US20060150966A1 - Fireplace assemblies with antireflective screens - Google Patents
Fireplace assemblies with antireflective screens Download PDFInfo
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- US20060150966A1 US20060150966A1 US11/329,580 US32958006A US2006150966A1 US 20060150966 A1 US20060150966 A1 US 20060150966A1 US 32958006 A US32958006 A US 32958006A US 2006150966 A1 US2006150966 A1 US 2006150966A1
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- Prior art keywords
- light
- agent
- screen
- fireplace
- attached
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24B—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES FOR SOLID FUELS; IMPLEMENTS FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH STOVES OR RANGES
- F24B1/00—Stoves or ranges
- F24B1/18—Stoves with open fires, e.g. fireplaces
- F24B1/1808—Simulated fireplaces
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F24C3/00—Stoves or ranges for gaseous fuels
- F24C3/002—Stoves
- F24C3/006—Stoves simulating flames
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F24C7/00—Stoves or ranges heated by electric energy
- F24C7/002—Stoves
- F24C7/004—Stoves simulating flames
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B1/00—Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are made; Optical coatings for optical elements
- G02B1/10—Optical coatings produced by application to, or surface treatment of, optical elements
- G02B1/11—Anti-reflection coatings
- G02B1/113—Anti-reflection coatings using inorganic layer materials only
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B1/00—Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are made; Optical coatings for optical elements
- G02B1/10—Optical coatings produced by application to, or surface treatment of, optical elements
- G02B1/11—Anti-reflection coatings
- G02B1/113—Anti-reflection coatings using inorganic layer materials only
- G02B1/115—Multilayers
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
- G02B5/02—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements
- G02B5/0205—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements characterised by the diffusing properties
- G02B5/021—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements characterised by the diffusing properties the diffusion taking place at the element's surface, e.g. by means of surface roughening or microprismatic structures
- G02B5/0221—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements characterised by the diffusing properties the diffusion taking place at the element's surface, e.g. by means of surface roughening or microprismatic structures the surface having an irregular structure
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
- G02B5/02—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements
- G02B5/0273—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements characterized by the use
- G02B5/0278—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements characterized by the use used in transmission
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B5/00—Optical elements other than lenses
- G02B5/02—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements
- G02B5/0273—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements characterized by the use
- G02B5/0294—Diffusing elements; Afocal elements characterized by the use adapted to provide an additional optical effect, e.g. anti-reflection or filter
Definitions
- the subject invention relates to fireplaces that include an antireflective screen through which to view the interior of the fireplace.
- the subject invention also relates to simulated fireplaces that include an antireflective light-diffusing screen for displaying simulated flames.
- fireplaces including wood-burning, gas-burning, and electric simulated fireplaces are installed in most homes in at least the United States and Canada, and, indeed, many other areas of the world.
- portable fuel-burning and electric fireplaces are widely used to provide portable heat sources that can be used both outdoors and indoors, provided that the portable fuel-burning fireplace uses a clean-burning fuel such as propane or kerosene.
- the fireplace functioned primarily to heat the room or home in which it was installed, and thus the appearance of the fireplace interior was unimportant, if not generally considered unsightly due to the accumulation of ash and soot therein.
- relatively unimpeded viewing of the fireplace's interior was considered undesirable due to the poor quality of the simulated logs and ember bed installed within the simulated fireplace.
- Such obscuring was often times accomplished by tinting the glass so that the real or simulated fire and embers within the fireplace were only vaguely discernable from the outside.
- the cost-effective glass used to construct the front screen has an unacceptably high amount of glare and reflection from the ambient light in the environment in which the fireplace is installed. Examples of such environments include interior locations—including rooms of a dwelling—and exterior locations—including patio or garden locations.
- Some fireplace manufacturers have attempted to solve the reflection and glare problem by using ceramic glass, which inherently inhibits reflection and glare.
- ceramic glass is expensive, thereby increasing the overall price of the fireplace unit and, by extension, decreasing the ability of the fireplace manufacturer to compete in the market for affordable fireplaces.
- use of ceramic glass alone still results in a certain amount of undesirable reflection and glare, and thus it is not itself a satisfactory solution to the reflection and glare problem.
- ceramic glass does not have a smooth and even surface, and thus images viewed through ceramic glass tend to be distorted.
- Certain simulated fireplaces have light-diffusing screens installed in the rear of the firebox through which images of simulated flames are projected.
- typical simulated fireplaces are intended to illuminate simulated ember beds and logs within the firebox.
- Such illumination of the simulated embers and logs creates glare and reflection on the diffusing screen that interferes with the image of the projected simulated flames.
- the problem was addressed by painting areas of the diffusing screen that were not critical to displaying the simulated flames with, for example, matte black paint.
- this treatment was not aesthetically pleasing, and it required yet another step in the process of manufacturing the simulated fireplace.
- the present invention is directed to a fireplace having a substantially transparent antireflective screen.
- fireplace means any interior or exterior or portable unit by which heat may be generated for environmental control purposes, including fuel-burning and electric fireplaces.
- antireflective screen means a substantially transparent antireflective element or combination of elements through or by which the view that a viewer external to the fireplace has of the interior elements of the fireplace is generally not hindered by glare or reflection.
- light-transmitting member means any transparent or translucent material capable of transmitting light therethrough, and to portions of which an antireflective agent can be attached.
- the present invention includes a fireplace assembly that includes a firebox.
- the firebox includes a top wall, bottom wall, back wall, and two side walls.
