GB2438519A

GB2438519A - Apparatus for providing a visual effect for an electric fire

Info

Publication number: GB2438519A
Application number: GB0709983A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Thomas Poole
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-05-24
Filing date: 2007-05-24
Publication date: 2007-11-28
Anticipated expiration: 2027-05-24
Also published as: GB0610273D0; GB0709983D0; GB2438519B

Abstract

An apparatus for providing a visual effect at a screen, such as a simulated flame effect, is incorporated into an electrical heating appliance, such as a domestic electric fire. The apparatus comprises a rotatable assembly which includes a multiplicity of light-reflective strips 17 carded on a rotary shaft 16, where rotation of the shaft also causes the light-reflective strips to rotate. The shaft is provided with magnets 18, 19 whilst a reflector 14 is provided with magnets 20, 21. The reflector is arranged for movement towards and away from the rotatable assembly by repulsion between the respective magnets of the reflector and the rotatable assembly. A light source 12 is arranged to provide light which is reflected from the strips and reflector to create a flickering flame effect at the screen. A diffuser (40, fig.8) may be located on the inner side of the screen. In another aspect, the apparatus comprises a colour wheel (33, fig.5) having differently coloured light transmitting areas; fibre optic cables (35, fig.5) are arranged to receive light from a light source (34, fig.5) passing through the light transmitting areas as the wheel is rotated and to transmit the light at the screen.

Description

Apparatus for Providing a Visual Effect at a Screen or Other Surface

This invention relates to apparatus for providing a visual effect at a screen or the like, and has particular application to electrical heating apparatus, particularly domestic electric fires.

U.K. Patent No. 2315543 relates to apparatus for providing a visual effect at a screen, and has particular application to a flame effect electric fire.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved form of such apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the invention apparatus for providing a visual effect at a screen or the like comprises a rotatable assembly including a rotatable member and a multiplicity of first light-reflective elements carried by said member, rotation of the rotatable member, in use, effecting rotation of the first light reflective elements, a second light-reflective element arranged for movement, in use, towards and away from said rotatable assembly, the second light- reflective element being arranged to be moved away from said rotatable assembly by repulsion between respective magnetic means of the second light- reflective element and the rotatable assembly, and a light source arranged to provide light which is reflected, in use, from at least : ** the second of said first and second light-reflective elements to provide a * visual effect at said screen. *** *

** **** * Preferably the second light-reflective element is a screen, more *** * preferably a thin polished metal screen. The second light-reflective element is desirably pivotally mounted so that it can move towards and away from said rotatable assembly. Conveniently the second light-reflective element and the rotatable member carry respective magnets of the same polarity.

According to a second aspect of the invention, apparatus for providing a visual effect at a screen or the like comprises a rotatable assembly including a rotatable member and a multiplicity of first light-reflective elements carried by said member, rotation of the rotatable member effecting rotation of the first light-reflective elements, a light source arranged to provide light which is reflected, in use, from said first light reflective elements, and a light transmitting element, constituting said screen or the like, through which said reflected light passes.

Preferably the apparatus is incorporated in a casing of an electric basket fire/heater, such that a rear of the fire/heater is illuminated by said light passing through said screen of the casing, desirably in the form of a panel, conveniently disposed at a rear surface of said casing.

According to a third aspect of the invention, apparatus for providing a visual effect at a screen or the like comprises a light source, a rotatable *... . . . . ***,** member having light transmitting areas, at least two of which are differently : ** coloured, and at least two fibre optic cables, arranged to receive light, from S...

* said light source, passing through said light transmitting areas as the member is rotated, in use, each fibre optic cable being arranged to transmit such light at said screen or the like. S..

S

Preferably the rotatable member is a colour wheel, for example a disc divided into segments, each desirably of a different colour, and each letting through light form said light source. Conveniently a multiplicity of optical fibres receive said light transmitted through the colour wheel and transmit it to respective spaced apart different points at said screen or the like. In one embodiment the points are defined at a coal or log effect moulding of a fuel effect fire. Preferably the fire is an electric basket fire or heater.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, apparatus for providing a visual effect at a screen or the like comprises a rotatable assembly including a rotatable member and a multiplicity of first light-reflective elements carried by said member, rotation of the rotatable member effecting rotation of the first light-reflective elements, a second light-reflective element, a light-source, light from which is reflected, in use, from at least the second of said first and second light-reflective elements to provide a visual effect at said screen, there being between the second light-reflective element and said screen a diffuser.

