GB2331356A - Display means for a coal or log effect electric fire - Google Patents

Display means for a coal or log effect electric fire Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2331356A
GB2331356A GB9723757A GB9723757A GB2331356A GB 2331356 A GB2331356 A GB 2331356A GB 9723757 A GB9723757 A GB 9723757A GB 9723757 A GB9723757 A GB 9723757A GB 2331356 A GB2331356 A GB 2331356A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
display means
screen
means according
display
lighting
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB9723757A
Other versions
GB9723757D0 (en
GB2331356A9 (en
Inventor
John Richard Rogers
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
WIDNEY LEISURE Ltd
Original Assignee
WIDNEY LEISURE Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Publication of GB2331356A9 publication Critical patent/GB2331356A9/en
Application filed by WIDNEY LEISURE Ltd filed Critical WIDNEY LEISURE Ltd
Priority to GB9723757A priority Critical patent/GB2331356A/en
Publication of GB9723757D0 publication Critical patent/GB9723757D0/en
Publication of GB2331356A publication Critical patent/GB2331356A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03H—HOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
    • G03H1/00—Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from them; Details peculiar thereto
    • G03H1/0005—Adaptation of holography to specific applications
    • G03H2001/0055—Adaptation of holography to specific applications in advertising or decorative art
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03H—HOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
    • G03H1/00—Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from them; Details peculiar thereto
    • G03H1/22—Processes or apparatus for obtaining an optical image from holograms
    • G03H1/2249—Holobject properties
    • G03H2001/2284—Superimposing the holobject with other visual information
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03H—HOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
    • G03H2227/00—Mechanical components or mechanical aspects not otherwise provided for
    • G03H2227/05—Support holding the holographic record
    • G03H2227/06—Support including light source

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)

Abstract

A display means for a coal or log effect electric fire comprising a transparent screen (11), lighting means (15), ribbons (25) and a fan (26). The fan (26) causes the ribbons to waft about and give the impression of flames when viewed through the screen (11) which is backlit by the lighting means (15). The screen has a lenticular surface and a partially opaque double image picture. The non-opaque portions of the picture allow light to be emitted through the screen (11) so that the illumination reflected from the moving ribbons is viewed stereoscopically. In a second embodiment the flickering effect of the flames is provided by an electronic display means and the screen bears a holographic image which is at least partially translucent so that the flickering effect can be viewed stereoscopically through the hologram.

Description

2331356 DISPLAY MEANS, FOR EXAMPLE, FOR HEATING APPLIANCES It is known to
provide both gas f ires and electric fires with a display which presents to the viewer a flickering flame effect. Such an effect can be achieved by illuminating a space behind (in the direction of viewing) a translucent or partially transparent screen, with a light of a suitable hue and disposing a movement or f licker generator, such as a spinning light interrupter member or a plurality of movable ribbons, in said space. Although such displays are often visually attractive to view, they are unrealistic and the visual effect is clearly presented in a two dimensional manner at the screen. This is quite unlike the natural appearance of coal fires in which the flames, which the displays are intended to represent, are visibly three dimensional.
The invention offers a solution to the lack of realism of the known displays, and in accordance with the present invention there is provided display means comprising a screen which is at least partially transparent or translucent, a space behind the screen, and lighting means to illuminate said space, which is characterised in that said screen is provided with a surface or layer which incorporates a hologram or a stereogram and is illuminated by said lighting so as to cause a binocular viewer to perceive a three dimensional visual effect.
The hologram is preferably formed on said layer or surface, and the stereogram is preferably a lenticulate 2 formation in said layer or on surface; so that the illumination to the rear of the screen can be perceived stereoscopically through at least parts of said hologram or stereogram. Other parts of said hologram or stereogram are preferably opaque so as to impose stereoscopic or stereographic patterns or pictures onto said screen.
A movement or flicker generator is preferably disposed behind said screen. In an embodiment, the flicker generator is a switching unit incorporated into said lighting means to cause the illumination to flicker, e.g. the lighting unit may comprise an LCD screen controlled by a switching unit in the form of a microprocessor to project or present a desired picture onto or towards the rear surface of the screen.
The invention will be described f urther by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings; wherein:- FIGURE 1 is a diagram showing a front to rear crosssectional arrangement of a first embodiment of display means, and FIGURE 2 is a similar diagram showing the arrangement of a second embodiment, In general the display means, in both embodiments, comprises an open fronted housing 10, in which a screen 11 is located in the open f ront 12 of the housing so that an 3 enclosed space 13 is defined to the rear of the screen. The housing 10 is upstanding from an optional base 14.
The housing contains lighting means 15 to illuminate the screen, and movement or flicker means 16.
In the first embodiment the display means is intended for incorporation into a coal or log effect electric fire, which further comprises radiants 20 at the front of the base 14 to radiate heat (arrows 21) forwards and a coal simulating semi-translucent moulding 22, of known form, disposed on the base in front of a lower part of the screen 11 to obscure the lighting means 15. The latter comprises a light emitter 23 to illuminate the underside of the moulding 22 and the space 13. The movement means 15 in this embodiment comprises reflective coloured ribbons 25 suspended over a fan 26 to cause the ribbons to waft about and give the impression of flames when viewed through the screen 11.
The screen 11 is formed as an extruded sheet of a transparent plastics material having a lenticular surface, and a partially opaque double image picture or superimposed pictures are printed e.g. photographically onto the sheet, so that when viewed any or all of the images or pictures can be seen according to the position from which the screen is viewed, whilst the non-opaque portions of the picture or pictures allow light from the space to be emitted through the screen so that the illumination reflected from the 4 moving ribbons is viewed stereosopically.
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment primarily in that the lighting and movement or flicker effect producing means is integrated into an illuminated LCD panel or LED panel 30 which incorporates a programmable microprocessor to provide switching control of the LCD or LED elements to give a moving or flickering picture when viewed through the screen 11.
In this embodiment the screen 11 is formed as a sheet of transparent plastics material bearing a hologram, which is at least partially transparent or translucent so that the illumination of the space 13 can be viewed stereoscopically through the hologram.
The invention is not confined to details of the foregoing examples and many variations are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, the radiants 20 may be replaced by hot air outlets 31 for air blown out from an air heater disposed on the base below the moulding, or a decorative grill for admitting air to a convector heater on the base to cause hot air to exit a top vent 32 via the space 13. The display means may be constructed to serve a wall hung or free standing decoration, and need not be part of a fire or other electrical appliance.
The invention further includes and provides display means having any novel part or functional feature, or novel arrangement of parts accompanying drawings.
disclosed herein or in the