- the walls of the firebox define a firebox interior and an opening to the firebox interior.
- a substantially transparent screen that includes a first side and an opposed second side is disposed in the opening.
- an anti-reflective agent is attached to at least a portion of the first side of the screen.
- a light-diffusing screen for displaying a simulated flame in a simulated fireplace that has a flame-simulating assembly.
- the light-diffusing screen includes a light-transmitting member that includes a first side and an opposed second side.
- an antireflective agent is attached to or forms a surface of at least a portion of the first side.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a fireplace
- FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a fireplace
- FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a simulated fireplace
- FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a simulated fireplace
- FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section of an embodiment of an antireflective screen
- FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section of another embodiment of an antireflective screen
- FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section of another embodiment of an antireflective screen
- FIG. 8 illustrates a cross section of another embodiment of an antireflective screen
- FIG. 9 illustrates a cross section of another embodiment of an antireflective screen.
- the present invention relates generally to a wide range of fireplaces including therewith substantially transparent front screens.
- the present invention will find application in all types of fireplaces without regard to the substances intended to be burned therein, and without regard to whether the fireplace is fuel-burning or electric. Without limiting the application of the scope of the invention, the following will describe certain preferred embodiments used in conjunction with wood-burning and simulated fireplaces.
- one embodiment of the present invention includes a fireplace assembly 10 (or fireplace) that includes an antireflective screen 22 through which logs 36 and flames 38 in the interior of the fireplace 10 may be viewed.
- an antireflective screen 522 is preferably constructed of a sheet of tempered glass 523 with a substantially transparent antireflective agent 525 attached to or forming one side, in this example a first side 97 , on a surface of the glass 523 facing away from the interior of the fireplace.
- the glass is constructed of a suitably heat-resistant and transparent glass, such as, without limitation, soda-lime tempered glass, borosilicate glass, or ceramic glass.
- soda-lime tempered glass or borosilicate glass is preferable because it generally includes relatively low cost and even surfaces as compared to ceramic glass.
- other types of glass may be used so long as the glass exhibits suitably heat-resistant and transparent qualities necessary for incorporation within a fireplace unit.
- the glass need not be able to withstand relatively high temperatures because such glass is subjected to relatively low temperatures when used in a simulated fireplace.
- antireflective agent 525 can be magnesium fluoride or silicone dioxide.
- antireflective agent 525 can be attached to or form a surface of the glass 523 so long as the antireflective agent 525 is substantially transparent and reduces the reflection of ambient light off of the glass 523 onto which it is attached or forms a surface.
- the antireflective agent 525 may be attached to or form a surface of the glass 523 by sputter coating the antireflective agent 525 onto the glass 523 ; dipping the glass 523 into a pool of antireflective agent 525 ; or spraying the antireflective agent 525 onto the glass 523 .
- the antireflective agent 525 can further be attached to or form an outer surface of some or all of a surface of the glass 523 depending on how much and which areas of embodiments of the screen 522 are determined to require an antireflective property.
- a protective layer of silicon dioxide (not shown) can be attached over the antireflective agent 525 to the screen 522 to increase the durability and longevity of the antireflective agent.
- the antireflective screen 522 as well as the other embodiments of antireflective screens discussed herein, may be obtained directly from the glass manufacturer, and thus do not require additional manufacturing steps beyond what was previously required by fireplace manufacturers to install a glass screen within a fireplace assembly.
- another embodiment of the antireflective screen 622 may include a plurality of antireflective agents 625 , 627 in conjunction with the glass 623 .
- antireflective agent 625 is attached to or forms a surface of the glass 623
- antireflective agent 627 is attached to or forms a surface of antireflective agent 625 .
- the antireflective agents 625 , 627 can be magnesium fluoride and silicone dioxide respectively, or vice versa.
- other antireflective agents may also be used.
- another embodiment of the antireflective screen 722 can include a plurality of antireflective agents 725 , 727 attached to or forms a surface of a first or outward facing side 97 of the glass 723 , and a low-emissivity agent 729 attached to or forms a surface of an opposed inward facing side or second side 99 of the glass 723 .
- the low-emissivity agent 729 functions to reduce the amount of heat transferred to the glass 723 by the burning fuel within the fireplace, and thus the low-emissivity coating 729 preferably faces the interior of the fireplace when the screen 722 is installed within, for example, the fireplace 10 shown in FIG. 1 .
- the low-emissivity agent 729 is typically a layer of tin oxide, though one skilled in the art will readily recognize that other substances can also be used. And although the low-emissivity agent 729 is shown in conjunction with a plurality of antireflective agents 725 , 727 attached to or forming a surface of the first side 97 of the glass 723 , embodiments of the antireflective screen may include the low-emissivity agent 729 used with as few as one type of antireflective agent 725 attached to the second side 99 of the glass 723 .
- FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the antireflective screen.
- a plurality of layers of antireflective agents 825 , 827 are attached to or form a surface of a first side 97 of the glass 823 .
- another layer of antireflective agent 831 is attached to an opposed second side 99 of the glass 823
- a layer of low-emissivity agent 829 is further attached to or forms a surface of the layer of antireflective agent 831 .
- the opposed second side 99 of the glass 823 having the low-emissivity coating 829 is preferably installed in the fireplace assembly such that the low-emissivity coating 829 faces the interior of the fireplace.
