GB2107043A

GB2107043A - A grate for supporting solid fuel

Info

Publication number: GB2107043A
Application number: GB08129656A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barry Spendlove
Original assignee: TI Domestic Appliances Ltd
Current assignee: TI Domestic Appliances Ltd
Priority date: 1981-10-01
Filing date: 1981-10-01
Publication date: 1983-04-20

Abstract

The grate has a plurality of grate bars (11). The upper surface of each bar defines an elongate recess (12) and the lower surface of each bar conforms in shape to the upper surface thereof. Preferably, the bars (11) are of V-shaped cross-section but they may be of U-shaped or W-shaped cross-section. In one embodiment, the bars are integral with a frame (10) and in another embodiment the bars are supported for movement relative to each other. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A grate for supporting solid fuel The invention relates to a grate for supporting solid fuel and may be used in a solid fuel fired heater of the enclosed type or in an open fire place.

According to the present invention, there is provided a grate for supporting solid fuel, comprising a plurality of parallel or substantially parallel grate bars the upper surface of each of which defines at least one elongate recess and the lower surface of each of which conforms or substantially conforms in shape to the upper surface thereof.

Preferably, each grate bar is of V-shaped or substantially V-shaped cross-section, but instead could be, for example, of U-shaped or substantially U-shaped or W-shaped or substantially W-shaped cross-section.

The or each recess defined in the upper surface of each grate bar will retain ash which will act to thermally insulate the grate bars without causing any tendency for ash to build up in the interspaces between the grate bars. Also, as compared with conventional grate bars, the bar section can be reduced resulting in bars of lighter weight, lower- thermal capacity and lower cost.

In one embodiment, the grate bars are integral with a frame, the cross-section of-each side of which is similar to that of the grate bars.

In another embodiment the bars are supported for movement relative to each other, such as in vrtical planes, by a manually or power operated mechanism.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of part of one embodiment of a grate according to the present invention; and Figure 2 is a cross-section through one of the grate bars of the grate shown in Figure 1.

Referring to the drawing, the grate shown therein is a grate for use in an enclosed domestic solid fuel fired heater but, with the addition of legs, could be used in an open fire place.

The grate comprises a rectangular frame 10 and a plurality of spaced apart grate bars 11 which are parallel to each other and to two sides of the frame 1 0.

Each side of the frame and each grate bar is of V-shaped cross-section i.e. the lower surface of each side of the frame and of each grate bar conforms in shape with its associated upper surface. Consequently, the upper surface of each grate bar defines a continuous elongate recess 12.

Also, the upper surface of each arm of the frame defines an elongate recess 1 3 which is joined to the recesses of adjoining sides of the frame to define an endless channel when viewed in plan.

The grate may have integral support members or legs for mounting it in position in the heater.

When in use, ash will be retained in the recesses in the bars and in the endless channel of the frame giving the aforementioned advantages over conventional grates.

In an alternative embodiment, the grate may comprise a plurality of individual grate bars arranged in spaced apart parallel relationship and being supported at opposite ends so as to be movable relative to each other such as in the manner described in published British Patent Application Serial No. 2 039 010 A.

The grate bars and the frame sides if provided may be of alternative cross-section, e.g. U-shaped or W-shaped cross-section.

Moreover, the frame need not be rectangular, but may, for example, be trapezoidal.

1. A grate for supporting solid fuel, comprising a plurality of parallel or substantially parallel grate bars the upper surface of each of whichdefines at least one elongate recess and the lower surface of each of which conforms or substantially conforms in shape to the upper surface thereof. - 2. The grate of claim 1, wherein each grate bar is of V-shaped or substantially V-sh.aped-crnss- section.

3. The grate of claim 1, wherein each grate bar is of U-shaped or substantially U-shaped crosssection.

4. The grate of claim 1, wherein each grate baris of W-shaped or substantially W-shapedcross- section.

5. The grate of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grate bars are integral with a frame.

6. The grate of claim 5, wherein the crosssection of each side of the frame is similar to that of the grate bars.

7. The grate of any one of claims 1--4, wherein the bars are supported for movement relative to each other.

8. The grate of claim 7, wherein the bars are movable by a manually operated mechanism.

9. The grate of claim 7, wherin the bars are movable by a power operated mechanism.

10. A grate for supporting solid fuel, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawing.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION A grate for supporting solid fuel The invention relates to a grate for supporting solid fuel and may be used in a solid fuel fired heater of the enclosed type or in an open fire place. According to the present invention, there is provided a grate for supporting solid fuel, comprising a plurality of parallel or substantially parallel grate bars the upper surface of each of which defines at least one elongate recess and the lower surface of each of which conforms or substantially conforms in shape to the upper surface thereof. Preferably, each grate bar is of V-shaped or substantially V-shaped cross-section, but instead could be, for example, of U-shaped or substantially U-shaped or W-shaped or substantially W-shaped cross-section. The or each recess defined in the upper surface of each grate bar will retain ash which will act to thermally insulate the grate bars without causing any tendency for ash to build up in the interspaces between the grate bars. Also, as compared with conventional grate bars, the bar section can be reduced resulting in bars of lighter weight, lower- thermal capacity and lower cost. In one embodiment, the grate bars are integral with a frame, the cross-section of-each side of which is similar to that of the grate bars. In another embodiment the bars are supported for movement relative to each other, such as in vrtical planes, by a manually or power operated mechanism. The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of part of one embodiment of a grate according to the present invention; and Figure 2 is a cross-section through one of the grate bars of the grate shown in Figure 1. Referring to the drawing, the grate shown therein is a grate for use in an enclosed domestic solid fuel fired heater but, with the addition of legs, could be used in an open fire place. The grate comprises a rectangular frame 10 and a plurality of spaced apart grate bars 11 which are parallel to each other and to two sides of the frame 1 0. Each side of the frame and each grate bar is of V-shaped cross-section i.e. the lower surface of each side of the frame and of each grate bar conforms in shape with its associated upper surface. Consequently, the upper surface of each grate bar defines a continuous elongate recess 12. Also, the upper surface of each arm of the frame defines an elongate recess 1 3 which is joined to the recesses of adjoining sides of the frame to define an endless channel when viewed in plan. The grate may have integral support members or legs for mounting it in position in the heater. When in use, ash will be retained in the recesses in the bars and in the endless channel of the frame giving the aforementioned advantages over conventional grates. In an alternative embodiment, the grate may comprise a plurality of individual grate bars arranged in spaced apart parallel relationship and being supported at opposite ends so as to be movable relative to each other such as in the manner described in published British Patent Application Serial No. 2 039 010 A. The grate bars and the frame sides if provided may be of alternative cross-section, e.g. U-shaped or W-shaped cross-section. Moreover, the frame need not be rectangular, but may, for example, be trapezoidal. CLAIMS

1. A grate for supporting solid fuel, comprising a plurality of parallel or substantially parallel grate bars the upper surface of each of whichdefines at least one elongate recess and the lower surface of each of which conforms or substantially conforms in shape to the upper surface thereof. -

2. The grate of claim 1, wherein each grate bar is of V-shaped or substantially V-sh.aped-crnss- section.