FLAME SIMULATING ASSEMBLY

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) is provided having a simulated fuel bed (12, 112), a light source (14, 414), and a reflector (18, 518). The reflector (18, 518) is disposed in front of the simulated fuel bed (12, 112) and has a reflective surface (22, 522). The reflective surface (22, 522) is positioned for reflecting light from the light source (14, 414) onto the simulated fuel bed (12, 112) to simulate burning embers.

Description: FLAME SIMULATING ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The invention relates to flame simulating assemblies for use in electric or gas fireplaces and, in particular, to a flame simulating assembly having a simulated fuel bed and including a reflector positioned in front of the simulated fuel bed. BACKGROUND ART [0002] In general, known flame simulating devices have been primarily directed to simulating flames arising from simulated burning fuel, positioned in a simulated fuel bed. Usually the simulated fuel bed includes a simulation of a burning ember bed forming part of the simulated burning fuel, or positioned below the simulated burning fuel. Typically, the simulated burning fuel and the simulated ember bed are intended to resemble burning logs or burning coal. Where, as is usually the case, the simulated fuel bed is positioned at the front of the flame simulating assembly, the realistic simulation of burning fuel can contribute significantly to the overall effect achieved by the flame simulating assembly. [0003] Positioning a static reflector inside the simulated fuel bed is known. Such positioning of a static reflector is disclosed in U.K. Patent No.414,280 (Davis et al.), U.K. Patent No. 1,186,655 (Reed et al.), U.S. Patent No. 1,992,540 (Newton), U.S. Patent No. 3,699,697 (Painton), U.S. Patent No. 3,978,598 (Rose et al.), and U.S. Patent No. 4,890,600 (Meyers), hi each of these patents, however, a static reflector is positioned inside a structure which forms all or a portion of a simulated fuel bed. [0004] Positioning a movable reflector inside a simulated ember bed is disclosed in PCT ApplicationNo. PCT/CA99/00190 (Hess andPurton), filed on March 4, 1999. This application discloses apertures positioned in the simulated ember bed to allow light reflected by the movable reflector to be reflected onto the simulated burning fuel. [0005] There is a continuing need for a flame simulating assembly that more realistically simulates burning logs or coal, and burning embers of burning logs or coal. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION [0006] In a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flame simulating assembly which includes a simulated fuel bed, a light source, and a reflector. The reflector is disposed in front of the simulated fuel bed, and has a reflective surface. The reflective surface is positioned for reflecting light from the light source onto the simulated fuel bed to simulate burning embers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0007] The invention will be better understood with reference to the drawings, in which: [0008] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of the front of the preferred embodiment of a flame simulating assembly of the invention, including a reflector and a screen; [0009] Fig. 2 is a front view of the flame simulating assembly of Fig. 1; [0010] Fig. 3 is a section along line A-A of Fig. 2, drawn at a larger scale than Fig. 2; [0011] Fig. 4 is an isometric partly sectional view of the flame simulating assembly of Fig. 1, drawn at a larger scale than Fig. 1; [0012] Fig. 5 is an isometric view of the flame simulating assembly of Fig. 1, with the screen removed; [0013] Fig. 6 is an isometric view of the back of the reflector of Fig. 1 , drawn at a larger scale than Fig. 1; [0014] Fig. 7 is an isometric view of the front of the reflector of Fig. 6; [0015] Fig. 8 is a sectional side view, similar to Fig. 3, of another embodiment of the flame simulating assembly according to the invention; [0016] Fig. 9 is a sectional side view, similar to Fig. 3, of another embodiment of the flame simulating assembly according to the invention; [0017] Fig. 10 is a sectional side view, similar to Fig. 3, of another embodiment of the flame simulating assembly according to the invention; [0018] Fig. 11 is a partial sectional side view of another embodiment of the flame simulating assembly according to the invention; [0019] Fig. 12 is apartial sectional side view, similar to Fig. 11, of another embodiment of the flame simulating assembly of the invention; [0020] Fig. 13 is a sectional side view, similar to Fig. 3, of yet another embodiment of the flame simulating assembly according to the invention, including a dynamic reflector; [0021] Fig. 14 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of a dynamic reflector, drawn at a larger scale than Fig. 11 ; [0022] Fig. 15 is a sectional side view, similar to Fig. 3, of another embodiment of the flame simulating assembly according to the invention; and [0023] Fig. 16 is a sectional side view, similar to Fig. 3, of another embodiment of the flame simulating assembly according to the invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [0024] Reference is first made to Figs. 1 to 3 to describe the preferred embodiment of a flame simulating assembly indicated generally by the numeral 10 and made in accordance with the invention. The flame simulating assembly 10 includes a simulated fuel bed 12, a