- the positioning of the low-emissivity agent 829 and the antireflective agent 831 may be reversed in certain embodiments; however, the gasses generated by burning fuel within the firebox may tend to degrade the antireflective agent 831 over time. Accordingly, in certain applications, the preferred embodiment includes the low-emissivity agent 829 , as attached over or forming a surface of the antireflective agent 831 .
- embodiments of the fireplace assembly 10 further includes a housing having a top panel 12 , side panels 14 , a rear panel 13 , a bottom panel 17 , and a front panel 19 .
- the fireplace housing is constructed of sheet metal and the like.
- Formed through the front panel is an opening 20 , into which are mounted two frames 24 that each hold an antireflective screen 22 .
- the frames 24 are typically mounted in the opening 20 by way of hinges (not shown) that allow them to swing open, thereby providing access to the interior region 34 of the fireplace, also called the firebox.
- the firebox 34 is the chamber in which wood 36 or other combustible fuel is burned during operation of the fireplace 10 .
- the firebox generally includes a top wall 28 , bottom wall 32 , a rear wall 30 and two side walls (not shown), all of which are disposed within the housing of the fireplace assembly 10 .
- the firebox 34 is further attached to an air intake vent 27 for providing oxygen to the burning fuel 36 , and an exhaust vent 40 for exhausting the smoke and gasses from the firebox 34 .
- the exhaust travels through exhaust vent 40 , into plenum 42 , and out exhaust 26 into a chimney (not shown) for release outside the building.
- the antireflective screen 22 can be constructed of glass with an antireflective agent attached to or forming a surface of the exterior surface 97 of the glass, as is shown in, for example, FIG. 5 .
- ambient light 44 such as that generated by incandescent light bulbs or sunlight—such as through a window and to which generic reference is made, in the attached drawings with the number “44”—, may and often will be present in the room or context in which the fireplace 10 is installed.
- the ambient light 44 may shine light towards the antireflective screen 22 in a direction generally indicated by line B and strike the antireflective screen 22 .
- the antireflective agent or agents of the antireflective screen 22 function to reduce the amount of light reflected back off of the screen 22 as generally indicated by dashed line C. By reducing the amount of reflected ambient light, the antireflective screen 22 allows light from the fire 38 within the firebox 34 (generally traveling in the direction of line A) to be more easily seen by viewers.
- an antireflective screen 122 can be installed in a simulated or electric fireplace assembly 110 .
- the antireflective screen 122 of this embodiment permits viewing of the contents of the firebox 134 , which, in this embodiment, is a simulated firebox.
- the firebox 134 is positioned within the housing of the electric fireplace 110 and comprises a top wall 128 , a bottom wall 132 , and two side walls 136 .
- a light diffuser screen 130 defines the back wall of the firebox 134 .
- the firebox 134 extends from approximately the top edge of a lower louver panel 119 to above the bottom edge of an upper louver panel 118 .
- an artificial log and ember set 126 is positioned in the bottom of the simulated firebox 134 .
- the log and ember set 126 comprises one or more artificial logs 140 that are supported by an ember bed 142 , and which are formed of, for example, molded ceramic fiber.
- the logs 140 are shaped and colored to simulate the appearance of actual logs of any type.
- the ember bed 142 is shaped and colored to simulate the appearance of burnt and/or burning coals or embers.
- the artificial logs 140 sit on top of the ember bed 142 , which is positioned on top of a metal grate and ember support 146 , which is in turn supported by the bottom panel 132 of the firebox 134 .
- a light source 148 for illumination of the artificial log and ember set 126 can be provided by one or more incandescent light bulbs 148 located beneath the bottom panel 132 of the firebox 134 . Openings (not shown) allow light provided by light source 148 to pass up through the ember bed 142 so as to illuminate the underside of certain portions of the artificial logs 140 . Some of the light that illuminates the underside of the artificial logs 140 is redirected downwardly and back onto upper side of the ember bed 142 . The illumination of the artificial logs 140 and the ember bed 142 creates the appearance that the logs 140 and the ember bed 142 are glowing, thereby simulating an actual wood-burning fire above a bed of burning coals or embers.
- An additional source of light 150 can be provided to illuminate the upper side of the artificial log and ember set 126 .
- an incandescent light bulb 150 may be mounted to the underside of the top panel 128 of the firebox 134 so as to illuminate the front and upper portions of the artificial logs 140 and the ember bed 142 , and to provide illumination of the firebox side walls 136 .
- embodiments of the simulated fireplace 110 can include a light diffuser screen 130 positioned at the back of the simulated firebox 134 .
- the function of the light diffuser screen 130 is to create the appearance of realistic looking flames 138 arising or emanating from the artificial log and ember set 126 .
- the light diffuser screen 130 can be translucent, or partially or wholly transparent, so that the simulated flames projected onto the back of the light diffuser 130 are visible from the front of the fireplace 110 .
- the light diffuser screen 130 is positioned against the back of the log and ember set 126 so that the simulated flames 138 appear to be emanating from the artificial logs 140 .
- the light diffuser screen 130 of the preferred embodiment is comprised of a bronze-tinted, transparent, acrylic panel that has been treated or combined with a light-diffusing material, such as a light-diffusing ink that can be silk-screened onto the acrylic panel.
- the diffusing material provides the surface on which the projected flames 138 become visible.
- the flame simulation assembly comprises a light source 148 , a light randomizer 152 , a reflective panel 154 , and a light filter screen 156 .
- the light randomizer 152 may comprise a hollow cylinder or tube 158 , which has numerous openings (not shown) to permit light from the light source 148 to pass through.
