a front wall portion configured to extend downwardly from the top wall thereof , said front wall portion including at least one slot configured to receive the, or a respective, projecting formation.
Preferably the apparatus further comprises a heating means operable to provide an output of heat for space heating.
Preferably the heating means is a convection heater in particular a fan heater.
Preferably the apparatus further comprises at least one attachment formation disposed at a rear portion of the casing by means of which the casing may operatively be suspended from a building wall.
For a better understanding of the disclosure and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will be made to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a partially exploded view of an apparatus according to the disclosure;
Figure 2 is a vertical cross section through an apparatus according to the disclosure;
Figure 3 is a horizontal cross section through an upper portion of the apparatus;
Figure 4A is a rear plan view of one front decorative panel of the apparatus of the disclosure; and
Figure 4B is a rear perspective view of one front decorative panel of the apparatus according to the disclosure.

Referring now to the drawings, the apparatus 10 comprises a casing, cabinet or housing 12 which is defined by a top wall 14, bottom wall 16, rear wall 18 and side walls 20, 22. The side walls 20, 22, the bottom wall 16 and the top wall 14 extend forwardly from the rear wall 18 and may depend therefrom or be integral therewith. Thus the respective side walls 20, 22 are opposed to one another and the top wall 14 and bottom wall 16 are opposed to one another. The respective walls 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 together define an internal cavity 24 in which a flame and/or burning fuel simulating arrangement is disposed. A front panel 48 is mounted at the front of the casing which acts to close the cavity 24. The flame and/or burning fuel simulating arrangement 26 may, in generally, be of any known type, with preference given to the most realistic simulations. In other embodiments of the disclosure, the flame and/or burning fuel simulation need not be used and other means of providing a visually appealing optical effect, such as an abstract illumination effect, may be substituted.
In one preferred embodiment of the disclosure as illustrated the flame and burning fuel simulating means 26 comprises a simulated fuel bed 28 which includes a plurality of real or simulated fuel elements 30 such as real or simulated coal or logs. The fuel bed 28 is illuminated from below by a suitable light source 32 to provide a glowing effect. Preferably the light is coloured by suitable means such as translucent plastic supporting moulding 34, which is coloured in fire-like colours, typically predominantly orange and red. In alternative arrangements, the fuel bed 28 may be formed from a single plastic moulding shaped and coloured to resemble burning fuel. In other alternative arrangements, pieces of real or simulated fuel may be retained on an openwork support member (in place of the moulding 34), and alternative means, such as colour filters, are provided for colouring the light from the light source 32.
In order to provide a simulation of flames, one preferred embodiment of the disclosure includes a viewing screen 36 on which the flame simulation may be observed by a user. The viewing screen 36 is preferably (but not necessarily) a planar member. The viewing screen is provided with means for diffusing light which passes therethrough, which assists in providing a more realistic flame simulation and also assists in preventing the user from observing distinctly internal components of the apparatus. The screen 36 may be made diffusing by, for example, suitably abrading its surface, or by incorporating a diffusing material into the material of the screen. For example the screen 36 may include a fine particulate material such as titanium dioxide dispersed therethrough. In alternative arrangements, the screen may be provided with a separate diffusing layer, portion or component, preferably at the rear face 38 thereof, which may, or may not, be planar.
The viewing screen 36 is most preferably constructed so that a front side 40 thereof is partially reflective. That is, the screen is configured to reflect at least a portion of the light which is incident upon it. In this way, a reflected image of the fuel bed 28 is seen be user in the screen 36. This has the effect of doubling the perceived depth of the fuel bed 28 and gives the impression that the flame simulation appearing in the screen 36 arises from the middle of the perceived fuel bed (that is, the combination of the actual fuel bed 28 and its reflection).
