GB2434441A

GB2434441A - Flame simulation apparatus and means for connection to a fire frame

Info

Publication number: GB2434441A
Application number: GB0600284A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gregory Taylor
Original assignee: Gazco Ltd
Current assignee: Gazco Ltd
Priority date: 2006-01-06
Filing date: 2006-01-06
Publication date: 2007-07-25
Also published as: GB0600284D0

Abstract

An apparatus for simulating a flame comprises a flame element 1 and a frame for supporting the frame element. In a first embodiment, the flame element is mounted on movable flaps 4a and 4b located in a position to the side of the element. The flap may be flexible and movable about the frame. Alternatively, the flap may comprise an arm connected to the frame about a hinge 5a and 5b. When a hinge is used the hinge is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flame element. In a second embodiment the frame element may extend below the lowest point of attachment to the frame. The extended portion may be thicker than the remainder of the flame element and may also be weighted. In both embodiments, a fan may be used to cause the flame elements to move. The flame element may be made of silk, nylon or similar fabric. An apparatus is also claimed whereby a flame element 1 and imitation fuel bed 10 are illuminated by a light, which can vary in colour, intensity or orientation. The light source may be an LED 7 and 8 with random activation patterns.

Description

1 2434441

APPARATUS FOR SIMULATING A FLAME

This invention relates to an apparatus for simulating a flame.

Background

Electric heater elements lack the ambience of a traditional open fire, and in an effort to recreate this, manufacturers have sought to imitate the flames of a natural fire.

Previous attempts to achieve a flame effect include shining a light source through openings formed in a rotating drum, thereby resulting in flame shaped patterns on a backdrop or screen (for example US2005/0252051A1 and GB241 1228A). However, such attempts lack visual depth and do not simulate the flicker of a real fire.

Other notable attempts include GB1 186655 and GB2399625A in which flame shaped ribbons flicker in a stream of air and reflect suitably coloured light. Such arrangements provide an element of depth and thus improve the overall effect. However, as a real flame will emit light in a range of directions and these ribbons were securely fastened at their base, a wholly convincing flicker is not provided. To address this, GB2302172A discloses the use of flame shaped ribbons fastened by threads at both top and bottom.

The artificial flames are thus free to rotate about a vertical axis. However, with this arrangement there is excessive rotation of the artificial flames about the vertical axis and the overall effect is not realistic.

Statements of Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided apparatus for simulating a flame, the apparatus comprising a flame element and a frame for supporting the flame element, the flame element being moveably mounted on the frame at a position which is located to one side only of the flame element.

The flame element may be elongate and a longitudinal axis of the flame element may be substantially vertical.

A flap may connect the flame element to the frame. The flap may flex about the frame.

The flap may comprise an arm which is mounted on the frame by a hinge. The hinge may be a living hinge.

The flap may comprise a flexible spar rigidly fixed to the frame. The flap may be rigid in one plane and free to move in a perpendicular plane.

The flame element may be mounted on the frame such that a longitudinal axis of the flame element is parallel to a hinge axis.

The flame element may be supported by respective flaps at opposite ends. The flame element may extend below a lower flap or above an upper flap and may be rounded at its base to represent a real flame.

A fan may cause the flame element to move.

The flame element may be made from a fabric, such as silk, spinnaker nylon or similar.

A light may be directed at the flame element. The light may be coloured. The illumination provided by the light may vary in colour or intensity.

The light may be a Light Emitting Diode, a halogen bulb or a filament bulb.

A diffusion screen may be provided. The diffusion screen may be coloured, tinted or printed. The diffusion screen may have separate films applied to it.

A flame pattern may be provided on the flame element and it may be coloured to resemble a flame. The flame element may be dyed with a light emitting or luminescent material.

The apparatus may comprise an artificial fuel bed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for simulating a fuel bed, the apparatus comprising a simulated fuel element, (which may be a real or artificial fuel element) and a light which illuminates the fuel element, wherein means are provided for varying the intensity, orientation and/or colour of said light.

The light may be controlled by a computer. The computer may control the orientation, phase, pulse and/or flicker of the light. The computer may operate the light in a substantially random fashion.