- a motor not shown
- the position, shape, and intensity of the light passing through and emanating from the cylinder 158 will change.
- Light can emanate from the light randomizer 152 in a direction generally indicated by line E. Such light thereafter passes through a light filter screen 156 , which extends across the width of the fireplace 110 . Such light emanating from the light randomizer 152 and passing through the light filter screen 156 will generally move upwardly along the back of the light diffuser screen 130 , simulating the movement of flames.
- light may emanate from the light randomizer in a direction generally indicated by line F and strike reflective panel 154 , which deflects the light through the light filter screen 156 and onto the light diffuser screen 130 , thereby multiplying the amount of light reflected and flame patterns 138 present on the light diffuser screen 130 .
- the light filter screen 156 is preferably constructed of polycarbonate that includes opaque paint or the like applied in areas to affect the amount and pattern of randomized light passing through the light filter screen 156 to the light diffuser screen 130 ; however, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that other suitably light-transmitting materials positioned adjacent masking agents, such as fabric or paper, can also be used to form the light filter screen 156 .
- embodiments of the light diffuser screen 130 may be constructed of a light-transmitting transparent or translucent member 923 with an antireflective agent 925 attached to or forming a surface of all or a portion of a surface of a first side of the light-transmitting member 923 .
- a diffusing agent 929 such as, for example, a light-diffusing ink, may be attached to or form a surface of all or a portion of an opposed second side of the light-transmitting member 923 by, for example, silk-screening the ink onto the light-transmitting member 923 .
- Embodiments of the light-transmitting member 923 may be constructed of a transparent or translucent polycarbonate sheet, etched glass, or any other transparent or translucent substance suitable for displaying an image of simulated flames.
- the antireflective agent 925 may be magnesium fluoride or silicone dioxide.
- antireflective agents can be attached to or form a surface of the light-transmitting member 923 so long as the antireflective agent 925 is substantially transparent and reduces the reflection of ambient light off of the light-transmitting member 923 onto which it is attached.
- embodiments of the diffuser screen 130 that include the antireflective agent 925 reduce the amount of light reflected from the illuminated artificial log and ember set 126 and illuminated sidewalls 136 to enhance the realism of the simulated flames 138 .
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/643,272, filed Jan. 12, 2005.
- The subject invention relates to fireplaces that include an antireflective screen through which to view the interior of the fireplace. The subject invention also relates to simulated fireplaces that include an antireflective light-diffusing screen for displaying simulated flames.
- Fireplaces, including wood-burning, gas-burning, and electric simulated fireplaces are installed in most homes in at least the United States and Canada, and, indeed, many other areas of the world. In addition, portable fuel-burning and electric fireplaces are widely used to provide portable heat sources that can be used both outdoors and indoors, provided that the portable fuel-burning fireplace uses a clean-burning fuel such as propane or kerosene.
- Historically, the fireplace functioned primarily to heat the room or home in which it was installed, and thus the appearance of the fireplace interior was unimportant, if not generally considered unsightly due to the accumulation of ash and soot therein. With respect to simulated fireplaces, relatively unimpeded viewing of the fireplace's interior was considered undesirable due to the poor quality of the simulated logs and ember bed installed within the simulated fireplace. As such, with the advent of glass screens on the front of fireplaces, efforts were undertaken by fireplace manufacturers to obscure relatively unobstructed viewing of the fireplace's interior to minimize the undesirable aesthetics of ash and soot, or conspicuously artificial logs and embers. Such obscuring was often times accomplished by tinting the glass so that the real or simulated fire and embers within the fireplace were only vaguely discernable from the outside.
- Lately, with advances in producing realistic simulated logs and embers, and with the growing popularity of clean-burning wood and gas fireplaces, it has become desirable to provide a clear view of the interior of the fireplace. One problem encountered, however, is that the cost-effective glass used to construct the front screen has an unacceptably high amount of glare and reflection from the ambient light in the environment in which the fireplace is installed. Examples of such environments include interior locations—including rooms of a dwelling—and exterior locations—including patio or garden locations.
- Some fireplace manufacturers have attempted to solve the reflection and glare problem by using ceramic glass, which inherently inhibits reflection and glare. Compared with other types of glass suitable for use in connection with fireplaces, however, ceramic glass is expensive, thereby increasing the overall price of the fireplace unit and, by extension, decreasing the ability of the fireplace manufacturer to compete in the market for affordable fireplaces. In addition, use of ceramic glass alone still results in a certain amount of undesirable reflection and glare, and thus it is not itself a satisfactory solution to the reflection and glare problem. Moreover, ceramic glass does not have a smooth and even surface, and thus images viewed through ceramic glass tend to be distorted.
- It is known that at least one manufacturer has reduced some of the glare on a fireplace glass screen by directly attaching a mesh or woven wire screen to the glass screen. These glass screens with mesh or woven wire are intended to simulate the appearance of woven fireplace screens commonly found in many home fireplaces, while reducing reflection and glare off of the glass screen by providing an opaque matrix on the exterior surface of the glass. This approach is disadvantageous in that the opaque layer attached onto the front surface of the glass screen blocks the visibility of the interior of the fireplace. Also, the addition of an additional opaque layer to the surface of the glass screen introduces another costly and cumbersome step to the process of manufacturing the fireplace, and, therefore, raises the price of the fireplace.
