Abstract:
A decorative fireplace system configurable for display interchangeable decorative panels to enhance the visual appearance of the interior and exterior portions of an already existing fireplace. Each decorative panel is positioned so that all viewable regions of the decorative panel cover any imperfections seen from the exterior of the fireplace.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to a decorative fireplace system and apparatus, having replaceable decorative panels. 
         [0003]    2. Background of the Invention 
         [0004]    Conventional decorative products produced for fireplaces, address only the outside of the fireplace. For example, there are many decorative mantle pieces produced for fireplaces today, which provide an aesthetic upgrade in appearance of the area surrounding the fireplace. While the decorative mantle pieces are very useful in updating the outer appearance of a fireplace, they do not address the remaining common problems associated with fireplaces. In other words, after many years of use, a fireplace can become damaged and soiled by fires and charred remains of the fireplace&#39;s use. While there are cleaning products on the consumer market that are specially designed for cleaning the interior potions of fireplaces, these products do not perform particularly well with older fireplaces or fireplaces that have been extensively used. 
         [0005]    With constant changes in fireplace trends, conventional approaches do not allow the user to achieve a more modern look to their fireplace, other than changing the mantle piece, without performing extensive reconstruction of the fireplace, such as adding marble pieces to the surrounding portions. Accordingly, there is a need for a system and apparatus that allows a homeowner to change the look and appearance of the fireplace without having to do this extensive reconstruction. More specifically, there is a need for a method that allows the homeowner to complement the existing decor within the home while making the interior portions of a fireplace more attractive. 
         [0006]    Additionally, there is a need for such systems to be configurable to fit within various sized and shaped fireplaces. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0007]    The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0008]    An object of the present invention is to provide a decorative fireplace system that is configurable to present a new and improved look to the interior and exterior portions of the fireplace while hiding the wear and tear from years of use. 
         [0009]    Another object of this invention is to provide a decorative insert for use during the seasons where the fireplace will not be in use, such as summer. This invention is suitable for displaying interchangeable decorative panels to change the visual appearance of the interior and exterior portions of the fireplace. Each decorative panel is positioned so that all viewable regions of the decorative panel cover any imperfections seen from the exterior of the fireplace. The decorative panels comprise a plurality of separate but visually related regions, organized in predefined logical relationships to each other. Thus, when a homeowner desires to change the visual appearance of the fireplace, each decorative panel is removable so that the appearance of the fireplace can be changed and updated to their liking. 
         [0010]    The decorative panels of this invention are made from materials capable of withstanding heat produced by the fireplace without altering the physical characteristics of the panel, due to melting or warping. 
         [0011]    A homeowner can change the visual appearance of the fireplace by removing any of the decorative panels and replacing them with new and/or different panels. Changes in the visual appearance of the decorative panel can be made by resizing the decorative panel, adding a region to the decorative panel, deleting a region from the decorative panel, relocating a region within the decorative panel, resizing a region of the decorative panel, revising a visual characteristic of a region of the decorative panel, and other visually intuitive changes. Also, the decorative panels can be preprinted with visual items, such as logos, pictures, or any other aesthetic appearance characteristics that the homeowner sees fit. 
         [0012]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a wireframe portion that is resizable and reconfigurable to accommodate the appropriate inner dimensions and shape of the fireplace. 
         [0013]    A still further object of the present invention is to provide a means by which the homeowner can attach like decorative panels to the wireframe to change the outer appearance of the fireplace to match the decorative panels placed in the interior portion of the fireplace. Collectively, the means contemplated by the present invention are embodied in certain novel attachment and resizable configurations, which separately and collectively constitute the devices and utilities to accomplish the aforementioned objects of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary illustration of the fully assembled decorative fireplace system according to this invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an exemplary illustration of a novel configuration of the decorative panels being attached to the wireframe structure of this invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is an exemplary illustration of a second novel wireframe portion of the present invention that is resizable to accommodate various sized decorative panels. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is an exemplary illustration of a series of decorative panels attachable to the front portion of the wireframe to change the visual appearance of the exterior portion of a fireplace. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are exemplary cross sectional views of the shape of the leg portions of the wireframe that is resizable to accommodate the inner dimensions of a fireplace. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6A  is a pan view of a second embodiment of the wireframe, according to this invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the wireframe, according to this invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is an exemplary illustration of a third embodiment of the wireframe, according to this invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0023]    The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced with or without any combination of these specific details. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  shows the fully assembled decorative fireplace system decorative fireplace system  10 , according to this invention. The decorative fireplace system  10  comprises: decorative inner panels  14 , a cutout  16  and decorative outer panels  12 . Not shown, due to the assembled configuration shown in this figure, is a wireframe in which the decorative outer panels  12  and decorative inner panels  14  are attached. The decorative fireplace system  10  is insertable into an already existing fireplace so that it substantially fits within the inner dimensions of the existing fireplace. In accordance with this invention, the already existing fireplace may be any shape or size as the decorative fireplace system  10  is configurable to accommodate those dimensions. 