light source 14, a screen 16, and a reflector comprising a static reflector 18. As can be seen in Fig. 3 , in the preferred embodiment, the reflector 18 is disposed in front of the simulated fuel bed 12 and has a reflective surface 22. The reflective surface 22 is positioned for reflecting light onto the simulated fuel bed 12, as will be described. [0025] The flame simulating assembly 10 is connected to an electrical power source (not shown). As can be seen in Fig. 3, the simulated fuel bed 12, the light source 14, the screen 16, and the reflector 18 are positioned within and fastened to a housing 23. [0026] The screen 16 has a front surface comprising a partially reflective front surface 24 for reflecting an image of the simulated fuel bed 12 and for transmitting light from the light source 14 through the partially reflective front surface 24 so that an image of flames appears through the screen 16. hi the preferred embodiment, the screen 16 includes a back member 26 disposed behind the partially reflective front surface 24 for diffusing and transmitting light from the light source 14 through the partially reflective front surface 24, as described in U.S. Patents Nos. 5,642,580 and 6,047,489 and in Canadian Patent No. 2,310,367. [0027] The shape of the preferred embodiment of the reflector 18 is shown in Figs. 6 and 7. The reflector 18 has an inner side 28 disposed opposite an outer side 30. The inner side 28 is disposed adjacent to the simulated fuel bed 12 and defines the reflective surface 22. As shown in Fig. 7, the reflector 18 preferably has a mounting flange 32 through which fasteners (not shown) are placed, to position the reflector 18 in the housing 23. While other arrangements could be employed, the reflector 18 is preferably formed of a single piece of sheet metal of suitable thickness, shaped and cut accordingly. In the preferred embodiment, the shape of the reflector 18 generally is such that, when the reflector 18 is installed in the housing 23, the mounting flange 32 is substantially horizontal, and the reflective surface 22 is positioned for reflecting light from the light source 14 onto the simulated fuel bed 12. As will be described further, because the reflector 18 is disposed outside the simulated fuel bed 12, the positioning of the reflective surface 22 is determined in relation to the simulated fuel bed 12. [0028] Preferably, the reflective surface 22 is finished so that it is substantially reflective. Various arrangements can be employed to achieve the desired reflectivity. In the preferred embodiment, the reflective surface 22 is created by placing the adhesive side of a decal comprising an elongate strip of silvered mylar or other suitable flexible, reflective material on the appropriate part of the inner side 28. Alternatively, the reflective surface 22 can comprise a strip of stainless steel fastened to the imier side 28, finished to enhance reflectivity, or a mirror. The reflective surface 22 preferably extends substantially along the length of the reflector 18, along a lower region of the inner side 28. [0029] Preferably, the outer side 30 of the reflector 18 has a non-reflective finish, so as to resemble a grate which may be used in an actual fireplace in which wood or coal is burned. In order to enhance the effect of the simulated grate, the reflector 18 also preferably includes a plurality of prongs 34, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7, disposed substantially parallel to each other, extending generally upwardly, and disposed substantially along a central part of the length of an upper edge 35 of the reflector 18. The prongs 34 are shaped and colored to resemble prongs which typically would be found on a grate used in an actual fireplace. [0030] In the preferred embodiment, the simulated fuel bed 12 includes a simulated ember bed 36 and a simulated fuel element, comprising a plurality of simulated logs indicated generally by the numeral 38 as shown in Figs..1-5 and 8. It can be seen in Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 8 that the simulated logs 38 are disposed above the simulated ember bed 36. Although the simulated logs 38 resemble logs of wood, the simulated fuel element can, alternatively, resemble a plurality of lumps of coal (not shown). [0031] The simulated ember bed 36 preferably is a plastic shell which is vacuum formed and colored in accordance with the simulated fuel element. For example, if the simulated fuel element is a plurality of simulated logs 38, as shown in Figs. 1 -5 and 8, then the simulated ember bed 36 is accordingly shaped and colored to resemble burning logs and burning embers thereon and thereunder forming a base of a fire in which the burning fuel is logs of wood. Alternatively, if the simulated fuel element were formed to resemble lumps of coal, then the simulated ember bed 36 would be accordingly shaped and colored to resemble a plurality of burning lumps of coal and burning embers, forming the base of a coal fire. In the preferred embodiment, the simulated logs 38 include a plurality of generally downwardly directed portions 40. The downwardly directed portions 40 correspond to the lower sides of real logs in a real fire. As will be described, the reflective surface 22 of the reflector 18 is preferably positioned for reflecting light from the light source 14 onto the downwardly directed portions 40. [0032] As can be seen in Figs. 3, 4 and 8, the reflector 18 is positioned outside the simulated fuel bed 12. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the light source 14 is positioned below the simulated fuel bed 12. In the preferred embodiment, and as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the simulated ember bed 36 includes a translucent portion 42 positioned in a path of light from the light source 14 to the reflective surface 22. Light from the light source 14 is permitted to pass through the translucent portion 42 to the reflective surface 22, and is reflected from the reflective surface 22 onto the simulated fuel bed 12 to simulate burning embers. [0033] In addition, the simulated ember bed 36 preferably also includes a plurality of translucent regions 44 disposed and colored so that the translucent regions 44 resemble burning embers when light from the light source 14 passes through them. The translucent regions 44 are positioned so that they are viewable by an observer. By way of example, the translucent regions 44 are shown in Figs. 1 and 5. [0034] Depending on the burning fuel which the simulated fuel bed 12 is intended to resemble, any suitable shades of the colors yellow, red, and orange, and any suitable mixtures or combinations of any of such colors, may be used in the translucent portion 42 or the translucent regions 44, or the reflective surface 22. Also, the light source 14 may be colored, to result in light from the light source 14 having a desired color. The term reddish, as used herein, refers to any suitable combination of colors used in the flame simulating assembly to simulate burning embers. As will be described, preferably, the translucent portion 42 and the translucent regions 44 are reddish in color, however, the translucent portion 42 or the translucent regions 44 can include one or more other colors. [0035] Due to the positioning of the reflector 18 relative to the translucent portion 42, the observer's view of the translucent portion 42 is generally obscured by the outer side 30 of the reflector 18. Because of this, the coloring of the translucent portion 42 can be any color suitable for achieving the desired coloring of light from the light source 14 reflected from the reflective surface 22 onto the simulated fuel bed 12. In comparison, those parts of the simulated ember bed 36 which are directly viewable by the observer when the flame simulating assembly 10 is in use are shaped and colored to resemble the base of a wood or coal fire, as the case maybe. [0036] In the preferred embodiment, the simulated logs 38 include a plurality of partially reflective parts comprismg a plurality of ember decals 46, as can be seen in Figs. 3 and 8. Preferably, the ember decals 46 are positioned on the downwardly directed portions 40 of the simulated logs 38. The ember decals 46 are as described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 6,162,047. Light from the light source 14 is reflected onto the ember decals 46 from the reflective surface 22, and the ember decals 46 are therefore positioned on the downwardly directed portions 40 so as to maximize the reflection of light by the ember decals 46. The ember decals 46 reflect light from the light source 14 which is reflected onto the ember decals 46 from the reflective surface 22 accordingly, to simulate burning embers. When the ember decals 46 reflect light from the light source as described, the ember decals 46 thereby cause a glow to emanate from the downwardly directed portions 40, simulating burning embers, and thus contribute to the overall simulation effect of the flame simulating assembly 10. [0037] As noted above, in the preferred embodiment, color is used, particularly in the simulated fuel bed 12, to enhance the simulation of burning embers. Preferably, the ember decals 46 are reddish in color. Because the color of the light which is reflected onto the ember decals 46 from the reflective surface 22 affects the color of the light which glows from the ember decals 46 on the downwardly directed portions 40, the color of the translucent portion 42, and any coloring included in the reflective surface 22, are also to be considered when determining the coloring of the ember decals 46. [0038] The preferred embodiment of the flame simulating assembly also includes a flicker element 48 positioned in a path of light transmitted from the light source 14 to the back member 26, for causing the light from the light source 14 transmitted to the back member 26 to flicker, or fluctuate. Preferably, and as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,642,580, the flicker element 48 comprises aplurality of strips 49 of substantially reflective material disposed around an axis 50 and extending radially outwardly from the axis 50. When the flame simulating assembly is operating, the flicker element 48 is rotated about the axis 50 by an electric motor 51. As the flicker element 48 is rotated about its axis 50 by the electric motor 51 , the reflective strips 49 intermittently reflect light from the light source 14, so that the flicker element 46 causes light from the light source 14 which is transmitted to the flicker element 46 to flicker, or fluctuate. [0039] The preferred embodiment also includes a flame effect element 52. As described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 6,047,489, in the preferred embodiment, the flame effect element 52 is preferably made of sheet metal or any other suitable material. The flame effect element 52 is positioned in a path of flickering light from the light