- Certain simulated fireplaces have light-diffusing screens installed in the rear of the firebox through which images of simulated flames are projected. At the same time, typical simulated fireplaces are intended to illuminate simulated ember beds and logs within the firebox. Such illumination of the simulated embers and logs creates glare and reflection on the diffusing screen that interferes with the image of the projected simulated flames. In the past, the problem was addressed by painting areas of the diffusing screen that were not critical to displaying the simulated flames with, for example, matte black paint. However, this treatment was not aesthetically pleasing, and it required yet another step in the process of manufacturing the simulated fireplace.
- There is a demand, therefore, for a cost-effective, substantially transparent screen that permits the largely unhindered view of the interior of a fireplace by reducing the amount of reflection and glare caused by ambient light outside the fireplace. There also exists a demand for a light diffusing screen for use in simulated fireplaces that reduces the amount of reflection and glare caused by the light reflected from the simulated embers. The present invention satisfies the demand.
- The present invention is directed to a fireplace having a substantially transparent antireflective screen. For purposes of this application, the term “fireplace” means any interior or exterior or portable unit by which heat may be generated for environmental control purposes, including fuel-burning and electric fireplaces. For the purposes of this application, the term “antireflective screen” means a substantially transparent antireflective element or combination of elements through or by which the view that a viewer external to the fireplace has of the interior elements of the fireplace is generally not hindered by glare or reflection. For the purposes of this application, the term “light-transmitting member” means any transparent or translucent material capable of transmitting light therethrough, and to portions of which an antireflective agent can be attached.
- In preferred aspects, the present invention includes a fireplace assembly that includes a firebox. The firebox includes a top wall, bottom wall, back wall, and two side walls. The walls of the firebox define a firebox interior and an opening to the firebox interior. A substantially transparent screen that includes a first side and an opposed second side is disposed in the opening. In addition, an anti-reflective agent is attached to at least a portion of the first side of the screen.
- In other preferred aspects, a light-diffusing screen for displaying a simulated flame in a simulated fireplace that has a flame-simulating assembly is disclosed. The light-diffusing screen includes a light-transmitting member that includes a first side and an opposed second side. In addition, an antireflective agent is attached to or forms a surface of at least a portion of the first side.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a fireplace; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a fireplace; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a simulated fireplace; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a simulated fireplace; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section of an embodiment of an antireflective screen; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section of another embodiment of an antireflective screen; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section of another embodiment of an antireflective screen; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross section of another embodiment of an antireflective screen; and -
FIG. 9 illustrates a cross section of another embodiment of an antireflective screen. - The present invention relates generally to a wide range of fireplaces including therewith substantially transparent front screens. The present invention will find application in all types of fireplaces without regard to the substances intended to be burned therein, and without regard to whether the fireplace is fuel-burning or electric. Without limiting the application of the scope of the invention, the following will describe certain preferred embodiments used in conjunction with wood-burning and simulated fireplaces.
- As best shown in
FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the present invention includes a fireplace assembly 10 (or fireplace) that includes anantireflective screen 22 through which logs 36 andflames 38 in the interior of thefireplace 10 may be viewed. As best shown inFIG. 5 , one embodiment of anantireflective screen 522 is preferably constructed of a sheet oftempered glass 523 with a substantially transparentantireflective agent 525 attached to or forming one side, in this example afirst side 97, on a surface of theglass 523 facing away from the interior of the fireplace. In this embodiment, as in other embodiments of the antireflective screens disclosed herein, the glass is constructed of a suitably heat-resistant and transparent glass, such as, without limitation, soda-lime tempered glass, borosilicate glass, or ceramic glass. In a preferred embodiment for use in conjunction with fuel-burning fireplaces, soda-lime tempered glass or borosilicate glass is preferable because it generally includes relatively low cost and even surfaces as compared to ceramic glass. However, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that other types of glass may be used so long as the glass exhibits suitably heat-resistant and transparent qualities necessary for incorporation within a fireplace unit. With respect to embodiments having screens used for viewing the interior of simulated fireplace units, on the other hand, the glass need not be able to withstand relatively high temperatures because such glass is subjected to relatively low temperatures when used in a simulated fireplace. - There exist numerous antireflective agents suitable for inclusion in embodiments of a fireplace assembly having an antireflective screen. For example,
antireflective agent 525 can be magnesium fluoride or silicone dioxide. However, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that other types of antireflective agents can be attached to or form a surface of theglass 523 so long as theantireflective agent 525 is substantially transparent and reduces the reflection of ambient light off of theglass 523 onto which it is attached or forms a surface. Theantireflective agent 525 may be attached to or form a surface of theglass 523 by sputter coating theantireflective agent 525 onto theglass 523; dipping theglass 523 into a pool ofantireflective agent 525; or spraying theantireflective agent 525 onto theglass 523. - The
