Patent Publication Number: US-2023139825-A1

Title: Electric Fire Apparatus and Method of Use Thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a national phase entry under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application PCT/GB2021/050915, filed Apr. 16, 2021, which claims priority to GB Patent Application No. 2005889.7, filed Apr. 22, 2020, each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an electric fire apparatus, which provides an improved simulated fire effect. The present invention also relates to a method of use of such an electric fire apparatus to provide a simulated fire effect. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A warm, crackling fireplace is a welcome sight in the colder months. However, a live fireplace has many drawbacks, from health, environmental, safety, financial and insurance perspectives. A fireplace must also be cleaned out regularly, and the chimney swept annually. When in-use, the fireplace should be supervised at all times, particularly when children are present. 
     An alternative is to provide an imitation fireplace which provides a simulated fire with fewer to none of the mentioned drawbacks. In some imitation fireplaces, flames may be simulated by lit fabric moved by jets of air. Alternatively, flames may be projected onto a screen. However, the simulated fire provided by such imitation fireplaces is rarely realistic. 
     Furthermore, the casing of these imitation fireplaces is typically bulky and enclosing to prevent or inhibit access to the inner components. This means that imitation fireplaces may not necessarily be retrofitted to any fireplace. Additionally the casing may dim the simulated fire effect. 
     The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric fire apparatus having an improved simulated fire effect, the apparatus comprising a bed base which is at least in part light-transmissible, a holographic mesh element as hereinafter defined which divides the bed base into a front bed base portion and a rear bed base portion; and at least one light source for directing light through the front and/or rear bed base portions. 
     The phrase ‘holographic mesh element’ used herein and throughout is defined as or intended to mean a light-reflective pliantly-flexible mesh. Preferably, such a mesh is formed from a, preferably plastics, mesh substrate having a, preferably light-reflective, for example metallic, coating deposited thereon or thereover. Such a mesh is commonly termed a ‘holographic mesh’, and is used in stage show and theatre productions. In such scenarios, the mesh element has or provides a holographic effect which occurs when light and/or an image projected onto the mesh element appears to be “floating” or “conjured out of thin air” due to the mesh being invisible or substantially invisible in-use to the human eye. 
     In other words, an electric fire apparatus may be provided, having an improved simulated fire effect, the apparatus comprising a bed base which is at least in part light-transmissible, a holographic mesh element comprising an underlying structure and a coating applied to the underlying mesh structure, the holographic mesh element dividing the bed base into a front bed base portion and a rear bed base portion; and at least one light source for directing light through the front and/or rear bed base portions. 
     The aforementioned mesh element, and therefore the in-use simulated fire effect, is positioned relative to the bed base where or substantially where a fire might be expected in a real fireplace. This may improve realism relative to conventional artificial fireplaces in which a projection screen extends from behind and/or in front of the imitation fuel. In these cases, the simulated fire can seem to require no fuel to exist, which is also unrealistic to an observer. 
     Preferably, the electric fire apparatus further comprises an at least in part light-transmissible second bed base above or below the first said bed base. Additional layers of depth add to the realism of the simulated fire. 
     Beneficially, the second bed base may comprise a transparent fuel support element. Furthermore, the first bed base may comprise a fuel support element having a transparent portion and a translucent portion. Having at least one of the bed bases being partially or fully transparent across some or all the extent of the at least one bed base increases the amount of light available to provide the simulated fire effect. The translucent portion occludes from sight the at least one light source, which would otherwise reduce the realism. The translucent portion may have an additional function of enabling or providing additional flame or fire patterns within the bed bases. 
     Advantageously, the transparent portion may be shaped as an elongate strip, positioned in-use below the holographic mesh element for permitting light from the at least one light source to be directed therethrough onto the holographic mesh element to provide a simulated flame effect. The transparent strip enables more light through compared to the translucent section to provide a crisp and/or bright illusion of flames on the mesh element. 
     Furthermore, the strip may be positioned rearwards relative to the holographic mesh element. Light is projected forward onto the screen. This typically results in more light reaching the viewer&#39;s eye, providing a brighter image compared with rearward-projected light reflected on the mesh element. This also reduces the risk of illuminating the back of the electric fire apparatus, which would cause the mesh element to be more visible. 
     Preferably, the electric fire apparatus further comprises an opaque and/or translucent partitioning element which occludes the transparent portion of the fuel support element from view when the electric fire apparatus is in-use. Additionally, the first and second bed bases may be spaced apart by a distance, and the partitioning element may extend or substantially extend over at least a majority of the distance between the first and second bed bases. The relative height and positioning of the partitioning element relative to the transparent portion means that the user is not able to see the transparent portion and/or see through the transparent portion into the light chamber below. This improves the realism. 
     Preferably, the electric fire apparatus further comprises an imitation fuel element which is at least in part light-transmissible. There is at least one, and preferably a plurality of imitation fuel elements which resemble coals, driftwood, or in the preferred embodiment, logs. The fuel elements may be fully or partially light-transmissible if emulating partially burning or consumed fuel. 
     Beneficially, the fuel support element of the first bed base may comprise a further transparent portion and the imitation fuel element may be positionable or positioned on the said further transparent portion for receiving light through the said further transparent portion. The further transparent portion enables more light to reach and illuminate the fuel element. 
     Advantageously, the further transparent portion may be or be substantially complementarily shaped to the imitation fuel element, and the imitation fuel element may be at least in part translucent and/or semi-transparent such that when it overlies the further transparent portion, the further transparent portion may be or be substantially occluded. The fuel element serves a further function similar to the partitioning element, in that it occludes from view the further transparent portion and/or the light chamber beneath. 
     Advantageously, the first said bed base may further comprise a second said holographic mesh element. Alternatively, at least one of the first said bed base and the second said bed base may further comprise a second said holographic mesh element. A second holographic mesh element may be associated with the first bed base and/or the second bed base, or at least one mesh element may be associated with each of the first bed base and the second bed base. 
     Optionally, the second said holographic mesh element may be pliable. This provides a three-dimensional holographic mesh which adds additional depth, and thus realism to the simulated fire. Furthermore, the second holographic mesh element can be draped or wrapped under, over, around or any combination thereof the imitation fuel element, if provided. Ease of transport is also increased. 
     Optionally, at least the first said bed base may slope upwardly in a front to back direction of the apparatus. Additionally or alternatively, the second bed base may slope upwardly in a front to back direction of the electric fire apparatus. One or both bed bases or at least their fuel support elements sloping upwards provides the illusion of a depth in shallow fireplace and/or better emulates the pile-up of fuel in a small space. 
     Furthermore, the first said bed base may be parallel to the second bed base. Where both bed bases or at least their fuel support elements are parallel and horizontal, the risk of the imitation fuel element accidentally moving, such as by sliding, is reduced. Where both bed bases, or at least their fuel support elements are parallel and sloping, the vertical spacing between the bed bases remains the same. This reduces the risk of the upper fuel elements providing the illusion of “floating in the air” and not resting on the lower fuel elements. 
     Beneficially, the first said holographic mesh element may be extendable in a plane, said plane extending non-perpendicularly to the first said bed base. A plane provides a crisper image. 
     Optionally, the first said holographic mesh element may be pliable. The mesh element can be folded, facilitating transport and reducing the risk of damage during transport prior to assembly of the electric fire apparatus. 
     Beneficially, the electric fire apparatus may further comprise a housing having a back wall, a ceiling and two side walls. Optionally, the housing may further comprise a front screen. The first mesh element can be hung from or engaged with the ceiling and/or held taut by or between the side walls. The optional front screen may prevent or inhibit damage to the fire apparatus by stopping or restricting access. Additionally or alternatively, the front screen prevents or inhibits a user from inserting their head into fire apparatus such that there is a reduced risk of damage to the eye due to a strong light source. 
     Furthermore, the electric fire apparatus may be provided as a kit of parts. The ease of transport is increased when the electric fire apparatus is in a deconstructed state. 
     According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing an improved simulated fire effect, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an electric fire apparatus; and b] shining light through the or each bed base. A more realistic illusion of a fire is provided. 
     According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing an improved simulated fire effect, the method comprising the step of dividing a bed base using a holographic mesh element. The simulated fire is more realistically positioned. 
     According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric fire apparatus having an improved simulated fire effect, the apparatus comprising a first bed base which is at least in part light-transmissible; an at least in part light-transmissible second bed base above or below the first bed base; and at least one light source for directing light through the bed bases. A plurality of bed bases provides more visual depth, thereby increasing the realism. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    shows a cut away side view of an embodiment of an electric fire apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; 
         FIG.  2    shows a perspective exploded view of the fuel support element and imitation fuel elements of the first bed base, and the fuel support element of the second bed base of the electric fire apparatus of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    shows a cut away side view of a second embodiment of an electric fire apparatus in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention; and 
         FIG.  4    shows a cut away side view of a third embodiment of an electric fire apparatus in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring firstly to  FIG.  1   , there is provided an electric fire apparatus indicated globally at  10  which is able to provide an improved simulated fire effect. The electric fire apparatus  10  may be referred to as an imitation fire, imitation fireplace, or simulated fire. The electric fire apparatus  10  comprises a housing or housing element  12 ; at least one, and more preferably, two bed bases  14 ; and a lighting means  16  having at least one light source. The lighting means  16  preferably directs light towards and/or through the bed bases  14  or parts thereof, as shown. The electric fire apparatus  10  also comprises at least one holographic mesh element  18 , and a heating element  20  although any of these features may be omitted. The electric fire apparatus  10  also preferably comprises one or more electrical control components, not shown. 
     The term “fire effect” is used herein and throughout to encompass or mean both a burning fuel or ember effect, and flames. However, it could be envisioned that the apparatus may only provide an improved flame effect or only burning embers effect, such as hot coals, without any flames, or with flames restricted to the bed bases. 
     The housing  12  is preferably a shell or rigid casing. The housing  12  has at least a ground or grounding portion  22 . The grounding portion  22  may have a ground-facing section  24   a,  a front facing section or wall  24   b  and a rear section or wall  24   c,  extending from the ground-facing section  24   a.  The grounding portion  22  may optionally also have lateral sections or walls  24   d,  only one of which is visible in  FIG.  1   , as the other lateral section is cutaway for clarity. Preferably, the front facing section or wall  24   b  and the rear section or wall  24   c  are planar and, optionally, parallel with each other. They are also preferably similarly dimensioned. Similarly, the lateral walls  24  are preferably planar and parallel with each other, and may be similarly dimensioned. As such, the grounding portion  22  in plan view is or is substantially a rectangle or a square, but this feature may be omitted and alternative shapes in plan view may be envisioned, such as curved, partly curved, non-curved, polygonal such as a hexagon, octagon, pentagon, a trapezium or trapezoid, regular, irregular, truncated or chamfered, or any other desirable shape. 