The flame simulation in the viewing screen 36 is in general provided by interposing means for modifying light from the light source 32 between the light source and the screen 36. Such means may include one element, or a plurality of different elements. In one preferred example as illustrated, the means comprises a rod-like structure 40 having a plurality of approximately radially extending reflective portions 42, together with means of rotating the rod 40 about its axis. Light from the light source 32 strikes the reflective portions before being reflected onto the screen 36. This provides "moving beams of light" incident on the viewing screen 36 which effectively simulates flames. Preferably a rear reflector 44 is also provided on or adjacent the internal face of rear wall 18 so that light from the light source 32 (and radial reflectors 42) is reflected by the rear reflector 44 onto the viewing screen 36. The rear reflector 44 can be any suitable material, but is preferably of polished metal such as brass or a metallic substance of a brassy or silver colour. For example, the reflector 44 may be in the form of a polished metal plate attached to the rear wall 18, or may comprise a metallised plastic, for example. In a further alternative, a metallic film or layer may be printed or otherwise attached to the rear wall 18. In preferred arrangements, the reflector may be cut, shaped or treated to resemble the shape of flames. For example, in the case of a polished metal reflector 44, an upper portion 44a thereof may be made matte or darkly coloured to leave a remaining reflective area 44b having the shape of flames. The rear reflector 44 may be generally planar or, more preferably, may be curved about a nominally vertical axis as illustrated.
The effect of movement of flames can be provided by the above-described rod and reflector arrangement, or by alternative means for interrupting the light form the light source 32. For example an apertured plate may be mounted behind the viewing screen 36 or an apertured sheet of fabric may be suspended loosely behind the viewing screen 36. The fabric may be suspended loosely in front of the rear wall 18 and caused to billow in a flow of air from a suitable blower, thereby imparting movement to the light incident on the screen 36. The fabric may have reflective properties, for example where the fabric is silk or polyester or the like so that light from the light source is alternatively (or in addition) reflected onto the screen 36 by the billowing fabric.
In another possible arrangement the flame simulating means is provided by one or more flags or strips of material which are loosely suspended behind the screen 36 and in front of the rear wall 18. The flags are made form a material with reflective properties such as silk, polyester or like materials. A blower is arranged in a lower area of the casing 12 to direct a flow of air over the flags, so that they are caused to billow. A reflector 44 is arranged behind the flags, most preferably on the rear wall 18. The reflector 44 is positioned to reflect light from the light source onto the screen 36 via the flags. The flags may also include cut-outs or apertures through which light may be transmitted onto the screen 36 after reflection by the reflector 44.
Various space heating means, or none at all, may be included in the apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure. In preferred arrangements, the space heating means is a convection heating means and in particular fan heater 50. The fan heater 50 is arranged to provide a flow of heated air exiting the apparatus, for example through a suitable grille 52. In one preferred arrangement as illustrated the fan heater is arranged at the base of the fire apparatus 10 so that heated air is expelled through a grille 52 at a front portion of the fire apparatus 10 towards the base. In an alternative arrangement, the fan heater may be mounted at an upper part of the fire and screened by a decorative canopy extending forwardly from the front of the fire apparatus 10. This arrangement can have disadvantages in effectively extending the front to back dimension of the fire apparatus. This arrangement of the fan heater 50, together with the preferred flame and fuel simulating arrangement as described herein, is particularly advantageous in minimising the overall front to back dimension of the simulated fire 10. This is especially important in the case of wall mounted simulated fires.
The front panel 46 is most preferably substantially planar, but is not necessarily so. The front panel 46 is transparent so that a user may view the simulated flame and fuel effect through the front panel 46. In some arrangements, the front panel may be darkened in the manner of "smoked" glass so that when the fuel and flame effect is not operative, the user does not easily see components within the casing 12. The front panel 46 also serves to prevent the ingress of dust and dirt to the fuel and flame simulating means.
The simulated fire apparatus 10 described herein is configured for mounting on a wall, normally somewhat above floor level. To facilitate wall mounting, the casing 12 is provided with at least one attachment formation disposed at a rear portion of the casing 12 by means of which the casing 12 may be suspended from a building wall. In a preferred embodiment as illustrated the attachment formation comprises a bracket 68 in the form of a panel, such as of metal, which is attached to the side of the rear wall 18 of the casing 12. The bracket 68 includes a portion 70 which is somewhat spaced apart from the rear wall 18 and which therefore may be accommodated in or on a complementary bracket portion fastened to the wall, the simulated fire apparatus thus being held on the wall by the respective brackets. Alternatively, the bracket 68 may itself be attachable directly to a wall and include hook like formations which co-operate with complementary formations formed at an upper part of rear wall 18 to "hang" the apparatus 10 on the bracket 68. Brackets may also be provided at a lower portion of the casing 12 for further security of attachment of the casing 12 to the wall.