source 14 which has been reflected by the flicker element 46, and the flame effect element 52 configures the flickering light. Although various arrangements can be employed, preferably, a flame pattern is cut into sheet metal to provide one or more openings 54. If one opening 54 is used, the opening configures the flickering light into an image of flames, as can be seen in Figs. 4 and 5. As a result, an image of flickering flames is transmitted through the partially reflective front surface 24. [0040] Preferably, the flame simulating assembly 10 also includes a transparent front panel 56, which can be removed to permit access to other parts of the flame simulating assembly 10. [0041] While other arrangements could be employed, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the light source 14 comprises a plurality of electric light bulbs, operatively connected to a source of electricity. Alternatively, the light source 14 could be, for example, a natural gas flame (not shown). If the light source 14 is a natural gas flame, the materials used in the flame simulating assembly 10 would have to be heat-resistant to the extent necessary, h the embodiments described, the light source 14 is a plurality of electric light bulbs. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0042] In use, light from the light source 14istransmittedthroughthetranslucentportion 42 to the reflective surface 22, and reflected from the reflective surface 22 onto the simulated fuel bed 12. In the preferred embodiment, light from the light source 14 which has been so reflected is also reflected onto the ember decals 46, and the light reflected from the ember decals 46 simulates burning embers disposed on the downwardly directed portions 40 of the simulated logs 38. Preferably, the translucent portion 42 and the ember decals 46 are reddish in color, so that a reddish glow emanates from the ember decals 46 when light from the light source 14 is reflected onto the ember decals 46 by the reflective surface 22. The result is an improved simulation of burning embers due to the positioning of the reflector 18 outside the simulated fuel bed 12. [0043] In addition, light from the light source 14 also passes through the translucent regions 44 on the simulated ember bed 36, which also resemble glowing embers. At the same time, light from the light source 14 is reflected intermittently by the strips 49 in the flicker element 48 to the flame effect element 52. The flickering light is also configured by the flame effect element 52 so that an image of flames is transmitted through the partially reflective front surface 24. [0044] Preferably, the flame simulating assembly 10 additionally includes a heater 58 providing heated air, and a blower 60 for blowing the heated air into the premises in which the flame simulating assembly 10 is disposed. As can be seen in Figs. 3 and 8, the heater 58 can comprise a plurality of heating elements 62. [0045] Additional embodiments of the invention are shown in Figs. 8 - 16. In Figs. 8 - 16, elements are numbered so as to correspond to like elements shown in Figs. 1 through 7. [0046] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, a flame simulating assembly 110 includes a simulated ember bed 136 having a plurality of apertures 164, only one of which is shown in Fig. 8, the apertures 164 being positioned in a path of light from the light source 14 to the reflective surface 22. As in the preferred embodiment, the reflective surface 22 is positioned for reflecting light from the light source 14 onto a simulated fuel bed 112. In use, light from the light source 14 is transmitted through the apertures 164 to the reflective surface 22, and reflected onto a plurality of ember decals 46 from a reflective surface 22. Preferably, the ember decals 46 are reddish in color, so that they simulate burning embers when light from the light source 14 is reflected onto the ember decals 46 from the reflective surface 22. [0047] InFig. 9, another embodiment of the flame simulating assembly 210 is shown in which a screen 216 has a front surface 224 for transmitting light from the light source 14 so that an image of flames appears through the screen 216. Unlike the partially reflective front surface 24 included in the preferred embodiment, the front surface 224 is non-reflective, however, the front surface 224 transmits light. The screen 216 also includes a back member 226, disposed behind the front surface 224. The back member 226 is for diffusing and transmitting light from the light source 14 through the front surface 224. In use, as in the preferred embodiment, light from the light source 14 is transmitted through the translucent portion 42 to the reflective surface 22, and reflected onto the simulated fuel bed 12 by the reflective surface 22. [0048] Another embodiment is shown in Fig. 10, in which a flame simulating assembly 310 shown in Fig. 10 includes a support member 320 for supporting the simulated logs 38. As can be seen in Fig. 10, the simulated logs 38 are also supported by the simulated ember bed 36. This embodiment does not include elements corresponding to a screen 16, a flame effect element 52, or a flicker element 48. h use, and as in the preferred embodiment, light from the light source 14 is transmitted through the translucent portion 42 to the reflective surface 22, and reflected onto the simulated fuel bed 12 by the reflective surface 22. [0049] As can be seen in Figs. 3 , 4, and 9, in the embodiments shown in those drawings, the light source 14 is positioned below the simulated ember bed 36 and the flicker element 48 is positioned behind the light source 14. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 11 and 12, a flicker element 448 is positioned below the simulated ember bed 36 (or simulated ember bed 136, in Fig. 12) and the light source 414 is positioned behind the flicker element 440. In Figs. 11 and 12, elements are numbered so as to correspond to like elements shown in Figs. 1 through 7. [0050] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, a flame simulating assembly 410 includes the simulated ember bed 36 with the translucent portion 42. The translucent portion 42 and the flicker element 448 are positioned in a path of light from the light source 414 to the reflective surface 22 on the reflector 18. Light from the light source 414 is transmitted through the translucent portion 42 and reflected by the reflective surface 22 onto the simulated fuel bed 12. Preferably, light from the light source 414 which is transmitted to the reflective surface 22 is reflected onto the ember decals 46 positioned on the downwardly directed portions 40 of the simulated logs 38, to simulate burning embers. [0051] In the flame simulating assembly 410, light from the light source 414 is also reflected by the flicker element 448 onto a flame effect element 452 which configures the light to transmit an image of flickering flames through the partially reflective front surface 24 of the screen 16. The flame effect element 452 includes a reflective surface (not shown) shaped into an image of flames, rather than one or more openings, hi the flame effect element 452, the reflective surface configures light from the light source 414 and reflected by the flicker element 448 to transmit an image of flames through the partially reflective front surface 24. The flame simulating assembly 410 also includes a heater and blower unit 461. [0052] hi Fig. 12, another embodiment of the flame simulating assembly 410 is shown in which the simulated ember bed 36 includes aplurality of apertures 164 positioned, along with the flicker element 448, in a path of light from the light source 414 to the reflective surface 22. Light from the light source 414 is transmitted through the apertures 164 and reflected from the reflective surface 22 onto the simulated fuel bed 112. [0053] An additional embodiment of a flame simulating assembly 510 is shown in Fig. 13. In this embodiment, a dynamic reflector 518 is positioned in front of the simulated fuel bed 12. The dynamic reflector 518 includes a plurality of reflective surfaces 522. The translucent portion 42 of the simulated ember bed 36 is positioned in a path of light from the light source 14 to the reflective surfaces 522. Light from the light source 14 transmitted through the translucent portion 42 is reflected from the reflective surfaces 522 onto the simulated fuel bed 12. As will be described, the dynamic reflector 518 is adapted for movement relative to the simulated fuel bed 12. [0054] Preferably, the dynamic reflector 518 is rotated about an axis 568. A top view of the dynamic reflector 518 is provided in Fig. 14. The reflective surfaces 522 can be the surfaces of pieces of silvered mylar attached to the axis 568 in any suitable manner, or any other suitable material. In use, the dynamic reflector 518 is rotated about the axis 568 by an electric motor (not shown) or any other suitable means. [0055] The flame simulating assembly 510 preferably includes a simulated grate 570. The simulated grate 570 is disposed in front of the dynamic reflector 518. The simulated grate 570 has an inner side 572 disposed opposite an outer side 574, the inner side 572 being disposed adjacent to the dynamic reflector 518. Preferably, the inner side 572 has a static reflective surface 576 positioned thereon. Light from the light source 14 is transmitted through the translucent portion 42 and reflected by the reflective surfaces 522 and the static reflective surface 576 onto the simulated fuel bed 12. [0056] Fig. 15 shows yet another embodiment of a flame simulating assembly 610. In this embodiment, the simulated ember bed 112 includes a plurality of apertures 164 positioned in a path of light from the light source 14 to the dynamic reflector 518. Light from the light source 14 is transmitted through the apertures 164 and reflected from the reflective surfaces 522 and the reflective surface 576 onto the simulated fuel bed 112. [0057] It will be appreciated that different versions of the embodiments shown in Figs. 13 and 15 can be constructed by positioning the flicker element 48 under the simulated fuel bed 12 (or under the simulated fuel bed 112, in Fig. 15, as the case may be) and positioning the light source 14 behind the flicker element 48, similar to the arrangement of the flicker element 448 and the light source 414 shown in Figs. 11 and 12. [0058] In another embodiment of a flame simulating assembly 710 shown in Fig. 16, the flame simulating assembly 710 does not include an element corresponding to the flicker element 48 or the screen 16, for example, as shown in Fig. 13. The translucent portion 42 is positioned in a path of light from the light source 14 to the dynamic reflector 518, and light is reflected onto the simulated fuel bed 12 by the reflective surfaces 522 and the reflective surface 576. [0059] It will be evident to 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.