     Preferably, the housing  12  also has a back wall  26  which extends from the rear wall  24   c;  a top portion  28   a;  one, or preferably, at least two side walls  28   b,  only one of which is shown in  FIG.  1   ; and a front screen  28   c;  although any or all of these features may be omitted in an alternative embodiment. A lower surface of the top portion  28   a  may provide a ceiling  30   a,  and a front surface  30   b.  The front surface  30   b  of the top portion  28   a  is vertical or substantially vertical but may be sloped or angled, downwards or upwards in a back to front direction of the electric fire apparatus. In the present embodiment, the heating element  20  may be receivable, received or contained within a chamber  31   a  in the top portion  28   a.  The top portion  28   a  may comprise a further ventilation outlet, opening, port, aperture or exit  31   b  through which air may be blown out and/or heat may be radiated by the heating element  20 . A channel or corridor  31   c  connects the chamber  31   a  to the exit  31   b.  An internal wall of the channel  31   a  may be angled downward in a back to front direction of the apparatus  10 , to orient or direct hot air from the heating element  20  downwards and/or to the front. Said exit  31   b  may be in the ceiling  30   a,  as shown, although the exit may be provided in any other portion of the electric fire apparatus instead, such as in the front surface. Preferably, the ceiling  30   a  has at least one ventilation inlet, aperture, portion, opening or gap, not shown, at least one of which may optionally be positioned rearward relative to the or at least one holographic mesh element  18 . This at least one aperture enables the heating element  20  to draw air in therethrough. The exit  31   b  may be forward relative to the mesh element  18 . 
     The front screen  28   c,  if provided, is preferably positioned rearward of the front facing section  24   b , and the two are preferably spaced apart from each other. Thus, a gap may be formed therebetween, the purpose of which will be discussed in more detail below. 
     The rear wall  24   c  extends up to the or the highest bed base  14 . The back wall  26  is considered to correspond to an in-use visible back portion of the housing  12  and/or is considered to start where the rear wall  24   c  ends. The back wall  26  and/or side walls  28   b  are preferably integrally formed with the rear wall  24   c  and/or the lateral sections  24   d  respectively, but separably connectable, or connected may be envisioned. This would enable the apparatus to be fitted into a cavity with the option of omitting most of the housing. 
     The housing  12  has the following functions, although any function may be omitted. The first function is to provide a structure for receiving, containing, at least partly surrounding some or all components of the electric fire apparatus  10 . The rear wall  24   c  and/or lateral sections  24   d  may have at least one bracket, batten or support structure, groove or slit, or any combination thereof, not shown, to support the or each bed base  14  above the ground and/or above the lighting means  16 . The housing  12  also has a protective function. In particular, the housing  12  protects the any internal components by preventing or inhibiting access to said components, such as the lighting means  16  or at least part thereof. The housing  12  may protect the viewer by preventing or inhibiting any direct eye-contact with a light of the lighting means  16 , as some types of light could result in damage to the eye. The housing  12  also has a positioning function as the housing  12  enables the electric fire apparatus  10  to be positionable on a surface in a stable and desirable position and orientation. The position and/or orientation of some internal components relative to a viewer is an important factor in the realism of the simulated fire effect. The housing  12  also has an aesthetic function. The outwardly appearance may resemble that of a real fireplace. Furthermore, the back wall  26  may optionally be coloured and/or textured to imitate the look of the back wall of a real fireplace, such as a brick structure. Alternatively or additionally, the colour and/or texture of the back wall  26  may be important in improving the realism of any holographic and/or simulated flames, for example by being black or a dark colour. The back wall  26  is at least in part, or preferably, entirely black in the present embodiment, although this feature may be omitted. 
     One or both said bed bases  14  in-use visually provide the illusion of burning fuel. As such, each bed base  14  may be referred to as an ember bed base, a fuel bed base, a fuel bed or tray, a level, a tier, an imitation fuel portion or holder. The or each bed base  14  comprises a fuel support element  32  and imitation fuel  34 , although any one of the features may be omitted. The bed bases  14  are at least partly contained, surrounded, and/or receivable by the housing  12 . 
     Preferably at least one said bed base  14  is positionable or positioned in or above the grounding portion  22  and/or lighting means  16  although this may not necessarily be the case. As the grounding portion  22  encloses or substantially encloses the lighting means  16 , light is preferably directed through the bed bases  14  when in use such that the viewer preferably never looks at a light source directly. In other words, each bed base  14  is positioned along or interposed on one or more light channels. A light channel is defined as the path along which a light photon or beam may travel upon leaving a light source until it is reaches a viewer&#39;s eye. In other words, one or preferably all bed bases  14  are at least partly light-transmissible and/or are illuminable from below. 
     In this embodiment, there are preferably two bed bases  14  such that there is a first bed base  14   a  and a second bed base  14   b.  The second bed base  14   b  may be positioned or positionable below or, preferably, above the first bed base  14   a  such that there is a lower bed base and an upper bed base. The first bed base  14   a  may here be referred to as a lower bed base or a bottom bed base as it is preferably below. Similarly, the second bed base  14   b  may also be referred to as an upper or higher bed base, a further bed base or a top bed base. The second bed base  14   b  will be hereafter described first, due to being simpler than the first bed base  14   a.  If only one bed base is provided, it is preferably the first bed base  14   a,  although the second bed base may be considered. 
     The second bed base  14   b  comprises a fuel support element  32   b  and imitation fuel  34   b  although any of these features may be omitted. The fuel support element  32   b  is for holding, supporting or receiving the said imitation fuel  34   b.  Furthermore, the fuel support element  32   b  and imitation fuel  34   b  are separably engageable with each other but may alternatively be non-separably engageable, and/or integrally formed with each other. 
     The fuel support element  32   b  preferably comprises a front bed base portion  36   a  and a rear bed base portion  36   b,  although either may be omitted. The front bed base portion  36   a  may be defined as the portion of the bed base  14   b  which is in front of the holographic mesh element  18  and/or simulated flames. In other words, the front bed base portion  36   a  is preferably furthest away from the back wall  26  and/or closest to the viewer. Conversely, the rear bed base portion  36   b  is the portion of the bed base  14  which may be at the rear of the holographic mesh element  18  and/or simulated flames. In other words, the rear bed base portion  36   b  is closest to the back wall  26  and/or furthest away from the viewer when in-use. In the present embodiment, each of the front and rear bed base portions  36   a , 36   b  are preferably planar or substantially planar. As shown, the front and rear bed base portions  36   a , 36   b  are co-planar and/or integrally formed with each other. They may even be considered to form planar or substantially planar sheets or plates, although curved portions may be envisioned. 
     The front and rear bed base portions  36   a , 36   b  preferably have unequal depths, as shown, but equal depths may be envisioned. In particular, the depth of the front bed base portions  36   a  and/or the rear bed base portions  36   b  may be between 2 cm and 50 cm or substantially 50 cm for each section. More preferably each of the front bed base portions  36   a  and/or the rear bed base portions  36   b  or the combination thereof may be between 15 cm and 30 cm. Most preferably, the front bed base portions  36   a  is about 10 cm deep or from a front longitudinal edge to a rear longitudinal edge direction. The rear bed base portion  36   b  is similarly most preferably about 10 cm deep, or again in a front longitudinal edge to a rear longitudinal edge direction. The width or longitudinal extent of the front and rear bed base portions  36   a , 36   b  from one side wall  28   b  and/or lateral wall  24   d  to the opposing side wall and/or lateral wall will typically be in a range of 30 cm to 300 cm. More preferably, the longitudinal extent is in the range of 100 cm to 200 cm. 
     For clarity, the extent from one lateral wall  24   d  to the other lateral wall  24   d  will be referred to as a width, longest extent or a longitudinal extent. The extent from the front facing section  24   b  to the rear section  24   c  will be referred to as the depth, shorter extent or lateral extent. The extent from the ground-facing section  24   a  to the ceiling  30   a  may be referred to as the height or thickness. This terminology will be maintained for clarity, even in situations where the electric fire apparatus  10  has a greater front-to-back lateral extent than a lateral-side-to-lateral-side longitudinal extent. 
     The fuel support element  32   b  is preferably sloping or angled, or forms an angle relative to the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the second bed base  14   b,  and in particular the fuel support element  32   b  thereof, slopes upwardly in a front to back direction of the electric fire apparatus  10 , but horizontal or sloping downwardly may be envisioned. In a shallower electric fire apparatus  10 , the sloping fuel support element  32   b  causes the imitation fuel  34   b  to be potentially more visible and/or provide a more realistic imitation of logs piling up in a shallow fireplace. 
     At least a major portion of, and preferably all the fuel support element  32   b  is transparent for letting light therethrough. In other words, the fuel support element  32   b  of the second bed base  14   b  is transparent. As such, each bed base portion  36   a , 36   b  is at least in part light-transmissible. The fuel support element  32   b  may be formed of plastics, glass, metals, or any combination thereof. The fuel support element  32   b  may comprise acrylics. The fuel support element  32   b  may be clear or colourless. Alternatively, the fuel support element  32   b  may be tinted or coloured. The fuel support element  32   b  is square or preferably rectangular as shown in  FIG.  2   . The fuel support element  32   b  may be considered to be a sheet or plate. 
     The imitation fuel or display fuel  34   b  is preferably separate and/or separable from the planar fuel support element  32   b.  The imitation fuel  34   b  comprises at least one, and preferably a plurality of imitation fuel elements  38   b.  The or at least one said fuel element  38   b  is an imitation log or preferably a portion of an imitation log. Here, each fuel element  38   b  is a rounded half-log. Furthermore, each fuel element  38   b  is preferably hollow, such that each fuel element  38   b  has a curved shape and/or C-shape in latitudinal cross-section. Each log-shaped or half-log shaped fuel element  38   b  has an outer surface  40   a  and an inner surface  40   b.  Each log-shaped or half-log shaped fuel element  38   b  may optionally have end walls, not shown. Preferably, the imitation fuel  34   b  is laid on top of the fuel support element  32   b,  with the rounded outer surface  40   a  facing the viewer when the electric fire apparatus  10  is in-use. Each fuel element  38   b  may be formed by moulding. Each imitation fuel element  38   b  is preferably distinct from at least another imitation fuel element  38   b,  but it could be envisioned that two or more fuel elements may be connectable, connected or integrally formed with each other. One or more fuel elements  38   b  may be at least partly formed of and/or covered by a coloured material, such as paint. The fuel elements may even be decorated and/or shaped to resemble real logs, thereby improving realism or aesthetics. The imitated real log may be a burning log, a partly consumed log or an unburnt log. The or each fuel element  38   b  is at least partly light-transmissible to allow or permit light therethrough. One or more fuel elements  38   b  may be transparent, semi-transparent, translucent, or any combination thereof, although opaque or partly opaque may be envisioned. For example, an imitation fuel element  38   b  may be translucent at one end and opaque at the other end to imitate a real log, only half of which is on fire. There may even be a plurality of different fuel elements  38   b  emulating real fuel at different stages of combustion. 