The simulated fire apparatus 10 of the disclosure further comprises a first decorative frame component 54 which is mounted in use on the casing 12. The frame component comprises upper and lower frame elements 54a, 54b and side frame elements 54c, 54d. The respective frame elements 54a-54d define an aperture 56. Both the lateral dimension A and the longitudinal dimension B of the aperture are greater than the corresponding dimensions A' and B' of the casing 12 so that the casing 12 can sit within the aperture 56 or, expressed alternatively, so that the frame component 54 can be mounted around the casing 12.
The frame component 54 is provided with first and second faces 58A, 588 which are visually differentiated, for example by being of different colour, finishing material, texture or the like. The frame component 54 is demountable and reversible so that a user can choose which of the first and second faces 58A, 58B is presented towards the front of the apparatus and thus visible in normal use. In the illustrated embodiments, face 58A is forwardly presented.
The frame component 54 is mounted and retained on the casing 12 by mounting means. In general terms any suitable mounting means which facilitate the removal and re-mounting of the frame component 54 when desired by a user is suitable. In the preferred embodiment as illustrated the frame component 54 is provided in upper frame element 54a with a groove or channel 64 into which a projecting formation 60 attached to, or depending from, top wall 14 is received. The top wall 14 of the casing 12 is also provided with a stop formation 62 against which the rear facing face of the frame element 54a rests in use and was assists in preventing the frame component 54 from moving rearwards on the casing 12. The stop formation 62 also assists a user in correctly locating the frame component 54 on the casing 12. The stop formation 62 may be formed integrally wit the projecting formation 60, for example in the form of an approximately channel or U-shaped member. Further stop formations 66 are provided on the side walls 20, 22 of the casing which also serve to prevent undesired rearward movement of the frame component 54. Moveable locking means 72 are provided towards the base of the casing 12 to secure the frame component 54. In the illustrated embodiment the locking means comprise a tab or lug 74 attached to the casing by a screw fitting, rivet or the like 76. The tab 74 is moveable about the screw fitting 76 from between positions in which it obstructs removal of the frame component 54 and positions in which the frame component 54 is not obstructed and can be removed from the casing.
Thus, a user can, at will, remove the frame component 74, change its orientation or configuration and re-mount it on the casing 12, so that a visually different face of the frame component 54 becomes visible. The mounting and re-mounting can be carried out without access to the interior of the simulated fire apparatus and without the use of any special tools such as spanners, screwdrivers, Allan keys and the like.
The simulated fire apparatus 10 of the present disclosure is also provided with a second decorative frame component 78 which is provided to screen the front edges of walls 14, 16, 20, 22 from a user's view and therefore improve the aesthetic appearance of the simulated fire apparatus. The second frame component 78 comprises upper and lower frame elements 78a, 78b and side frame elements 78c, 78d. The second frame component 78 may also include a crossbar 88 which is positioned to shield internal components of the flame simulating apparatus 10 such as sub assembly 90 The respective frame elements 78a-78d define an aperture 80. Both the lateral dimension A and the longitudinal dimension B of the aperture 56 of the first frame component 54 are smaller than the corresponding maximum dimensions A" and B" of the second frame component 78. Also, the dimensions A" and B" of the second frame component 78 are greater than the corresponding dimensions A' and B' of the casing 12, so that the second frame component 78 extends beyond and visually shields the front edges of the casing 12. The relative sizes of the first and second frames provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance, but also means that the second decorative frame component 78 must be removed before the first frame component 54 can be removed.
In order to mount the second decorative frame component 78 on the casing 12, the casing 12 and the second decorative frame component 78 are provided with mounting formations. In particular, the casing 12 is provided with a front wall portion 12B which depends from top wall 14 and which includes mounting formations. The second decorative frame component 78 is provided with projecting formations 82 which extend outwardly form a rear face of the frame component 78 and which include a hook-like element 84 at a leading end part thereof. The projecting formations 82 may be formed as a part of a common web, sheet or plate 90 which is suitably affixed to the rearward face of frame component 78a, such as by means of a suitable adhesive. The mounting formations of the front wall portion 12B are in the form of slots 86 into which the projecting formations 82 are received. The second decorative frame component 78 thus "hangs" from the casing by means of the projecting formations 82 and the hook like elements 84 prevent unintentional withdrawal by requiring some lifting of the second decorative frame component 78 prior to its removal.