Claims: I CLAIM: 1. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) having: (a) a simulated fuel bed (12, 112); and (b) a light source (14, 414); the flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) being characterized in that it has (c) a reflector (18, 518) disposed in front of the simulated fuel bed (12, 112), the reflector having at least one reflective surface (22, 522), said at least one reflective surface (22, 522) being positioned for reflecting light from the light source (14, 414) onto the simulated fuel bed (12, 112) to simulate burning embers. 2. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 410, 510, 610) according to claim 1 additionally including a screen (16, 216) having a front surface (24, 224) disposed behind the simulated fuel bed (12, 112) for transmitting light from the light source (14, 114) through the front surface (24, 224) such that an image of flames is transmitted through the front surface (24, 224). 3. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 410, 510, 610) according to claim 2 in which the front surface (24) is partially reflective for reflecting an image of the simulated fuel bed (12, 112) and the screen (16) includes a back member (26) disposed behind the partially reflective front surface (24) for diffusing and transmitting light from the light source (14, 414) through the partially reflective front surface (24). 4. Aflame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) accordingto claim 1 wherein the simulated fuel bed (12, 112) includes a simulated ember bed (36, 136) and at least one simulated fuel element (38), said at least one simulated fuel element (38) being positioned over the simulated ember bed (36, 136), and said at least one simulated fuel element (38) having at least one downwardly directed portion (40), said at least one reflective surface (22, 522) of the reflector (18, 518) being positioned relative to said at least one downwardly directed portion (40) for reflecting light from the light source (14, 414) onto said at least one downwardly directed portion (40). 5. A flame simulating assembly (10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 710) according to claim 4 wherein the simulated ember bed (36) includes at least one translucent portion (42) positioned for permitting light from the light source (14, 414) to be transmitted through said at least one translucent portion (42) onto said at least one reflective surface (22, 522). 6. Aflame simulating assembly (10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 710) accordingto claim 5 wherein said at least one translucent portion (42) is reddish in color. 7. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) accordingto claim 4 wherein said at least one simulated fuel element (38) additionally includes at least one partially reflective part positioned on said at least one downwardly directed portion (40) in apath of light from the light source (14, 414) reflected from said at least one reflective surface (22, 522), for reflecting light to simulate burning embers. 8. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) according to claim 7 wherein said at least one partially reflective part includes at least one ember decal (46), said at least one ember decal (46) being positioned on said at least one downwardly directed portion (40) in a path of light from the light source (14, 414) reflected from said at least one reflective surface (22, 522), for reflecting light to simulate burning embers. 9. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) according to claim 7 wherein said at least one partially reflective part is reddish in color, such that said at least one partially reflective part simulates burning embers disposed on said at least one downwardly directed portion (40). 10. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) accordingto claim 8 wherein said at least one ember decal (46) is reddish in color, such that said at least one ember decal (46) simulates burning embers disposed on said downwardly directed portion (40). 11. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) according to claim 4 wherein said at least one simulated fuel element (38) resembles at least one log of wood. 12. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) according to claim 4 wherein said at least one simulated fuel element (38) resembles at least one-piece of coal. 13. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) according to claim 4 wherein the simulated ember bed (36, 136) includes a plurality of translucent regions (44), each translucent region (44) being positioned in a path of light from the light source (14, 414), for pennitting light from the light source (14, 414) to be transmitted to simulate burning embers. 14. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710) according to claim 13 wherein the translucent regions (44) are reddish in color. 15. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 410, 510, 610) according to claim 3 additionally including a flicker element (48, 448) positioned in a path of light from the light source (14, 414) to the diffusing back member (26), whereby an image of flickering flames is transmitted through the partially reflective front surface (24) of the screen (16). 16. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 410, 510, 610) according to claim 15 additionally including a flame effect element (52, 452) positioned in a path of flickering light, to configure the flickering light, whereby an image of flickering flames is transmitted through the partially reflective front surface (24) of the screen (16). 17. A flame simulating assembly (110, 410, 610) according to claim 4 wherein the simulated ember bed (136) has at least one aperture (164) positioned therein for permitting light from the light source (14, 414) to be transmitted through said at least one aperture (164) onto said at least one reflective surface (22, 522) for reflection onto the simulated fuel bed (112). 18. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) according to claim 1 wherein the reflector is a static reflector (18) having an inner side (28) disposed opposite an outer side (30), the inner side (28) defining said at least one reflective surface (22) and disposed adjacent to the simulated fuel bed (12). 19. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) accordingto claim 18 wherein the static reflector (18) is in the form of a simulated grate. 20. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 410) according to claim 18 additionally including a flicker element (48, 448) positioned in a path of light from the light source (14, 414) to the screen (16, 216), whereby an image of flickering flames is transmitted through the front surface (24, 224) of the screen (16, 216). 21. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210, 410) according to claim 20 additionally including a flame effect element (52, 452) positioned in a path of flickering light, to configure the flickering light, whereby an image of flickering flames is transmitted through the front surface (24, 224) of the screen (16, 216). 22. A flame simulating assembly (10, 110, 210) according to claim 20 wherem the light source (14) is positioned below the simulated fuel bed (12, 112) and the flicker element (48) is positioned behind the light source (14). 23. A flame simulating assembly (410) according to claim 20 wherein the flicker element (448) is positioned below the simulated fuel bed (12, 112) and the light source (414) is positioned behind the flicker element (448). 24. A flame simulating assembly (510, 610, 710) according to claim 1 wherein the reflector is a dynamic reflector (518) disposed in front of the simulated fuel bed (12, 112), the dynamic reflector (518) being adapted for movement relative to the simulated fuel bed (12, 112) and positioned for reflecting light from the light source (14, 414) to the simulated fuel bed (12, 112). 25. A flame simulating assembly (510, 610, 710) according to claim 24 having a simulated grate (570) disposed in front of the dynamic reflector (518), the simulated grate (570) having an inner side (572) disposed opposite an outer side (574), the inner side (572) being disposed adjacent to the dynamic reflector (518). 26. A flame simulating assembly (510, 610, 710) according to claim 25 wherein the inner side (572) of the simulated grate (570) defines a static reflective surface (576) for reflecting light from the light source (14, 414) onto the simulated fuel bed (12). 27. A flame simulating assembly (510, 610) according to claim 24 additionally including a flicker element (48, 448) positioned in a path of light from the light source (14, 414) to the screen (16, 216), whereby an image of flickering flames is transmitted through the front surface (24, 224) of the screen (16, 216). 28. A flame simulating assembly (510, 610) according to claim 27 additionally including a flame effect element (52, 452) positioned in a path of flickering light, to configure the flickering light, whereby an image of flickering flames is transmitted through the front surface (24, 224) of the screen (16, 216). 29. A flame simulating assembly (510, 610) according to claim 27 wherein the light source (14) is positioned below the simulated fuel bed (12, 112) and the flicker element (48) is positioned behind the light source (14). 0. A flame simulating assembly according to claim 27 wherein the flicker element (448) is positioned below the simulated fuel bed (12, 112) and the light source (414) is positioned behind the flicker element (448).

Inventors: HESS KRISTOFFER, HESS, KRISTOFFER
Applicants: DIMPLEX NORTH AMERICA LTD, HESS KRISTOFFER, DIMPLEX NORTH AMERICA LIMITED, HESS, KRISTOFFER
Application year: 2001
Main classification: F24C
IPC codes: F24C7, G09F19