     The first bed base  14   a  is similar to the second bed base  14   b,  having similar imitation fuel  34   a  and fuel support element  32   a,  although any of these features may be omitted. The imitation fuel  34   a  similarly comprises one or more imitation fuel elements  38   a.  Each imitation fuel element  38   a  may be a half-log, as in the second bed base  14   b,  having outer surface  40   c  and inner surface  40   d , see  FIG.  2   . The fuel support element  32   a  comprises a similar front bed base portion  42   a  and a rear bed base portion  42   b,  although either portion could be omitted. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. All the front bed base portions  36   a , 42   a  of all the bed bases  14  may collectively be referred to as the front beds. Similarly all the rear bed base portions  36   b , 42   b  may be collectively referred to as the rear beds. 
     Preferably the front bed base portion  42   a  and a rear bed base portion  42   b  of the first bed base  14   a  form a fuel support element  32   a,  similar to the fuel support element  32   b  of the second bed base  14   b.  Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. The first bed base  14   a,  and in particular the fuel support element  32   a  thereof preferably slopes upwardly in a front to back direction of the apparatus  10 , although horizontal or sloping downwardly in the front to back direction may be envisioned. The first bed base  14   a  is preferably parallel to the second bed base  14   b,  as shown, however, a non-parallel arrangement may be envisioned, for instance if one bed base is horizontal or angled at a different angle compared to the other bed base. 
     Similarly to the second bed base  14   b,  the first bed base  14   a  has at least one transparent portion, section or part  44 . However, unlike the second bed base  14   b,  the first bed base  14   a,  and more preferably, each of the front and back bed base portions  42   a , 42   b  thereof, also comprises at least one portion, section or part  46  which is diffuse, frosted, semi-transparent or translucent, as shown in  FIG.  2   . In other words, the fuel support element  32   a  has one or more transparent portions  44  and one or more translucent portions  46 , although either feature could be omitted. The at least one translucent portion  46  allows some light therethrough but less than the transparent portion or portions  44 . The translucent portion  46  may be formed, for example, from acrylics, plastics, glass or a combination thereof. A portion thereof may be treated with a chemical to produce a frosting effect. Turpentine or an acid might achieve this result. Additionally or alternatively, a translucent film or foil may be applied. If only one bed base is provided, it is preferably the first bed base  14   a , so that the translucent portion or portions  46  may at least partially occlude or obscure the lighting means  16  below from sight. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the said transparent portion  44  is elongate and/or shaped as a strip  44   a . The strip  44   a  may extend along all or at least a major portion of the length or width of the first bed base  14   a,  but any extent of the width and/or even depth may be envisioned. The strip  44   a  is positioned in-use below the or a said mesh element  18  for permitting light from the at least one light source to be in-use directed therethrough onto the said mesh element  18  to provide a simulated flame effect. The transparent portion  44  is also preferably positioned rearwards relative to the mesh element  18 , or at least is rearwards relative to where the mesh element  18  meets or ends above the second fuel bed  14   b.  The transparent portion may alternatively be overlapping with and/or be forwards relative to the mesh element. The strip  44   a  is a rectangle in plan view and/or in cross-section but alternative shapes in plan view and/or cross-section may be envisioned, such as curved, non-curved, circular, oval, ovoid, part curved, or polygonal, whether regular, irregular, such as a trapezium or trapezoid. The strip  44   a  is preferably considered to be part of the rear bed base portion  42   b.  The strip  44   a  is integrally formed with both portions  42   a , 42   b  of the first bed base  14   a.  The thickness of the strip  44   a  preferably matches the thickness of the front bed base portion  42   a  and/or the rear bed base portion  42   b.    
     Instead of or in addition to the strip  44   a,  the fuel support element  32   b  preferably has one or more transparent portions  44 , each of which may be referred to as a further transparent portion  44   b . Here, each of the front and/or rear bed base portions  42   a , 42   b  has at least one such further transparent portion  44   b.  The plurality of transparent portions  44   b  is preferably interspersed amongst the at least one translucent portion  46  of the fuel support element  32   b  and/or of each base portion  42   a , 42   b.  In other words, each further transparent portion  44   b  may be or be substantially surrounded by translucent material. 
     Each or at least one said further transparent portion  44   b  may match, or be or be substantially complementarily shaped, dimensioned and/or sized to a corresponding said imitation fuel element  38   a.  The or each fuel element  38   a  may be positionable or positioned on, superposed, overlaid on, above, and/or around the or each said further transparent portion  44   b,  as indicated by arrows A in  FIG.  2   . This arrangement enables light to be directed through the said further transparent portion  44   b  and to be received in the fuel element  38   a.  As each fuel element  38   a  is preferably at least in part translucent and/or semi-transparent, when it overlies the or each further transparent portion  44   b,  the further transparent portion  44   b  is or is substantially occluded from view. 
     The electric fire apparatus  10  further comprises at least one partitioning element  48 , shown in  FIG.  1   , but this feature may be omitted. The partitioning element  48  has a first function of at least partially occluding, obscuring, concealing or hiding the lighting means  16  or part thereof and/or one or more of the transparent portions  44  of the first fuel support element  32   a  from view when the electric fire apparatus is in-use. In particular, occlusion of the strip  44   a  prevents or inhibits the lighting means  16  or part thereof from being directly viewable therethrough, and more preferably from any angle. As such, the, preferably coloured, partitioning element  48  may be at least partially opaque, and/or may be at least partially translucent, semi-transparent, or has a frosted effect. For example, the partitioning element  48  may have a translucent portion adjacent to an opaque portion. However, a fully opaque partitioning element may reduce the realism. By being at least partly translucent, frosted and/or semi-transparent, the partitioning element  48  is more invisible and/or may even increase realism by providing a substrate upon which to project light. Any light projected thereonto provides an additional layer of depth to the holographic and/or simulated fire effect. The partitioning element  48  may be referred to as a partition, an occluding means or element, a screen, a concealing element, or a curtain. 
     The partitioning element  48  is positionable or positioned in-use below, or here, above the first fuel support element  32   a.  Furthermore, the partitioning element  48  is positionable or in-use positioned above and/or, preferably, below the second fuel support element  32   b.  The first and second bed bases  14   a , 14   b  are spaced apart by a distance. The partitioning element  48  has a height and/or extends or substantially extends between the fuel support elements  32   a , 32   b,  more preferably over at least a majority of the said distance, although less than half the distance may be envisioned. As shown, the partitioning element  48  extends all the said distance. The partitioning element  48  may, optionally, have a second, structural function of supporting and/or spacing apart the bed bases  14   a , 14   b  and/or the fuel support elements  32   a , 32   b  thereof from each other. The first and second functions may be of equal importance. Alternatively, the second function may be the primary function relative to the first function, or vice-versa. As such, the partitioning element  48  may also be referred to as a spacing element, a spacer or a dividing spacer screen. To fulfil this structural function, the or each partitioning element  48  may be formed at least in part of a rigid material, such as metals, plastics, glass or a combination thereof. Each partitioning element  48  comprises a plate or a sheet, positioned or positionable between the bed bases  14   a , 14   b.  To fulfil both functions, the partitioning element  48  is preferably rectangular or square in a front view and/or in cross-section. The partitioning element  48  extends along at least a major extent, and preferably the entire length or longitudinal extent of the electric fire apparatus  10 . In other words, the partitioning element  48  may extend from a first said lateral wall  24   d  and/or side wall  28   b  to a second said lateral wall and/or side wall of the housing  12 . The partitioning element  48  is preferably integrally formed with the fuel support element  32   a , 32   b  of one of or both the second and the first bed bases  14   a , 14   b.    
     In the present embodiment, the partitioning element  48  is part of at least the second bed base  14   b,  and preferably also the first bed base  14   a  but could be instead be considered part of the housing, the lighting means or any other part of the electric fire apparatus. Furthermore, the or at least one said partitioning element  48  meets, connects or joins with the first and/or second bed bases  14   a , 14   b  at or adjacent to where the front bed base portion  36   a , 42   a  and the rear bed base portions  36   b , 42   b  meet. In the case of the first bed base  14   a,  the partitioning element  48  preferably connects to the fuel support element  32   a  at or adjacent to where the strip  44   a  and the front bed base portion  42   a  meet, preferably forward thereof. This enables light to travel through the transparent strip  44   a  and onto the mesh element  18  whilst the partitioning element  48  inhibits or prevents any light source of the lighting means  16  from being seen through the strip  44   a.    
     At least one further or second partitioning element  48   a  is provided, as shown, but may be omitted. The or each second partitioning element  48   a  may be spaced-apart from, abuttable, connectable, connected or integrally formed with either or both bed bases  14   a , 14   b,  anywhere thereat. The second partitioning element or elements  48   a  may be associated with the rear bed base portions  36   b , 42   b  of either or both bed bases  14   a , 14   b.  Preferably an upper end of the or each second partitioning element  48   a  may be at, against or adjacent to the rear wall  24   c,  but this may be omitted. 
     The lighting means  16  in-use emits light and/or illuminates at least part of the electric fire apparatus  10 . The lighting means  16  is at least partly positioned or contained within the grounding portion  22 . The lighting means  16  may also be referred to as a lighting system or lighting arrangement. The lighting means  16  comprises at least one, and more preferably, four light sources  50 . The or each light source  50  directs light towards or through either or both the front beds and rear beds but away from a bed base is an option. Preferably, the lighting means  16  does not illuminate the at least one mesh element  18  from above, although this additional or alternative feature may be envisioned. The lighting means  16  also comprises reflecting means  52 , although this feature may be omitted. 
     Each light source  50 , also referred to as a projection means or projector, preferably comprises one or more LEDs, although any other suitable type of light, such as incandescent lights or LCDs may be envisioned. The one or more LEDs may emit coloured and/or white light. The light source or sources  50  may even project an image, such as a flame and/or a film or looping video recording of fire. The light source  50  may comprise a strip or bar extending along some or all of the depth and/or longitudinal extent of the electric fire apparatus  10  to provide discontinuous or continuous light. One or more light sources  50  may alternatively or additional comprise a plurality of discrete LEDs, spaced apart along the depth and/or, here, the width of the electric fire apparatus  10 . Each light source  50  may be oriented or orientable to shine light directly and/or indirectly, via the reflecting means  52  towards one or both bed bases  14 . A direct light source may in-use provide the “fuel glow” or burning fuel effect by illuminating the imitation fuel  34   a , 34   b  and/or at least one mesh element  18  associated with the imitation fuel  34   a , 34   b.    
     The reflecting means  52  reflects light from one or more light sources  50 . The reflecting means  52  comprises at least one, and preferably six, reflective elements or surfaces  54 . Four of the reflective elements  54  comprise at least one mirror, indicated as crosses in  FIG.  1   . First and second fixed mirrors  54   a , 54   b  may be provided in the grounding portion  22 , which are angled or curved to provide maximum light projection up through the bed bases  14   a , 14   b  with no or minimal loss of light. 