Claims (17)

-6Claims
1 A display means comprising a screen which is at least partially transparent or translucent, a space behind the screen, and lighting means to illuminate said space, wherein said screen is provided with a surface or layer which incorporates image means and is illuminated by lighting so as to cause a binocular viewer to perceive a three dimensional visual effect.
2. A display means according to claim 1, wherein the image means is provided on said layer or surface.
3. A display means according to claim 1, wherein the image means is provided in said layer or surface.
4. A display means according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one portion of the image means is opaque.
5. A display means according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a movement generator is provided behind said screen.
6. A display means according to claim 5, wherein the movement generator is a switching unit incorporated into said lighting means.
7. A display means according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the movement generator comprises an electronics display.
8. A display means according to claim 7, wherein the electronics display is an LCD or LED panel which incorporates a prog rammable microprocessor to provide switching control of the LCD or LED to project or present a desired picture onto or towards the rear surface of the screen.
9. A display means according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the movement generator comprises a fan and reflective ribbons suspended over said fan, operation of the fan causing the ribbons to move.
10. A display means according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image means comprises a hologram.
11. A display means according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image means comprises a stereogram.
12. A display means according to claim 11, wherein the stereogram comprises a lenticular surface.
13. A display means according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the stereogram comprises a double image picture.
14. A display means comprising a screen which is at least partially transparent or translucent, a space behind the screen, and lighting means to illuminate said space, which is characterised in that said screen is provided with a surface or layer which incorporates a hologram or stereogram and is illuminated by said lighting so as to cause a binocular viewer to perceive a three dimensional visual effect.
15. A heating appliance comprising a display screen as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 which presents to the viewer a flickering effect.
16. A display means substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
17. A heating appliance substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
GB9723757A 1997-11-12 1997-11-12 Display means for a coal or log effect electric fire Withdrawn GB2331356A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9723757A GB2331356A (en) 1997-11-12 1997-11-12 Display means for a coal or log effect electric fire

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9723757A GB2331356A (en) 1997-11-12 1997-11-12 Display means for a coal or log effect electric fire

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB2331356A9 GB2331356A9 (en)
GB9723757D0 GB9723757D0 (en) 1998-01-07
GB2331356A true GB2331356A (en) 1999-05-19

Family

ID=10821871

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9723757A Withdrawn GB2331356A (en) 1997-11-12 1997-11-12 Display means for a coal or log effect electric fire

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2331356A (en)