antireflective agent 525 can further be attached to or form an outer surface of some or all of a surface of theglass 523 depending on how much and which areas of embodiments of thescreen 522 are determined to require an antireflective property. In addition, a protective layer of silicon dioxide (not shown) can be attached over theantireflective agent 525 to thescreen 522 to increase the durability and longevity of the antireflective agent. Theantireflective screen 522, as well as the other embodiments of antireflective screens discussed herein, may be obtained directly from the glass manufacturer, and thus do not require additional manufacturing steps beyond what was previously required by fireplace manufacturers to install a glass screen within a fireplace assembly. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , another embodiment of theantireflective screen 622 may include a plurality ofantireflective agents glass 623. In this embodiment,antireflective agent 625 is attached to or forms a surface of theglass 623, andantireflective agent 627 is attached to or forms a surface ofantireflective agent 625. In this example, moreover, theantireflective agents - As shown in
FIG. 7 , another embodiment of theantireflective screen 722 can include a plurality ofantireflective agents side 97 of theglass 723, and a low-emissivity agent 729 attached to or forms a surface of an opposed inward facing side orsecond side 99 of theglass 723. The low-emissivity agent 729 functions to reduce the amount of heat transferred to theglass 723 by the burning fuel within the fireplace, and thus the low-emissivity coating 729 preferably faces the interior of the fireplace when thescreen 722 is installed within, for example, thefireplace 10 shown inFIG. 1 . The low-emissivity agent 729 is typically a layer of tin oxide, though one skilled in the art will readily recognize that other substances can also be used. And although the low-emissivity agent 729 is shown in conjunction with a plurality ofantireflective agents first side 97 of theglass 723, embodiments of the antireflective screen may include the low-emissivity agent 729 used with as few as one type ofantireflective agent 725 attached to thesecond side 99 of theglass 723. -
FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the antireflective screen. In this embodiment, a plurality of layers ofantireflective agents first side 97 of theglass 823. In a preferred embodiment, another layer ofantireflective agent 831 is attached to an opposedsecond side 99 of theglass 823, and a layer of low-emissivity agent 829 is further attached to or forms a surface of the layer ofantireflective agent 831. As with other embodiments, the opposedsecond side 99 of theglass 823 having the low-emissivity coating 829 is preferably installed in the fireplace assembly such that the low-emissivity coating 829 faces the interior of the fireplace. Also, the positioning of the low-emissivity agent 829 and theantireflective agent 831 may be reversed in certain embodiments; however, the gasses generated by burning fuel within the firebox may tend to degrade theantireflective agent 831 over time. Accordingly, in certain applications, the preferred embodiment includes the low-emissivity agent 829, as attached over or forming a surface of theantireflective agent 831. - As best shown in
FIGS. 1-2 , embodiments of thefireplace assembly 10 further includes a housing having atop panel 12,side panels 14, arear panel 13, abottom panel 17, and afront panel 19. Typically, the fireplace housing is constructed of sheet metal and the like. Formed through the front panel is anopening 20, into which are mounted twoframes 24 that each hold anantireflective screen 22. Theframes 24 are typically mounted in theopening 20 by way of hinges (not shown) that allow them to swing open, thereby providing access to theinterior region 34 of the fireplace, also called the firebox. - In this embodiment, the
firebox 34 is the chamber in whichwood 36 or other combustible fuel is burned during operation of thefireplace 10. The firebox generally includes atop wall 28,bottom wall 32, arear wall 30 and two side walls (not shown), all of which are disposed within the housing of thefireplace assembly 10. Thefirebox 34 is further attached to anair intake vent 27 for providing oxygen to the burningfuel 36, and anexhaust vent 40 for exhausting the smoke and gasses from thefirebox 34. The exhaust travels throughexhaust vent 40, intoplenum 42, and outexhaust 26 into a chimney (not shown) for release outside the building. - As previously described, the
antireflective screen 22 can be constructed of glass with an antireflective agent attached to or forming a surface of theexterior surface 97 of the glass, as is shown in, for example,FIG. 5 . During normal operation of thefireplace 10,ambient light 44, such as that generated by incandescent light bulbs or sunlight—such as through a window and to which generic reference is made, in the attached drawings with the number “44”—, may and often will be present in the room or context in which thefireplace 10 is installed. Theambient light 44 may shine light towards theantireflective screen 22 in a direction generally indicated by line B and strike theantireflective screen 22. The antireflective agent or agents of theantireflective screen 22 function to reduce the amount of light reflected back off of thescreen 22 as generally indicated by dashed line C. By reducing the amount of reflected ambient light, theantireflective screen 22 allows light from thefire 38 within the firebox 34 (generally traveling in the direction of line A) to be more easily seen by viewers. - As best shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , in another embodiment of the invention anantireflective screen 122 can be installed in a simulated orelectric fireplace assembly 110. As with theantireflective screen 22 used in conjunction with fuel-burning fireplaces as shown in, for example,FIGS. 1 and 2 , theantireflective screen 122 of this embodiment permits viewing of the contents of thefirebox 134, which, in this embodiment, is a simulated firebox. As best seen inFIG. 4 , thefirebox 134 is positioned within the housing of theelectric fireplace 110 and comprises atop wall 128, abottom wall 132, and twoside walls 136. Alight diffuser screen 130 defines the back wall of thefirebox 134. In the embodiment shown, thefirebox 134 extends from approximately the top edge of alower louver panel 119 to above the bottom edge of anupper louver panel 118. - An artificial log and ember set 126 is positioned in the bottom of the