     The first fixed mirror or reflector  54   a  may optionally meet with the front facing section  24   b  at a first angle and optionally with the ground-facing section  24   a  at a second angle. Similarly, the second fixed mirror or reflector  54   b  meets with the rear wall  24   c  at a third angle and with the ground-facing section  24   a  at a fourth angle, although these features are optional. As such, the first fixed mirror  54   a  is rearward facing. Any of the angles may be between 10° and 70°, and more preferably between 20° and 60°. Most preferably the first angle may be 40° and the second angle may be 50°. The third and fourth angles may be 45°. One or both the first and second fixed mirrors  54   a , 54   b,  together with the grounding portion  22  may define or provide a reflective light chamber  56  which preferably boxes in, surrounds or encloses at least one rotatable mirror  58 , and here, both a front rotatable mirror  58   a  and a rear rotatable mirror  58   b.  Preferably, the front and/or rear rotatable mirrors  58   a , 58   b  may each have an axis of rotation which is in an in-use horizontal plane but this may be optional. The axes are preferably also in the same plane and/or spaced apart by the same distance from the ground-facing section  24   a,  but these feature may be omitted. The position of the first fixed mirror  54   a  is such that its upper end ends forwards of the front end of the bed bases  14   a ,  14   b  and/or the front screen  28   c.  The first fixed mirror  54   a  is also preferably provided below the front screen  28   c  and/or the second bed base  14   b.  Preferably, the upper end of the first fixed mirror  54   a  may be at or substantially at the same level or height as the front end of the first or second bed base  14   a , 14   b.  The upper end of the first fixed mirror  54   a  may preferably be above an upper end of the second fixed mirror  54   b.  The front and/or rear rotatable mirrors  58   a , 58   b  are preferably positioned below the respective upper ends of the first and second fixed mirrors  54   a , 54   b.  Furthermore, the front and/or rear rotatable mirrors  58   a , 58   b  are preferably positioned above the respective lower ends of the first and second fixed mirrors  54   a , 54   b.    
     The reflective light chamber  56  may be partitioned into a front lighting chamber  60   a  and a rear lighting chamber  60   b.  The grounding portion  22  may even have to this effect a partition member  62 . Said partition member  62  may or may not be reflective on one or both sides. As shown, the partition member  62  may extend along all or some of the distance between the ground-contacting or ground-facing section  24   a  of the grounding portion  22  and the first bed base  14   a.  This provides at least one passage  64  such that the front and rear lighting chambers  60   a , 60   b  are communicable or connected but this feature may be omitted. 
     The front rotatable mirror  58   a,  also referred to as a spindle or rotisserie, is provided as a rotating spindle having at least one, and here five, preferably multi-coloured, foil or mirror reflectors, fins or sections. The spindle  58   a  in-use rotates and its function is to reflect a beam of light of a said light source  50  up through the bed bases  14  and onto the or a said mesh element  18 . This will give the visual impression of flickering moving flames. 
     Preferably each of the front and rear lighting chambers  60   a , 60   b  comprises at least one, and preferably two, said light sources  50  for directing light through the front and/or rear bed base portions  36   a , 36   b , 42   a , 42   b  of either or both bed bases  14   a , 14   b.  In the front lighting chamber  60   a , preferably, one said front light source  50  is associated with, connected to or on the ground-facing section  24   a.  The said light source  50  may emit light directly towards to the bed bases. The other, frontmost, front light source  50  is spaced-apart from on the ground-facing section  24   a,  but this need not be the case. The said frontmost, light source  50  may be positioned below, at or substantially at the same level or height as, or just above, the front end of the first bed base  14   a . Preferably, the frontmost light source  50  may be directed towards the front rotating spindle  58   a . The light reflected by the front rotating spindle  58   a  may be reflected towards the bed bases and/or may be reflected by the first fixed mirror  54   a.  This will create a flame effect and/or a glowing ember effect within the bed bases  14 . 
     An optional, mirrored strip or baffle  66 , provided as a front reflection mirror strip or front reflector, is connected or connectable to the grounding portion  22 . The baffle  66  may reflect light onto the or a said mesh element  18  and/or the bed bases from the front. The mirrored strip  66  may be planar, non-planar, curved, at least partly curved and/or as shown, the mirrored strip  66  extends in non-parallel and non-co-planar planes. In particular, the mirrored strip  66  comprises a major section or portion  67   a,  and, optionally, an inturned edge, shoulder or lip  67   b  connected thereto. One, both or neither of the major section  67   a  and the lip  67   b  may be mirrored and/or reflective on their respective rear-facing surface and/or their respective front-facing surface. Preferably, the mirrored strip  66  is only reflective on the rear-facing surface but either or both rear-facing and front-facing surfaces thereof could be reflective in an alternative embodiment. In a further alternative embodiment, neither the rear-facing surface nor the front-facing surface may be reflective. The mirrored strip  66 , and in particular, the major section  67   a  thereof may be upstanding or extending in a preferably generally upwards direction from the front facing section or wall  24   b  and/or beyond the front end of the front bed base portion  36   a  of the second bed base  14   b,  but either feature may be omitted. 
     In the present embodiment, the front facing section  24   b  comprises a major front surface  69   a  and a small ledge  69   b  which is meets with the major front surface  69   a,  preferably perpendicularly, although non-perpendicularly may be envisioned. As shown, a third surface  69   c  meets both the small ledge  69   b  and the major front surface  69   a,  although the third surface and/or the small ledge may be omitted entirely. The third surface  69   c  and is preferably parallel with neither surface  69   a , 69   b.  Said third surface  69   c  may be parallel to the second fixed mirror  54   b.  The third surface  69   c  preferably meets the ledge  69   b  at an end or edge thereof and at an angle. Similarly, the third surface  69   c  meets with the major front surface  69   a  at an angle. Either angle may be between 10° and 70°, more preferably at 20° to 60° and most preferably is 45° as shown although any angle may be envisioned. The major portion  67   a  of the mirrored strip  66  may be connected or connectable with the ledge  69   b,  most preferably with the end edge thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the mirrored strip  66  may be connected or connectable with the third surface  69   c . Furthermore, at least one of the front light sources  50  is connected to and/or oriented by the third surface  69   c,  preferably towards any of: the front spindle  58   a,  the other front light source  50 , the second fixed mirror  54   b,  and the ground-facing section  24   a  but this is optional. The, each or at least one front light source associated with the third surface and/or any of the light sources may be omitted, however. 
     The lip or shoulder  67   b  extends from the major section  67   a  in a rearward direction, towards any of the ceiling  30   a,  the front screen  28   c,  the front end of either bed base  14 , the back wall  26 , the or a mesh element  18 , a second mesh element  18   b,  or the back of the fire apparatus  10 . The plane of the lip  67   b  may form an angle with the plane of the major section  67   a,  and the angle may be in the range of 0° to 90°, more preferably in the range of 10° to 60°. Most preferably, the angle is 45°. In other words, the plane of the lip  67   b  may be parallel with the second fixed mirror  54   b  and/or may be such as to direct light from the front rotatable mirror  58   a  into the bed bases  14 . The mirrored strip  66  preferably ends above the front end of one or all bed bases  14 . 
     Preferably, the mirrored strip  66  is spaced apart from the front screen  28   c  and/or from a front end of the or all bed bases  14 . This provides a gap or channel  68  for light and/or an access to the reflective light chamber  56 . The reflective chamber  56  is therefore not fully enclosed, although this alternative may be envisioned, in which case the chamber might be closed by a transparent section to permit light therethrough. The overall effect will be one of a glowing embers, with flames in and rising from the embers. It may be envisioned that the mirrored strip may be added to and/or connected to or abutted against a base of the front screen and/or the front end of a bed base. In other words, the gap may be substantially omitted or omitted entirely. 
     The gap  68  may be between 0.2 cm and 15 cm wide, more preferably between 0.2 cm and 5 cm. Most preferably, the narrowest portion or the neck of the gap is no more than 6 mm to prevent finger ingress. 
     Similarly, the rear or back lighting chamber  60   b  may comprise the second fixed mirror  54   b  and the said rear rotatable mirror  58   b.  The rear light source or sources  50  emits light which may be direct and/or reflected off at least one of the second fixed mirror  54   b  and the said rear rotatable mirror  58   b,  similarly to the front lighting chamber  60   a.  Detailed description of the common features and effects is omitted for brevity. Optionally, the rear lighting chamber  60   b  also comprises a rear mirrored strip  70 , as shown. 
     The rear mirrored strip or baffle  70  connects to, extends or depends from the or the first bed base  14   a  towards the ground-facing section  24   a  and/or towards the partition member  62 . The rear mirrored strip  70  is preferably vertical or substantially vertical but angled away therefrom may be envisioned, for orienting the light differently. Said angle may be between 10° and 50°, for example 30° or 45°. The rear mirrored strip  70  is preferably also beneath the partitioning element  48  and/or the strip  44   a,  more preferably forwards thereof. This relative position enables light from the rear lighting chamber  60   b  to be reflected upwards and/or into the bed bases, or at least helps direct light through the transparent strip  44   a.  Preferably, the rear mirrored strip  70  is only reflective on the rear-facing surface, but either or both the rear-facing and front-facing surfaces thereof could be reflective in an alternative embodiment. In a further alternative embodiment, neither surface of the rear mirrored strip may be reflective. A plurality of baffles  66 ,  70  may be provided. 
     Preferably, both light sources  50  of the rear lighting chamber  60   b  are spaced apart from the ground-facing section  24   a.  One said rear light source  50  is preferably directed towards the rear spindle  58   b  and one is preferably directed towards the bed bases  14  and/or the front but any alternative combination of arrangement, orientation and positioning may be envisioned. In particular, at least one rear light source  50  may be connectable or connected to the partitioning member  62 , at or adjacent an upper end thereof, and preferably on a rear-facing surface thereof. 
     The partitioning member  62  comprises here a generally upstanding major portion and optionally, a lip, shoulder or ledge connectable or connected with the upstanding major portion. The ledge is preferably non co-planar and/or non-parallel with the upstanding major portion such that the ledge extends at an angle. Said angle may be between 10° and 70°, more preferably between 20° and 60° and most preferably, is 45°. Preferably, the plane of the ledge is parallel to the second fixed mirror  54   b  and/or the third surface  69   c,  but non-parallel is an option. 
     As previously mentioned, the or each mesh element  18  provides a substrate in the form of a mesh upon which light and/or an image from the lighting means  16  may be projected. The or a first said mesh element  18  in-use provides a holographic flame or simulated flame effect. As such, said mesh element  18  may be referred to as a first mesh element, a first holographic mesh element, a primary illusion screen, a flame mesh, a screen or a curtain  18   a.  A curtain  18   a  is defined as a fabric which may be foldable and/or non-rigid and which is connectable to a support from which the curtain hangs. A curtain is considered to be a subset of a screen, which includes rigid as well as non-rigid occlusion means. 