The light may illuminate an artificial fuel bed and may be caused to pulsate in a random fashion to provide a warm glow.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for simulating a flame, the apparatus comprising a flame element and a frame for supporting the flame element, the flame element extending below a point of attachment of the flame element to the frame, the portion of the flame element extending below the said point of attachment being free to swing. The said portion may swing to and fro, in the manner of a pendulum.

The portion of the flame element extending below the said point of attachment may be thicker than the remainder of the flame element, may be folded over, and/or may be weighted.

The apparatus may further comprise a real or simulated bed of fuel, the flame element being supported above the bed of fuel. The flame element may be driven to move by a fan or by convection currents from a heating element.

Brief DescriDtion of the Drawincis For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of apparatus for simulating a flame effect; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a flame effect unit for an electric fire, and Figure 3 is a side view of a flame effect unit having a diffusing screen.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

With reference to Figure 1, an apparatus for simulating a flame effect comprises a flame element 1 which is preferably substantially vertical in orientation. The flame element 1 is shaped to represent a flame and is preferably formed from a light fabric material such as silk, spinnaker nylon or similar. Each end of the flame element 1 is supported by flaps 4A and 4B, which are in turn fixed to a frame of the heater (not shown) via corresponding living hinges 5A and 5B. Alternatively, the flaps 4A and 4B could simply be made flexible and be fixed rigidly to the frame and/or to the flame element 1.

Also shown in Figure 1 are lights 7 and 8, which are positioned such that they shine on the flame element 1. These lights 7 and 8 are preferably high-powered LEDs, but in alternative embodiments they may be halogen or filament bulbs.

With reference to Figure 2, a unit for simulating a flame effect further comprises a fuel bed 10, which is preferably formed from a plastic material. The lower flap 4A is either placed behind the fuel bed 10 so that it is out of view or above the fuel bed 10 so that the flame member 1 swings above the fuel bed 10. In the present embodiment the fuel bed 10 is shaped to resemble burning logs, alternatively the fuel bed 10 could resemble coal or other such fuels. The lights 7 and 8 could be located beneath, within or behind the fuel bed 10.

With reference to Figure 3, a complete unit for simulating a flame effect further comprises a frame 15 in which is fitted a fan 20 and a diffusion screen 30. The fan 20 is powered by an electric motor (not shown) and is positioned so that a flow of air, drawn from an air intake duct 40, passes over the flame element 1. The diffusion screen 30 is mounted in front of the fuel bed 10 and flame element 1.

The fan 20 provides a flow of air to the flame element 1. This flow moves the flame element I and flaps 4A and 4B. The resulting movement causes a wave like motion which travels along the length of the flame element 1. Furthermore, because the flaps 4A and 4B are free to swing and are attached at one side only to the frame 15, the flow of air results in a rotation of the flame element 1 about an axis displaced to one side of the flame element 1. The resulting ripples in the flame element 1 ensure that light is reflected in a wide range of directions and therefore creates a more realistic flame like flicker. In an alternative embodiment to that shown, the flow may be a convection current driven by the heater or otherwise.

To enhance the flame movement, the flame element 1 may extend below flap 4A and/or above flap 4B. In particular, if the flame element I extends below the lower flap 4A then this portion of the flame element 1 acts as a pendulum. The resulting motion of the flame element 1 can provide a more convincing flame effect, especially if the extended portion is arranged to swing over the fuel bed 10. This pendulum movement can be further enhanced by increasing the weight of the portion extending below the flap 4A, for example, by using a heavier material or a folded-over portion. The portion protruding below flap 4A is preferably rounded, thereby representing a base of a flame, further enhancing the flame effect.

Lights 7 and 8 are positioned to illuminate the flame element 1. As the flame element 1 moves, different parts of the flame element 1 become illuminated, further enhancing the real flame effect. The light 8 preferably emits red light and has a narrow angle of focus, which is trained on the flame element 1. As a wave propagates along the flame element I the spot of light from the light 8 travels along the flame element 1, thereby recreating the "licking" effect of a real flame. The overall effect is accentuated because the flame element us free to swing to and fro over the lights 7 and 8.