Preferably the diffuser is a sheet of translucent material. Desirably it is a thin plastics material sheet. Conveniently when the apparatus for providing a visual effect at a screen is incorporated into an electric fire, the diffuser is formed with cut-outs, extending upwardly from its lower edge, in : ** the form of flames. The diffuser is normally disposed adjacent to the second S.., light-reflective element and is remote from the screen. Advantageously a further diffuser is provided at the interior side of the screen so as to form part thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the second light-reflective element is arranged to be moved away from said rotatable assembly by repulsion between respective magnetic means of the second light-reflective element and the rotatable assembly.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view showing internal components of apparatus of a first aspect of the invention, Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of some of the components shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, of apparatus of a second aspect of the invention, Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a basket fire incorporating said second aspect of the invention, Figure 5 is a front perspective view of a basket fire in accordance with a third aspect of the invention, showing internal components, Figure 6 is a schematic front view of part of apparatus of a fourth aspect of the invention, Figure 7 is a schematic exploded view of apparatus forming part of said fourth aspect of the invention, Figure 8 is a schematic exploded side view of assembled components of said apparatus of said fourth aspect of the invention, and : *. Figures 9 to 11 are views corresponding to views 6 to 8 for apparatus of a further embodiment according to said fourth aspect of the invention.

Although the present invention has wider application, it will be described in detail below, in each of its four aspects, in relation to a domestic fuel effect fire, and although it is possible that such aspects might be of use with a gas fire, it is to be understood that the primary application of these inventive aspects is with an electric fire, and accordingly the description below, in relation to the Figures, will be in relation to an electric fire.

UK Patent No. 2315543 discloses an electric fire having at a lower front part thereof a simulated or imitation fuel element, normally representing coals, pebbles and/or logs. In conjunction with the fuel element, the fire incorporates means for producing a flame effect both at the imitation fuel element and also at a front part of the fire above the fuel element, thereby giving the impression that, in use, actual combustion is taking place. The first aspect of the present invention, shown in Figures 1 and 2 relates to apparatus for providing an improved visual effect at a screen, and in particular relates to an improvement in the flickering flame produced in the prior art fire at the front part thereof above the fuel element.

The portion of the fire shown in Figure 1 incorporates a casing 10 with a vertical translucent screen 11 or equivalent member of perspex or other suitable material. As with the prior art fire, this screen can, in one embodiment, have a mau front surface, and in another embodiment, can have an orange filter on its rear surface. As with the prior art screen, the man *::::* surface, which provides a suitable light-diffusing effect, could, in use, be the : ** rear surface of the screen. The screen is supported in any suitable manner by * the casing, as described in the prior art patent specification.

* At the position near the top of the casing 10 is provided a light source, *** * for example a lamp 12, in a similar manner as to the prior art illumination, in the form of a halogen 20W dichroic wide beam, low voltage downlighter.

As shown in Figure 1, the lamp is arranged to direct light generally vertically downwardly behind the screen 11. The lamp would normally have a wide beam. More than one light source could be provided, as will be described.

Depending downwardly at the top of the casing 10 between the lamp 12 and the screen 11 is a bracket 13 of any suitable form, the bracket 13 serving generally pivotably' to mount a depending generally rectangular, vertically wavy reflector 14 which is also shown in Figure 2. As can be seen from Figure 2, the pivotal mounting of the reflector 14 can be by way of a pair of spaced hooks 15 or the like which are mounted to the bracket 13, the reflector 14 being sized so as to extend across a significant part of the screen 11. Whilst the reflector 14 can generally be of any suitable form/material, it is preferably a screen formed of thin polished metal and its weight and arrangement is such that, under normal circumstances, it would hang vertically, parallel to the screen 11. In the same way as with the prior art fire, there is disposed towards the bottom of the casing 10 preferably at a level just below the top of the fuel element (not shown) associated with the casing, an electrically driven motor and gear box arrangement (also not shown) for rotationally driving a shaft 16, this shaft, as shown in Figure 2, extending across the whole of the length of the reflector 14 between the sides *::::* of the fire casing, the shaft being horizontal and preferably of circular cross- * .. section. However as with the prior art arrangement, any suitable cross-*.I.

sectional shape or form of shaft could be used, the axis of the shaft being in a vertical plane which lies to the rear of the screen 11. In a similar manner to : the arrangement with the prior art device, the shaft has attached to it, around its circumference, along the whole of its length, in this embodiment, light reflecting elements 17 which are in the form of reflective strips, arranged, for example, not too densely along the shaft. As with the prior art device, these strips caji be, for example, naturally reflected material or coated material, such as mirrored or multi-coloured metallised, plastics material, such strips hereinafter being referred to as tinsel. The strips can be of various colours, for example red, gold and silver and these can be arranged generally radially around the shaft 16 as shown in the drawings. Although the strips could have a certain inherent rigidity, they would normally not be provided with any significant strength, and thus for example if contacting the reflector 14, would not generally move it about its pivot. However in another embodiment, the strips could engage the reflector to transmit incidental movement thereto.