     The or each mesh element  18  is preferably pliable, bendable and/or foldable but may alternatively be at least partially rigid. The mesh element  18  may even be coloured. Once in position and/or in-use, the mesh element  18  becomes invisible or substantially invisible. The or each mesh element  18  may be formed of metal, plastics, glass, fibreglass or a combination thereof. In the present embodiment, the or each mesh element  18  comprises an underlying structure and a coating applied to the underlying mesh structure. Preferably, the underlying structure comprises strands of plastics, such as polyamide, polyester, or nylon, or any other suitable material. The strands are woven together to form a fabric, lattice or fine mesh, similar to that of gauze or lace. As such, the underlying structure may be referred to as “gauze”. The coating may be selected to be durably shiny and/or reflective. Preferably, the coating is as transparent or translucent as possible. The or each mesh element  18  may be partially or fully transparent, or semi-translucent. 
     In the present embodiment, the or each mesh element  18  is between 50% and 90% transparent, and more preferably between 60% and 80% transparent. Most preferably, the mesh element is 78% transparent. This enables the or each mesh element  18  to be or be substantially invisible in-use, particularly if the or each mesh element  18  is against a dark or black backdrop. The coating may comprise metals, such as silver, sliver fibre optics material, aluminium, any other suitable material, or any combination of the above. Preferably, the coating comprises an alloy. Most preferably, the mesh element  18  comprises polyamide and silver, such as silver fibre optics. The percentage of polyamide by weight or by volume may be between 60% and 99%, more preferably between 90% and 95%, and most preferably 94%. The percentage of silver fibre optics by weight or by volume may be between 40% and 1%, more preferably between 10% and 5%, and may be most preferably 6%. The degree of transparency of the or each mesh element  18  constitutes a trade-off. A more transparent mesh is less visible in-use, however, the image projected is dimmer or less bright. The screen gain may be up to 10.0, and is more preferably between 2.0 and 3.0. The viewing angle provided may be up to 180°. When exposed to low frequency soundwaves, the mesh element  18  may have no or substantially no vibrations. The approximate weight per meter-square or m 2  may be between 5 grams and 50 grams, more preferably between 10 grams and 20 grams and most preferably is 17 grams. The style of mesh may be eyelid. The mesh element  18  may have flame retardant properties and/or be treated to have such properties. In particular, the mesh element  18  may comply with the DIN 4102 B1 standard. The mesh element  18  may have good 3D polarisation performance. As such, the or each mesh element  18  may be referred to as a metallic mesh, a metallic gauze, a metallicized mesh or gauze, or a Holographic Gauze Mesh. An example of a suitable mesh element  18  may be the Holoflex or Holo-Gauze Material as manufactured by Glimm Screens B. V, based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 
     As comprising a mesh, the or each mesh element  18  is porous or has a plurality of small holes, gaps, apertures or pores which enables light therethrough. Preferably, the mesh element  18  may comprise a pore density between 2 pores and 100 pores per centimetre, more preferably between 5 pores and 50 pores per centimetre. In the preferred embodiment, the mesh element  18  has a pore density of about 10 pores per centimetre. Said pores also enable air therethrough such that a greater amount of air reaches the heating element  20  through the mesh, compared to screen of a solid material. As a result, the airflow to the heating element  20  is less restricted, and a more powerful heating element  20  may be used. Also, the airflow through the pores means the heating element  20  is less likely to drag the mesh element  18  towards the back wall  26 , towards the ceiling  30   a  and/or towards the base or grounding portion  22  via suction. 
     The first mesh element  18   a  is held, preferably taut, along at least two, preferably three, or most preferably along all four edges of the mesh element  18   a.  The first mesh element  18   a  is supported by the housing  12 , in particular by being engageable with the ceiling  30   a  of the top portion  28   a , for example by hanging therefrom and/or by being connected to the side walls of the housing  12 , whether directly or indirectly by means of a frame. The first mesh element  18   a  extends from the second bed base  14   b,  between the front bed base portions  36   a , 42   a  and rear bed base portions  36   b , 42   b  of the second bed base  14   b  and/or the first bed base  14   a.  The first mesh element  18   a  preferably engages with and/or connects with the second bed base  14   b  but it may be envisioned that a lower end of the first mesh element may instead be vertically spaced apart from the second bed base. As such, the holographic first mesh element  18   a  may be considered to divide the, either or all bed bases  14   a ,  14   b  into a front bed base portion  36   a , 42   a  and a rear bed base portion  36   b , 42   b.  Preferably, the first mesh element  18   a  is spaced-apart from the front screen  28   c . Additionally, the first mesh element  18   a  is preferably spaced-apart from the back wall  26 . The holographic effect of the first mesh element  18   a  requires that the mesh element  18   a  is at least partly spaced-apart from a suitable background, which is here the back wall  26  of the electric fire apparatus  10 . 
     The first mesh element  18   a  or at least a major portion thereof, is preferably in a taut condition and/or is extended in a plane, at least when in use. Preferably, the electric fire apparatus  10  comprises only one planar first mesh element  18   a  but a plurality may be envisioned. As shown, the first mesh element  18   a  is preferably angled relative to a vertical plane. The first mesh element  18   a  is preferably non-parallel with the back wall  26  and/or the mesh plane extends non-perpendicularly to the first and/or second bed bases  14 . The first mesh element  18   a  may be angled towards the back as shown, although forwards, or being vertical or substantially vertical may be envisioned. This may depend on the dimensions of the fireplace cavity and/or the electric fire apparatus. The angle between the first mesh element  18   a  and either or both bed bases  14  may be small, such as between 5° and 40° and more preferably between 10° and 30°. The strip  44   a  is preferably positioned beneath and/or rearward relative to the mesh element  18   a.    
     Alternatively to, or preferably, in addition to the above first mesh element  18   a,  the electric fire apparatus  10  may comprise at least one further mesh element  18  which is associated with the bed bases  14  and/or the imitation fuel  34   a , 34   b  or fuel support element  32   a , 32   b.  For clarity, such a mesh element  18  may be referred to as a second mesh element, a fuel mesh or fuel mesh element  18   b,  and is indicated as dashed lines in  FIG.  1   . The or each second mesh element  18   b  may be draped, laid over, wrapped around and/or positioned between and/or beneath at least one imitation fuel element  38   a , 38   b.  3D relief and/or additional layers of depth to the holographic effect are provided, thereby improving the realism of the fire, flame or burning fuel effect. Each second mesh element  18   b  is associated with the front bed base portion  36   a , 42   a  and/or rear bed base portion  36   b , 42   b  of either, each, or both of the first and second bed bases  14   a , 14   b.  As shown, a second mesh element  18   b  is draped over the upper front bed base portion  36   a  and one or more second mesh elements  18   b  are draped over the front bed base portions  42   a,  the rear bed base portions  42   b,  or both portions  42   a , 42   b  of the first bed base  14   a.  There may be more than one second mesh element associated with any one portion. 
     In-use, the user would obtain an electric fire apparatus  10 . Whilst the electric fire apparatus  10  may already be fully assembled, the electric fire apparatus  10  may be provided in a kit of parts which may be at least partly assembled or in a fully disassembled state or deconstructed condition. In these cases, the user may need to assemble the electric fire apparatus  10  according to some or all the following steps, prior to use. The bed bases may not necessarily be stacked or positioned one above the other at this stage. 
     A receiving area or cavity is prepared to receive the electric fire apparatus  10 . The user inserts and appropriately positions the housing  12  in the receiving cavity. This step may be done at any time of the assembly process, including at the end. However, at or towards the beginning of the assembly is preferred, as the housing  12  is lighter to carry and move relative to when assembled. Additionally, this reduces the risk of movement and/or damage to any of the components. The grounding portion  22  is positioned in place, with the back wall  26  and/or rear wall  24   c  facing, abutting or at least closest to the depth of the receiving cavity. If detachably connectable therefrom and if desired, the back wall  26  and side walls  28   b  may be connected to the rear wall  24   c  and lateral sections  24   d  at this point or at any point up until installation of the first mesh element  18   a . The front of the electric fire apparatus  10  is closest to the user. 
     If not already done, the lighting means  16  is installed. This may involve inserting, and/or fixing the at least one, and preferably all the reflective elements  54  in position. Similarly, the or all light sources  50  are positioned and/or oriented appropriately. 
     The or at least one bed base  14  is positioned above the lighting means  16 . This may be done by sliding, pivoting and/or lowering the or at least the first bed base  14   a  and/or the fuel support element  32   a  into or onto one or a plurality of support elements, such as brackets, battens, stilts or other such support elements, connectable or connected to the housing  12 . 
     If not already done prior to insertion, the imitation fuel  34   a  is made to overlie, be superposed, superimposed, or arranged onto the fuel support element  32   a.  This involves positioning each fuel element  38   a  on, above and/or around each log-shaped transparent portion  44   b,  with the outer face  40   c  of the or each fuel element  38   a  visible to the user. The or each second mesh element  18   b  may be positioned in, on, around, under or any combination thereof around the imitation fuel  34   a,  whether loosely draped and/or tightly fitting around each fuel element  38   a.    
     If the second bed base  14   b  is separable from the first bed base  14   a,  and/or if provided with a further bed base  14  which may be a second bed base  14   b,  for example, such that there are three bed bases, the user lowers and/or slides or pivots the further second bed base  14   b  into position, above the or all bed bases  14  already in position. Although an upper fuel support element may be laid straight onto the imitation fuel of a bed base positioned below, preferably, the partitioning element  48  spaces apart a bed base from the one below. There may be additional supports and/or partitioning elements, to support the second bed base  14   b,  similar to the first bed base  14   a.  The imitation fuel  34   b  is laid on top of the fuel support element  32   b .The or each fuel mesh element  18   b  is inserted, similarly to the first bed base  14   a.    
     As the partitioning element  48  is preferably integrally formed with both and/or all bed bases  14   a , 14   b  in the present embodiment, all bed bases  14   a , 14   b  are inserted into the housing  12  simultaneously, and preferably after imitation fuel  34   a  has been positioned on at least the lower fuel support element or elements  32   a  and/or after the fuel mesh elements  38   b  have been positioned. 
     The user finishes the assembly by installing the first mesh element  18   a  which may require assembly of the rest of the housing  12  if not already done. The pliable first mesh element  18   a  may be unfolded, unfurled or unrolled if in a folded, furled or rolled condition. The first mesh element  18   a  is then connected to the ceiling  30   a  and/or to the side walls  28   b  and may be extended into a planar or substantially planar condition. The heating element or heater  20 , if provided, is connected to, or preferably contained within the housing  12 , more preferably within the top portion  28   a  thereof, although the or a further said heating element may be found or insertable in other locations, such as beneath, behind, or to a side of the housing. 