The light 8 preferably provides a red or orange light, whilst the light 7 preferably emits a yellow or blue light. In the illustrated embodiment, these lights 7 and 8 are high-powered LEDs, but alternatively they may be halogen or filament bulbs. In addition to lighting the flame element 1 the lights 7 and 8 also light the fuel bed 10. The lights 7 and 8 are preferably driven by an electronic circuit (not shown) such as in a processor or computer. The electronic circuit controls the pulse and phase of the lights 7 and 8 in a random fashion, thereby enhancing the flicker effect. Furthermore, when these lights 7 and 8 are viewed through the fuel bed 10, the overall impression is of gently burning embers.

To further accentuate the flame effect, the flame element 1 may be painted or dyed to resemble a flame. For example, the flame element 1 may be dyed with a light emitting or luminescent material.

The diffusion screen 30 acts to diffuse the light reflected from the flame element 1 and the fuel bed 10. This simulates the refraction caused by hot air above a fire and the diffusive effect of smoke, further enhancing the overall impression of a real fire. The diffusion screen may be coloured, tinted, frosted or printed. Furthermore, it may have separate films applied to it, in order to imitate different regions of a fire, such as sooty or smoky regions.

CLAIMS

1. Apparatus for simulating a flame, the apparatus comprising a flame element and a frame for supporting the flame element, the flame element being moveably mounted on the frame at a position which is located to one side of the flame element.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flame element is elongate and a longitudinal axis of the elongate flame element is substantially vertical.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim I or 2, further comprising a flap which connects the flame element to the frame.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the flap flexes about the frame.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the flap comprises an arm which is mounted to the frame by a hinge.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 when appendant to claim 2, wherein the flame element is mounted on the frame such that the longitudinal axis of the elongate flame element is parallel to the hinge.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the flap is rigid in one plane and free to move in a perpendicular plane.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the flame element is mounted on the frame by a plurality of flaps, at positions located on the same side of the flame element.

9. Apparatus for simulating a flame, the apparatus comprising a flame element and a frame for supporting the flame element, the flame element extending below a lowest point of attachment of the flame element to the frame.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the portion of the flame element extending below the point of attachment is thicker than the remainder of the flame element.

II. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the portion of the flame element extending below the point of attachment is folded over.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the portion of the flame element extending below the point of attachment is weighted.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fan to cause the flame element to move.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an imitation fuel bed.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a light directed at the imitation fuel bed.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flame element is made from a fabric.

17. Apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the flame element is made from silk, spinnaker nylon or similar.

18. Apparatus for simulating a fire, the apparatus comprising a flame element and/or a simulated imitation fuel bed and a light which illuminates the flame element and/or the simulated fuel bed, wherein means are provided for varying the intensity, orientation and/or colour of said light.

19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18, wherein the light is a light emitting diode.

20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein an electronic circuit controls the phase, pulse and/or flicker of the light in a suitably random fashion.

21. Apparatus for simulating a flame, substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

Claims

MP

For Innovation -\ Application No: GB0600284.4 Examiner: Nigel Hanley Claims searched: 1-8 & 13-17 Date of search: 5 May 2006 Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17 Documents considered to be relevant: Category Relevant to Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance claims X I-3,8& GB2230335A 13-17 BASIC -See whole document especially Figs 1, 3a & 3b and Page 5 Line 19-Page 6 Line 30. Note the connection of a moving fabric flame to arms 1 5 and 16 allowing connection to the frame to the side of the flame effect.

X 1-3, 8 & GB 2396691 A 13-17 VALOR -See whole document especially Fig 3 and Page 5 Line 6-13.

Note the attachment of a movable flame effect to the frame using side connections. 52 and 54.

X 1-3,8 & GB 2404730 A 13-17 CREATIVE -See whole document. Note especially the ribbon assembly and connections to the fire frame.

X 1-3 & 13-GB 1186655 A 17 FROST -See Figs 3-6 of the complete specification. Note the arms/flaps 7 & 8 holding the ribbons in position.

X 18-20 W002/035153A3 WINTER WARM -Note use of LED's having a flashing frequency control to illuminate the imitation fire bed and flame effect apparatus.

X 18-20 GB2322188A ELECTRO-WARME-TECI*41K -See whole document. Note use of LED's to illuminate the fuel bed and flame effect means.

Categories: X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and/or state of the art.

Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same before the filing date of this invention.

category.

& Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, hut with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.

Field of Search:

Search of GB, EP, WO & US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX F4W Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC F24C The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search repo ONLINE: WPI, EPODOC, JAPIO I [JiT A DT1 SERVICE