The tinsel strips thus rotate with the shaft 16, the speed of rotation being, for example, 50 RPM. However shaft rotation could be varied as required depending on the density of tinsel strips both circumferentially and/or longitudinally of the shaft. Where the tinsel strips have the capability of some movement of their own relative to the shaft, for example at their ends, this random movement together with the rotating movement of the shaft, which also moves the tinsel strips, randomly causes light from the lamp 12 to be reflected onto the screen 11 disposed at the front side of the shaft, *,*,* and this produces a flickering flame effect at the screen in a similar manner

: *. to that of the device of the prior art. S..

However an improved random flickering of reflective light at the S.....

* * screen is also produced by virtue of the provision of the reflector 14 moving S..

towards and away from the shaft 16 of the rotatable assembly comprising the shaft and the light reflecting elements.

In this regard it can be seen from the drawings that at respective opposite ends of the array of light reflecting elements 17 the shaft 16 is provided with respective magnets 18, 19. From the drawings it can be seen that the lowermost part of the reflector 14 is provided on its forwardly facing surface with respective further magnets 20, 21, these being spaced apart and positioned so that they face, and are in alignment with the respective magnets 18, 19. For both facing pairs of magnets 18, 20 and 19, 21, it is to be noted that the magnets are of the same polarity so that they repel. As a result of this repulsion force between the respective pairs of magnets, the reflector 14, in use, continually moves towards and away from the rotatable assembly of the shaft 16 and light reflecting elements 17 in that, as stated above, the normal position of the reflector is that it would lie vertical, this however being resisted in that as it attempts to move to such a vertical position, there is the repulsion force between the magnets moving it away in the opposite direction. As mentioned, and as shown to some degree in Figure 2, the reflector is of vertical wavy form along its length. In one embodiment one light source is provided, and this is arranged above and centrally along the length of the reflector, at a rear trough of the vertically wavy reflector, so that when the reflector moves forwards, light reaches the tinsel elements 17.

Accordingly as the reflector moves backwards and forwards about its pivot, : ** relative to the shaft 16 and element 17, light is reflected from the elements * 17, and possibly also from reflector 14, to the screen 11 to produce an enhanced flickering flame effect at the screen 11 in conjunction with the S. SS*S flickering flame effect produced by light being reflected from the (randomly ** arranged) rotating light reflecting elements 17. Where more than one light source is provided, e.g. arranged regularly or in other spaced relationship between the opposite ends of the reflector, each light source will generally -9-.

also be at a rear trough of the reflector. However if light sources are provided above the respective opposite ends of the reflector, since less light is required here, the light sources may be at respective parts of the reflector which are flat or possibly at rear peaks of the reflector, rather than at respective troughs.

It will be understood that the arrangement, positioning and number of magnets can be selected as required, and for example the magnets on the shaft 16 could be arranged around only part thereof, so that repulsion between the magnets on the shaft and the magnets on the reflector could depend upon the rotated position of the shaft 16. It will also be understood that the arrangement of the magnet 18 could be different from the arrangement of the magnet 19, and equally from the arrangements of the magnets 20 and 21, so that the reflector 14 need not move backwards and forwards uniformly. As the reflector 14 is of thin metallic material, it is possible that one of its vertical ends could be arranged to be moving backwardly whilst the opposite vertical end is moving forwardly so as to enhance the random flickering of the flame effect at the screen 11. It will be understood that further magnets could be added to the reflector and also to *::::* the shaft 16, possibly here between ones of the light reflecting elements 17 as : * well as or instead of at the respective opposite ends of the row of elements * 17. It will thus be understood that by appropriately utilising such pairs of magnets of the same polarity it is possible to arrange for random backwards *.*.. * * and forwards movement of respective parts of the reflector so as further to * enhance the flickering flame effect at the screen.

With the prior art device, three strip arrangements were used together so that the flame effect image on the screen at the front of the fire is effectively composed of three parts from the reflections at the three strips.

With the present device, these additional two strips can be utilised if required for cooperation with the rotating light reflecting elements 17, or alternatively one or more of these additional strip arrangements could be omitted, particularly if the enhanced flame effect produced by the movement of the reflector 14 is considered sufficient to provide a realistic effect at the screen 11.

Although not shown in Figures 1 and 2, it will be understood that the fire shown in Figures 1 and 2 will, like the prior art fire referred to above, have a fuel effect element at the front of the screen 11 and may have a fan heater therebelow. All other features, standard or otherwise, of the prior art device may be incorporated into the fire of the invention if required and if appropriate.