simulated firebox 134. As best seen inFIG. 4 , the log and ember set 126 comprises one or moreartificial logs 140 that are supported by anember bed 142, and which are formed of, for example, molded ceramic fiber. Thelogs 140 are shaped and colored to simulate the appearance of actual logs of any type. Theember bed 142 is shaped and colored to simulate the appearance of burnt and/or burning coals or embers. Theartificial logs 140 sit on top of theember bed 142, which is positioned on top of a metal grate andember support 146, which is in turn supported by thebottom panel 132 of thefirebox 134. - As best seen in
FIG. 4 , alight source 148 for illumination of the artificial log and ember set 126 can be provided by one or moreincandescent light bulbs 148 located beneath thebottom panel 132 of thefirebox 134. Openings (not shown) allow light provided bylight source 148 to pass up through theember bed 142 so as to illuminate the underside of certain portions of theartificial logs 140. Some of the light that illuminates the underside of theartificial logs 140 is redirected downwardly and back onto upper side of theember bed 142. The illumination of theartificial logs 140 and theember bed 142 creates the appearance that thelogs 140 and theember bed 142 are glowing, thereby simulating an actual wood-burning fire above a bed of burning coals or embers. - An additional source of light 150 can be provided to illuminate the upper side of the artificial log and ember set 126. As best seen in
FIG. 4 , an incandescentlight bulb 150 may be mounted to the underside of thetop panel 128 of thefirebox 134 so as to illuminate the front and upper portions of theartificial logs 140 and theember bed 142, and to provide illumination of thefirebox side walls 136. - As previously discussed, embodiments of the
simulated fireplace 110 can include alight diffuser screen 130 positioned at the back of thesimulated firebox 134. The function of thelight diffuser screen 130 is to create the appearance of realistic lookingflames 138 arising or emanating from the artificial log and ember set 126. Thelight diffuser screen 130 can be translucent, or partially or wholly transparent, so that the simulated flames projected onto the back of thelight diffuser 130 are visible from the front of thefireplace 110. Thelight diffuser screen 130 is positioned against the back of the log and ember set 126 so that thesimulated flames 138 appear to be emanating from theartificial logs 140. Thelight diffuser screen 130 of the preferred embodiment is comprised of a bronze-tinted, transparent, acrylic panel that has been treated or combined with a light-diffusing material, such as a light-diffusing ink that can be silk-screened onto the acrylic panel. The diffusing material provides the surface on which the projectedflames 138 become visible. In addition to thelight diffuser screen 130, the flame simulation assembly comprises alight source 148, alight randomizer 152, areflective panel 154, and alight filter screen 156. - In operation, the light from the
light source 148 is directed upwardly through thelight randomizer 152 in a direction generally indicated by line D inFIG. 4 . Thelight randomizer 152 may comprise a hollow cylinder ortube 158, which has numerous openings (not shown) to permit light from thelight source 148 to pass through. Such embodiment of thecylinder 158 is rotated about its central axis by a motor (not shown), and, as thecylinder 158 rotates, the position, shape, and intensity of the light passing through and emanating from thecylinder 158 will change. - Light can emanate from the
light randomizer 152 in a direction generally indicated by line E. Such light thereafter passes through alight filter screen 156, which extends across the width of thefireplace 110. Such light emanating from thelight randomizer 152 and passing through thelight filter screen 156 will generally move upwardly along the back of thelight diffuser screen 130, simulating the movement of flames. - Similarly, light may emanate from the light randomizer in a direction generally indicated by line F and strike
reflective panel 154, which deflects the light through thelight filter screen 156 and onto thelight diffuser screen 130, thereby multiplying the amount of light reflected andflame patterns 138 present on thelight diffuser screen 130. Thelight filter screen 156 is preferably constructed of polycarbonate that includes opaque paint or the like applied in areas to affect the amount and pattern of randomized light passing through thelight filter screen 156 to thelight diffuser screen 130; however, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that other suitably light-transmitting materials positioned adjacent masking agents, such as fabric or paper, can also be used to form thelight filter screen 156. - As previously explained, during operation of an embodiment of the
fireplace 110, light is shined into thefirebox 134 to illuminate the artificial log and ember set 126 and to illuminate thesidewalls 136 of thefirebox 134. This light in thefirebox 134 can be reflected onto thelight diffuser screen 130, thereby reducing the realism of thesimulated flames 138 projected thereon. As such, as best shown inFIG. 9 , embodiments of thelight diffuser screen 130 may be constructed of a light-transmitting transparent ortranslucent member 923 with anantireflective agent 925 attached to or forming a surface of all or a portion of a surface of a first side of the light-transmittingmember 923. A diffusingagent 929, such as, for example, a light-diffusing ink, may be attached to or form a surface of all or a portion of an opposed second side of the light-transmittingmember 923 by, for example, silk-screening the ink onto the light-transmittingmember 923. Embodiments of the light-transmittingmember 923 may be constructed of a transparent or translucent polycarbonate sheet, etched glass, or any other transparent or translucent substance suitable for displaying an image of simulated flames. Theantireflective agent 925 may be magnesium fluoride or silicone dioxide. However, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that other types of antireflective agents can be attached to or form a surface of the light-transmittingmember 923 so long as theantireflective agent 925 is substantially transparent and reduces the reflection of ambient light off of the light-transmittingmember 923 onto which it is attached. In operation, embodiments of thediffuser screen 130 that include theantireflective agent 925 reduce the amount of light reflected from the illuminated artificial log and ember set 126 and illuminatedsidewalls 136 to enhance the realism of thesimulated flames 138. - While endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicants claim protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon. While the apparatus and method herein disclosed forms a preferred embodiment of this invention, this invention is not limited to that specific apparatus and method, and changes can be made therein without departing from the scope of this invention, which is defined in the appended claims.