     If provided, the front screen  28   c  may be connected to the housing  12  before or after the heating element  20  is installed. Preferably, a lower end of the front screen  28   c  is made to sit upon, abut against or engage with a front end of the first and/or here, second bed base  14   a , 14   b.  An upper of the front screen  28   c  may engage with the housing  12 , preferably rearwards of the exit  31   b  the heating element  20  and/or forwards of first mesh element  18   a.    
     The electric fire apparatus  10  in the assembled condition is ready for use. The user, upon wanting to see a simulated fire effect, turns the fire apparatus  10  on. 
     The lighting means  16  is also turned on to illuminate the imitation fuel  34   a , 34   b  and/or the or a said mesh element  18  from below. The transparent portions  44   b  increase the amount of light that reach the imitation fuel  34   a  above. In other words, the transparent portion or portions  44   b  enable an amount of light through the or each further transparent portion  44   b  to reach the or each fuel element  38   a,  said amount of light being greater than the amount of light permitted by the or each translucent portion  46 . The illuminated lower fuel elements  38   a  may in turn illuminate the second bed base  14   b.  The translucent portion or portions  46  enable some light therethrough whilst hiding more or all of the lighting means  16  below. 
     The light sources  50  emit light to provide the burning fuel effect and/or the flame effect. The flickering flames may be provided by light reflecting off the rotatable mirrors which are in rotation around their spindle in-use. The angular velocity may be at a constant and/or variable. The non-rotating mirrors reflect any light towards the imitation fuel  34   b ,  34   a,  increasing the amount of light in the bed bases  14  receive. The strip  44   a  in particular enables light from a direct light source  50  and/or reflected off one or more reflective elements  54  to illuminate the first mesh element  18   a , preferably from the rear. Preferably, the first mesh element  18   a  is only illuminated by light from the rear lighting chamber  60   b,  but front lighting may additionally or alternatively be envisioned. Most preferably, the light source  50  associated with the partition member  62  emits light which is reflected by the rear rotatable mirror  58   b  and/or the second fixed mirror  54   b,  through the strip  44   a  and onto at least the first mesh element  18   a.  Optionally, some of the light may additionally be reflected by the rear mirrored strip  70  and/or onto the rear second mesh element  18   b.  The heating element  20  emits heat and/or blows heat and/or heated air out through the exit  31   b.    
     In summary, there is provided a method of providing an improved simulated fire effect, by providing an electric fire apparatus  10 ; and shining light through the or all bed bases  14 . There is also provided a method of providing an improved simulated fire effect, by dividing a bed base  14  using a holographic mesh element  18 . 
     Referring now to  FIG.  3   , there is shown a second embodiment of an electric fire apparatus  110 . Features of the second embodiment of the electric fire apparatus  110  which are similar to the first embodiment of the electric fire apparatus  10  have similar reference numerals, with the prefix “1” added. 
     The electric fire apparatus  110  is similar to the electric fire apparatus  10  of the first embodiment, comprising a housing or housing element  112 ; at least one, and more preferably, two bed bases  114 ; and a lighting means  116  having at least one light source  150 ; at least one holographic mesh element  118 , and a heating element  120  although any of these features may be omitted. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. 
     The or each mesh element  118  of the second embodiment is similar to the mesh element  18  of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. Preferably, unlike in the first embodiment, the electric fire apparatus  110  of the second embodiment does not comprise a first mesh element, in other words, the mesh element which extends from between the front and rear bed base portions and/or which is taut is omitted. Instead, the or each mesh elements  118  is similar to a second mesh element  18   b  of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common features is, again, omitted for brevity. Instead of a first mesh element, the electric fire apparatus  110  may comprise a, preferably meshless, screen  172 . The screen  172  is preferably at least partly semi-translucent or semi-transparent, and may have various levels or degrees of transparency and/or reflectiveness. The screen  172  may be coloured but non-coloured is an option. The screen  172  is preferably fitted at a rear of the bed base  124 . The screen  172  may be angled towards the front, or the rear, or be vertical. The screen  172  may be formed of glass, plastics, such as acrylics, metals or any combination thereof. 
     The housing  112  is similar to the housing of the first embodiment, having a ground or grounding portion  122  comprising a ground-facing section  124   a,  a front facing section  124   b  comprising a major front surface  169   a,  a small ledge  169   b  and a third surface  169   c;  and a rear section  124   c  and optional one or more lateral walls  124   d;  a back wall  126 ; a top portion  128   a;  two side walls  128   b;  a front screen  128   c;  a ceiling  130   a;  a front surface  130   b;  a chamber  131   a;  a further exit  131   b;  a channel  131   c,  although any of the above may be omitted. Detailed description of the common features is therefore omitted for brevity. 
     Each bed base  114  of the second embodiment is similar to a bed base  14  of the first embodiment, comprising a fuel support element  132  and imitation fuel  134 , although any one of the features may be omitted. There are preferably two bed bases  114  such that there is a first bed base  114   a  and a second bed base  114   b.  The first bed base  114   a  is similar to the first bed base  14   a  of the first embodiment, comprising a fuel support element  132   a  and imitation fuel  134   a  comprising one or more imitation fuel elements  138   a.  The second bed base  114   b  is similar to the second bed base  14   b  of the first embodiment, comprising a fuel support element  132   b  and imitation fuel  134   b  comprising at least one, and preferably a plurality of imitation fuel elements  138   b.  Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. 
     Unlike the first embodiment, at least one of, and preferably both the first and second bed bases  114   a ,  114   b  only comprise a front bed base portion  136   a ,  142   a.  In other words, the rear bed base portion is omitted in either or both the first and second bed base  114   a ,  114   b.  The fuel support elements  132   a ,  132   b  may therefore respectively comprise the front bed base portion  132   a ,  142   a  only. In the second embodiment, the front bed base portion  36   a  is defined as the portion of the bed base  14   b  which is in front of the screen  172 . 
     The front bed base portion  136   a  of the second bed base  114   b  is similar to the front bed base portion  36   a  of the first embodiment. The front bed base portion  142   a  of the first bed base  114   a  is similar to the front bed base portion  42   a  of the first embodiment, having at least one transparent portion and at least one translucent portion. The or at least one said transparent portion of the second embodiment is or are similar to a further transparent portion  44   b  of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common features is once again omitted for brevity. Preferably, the first bed base  114   a  does not comprise an elongate and/or strip-shaped transparent portion. In other words, in the second embodiment, the strip is preferably omitted from the first bed base  114   a.    
     The electric fire apparatus  110  further comprises at least one partitioning element  148 , but this feature may be omitted and/or may be part of the screen. The or each partitioning element  148  is similar to the partitioning element  48  of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. 
     The lighting means  116  of the second embodiment is similar to the lighting means  16  of the first embodiment, having similar at least one light source  150 , and reflecting means  152  having at least one reflective element or surface  154 . The reflecting means  152  comprises a first fixed mirror  154   a,  at least one rotatable mirror  158 , and here, both a front rotatable mirror  158   a  and a rear rotatable mirror  158   b.  The first fixed mirror  154   a  together with the grounding portion  122  define a reflective light chamber  156 , preferably delimitated into a front lighting chamber  160   a  and a rear lighting chamber  160   b  by a partition member  162 , similarly to the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. Unlike the first embodiment, the reflecting means  152  of the second embodiment preferably does not comprise a second fixed mirror. The front and/or rear rotatable mirrors  158   a ,  158   b  are preferably positioned below the upper end of the first fixed mirror  154   a.  Furthermore, the front and/or rear rotatable mirrors  158   a ,  158   b  are preferably positioned above the lower end of the first fixed mirror  154   a.    
     In the second embodiment, the lighting means  116  preferably comprises three lighting sources  150  rather than four. In particular, the rear lighting chamber  160   b  may comprise one light source  150  instead of two or more, but these alternatives could be envisioned. Preferably, the light source omitted relative to the first embodiment is the light source directed towards the bed bases  114  and/or the front and/or associated with the rear wall  124   c,  but this need not be the case or the opposite may be envisioned. Thus the rear lighting chamber  160   b  comprises at least a rear light source  150  which may be connectable or connected to the partitioning member  162 , at or adjacent an upper end thereof, and preferably on a rear-facing surface thereof. 
     The mirrored strip  166  of the second embodiment is similar to the mirrored strip of the first embodiment, having a major section or portion  167   a,  and optional lip  167   b  connected thereto. Preferably, the mirrored strip  166  is spaced apart from the front screen  128   c  and/or from a front end of the or all bed bases  114  to provide a gap  168 , similarly to the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. Preferably, the rear lighting chamber  60   b  does not comprise a rear mirrored strip, unlike the first embodiment, but this may be envisioned in an alternative embodiment. 
     As there is preferably no rear bed base portion in the second embodiment, each or a said mesh element  118  is associated with the front bed base portion  136   a ,  142   a  of either, each or both of the upper and lower bed bases  114   a ,  114   b.    
     The uses of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common steps is omitted for brevity. 
     Instead of installing a first mesh element, the user installs the screen  172 . This may involve engaging the screen  172  with the bed bases  114  and/or the housing  112 . Preferably the lower end of the screen  172  is seated on or engaged with the first or second bed base  114   a ,  114   b.  An upper end of the screen  172  may engage or rest against the housing  112 , in particular the back wall  126 , and/or may abut against a stop or abutment element and/or may be received within a groove or slot. The slot and/or abutment element may be positioned on or extending from any of: the ceiling  130 , one or more lateral walls  124   d,  and one or more side walls  128   b.  Additionally or alternatively, fastening means may be provided. Light may be projected onto the in-use screen  172  from the front and/or the back. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  4   , there is shown a third embodiment of an electric fire apparatus  210 . Features of the third embodiment of the electric fire apparatus  210  which are similar to the first embodiment of the electric fire apparatus  10  or the second embodiment of the electric fire apparatus  110  have similar reference numerals, with the prefix “2” added if no previous prefix was added, or replacing the previous prefix. 
     The electric fire apparatus  210  is similar to the electric fire apparatus  10  of the first embodiment, comprising a housing  212 ; at least one, and more preferably, two bed bases  214 ; and a lighting means  216  having at least one light source; at least one screen  272 , similarly to the screen  172  of the second embodiment; at least one electrical control component  274  and a heating element  220  although any of these features may be omitted. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. Unlike in the first and second embodiments, the electric fire apparatus  210  preferably does not comprise one or more mesh elements, whether first or second mesh elements, however it may be envisioned that the electric fire apparatus may alternatively comprise one or more first mesh elements and/or one or more second mesh elements. 
     The housing  212  is similar to the housing  12  of the first embodiment, having a grounding portion  222  comprising a ground-facing section  224   a,  a front facing section or wall  224   b  comprising a major front surface  269   a;  and a rear wall  224   c  and optional one or more lateral walls  224   d;  a back wall  226 ; a top portion  228   a;  two side walls  228   b;  a front screen  228   c;  a ceiling  230   a;  a front surface  230   b;  a chamber  231   a;  a further opening  231   b;  a channel connecting the chamber  231   a  to the exit  231   b;  and at least one ventilation inlet  276  although any of the above may be omitted. Detailed description of the common features is once again, omitted for brevity. There may be at least one further ventilation port  278  which may be associated with any part of the housing  212 , and here is shown to be in the ground-facing section  224   a.  The ground-facing section  224   a  in the third embodiment is preferably spaced-apart from the ground in use, by a spacing means, such as legs or supports. Furthermore, there is no small ledge and/or no third surface in the third embodiment but either or both features could easily be inserted. 