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2346439A (en) * 1999-01-30 2000-08-09 Crosslee Plc Flame simulation apparatus
GB2350182A (en) * 1999-05-17 2000-11-22 Be Modern Ltd Flame effect electric fire
GB2352807A (en) * 1999-07-07 2001-02-07 Glyn Robinson A simulated flame device
GB2361763A (en) * 2000-04-01 2001-10-31 Gazco Ltd Fire Simulation Apparatus
GB2372805A (en) * 2000-12-29 2002-09-04 Robert John Stockwell An electronic simulated flame effect for a fireplace
WO2002077533A1 (en) * 2001-03-23 2002-10-03 Valor Limited Apparatus for simulating a solid fuel fire
GB2376292A (en) * 2001-06-06 2002-12-11 Focal Point Fires Plc An apparatus for simulating flames in an electric fire place
BE1015937A3 (en) * 2004-04-15 2005-12-06 Clerck Alain Marc Jean Fran Oi Flag artificial fluttering device for use in sports stadium, has flag pole unit under air flow outlet so that flow from outlet causes ascent movement for vertical fluttering of flag that comprises base through which flag is coupled by pole
GB2419182A (en) * 2004-10-13 2006-04-19 Basic Holdings Simulated fireplace featuring an electroluminescent and variable opacity screen
WO2007009301A1 (en) * 2005-07-18 2007-01-25 Zhuhong Wang A flame simulation apparatus in electric fireplaces
GB2434441A (en) * 2006-01-06 2007-07-25 Gazco Ltd Flame simulation apparatus and means for connection to a fire frame
WO2007140817A1 (en) * 2006-06-09 2007-12-13 Valor Limited Apparatus for simulating a solid fuel fire
GB2467297A (en) * 2009-01-22 2010-07-28 Valor Ltd Holographic fuel effect apparatus illuminated by light sources of different wavelengths
GB2481064A (en) * 2010-06-11 2011-12-14 Valor Ltd Fire simulation with a holographic image in front of an image of moving flames
GB2502814A (en) * 2012-06-08 2013-12-11 Basic Holdings A fireplace with means for simulating flames by combining images of a fuel bed and flames using an optical element

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1266131A (en) * 1967-11-11 1972-03-08
GB2151772A (en) * 1983-12-02 1985-07-24 Valor Heating Ltd Domestic heating appliance
GB2222000A (en) * 1988-06-22 1990-02-21 Dimplex Ltd Glen Optical component used for flame effect in heating apparatus
GB2242737A (en) * 1990-04-04 1991-10-09 John Sydney Shute Artificial fire units
GB2264555A (en) * 1992-02-28 1993-09-01 Kenholme Appliances Flame effect display
GB2288052A (en) * 1994-03-30 1995-10-04 Leo Martin Stranney Simulated real flame electric fire
GB2307132A (en) * 1995-11-13 1997-05-14 Alexander Stewart Combined fireplace and television or holographic display

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1266131A (en) * 1967-11-11 1972-03-08
GB2151772A (en) * 1983-12-02 1985-07-24 Valor Heating Ltd Domestic heating appliance
GB2222000A (en) * 1988-06-22 1990-02-21 Dimplex Ltd Glen Optical component used for flame effect in heating apparatus
GB2242737A (en) * 1990-04-04 1991-10-09 John Sydney Shute Artificial fire units
GB2264555A (en) * 1992-02-28 1993-09-01 Kenholme Appliances Flame effect display
GB2288052A (en) * 1994-03-30 1995-10-04 Leo Martin Stranney Simulated real flame electric fire
GB2307132A (en) * 1995-11-13 1997-05-14 Alexander Stewart Combined fireplace and television or holographic display