         [0025]    The decorative inner panels  14  are configured so that they can be securely attached to the wireframe. Each decorative inner panel  14  can be resized or reshaped to fit the shape and size of the already existing fire place and attached to the wireframe, as described in further detail with respect to  FIG. 2  below. The cutout  16  is provided such that where there is built in hardware, such as gas fixtures and/or logs, or the like in the already existing fire place, the decorative inner panels  14  can be cut to accommodate use of those items. It should be appreciated that the cutout  16  can be any size or shape or in any position needed to accomplish the use of the already existing hardware. It should also be appreciated that any of the decorative inner panels  14  can be provided with cutout  16  to accommodate for other hardware items in the already existing fireplace. 
         [0026]    The decorative inner panels  14  and the decorative outer panels  12  are preferably made of any material that is capable of withstanding heat from the use of the fire place unit, such as, but not limited to, ceramic, stone, glass, steel, sheet metal, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, heat resistant plastics, etc. However the decorative inner panels  14  can be made of other traditional materials, such as polyethylene, plastic wood, etc. for use where the fireplace will not be used with a fire or during an off-season, such as the summer months. 
         [0027]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the decorative inner panels  14  and decorative outer panels  12  are attachable to the wireframe  18 . The wireframe  18  can be made of any material capable of supporting the decorative inner panels  14  and decorative outer panels  12  that is capable of receiving an attachment means, such as screws, latches, metal snaps, hooks or tacks. In other words, the wireframe  18  can be made of steel, wood, aluminum, strengthened plastics, polymers, etc. It should be appreciated that the decorative outer panels  12  and decorative inner panels  14  are thick and dense enough to accept conventional methods for attachment purposes, such as screws and other fastening methods. The wireframe  18  is made in such a way to accommodate at least one decorative inner panel  14  so as the decorative inner panel decorative inner panels  14  is viewable from the outside of the existing fireplace. The decorative inner panels  14  may be attached using any conventional fastening method  11  now known or later developed, such as, but not limited to screws, latches, metal snaps, hooks, suction cups or tacks. While the panels shown in  FIG. 2  are shown as attachable to the outer edge of the wireframe  18 , it is conceivable that the decorative inner panels  14  can be attached to the inner surfaces of the wireframe  18  without departing from the scope of this invention. As mentioned above with respect to  FIG. 1 , the cutout  16  can be placed on the decorative inner panels  14  in any position so as to accommodate for hardware that may be present in the existing fireplace. 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the wireframe  18  is configured such that each leg portion  13  is adjustable to accommodate any size decorative inner panel  14 . This configuration allows the wireframe  18  to be adjustable on the X, Y and Z axis to accommodate for varying sized fireplaces which the decorative fireplace system according to this invention will be used. 
         [0029]    Referring now for  FIG. 4 , the decorative outer panels  12  are attachable to the wireframe  18  in the same manner as the decorative inner panels  14 , as previously shown with respect to  FIG. 2 . The decorative outer panels  12  are configurable such that a homeowner can coordinate the outside face of the existing fireplace with the inner surface as defined by the decorative inner panels  14 . 
         [0030]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a pan view of exemplary embodiments of the leg portions of wireframe  18 . It may be appreciated that the wireframe  18  can be any cross sectional shape that can accommodate the attachment of the decorative inner and outer panels as discussed above. For example the rounded shape, as shown in  FIG. 5A  is best suitable for use of a strap to attach the decorative panels to the wireframe  18 . However, the squared shape as shown in  FIG. 5B  may be best suitable for attaching the decorative panels using screw-type attachments. As discussed with respect to  FIG. 3  above,  FIGS. 5A and 5B  also provide a close up view of the slidable leg portions of wireframe  18 . 
         [0031]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  depict a second embodiment of the wireframe according to this invention.  FIG. 6A  shows the c-shaped wireframe  28  in a pan view, wherein it has a substantially c-shaped configuration such that each decorative inner panels  14  can be slidably attached to the c-shaped wireframe  28 . For example, each decorative inner panel  14  is slidable into a c-shaped channel that runs the length of each leg portion of the c-shaped wireframe  28 .  FIG. 6B  shows the c-shaped wireframe  28  in a cross-sectional view wherein the decorative inner panels  14  substantially fit inside the c-shaped wireframe  28 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 7  illustrates a third embodiment of the wireframe according to this invention. Here, wireframe  38  is shown with detachable leg portions  15  that are connected using elbows  20 . Each detachable leg portion  15  is inserted into the each elbow  20 , such that the wireframe  38  can be easily disassembled for transport, packaging or storage. It should be appreciated that each detachable leg portion  15  can be adjustable as described with respect to  FIGS. 5A and 5B  above. 
         [0033]    The elbow  20  is configured to provide the maximum range of three dimensional motion for each detachable leg portion  15 . The elbow  20  may be made from a variety of different pivoting joints, such as universal joints, a joint having tacks in which the detachable leg portions  15  can translate or it may be made from rigid materials that do not specifically allow for a range of motion at the connection point. This configuration allows the wireframe  38  to have versatility in motion and configuration, such that the decorative fireplace system, according to this invention may fit within an infinite variety of fireplace sizes and shapes. 
         [0034]    The illustrations and examples provided herein are for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above described embodiment without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It is understood therefore that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment which is described, but is intended to cover all modifications and changes within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
         [0035]    What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of such matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.