     Each bed base  214  of the third embodiment is similar to a bed base  14  of the first embodiment, comprising a fuel support element  232  and imitation fuel  234 , although any one of the features may be omitted. There are preferably two bed bases  214  such that there is a first bed base  214   a  and a second bed base  214   b.  The first bed base  214   a  is similar to the first bed base  114   a  of the second embodiment, comprising only a front bed base portion  242   a;  and the second bed base  214   b  is similar to the second bed base  114   b  of the second embodiment, comprising only a front bed base portion  236   a.  Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. As shown, the first bed base  214   a  is positioned preferably above the second bed base  214   b  in the third embodiment but the opposite may easily be envisioned. The first bed base  214   a  may be sloping or, preferably as shown, horizontal or substantially horizontal. Additionally the second bed base  214   b  is sloping. Preferably, said sloping is upward in a front to back direction, but downward or horizontal are alternative options. Preferably, the first bed base  214   a  does not comprise an elongate and/or strip-shaped transparent portion. The strip may be omitted from the first bed base  214   a.    
     The electric fire apparatus  210  further comprises at least one partitioning element  248 , but this feature may be omitted and/or may be part of the screen. The or each partitioning element  248  is similar to the partitioning element  48  of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. 
     A projection screen  280  may be provided, which may be formed as a  3 D holographic rear projection screen, such as a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) nanoparticle  3 D holographic rear projection screen and/or may comprise a holographic mesh. Here, the term rear projection screen refers to the fact that the holographic projection is on a rear side of the screen with respect to a front of the electric fire apparatus  210 . The projection screen  280  sits upon and/or is attached to a bed base  214 , preferably the upper of the bed bases  214  and/or from a front end thereof. The screen  280  may project upwards towards the top of the appliance  210 . The projection screen  280  may be or be substantially vertical as shown but angled forward or rearward are options. 
     A third, at least in part reflective screen  282 , such as a two-way mirror or beam-splitter, may be provided which adjoins the screen  272  at a level of the, preferably upper, bed base  214 . The at least in part reflective screen  282  is preferably vertical but may be angled forwards or rearwards. Between the projection screen  280  and the reflective screen  280  is defined a main fire box area  283  in which the display fuel or fuel bed is situated. If provided, the front screen  228   c  is preferably spaced-apart from the projection screen  280 . However any of the screens may be omitted. 
     The lighting means  216  of the third embodiment is similar to the lighting means  16  of the first embodiment, having similar at least one light source  250  and reflecting means  252  having at least one reflective element  254 . The reflecting means  252  comprises a first fixed mirror  254   a,  at least one rotatable mirror  258 , and here, both front and rear rotatable mirrors  258   a , 258   b.  The first fixed mirror  254   a  together with the grounding portion  222  define or provide a reflective light chamber  256 . Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. The reflective light chamber  256  may even comprise the space between the back wall  226  and the screen  272 . There is preferably no partition member, nor any front or rear light chambers in the third embodiment, but any of these features could easily be inserted 
     Furthermore, the reflecting means  252  of the third embodiment also comprises a second fixed mirror  254   b.  However, a, preferably lower, end of the second fixed mirror  254   b  may be adjacent to, abut against, connectable with or be engaged with the first fixed mirror  254   a,  preferably at an angle. Said end may be forward and/or higher relative to the lower end of the first fixed mirror  254   a.  Said end may also or alternatively be rearward and/or lower relative to an upper end of the first fixed mirror  254   a.  Optionally, the second fixed mirror  254   b  may slope upwards in a front to back direction, but horizontal or downwards may be envisioned. The end is preferably spaced-apart from the ground-facing section  224   a.  The opposing end of the second fixed mirror  254   b  is preferably spaced-apart from the rear wall  224   c  and/or the ground-facing section  224   a . Furthermore, the opposing end of the second fixed mirror  254   b  may be beneath or forwards of the rear rotatable mirror  258   b  and/or forward of an upper end of the screen  272 . The opposing end may be rearward of the bed bases  214  and/or a lower end of the screen  272 . The opposing end may be higher than, lower than or, here, level with one or both rotatable mirrors  258   a , 258   b . The electric control components  274  is or are preferably positioned between the second fixed mirror  258   b  and the ground-facing section  224   a.  An upper end of the first fixed mirror  258   a  is preferably above the front end of the first and/or second bed bases  214   a , 214   b.  The front and/or rear rotatable mirrors  258   a , 258   b  are preferably positioned above the lower end of the first fixed mirror  254   a.  Furthermore, the front rotatable mirror  258   a  is preferably positioned below the upper end of the first fixed mirror  254   a.  However, the rear rotatable mirror  258   b  is preferably positioned above the upper end of the first fixed mirror  254   a  and/or of one or all bed bases  214 . 
     In the third embodiment, the lighting means  216  preferably comprises at least one, and here four lighting sources  250 , but any may be omitted. The first said lighting source  250   a  is on, at or adjacent the first fixed mirror  254   a,  optionally spaced-apart from an upper end thereof. The first source  250   a  may be rearward facing and/or directed towards any of: a said bed base  214 , the second fixed mirror  254   b,  and, preferably, the front rotatable mirror  258   a.  The second said lighting source  250   b  is on, at or adjacent to the screen  272  and/or the rear end of a said bed base  214 , preferably the upper of the bed bases  214 . Said second lighting source  250   b  may be directed forwards or rearwards. Here, it may be oriented towards any of the rear wall  224   c,  the back wall  226  and the rear rotatable mirror  258   b.  The rear wall  224   c  and/or the back wall  226  may be reflective. The third lighting source  250   c  is preferably positioned between the upper and lower ends of the screen  272  and/or above the rear rotatable mirror  258   b.  Furthermore, the third lighting source  250   c  may be positioned rearward of the screen  272 . Preferably, the third lighting source  250   c  is directed towards the grounding portion  222  and/or the back wall  226 , and, optionally, may be spaced-apart therefrom by a spacing member  284 . The fourth said lighting source  250   d  is preferably positioned above the bed bases  214  and/or may be in, on, at or adjacent to the ceiling  230   a.  The fourth source  250   d  may be directed downward and/or toward the bed bases  214  and/or toward the screen  272 . The source  250   d  may be positioned between the third screen  282  and the projection screen  280 . Preferably one or both mirrored strips are omitted from the third embodiment but either or both could be envisioned. The bed bases  214  and/or the projection screen  280  or at least a lower end thereof is spaced-apart, in a preferably rearward direction relative to the upper end of the first fixed mirror  254   a.  This provides a gap or channel  268 , similarly to the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common features is omitted for brevity. 
     The uses of the third embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common steps is therefore omitted for brevity. Instead of installing a first mesh element, the user installs the screens  272 , 280 , 282 , instead. This may involve engaging in turn each screen with the bed bases  214  and/or the housing  212 . Preferably the lower end of the screen  272  is connected to, abutted against, or seated on the first or second bed base  214   a , 214   b.  An upper end of the screens may engage or rest against the housing  212 , in particular the back wall  226 , and/or may abut against stop or abutment elements and/or may be received within a groove or slot if provided. The slot and/or abutment element may be positioned on or extending from any of: the ceiling  230 , one or more lateral walls  224   d,  and one or more side walls  228   b.  Additionally or alternatively, fastening means may be provided for a more secure fit. The front screen  228   c  may optionally be installed. 
     Any of the above modifications may be applicable to any of the embodiments. Similarly, the following modifications may be applicable to any of the above described embodiments. 
     The electric fire apparatus may comprise at least one screen in addition to or instead of a first mesh element. The electric fire apparatus and/or the screen may be meshless. Alternatively, the electric fire apparatus may comprise at least one holographic mesh element. Furthermore, at least one of the first bed base and the second bed base may comprise the or a said holographic mesh element. Preferably, the electric fire apparatus may comprise a screen. The screen may be meshless. The screen may be at least partly reflective. The screen may comprise acrylics. The screen may be at least partly translucent. Each bed base may comprise a fuel support element. Either, any or each fuel support element may comprise any of: a front bed base portion; a rear bed base portion; a front bed base portion and a rear bed base portion. In other words, any or all of the fuel support elements may only comprise a front bed base portion or a rear bed base portion. The screen may be at or adjacent to a rear end of the front bed base portion of the first bed base and/or a rear end of the front bed base portion of the second bed base. The screen may be rear-lit or back-lit. The electric fire apparatus, or at least one or a plurality of bed bases may be retrofittable to an existing fireplace and/or to an existing electric fire apparatus. The electric fire apparatus may additionally or alternatively comprise at least one second mesh element. 
     Although not shown, in any of the above embodiments, a front plate, front guard or fascia may be fitted, for safety or aesthetic purposes. The fascia may be fitted to the front of the electric fire apparatus, most preferably to the grounding portion thereof. The front facing section or wall may even be omitted. The fascia may comprise glass, plastics, metals, such as gold, silver, steel, stainless steel, or any other suitable material or combination of materials. The fascia may be curved, non-curved, linear, polygonal such as triangular or rectangular in any of: a longitudinal cross-section, a lateral cross-section, and a cross-section along the height. Preferably the fascia may be an arc in longitudinal cross-section. In other words, the fascia may be a section of a cylinder. Either or all fuel support elements may even be complementarily shaped with the fascia, for example to minimise or span the gap between the grounding portion and the front end of the bed bases. In this case, the or each fuel support element may have a curved front edge instead of a linear front edge. 
     In all the above embodiments, preferably the whole housing and/or the ground portion is or is substantially a square or a rectangle when viewed from the front. Similarly, the fuel support elements are square or preferably rectangular, as are the or each mesh element or screen. However, any of the housing, the grounding portion, any mesh element, any screen and any fuel support element may be an alternative shape, such as a non-curved, curved, partly curved, circular, oval, polygonal such as triangular, hexagonal, octagonal, trapezium, trapezoid or any other polygon, regular or irregular, or any combination thereof. The housing may be or be substantially rectangular with one or both edges, where the side walls meet the ceiling being curved or chamfered. The mesh element and/or the or each screen may have at least one curved edge and/or at least one linear or non-curved edge. 