Cited By (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2346439A (en) * 1999-01-30 2000-08-09 Crosslee Plc Flame simulation apparatus
GB2350182A (en) * 1999-05-17 2000-11-22 Be Modern Ltd Flame effect electric fire
GB2350182B (en) * 1999-05-17 2003-05-07 Be Modern Ltd Flame-effect electric fire
GB2352807A (en) * 1999-07-07 2001-02-07 Glyn Robinson A simulated flame device
GB2361763A (en) * 2000-04-01 2001-10-31 Gazco Ltd Fire Simulation Apparatus
GB2372805A (en) * 2000-12-29 2002-09-04 Robert John Stockwell An electronic simulated flame effect for a fireplace
GB2372805B (en) * 2000-12-29 2005-08-17 Robert John Stockwell Electronic fire flame effect
GB2377753B (en) * 2001-03-23 2005-03-02 Valor Ltd Apparatus for simulating a solid fuel fire
WO2002077533A1 (en) * 2001-03-23 2002-10-03 Valor Limited Apparatus for simulating a solid fuel fire
GB2377753A (en) * 2001-03-23 2003-01-22 Valor Ltd A simulated fire with a holographic fuel bed
GB2389650A (en) * 2001-03-23 2003-12-17 Valor Ltd Apparatus for simulating a solid fuel fire
GB2376292A (en) * 2001-06-06 2002-12-11 Focal Point Fires Plc An apparatus for simulating flames in an electric fire place
GB2376292B (en) * 2001-06-06 2003-08-20 Focal Point Fires Plc Flame simulation apparatus
BE1015937A3 (en) * 2004-04-15 2005-12-06 Clerck Alain Marc Jean Fran Oi Flag artificial fluttering device for use in sports stadium, has flag pole unit under air flow outlet so that flow from outlet causes ascent movement for vertical fluttering of flag that comprises base through which flag is coupled by pole
GB2419182A (en) * 2004-10-13 2006-04-19 Basic Holdings Simulated fireplace featuring an electroluminescent and variable opacity screen
GB2419182B (en) * 2004-10-13 2009-06-03 Basic Holdings Apparatus for producing an optical effect or for simulating fires and simulated fireplaces including such apparatus
WO2006040342A3 (en) * 2004-10-13 2006-08-10 Basic Holdings Apparatus for producing an optical effect or for simulating fires and simulated fireplaces including such apparatus
WO2006040342A2 (en) * 2004-10-13 2006-04-20 Basic Holdings Apparatus for producing an optical effect or for simulating fires and simulated fireplaces including such apparatus
WO2007009301A1 (en) * 2005-07-18 2007-01-25 Zhuhong Wang A flame simulation apparatus in electric fireplaces
US8081872B2 (en) 2005-07-18 2011-12-20 Zhuhong Wang Flame imitation manufacturing device of an electrical-heated fireplace
GB2441942A (en) * 2005-07-18 2008-03-19 Zhuhong Wang A flame simulation apparatus in electric fireplaces
EA011135B1 (en) * 2005-07-18 2008-12-30 Джухонг Ванг A flame simulation apparatus in electric fireplaces
GB2441942B (en) * 2005-07-18 2009-06-03 Zhuhong Wang A flame imitation device of an electrical-heated fireplace
GB2434441A (en) * 2006-01-06 2007-07-25 Gazco Ltd Flame simulation apparatus and means for connection to a fire frame
WO2007140817A1 (en) * 2006-06-09 2007-12-13 Valor Limited Apparatus for simulating a solid fuel fire
GB2467297A (en) * 2009-01-22 2010-07-28 Valor Ltd Holographic fuel effect apparatus illuminated by light sources of different wavelengths
GB2481064A (en) * 2010-06-11 2011-12-14 Valor Ltd Fire simulation with a holographic image in front of an image of moving flames
GB2502814A (en) * 2012-06-08 2013-12-11 Basic Holdings A fireplace with means for simulating flames by combining images of a fuel bed and flames using an optical element

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9723757D0 (en) 1998-01-07
GB2331356A9 (en)

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2552708C (en) Apparatus and method for simulation of combustion effects in a fireplace
GB2331356A (en) Display means for a coal or log effect electric fire
GB2151772A (en) Domestic heating appliance
EP0897514B1 (en) Flame simulating assembly.
EP1271060B1 (en) Flame simulator for imitation fireplace electric heater
EP2807426B1 (en) Artificial fireplace
US20050097792A1 (en) Apparatus and method for simulation of combustion effects in a fireplace
US10852001B2 (en) Electric fire apparatus and heating system
EP3473933A1 (en) Electric fireplace
WO2002077533A1 (en) Apparatus for simulating a solid fuel fire
GB2240171A (en) Appliance with decorative fire effect
GB2391614A (en) Flame simulating apparatus with a laminated lens and ember simulation
WO2005028962A1 (en) Apparatus for simulating flames
US20110292657A1 (en) Electric fire
EP1328761A2 (en) Flame simulation apparatus
CA2747323A1 (en) Electric fire
GB2481064A (en) Fire simulation with a holographic image in front of an image of moving flames
WO2010030924A2 (en) Apparatus and methods for simulation of combustion effects in a fireplace
GB2220060A (en) Simulated fire effect
WO2007140817A1 (en) Apparatus for simulating a solid fuel fire
GB2438870A (en) Flame effect fire comprising an electrical resistance heating element mounted in an air flow duct
GB2467302A (en) Flame effect apparatus comprising a partially-reflective, translucent, sheet that reflects and transmits light received from a source to a reflector or screen
GB2361763A (en) Fire Simulation Apparatus
GB2370630A (en) Projection lamp with displaceable interrupting elements and a cowl containing apertures
GB2408794A (en) Flexible elements in an air current variably occluding light to a simulated fuel effect

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)