Claims

An simulated fire apparatus (10) comprising
a casing (12) comprising opposed side walls (20, 22), a top wall (14), a bottom wall (16) and a rear wall (18) together defining an internal cavity (24), the casing (12) having a substantially open front
a burning fuel and/or flame simulating means (26) arranged at least partially within said cavity (24) and
at least one decorative frame or front panel (54) operatively demountably attached to the casing (12) in any of at least two user-selectable configurations the first said configuration presents a first face (58A) of the frame or front panel (54) to a user and the second configuration presents a second face (58B) of the frame or front panel (54) to a user, the first and second faces being visually distinct.
A simulated fire apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1 wherein the decorative frame or front panel (54) is attached to the casing (12) by means of mounting means comprising co-operating engagement formations arranged respectively on the decorative frame or front panel and the casing by means of which the front panel (54) is mounted and retained at the casing (12) front.
A simulated fire apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the decorative frame or front panel (54) is attached to the casing (12) by means of mounting means configured for mounting of the front panel (54) without access by an operator to said cavity (24).
A simulated fire apparatus (10) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the decorative frame or front panel (54) comprises a frame defining an aperture (56) through which the burning fuel and/or flame simulation (26) may be observed by a user.
A simulated fire apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 4 wherein the aperture (56) of the frame (54) is sized such that the casing (12) may sit within the aperture (56).
A simulated fire apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 4 or 5 wherein the casing (12) includes at an upper external portion thereof a frame attachment component (60) and the frame (54) includes at an upper aperture-facing portion thereof a complementary attachment component (64), by means of which attachment components (60, 64) the decorative frame (54) is mounted and retained on the casing (12).
A simulated fire apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 6 wherein the frame attachment component of the casing (12) is an outwardly projecting formation (60) and the complementary attachment formation is a slot or channel (64) formed in the frame (54) into which the outwardly projecting formation (60) is received.
A simulated fire apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 5 or claims 6 or 7 when dependant on claim 5 wherein the casing (12) includes stop formations (62) formed on external faces of the respective side walls (20, 22) against which the frame (54) may rest in a use position.
A simulated fire apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 5 or 8 or claims 6 or 7 when dependent on claim 5 further comprising locking means (72) arranged towards the base of the casing (12) which locking means (72) assist in retaining the frame (54) in its position of use.
A simulated fire apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 9 wherein the locking means (72) comprises a locking tab or lug (74) which, in a locking position obstructs forward movement of the frame (54) from its use position.
A simulated fire apparatus (10) as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a second decorative frame or front panel (78) which second decorative frame or front panel (78) is preferably configured for mounting on the casing (12) only in a single configuration.
A simulated fire apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 11 wherein the second decorative frame or front panel (78) is a frame which has at least one internal dimension which is less than a corresponding external dimension of the casing (12) and, optionally, wherein the second decorative frame (78) has at least one external dimension which is greater than a corresponding internal dimension of the first decorative frame (54).
A simulated fire apparatus as claimed in any of claims 11 or 12 wherein the second decorative frame (78) is attached to the casing (12) by means of mounting means comprising co-operating engagement formations (82, 86) arranged respectively on the second decorative frame (78) and the casing (12) by means of which the second decorative frame (78) is mounted and retained at the casing front.
A simulated fire apparatus (10) as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the second decorative frame (78) is attached to the casing (12) by means of mounting means (82, 86) configured for mounting of the second decorative frame (78) without access by an operator to said cavity (24).
A simulated fire apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the mounting means comprise at least one projecting formation (82) and a complementary formation (86) configured to receive the said projecting formation, said projecting formation (82) preferably projecting from an inner surface of the second decorative frame (78).
A simulated fire apparatus (10) as claimed in claim 15 wherein the casing (12) includes a front wall portion (12B) configured to extend downwardly from the top wall (14) thereof, said front wall portion (12B) including at least one slot (86) configured to receive the, or a respective, projecting formation (82).
A simulated fire apparatus (10) as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the apparatus (10) further comprises a heating means (50) operable to provide an output of heat for space heating, and preferably wherein the heating means is a convection heater, in particular a fan heater.