     Whilst comprising the whole housing here, as an alternative in any embodiment, the electric fire apparatus can be fitted into a cavity or fireplace with part or all of the housing omitted. In this case, the first mesh element, if provided, may need to be provided with a frame and/or a supporting element such as a plate and/or be sufficiently rigid to remain in a planar or substantially planar condition. Additionally or instead, a semi-transparent or transparent main screen may be provided in addition to or instead of the first mesh element, to provide the simulated fire effect. For example, the first mesh element may be engaged with, connected to, such as via an adhesive or any other connection means, to a transparent plate or screen for structure, such as an acrylic plate. In other words, one or more mesh elements may be added or omitted from any of the above embodiments. Furthermore, one or more non-mesh screens or screen element may be added or omitted from any of the above embodiments. The housing, or at least the parts of the housing which are engageable with the grounding portion may be omitted entirely in this case. One or both bed bases may be retrofitted to an existing real or simulated fireplace having no or at least one bed base already. The first mesh element may be replaced by any previously mentioned screen. Any of the above screens may comprise a reflective coating and/or a reflective film. Said coating and/or film may be on one or both surfaces. 
     In any of the above embodiments, a mesh element may even be provided instead of or in addition to the partitioning element. Said mesh element may even be connected to the partitioning element, such as with an adhesive. Alternatively, a portion of a screen may act as the said partitioning element, such that the partitioning element may even be omitted. The upper bed base or bases may have a slit or gap enabling the first mesh element and/or a screen element to be inserted therethrough such that the first mesh element and/or screen element may extend between the first and second bed bases. 
     Whilst the or each mesh element comprises a coating applied to an underlying structure, it could be envisioned that the coating may be omitted. The underlying structure may be formed of or comprise the material of the coating instead. For example, the underlying structure may comprise metal strands or strands of fibre optics materials in a mesh or lattice. It may even be envisioned that instead of or in addition to a holographic mesh, the holographic effect may be provided by a screen comprising no mesh, such as formed by a solid substrate. The solid substrate may have particles suspended within and/or suitable to produce a hologram or holographic effect. An example of a solid, meshless screen may be an acrylics screen, or a glass screen. Such a screen is provided in the third embodiment but could be omitted or inserted in any of the above embodiments. 
     It could be envisioned that there may be a plurality of first bed bases and/or a plurality of second bed bases in any combination and arrangement. For example, there may be three bed bases. Bed bases of only one type may be provided. One or more transparent fuel support elements may be positioned above and/or below the partially translucent fuel support element for additional layers of depth, whilst providing as much light as possible. In other words, two bed bases may be spaced-apart, preferably vertically spaced-apart from each other. A bed base may overlie or overlap a further bed base. The lowest bed base may be a first bed base and the top two bed bases may be second bed bases. The terms “above” and “below” are intended to mean herein and throughout when the bed bases are in use. It is to be understood that when the electric fire apparatus is not in use, a bed base may not necessarily be above or below a further bed base. 
     For instance, in a disassembled condition or in a kit condition, the electric fire apparatus may be rotated or positioned on a side. The bed bases in this alternative may not be spaced-apart from each other, and/or may not be spaced-apart vertically. A plurality of first mesh elements and/or a plurality of second mesh elements may be associated with any of: the electric fire apparatus, the first bed base, the second bed base, the front bed base portion of any or all bed bases, the rear bed base portion of any or all bed bases. Alternatively, any mesh element may be omitted from any of the above. 
     The first mesh element may be connected to a frame and/or the housing to be taut, by any number of its edges and/or by being taut between an edge and one or more points, or even between three or more spaced-apart points or anchors. The anchors may even be spaced-apart from the edge or edges of the mesh element. Whilst planar and/or taut in this embodiment, the first mesh element may alternatively be sufficiently loose or slack to be moveable, for instance under a current or jet of air. Said air may be provided by the heating element. The movability may increase further the realism of the flame effect by providing additional depth and/or softening or blurring any edges of a projected light or image, although this may be to the detriment of the lighting projected onto the screen if a specific arrangement and/or position of the screen is required for a crisp flame effect. 
     It could be easily be envisioned that the front and rear bed base portions of any of the bed bases may be separate, connected or connectable, separably or not, with each other instead of integrally formed. Furthermore, the rear and front bed base portions may be co-planar and/or parallel with each other, or neither parallel nor co-planar with each other. A bed base portion may even be non-planar such that they may be partly curved. This may better retain the imitation fuel. Any one of the front bed base portion and the rear bed base portion of any of the bed bases may be omitted and in any combination. Although the strip is preferably considered to be part of the rear bed base portion, the strip may be considered to be part of the front bed base portion, instead or in addition to the rear bed base portion. The strip may even be considered to be part of neither. Furthermore, although the strip is integrally formed with both front and back portions, it may alternatively be connected or connectable to either or both the front and back bed base portions. The strip may be omitted altogether such that the front and back bed base portions may be spaced apart from each other. There may even be a plurality of strips. The or at least one lighting source may be positioned anywhere in relative to the bed bases, including above, such as on the ceiling and/or from the back wall, by way of examples instead of or in addition to below one or both bed bases. Thus, the or at least one light source may not necessarily direct light through at least one or all bed bases. At least one light source may direct light onto any of: the front bed base portion, the rear bed base portion, a screen, a first mesh element, and a second mesh element. 
     It could even be envisioned that at least one or each transparent portion of the first bed base, whether the strip or the fuel-shaped transparent portions of the lower bed base, may be omitted entirely. Either or all fuel support elements may be devoid of any transparent portion altogether. Any translucent portion may be omitted. Any translucent or partly translucent screen may be transparent or partly transparent instead. The fuel support element may even comprise holes, gaps or apertures, to further increase the amount of light going through each log. It may even be envisioned that the imitation fuel and the fuel support element of the upper and/or lower bed bases may even be connected together and/or moulded together. The imitation fuel may be shaped directly out of the fuel support element. Although C-shaped here, each fuel element may have any cross-section such as curved, non-curved, partly curved, partly or fully polygonal. The cross-section may even change along the length of a fuel element. Two logs may have completely different shapes and/or sizes relative to each other. Furthermore, whilst imitation wood logs are the preferred imitation fuel, alternative or additional imitation fuel may be envisioned in addition to or instead of fuel for aesthetic reasons. Alternatives include real logs, coals, driftwood, twigs or any other suitable fuel, pebbles, ceramics, crystals, marbles, glass portions, glass spheres, stones, dirt, sand, or any other suitable article or substrate, for example to emulate a camp fire on the beach. 
     There is one partitioning element in the second and third embodiments and two partitioning elements in the first embodiment, but it may be envisioned that any number of, preferably spaced-apart, partitioning elements could be provided, including none, one or a plurality. A partitioning element may be associated with any part of a bed base. Although the partitioning element extends all the distance between the bed bases, it could be envisioned that the partitioning element may only extend from one bed base, such as extending upwards from the first bed base, or down from the second bed base. The partitioning element may be integrally formed with, connected or connectable with only one bed base. The partitioning element may even be integrally formed with or contact neither bed base, for instance, by being connected to the side walls or lateral sections of the housing. In this case, the partitioning element may not need to be rigid, such that it could be pliable and/or stretched. The partitioning element may be omitted entirely. The upper fuel bed base may be laid on top of the lower fuel bed base, whether directly on the fuel support element or on the imitation fuel of the lower fuel bed base. Although the partitioning element preferably comprises a plate in order to fulfil all of its functions, the partitioning element may alternatively comprise a plurality of strips or pillars and/or brackets, supports or battens connected or connectable to the housing. The partitioning element may even be one or more strings, ropes or chain elements or other suitable suspensive means which may suspend the bed bases from the ceiling of the housing. Instead of being integrally formed with one or both bed bases, the partitioning element may alternatively be connected, connectable, contacted, or abuttable against either or both bed bases, whether with the imitation fuel and/or, preferably, the fuel support element or fuel support elements. Instead or in addition to a spindle, a flickering flame effect may be provided by any or any number of: an LCD light or lighting display, a pulsating LED light, or an LED screen, or a combination of any of the above. The LED may project a range of colours, and/or patterns. The LED screen may be fixed or movable. An LED screen may be connected to any or any combination of parts of the grounding portion, such as the ground-facing section, the front facing section or wall, and a rear section or wall. An LED screen may be rotatable around a spindle. The LED screen may be rotatable about a horizontal axis. Additionally, or alternatively, the LED screen may be rotatable about a vertical axis. Any of the fixed or stationary mirrors or mirrored strips are preferably permanently engaged or connected with the housing in the present embodiment, for ease of assembly and/or ensuring the correct orientation and angles. However, any mirror or mirrored strip may be separably engageable or connectable with the housing. Although any reflective element or feature comprises mirror in the above embodiments, non-mirror alternatives may be envisioned, such as any suitable reflective material. This may include reflective or metallicized plastics, a reflective sheet, foil, film or coating, such as tin foil. The material may reflect light only by virtue of its colour. For instance, the reflective material may be white or light-coloured, shiny or bright. Any suitable material may be envisioned such as fabric, paper, plastics, paint, a coating, a foil, or a film. 
     Any of the major front surface, small ledge, and third surface of the front facing section may be omitted or added in any embodiment. The third surface may even be a portion of the front mirrored strip. The major section of the front mirrored strip may be parallel and/or coplanar with the third surface, or may even replace the third surface entirely. The mirrored strip may be connectable to, connected directly with the major front surface. The mirrored strip may extend directly from the front facing section and/or third surface towards the rear of the electric fire apparatus. The electric fire apparatus may also comprise a speaker element, not shown, for instance for playing typical fire sounds, such as crackling. The mesh element may be particularly advantageous as transmitting well any acoustics from a speaker rearward of the mesh element and/or does not or does not substantially dampen the sounds therefrom. 
     Whilst in any of the above embodiments, the first fixed mirror and, if provided, the second fixed mirror, meet the front facing section and the rear wall respectively at an angle, it may easily be envisioned however that either or both the first and second fixed mirrors may not meet with the front facing section and the rear wall respectively. The first fixed mirror may not be positioned at an angle relative to the front facing section. The second fixed mirror may not be positioned at an angle relative to the rear wall. In one alternative arrangement, the first fixed mirror may be co-planar or parallel with the front facing section. In other words, the first fixed mirror may extend along, be abuttable against or flush with the inner face of the front facing section. In use, the first fixed mirror may be or be substantially vertical. Similarly, if a second fixed mirror is provided, the second fixed mirror may be co-planar or parallel with the rear wall. In other words, the second fixed mirror may be abuttable against, flush with or extend along the rear wall. As such, the second fixed mirror may be or be substantially vertical in use. Optionally, in addition to or instead of being associated with the third surface, the or a light source may be associated with or provided on the first and/or second fixed mirror. The light source may be level or substantially level with the front and/or rear rotatable mirror, although anywhere above or below and/or anywhere along the vertical extent of either or both fixed mirrors may be envisioned. The light source may be oriented so as to emit light towards either, both, any or all rotatable mirrors. 
     It is therefore possible to provide an imitation fireplace having most or all the advantages of an imitation fireplace over a live fire whilst providing a more realistic or improved simulated fire. It is therefore also possible to provide a method of use of an imitation fireplace which provides an improved simulated fire effect. The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.