Claims (25)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/329,580 US20060150966A1 (en) | 2005-01-12 | 2006-01-11 | Fireplace assemblies with antireflective screens |
CA002532616A CA2532616A1 (en) | 2005-01-12 | 2006-01-12 | Fireplace assemblies with antireflective screens |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US64327205P | 2005-01-12 | 2005-01-12 | |
US11/329,580 US20060150966A1 (en) | 2005-01-12 | 2006-01-11 | Fireplace assemblies with antireflective screens |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20060150966A1 true US20060150966A1 (en) | 2006-07-13 |
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ID=36677328
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/329,580 Abandoned US20060150966A1 (en) | 2005-01-12 | 2006-01-11 | Fireplace assemblies with antireflective screens |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20060150966A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2532616A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006074544A1 (en) |
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US20080013931A1 (en) * | 2006-05-05 | 2008-01-17 | Twin Star International, Inc. | Electric fireplace |
US20090126241A1 (en) * | 2007-11-20 | 2009-05-21 | Twin-Star International, Inc. | Electric fireplace insert and methods of use |
USD616977S1 (en) | 2008-12-03 | 2010-06-01 | Twin-Star International Inc. | Fireplace insert |
USD665897S1 (en) * | 2011-06-20 | 2012-08-21 | Actervis Gmbh | Electric fireplace |
USD668748S1 (en) | 2009-07-07 | 2012-10-09 | Twin-Star International, Inc. | Electric fireplace |
US20130233841A1 (en) * | 2012-03-07 | 2013-09-12 | Christopher J. Gallo | Heater assembly |
US20150267920A1 (en) * | 2014-03-18 | 2015-09-24 | Robert Zerby Schreffler | Enigma Panel |
US20160123598A1 (en) * | 2014-11-03 | 2016-05-05 | Lenore Baccarella | Ultimate fire pit |
CN105841216A (en) * | 2016-05-25 | 2016-08-10 | 范贤佳 | Video player type electric fireplace |
WO2017132383A1 (en) * | 2016-01-26 | 2017-08-03 | Greentouch USA, Inc. | Electric fireplace assembly with hideaway doors |
US20190137059A1 (en) * | 2017-11-09 | 2019-05-09 | Zhongshan Paite Electric Appliances Co., Ltd. | Electric fireplace providing 3d flame effect |
FR3100873A1 (en) * | 2019-09-17 | 2021-03-19 | Atelier Dominique Imbert | Artificial fireplace |
EP3795904A1 (en) * | 2019-09-17 | 2021-03-24 | Atelier Dominique Imbert | Artificial fireplace |
EP4145041A1 (en) * | 2021-09-07 | 2023-03-08 | Flamerite Fires Limited | Apparatus for creating a simulated flame effect |
US11639779B2 (en) | 2018-03-07 | 2023-05-02 | Schott Ag | Light reflection modification for fireplaces and other products |
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US8230626B2 (en) | 2006-09-14 | 2012-07-31 | Planar Systems, Inc. | Flame simulating assembly with electronic display and backlight |
WO2013134574A2 (en) | 2012-03-07 | 2013-09-12 | Winvic Sales, Inc. | Electronic luminary device with simulated flame |
US10352517B2 (en) | 2017-09-07 | 2019-07-16 | Sterno Home Inc. | Artificial candle with moveable projection screen position |
BE1025632B1 (en) * | 2018-03-15 | 2019-05-03 | Charles Haerens Nv | RELAXED CERAMIC GLASS AS THE WALL OF A GAS FIRE |
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US20090126241A1 (en) * | 2007-11-20 | 2009-05-21 | Twin-Star International, Inc. | Electric fireplace insert and methods of use |
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USD668748S1 (en) | 2009-07-07 | 2012-10-09 | Twin-Star International, Inc. | Electric fireplace |
USD665897S1 (en) * | 2011-06-20 | 2012-08-21 | Actervis Gmbh | Electric fireplace |
US9918355B2 (en) | 2012-03-07 | 2018-03-13 | Christopher J. Gallo | Heater assembly |
US20130233841A1 (en) * | 2012-03-07 | 2013-09-12 | Christopher J. Gallo | Heater assembly |
US9386631B2 (en) * | 2012-03-07 | 2016-07-05 | Christopher J. Gallo | Heater assembly |
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US20160123598A1 (en) * | 2014-11-03 | 2016-05-05 | Lenore Baccarella | Ultimate fire pit |
WO2017132383A1 (en) * | 2016-01-26 | 2017-08-03 | Greentouch USA, Inc. | Electric fireplace assembly with hideaway doors |
CN105841216A (en) * | 2016-05-25 | 2016-08-10 | 范贤佳 | Video player type electric fireplace |
US20190137059A1 (en) * | 2017-11-09 | 2019-05-09 | Zhongshan Paite Electric Appliances Co., Ltd. | Electric fireplace providing 3d flame effect |
US11639779B2 (en) | 2018-03-07 | 2023-05-02 | Schott Ag | Light reflection modification for fireplaces and other products |
FR3100873A1 (en) * | 2019-09-17 | 2021-03-19 | Atelier Dominique Imbert | Artificial fireplace |
FR3100872A1 (en) * | 2019-09-17 | 2021-03-19 | Atelier Dominique Imbert | Artificial fireplace |
EP3795904A1 (en) * | 2019-09-17 | 2021-03-24 | Atelier Dominique Imbert | Artificial fireplace |
WO2021053019A1 (en) * | 2019-09-17 | 2021-03-25 | Atelier Dominique Imbert | Artificial fireplace |
US11788696B2 (en) | 2019-09-17 | 2023-10-17 | Atelier Dominique Imbert | Artificial fireplace |
EP4145041A1 (en) * | 2021-09-07 | 2023-03-08 | Flamerite Fires Limited | Apparatus for creating a simulated flame effect |
Also Published As
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WO2006074544A1 (en) | 2006-07-20 |
CA2532616A1 (en) | 2006-07-12 |
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