The second aspect of the present invention is shown in Figures 3 and 4 in relation to an electric basket fire. This type of fire can be free-standing or I... . . . for use in an mglenook with a front part 22 being formed to receive a plaster : * or resin moulding in the form of a simulated coal or logs fuel bed, in a S...

* similar manner to the moulding shown at 23 in Figure 5. This front part of the basket heater or fire is bolted or otherwise connected to a rear casing part 24 which is of substantially the same form as the casing 10 shown in Figure S..

1. However although Figure 3 shows the use of a reflector corresponding to the reflector 14, with its associated magnets, it will be understood that this could be omitted from the casing of Figure 3, arid additionally this casing -11 -may or may not be provided with the second and third strip arrangements of

the prior art.

This second aspect of the invention relates to the way in which light from the downlighter 25, equivalent to the lamp 12 of the first aspect of the invention, is reflected from the light reflecting elements 26 on shaft 27 (equivalent to shaft 16 and elements 17 of the first aspect) to the rear of the casing, so as to illuminate the rear of the basket fire given that, in many applications, the rear of the basket fire is visible.

In this regard it can be seen from Figure 3 that substantially at the level of the rotatable assembly of shaft 27 and reflecting elements 26, the rear of the casing is removed and replaced by an element 28, preferably a panel, of suitable material which allows light therethrough to the rear of the basket fire as shown in Figure 3. Accordingly by providing this light transmitting panel, reflected light from the downhighter 25 can be used not only to produce a moving flame effect at a front panel or screen 29, but also to illuminate the rear of the fire so that to an observer looking at the front of the basket fire, it seems that one is looking through the flame. The *::::* strips/elements 26 can also be used to illuminate the fuel bed 23 on the front * *. part 22. *..

It will be understood that the nature and material of the element 28 can be selected as required, it merely being necessary that it lets light through from the back of the fire to the exterior of the casing. It could be coloured as required, and instead of being continuous across the rear of the casing 24, there could be several separate openings in the casing, each opening covered -12 -by a respective element, preferably of the form of the panel 28 shown in Figure 3.

The third aspect of the invention is shown in Figure 5 in relation to a basket fire 29 which is of a similar form to that shown in Figures 3 and 4 and may include the second aspect of the invention referred to in relation to that embodiment above. Alternatively, however, basket fire 29 of Figure 5 may have a closed rear casing instead, so that no light is reflected from the downhighter 25 to eliminate the rear of the fire/heater.

As shown in Figure 5, the basket fire has a front part 30 and a rear casing 31, bolted or otherwise fixed together. As mentioned in relation to Figure 4, the basket fire 29 shown in Figure 5 has a fuel bed 23 received at the top of the front part 30, this fuel bed, as stated, being, in one example, a plaster or resin moulding in the form of a coal or log effect fuel bed. The part 30 is generally hollow, and has its upper open area closed by this fuel bed 23.

The third aspect of the present invention does in fact relate to fires ".. other than basket fires and is concerned with illumination of the fuel bed at * *, the front of an electric (or gas) fire with or without a flame effect, although p..

* this would generally be present at the rear casing in some form. However S..

rather than leave illumination of the fuel bed to be carried out by way of light in the casing being reflected forwards into the fuel bed, this third aspect specifically provides illumination for the fuel bed by means of apparatus within said front part 30, i.e. directly below the fuel bed.

-13 -As shown in Figure 5, a motor, for example an electric motor 32 has a shaft driving a colour wheel 33, with a bulb 34 being provided to illuminate the rotating colour wheel 33. Alternatively the light source could be one or more LEDs. This wheel can be divided into a multiplicity of segments, each of a different colour, so that as it rotates the light passing through each segment from the bulb 34 is differently coloured. However the number of segments and the respective colourings thereof can be altered as required.

At the downstream side of the colour wheel from the motor and bulb is a bundle of fibre optic cables 35 which are arranged to receive the coloured light transmitted through the colour wheel sectors.

The fibre optic cables extend upwardly so as to terminate respectively at various randomly spaced apart positions just beneath the inner surface of the fuel bed 23, these optical points being denoted by the numeral 36. For example these optical points at the ends of the respective fibre optic cables could be LED's. In this way the respective upper ends of the fibre optic cables glow', with this glow' changing upon rotation of the colour wheel, which rotation is relatively slow. However the changing colours at the fuel bed 23 are sufficiently realistic to give the impression that this is being fed by : ** flames which are flickering in the same way as the flame effect at the front * panel 37 of the casing 31.

The fourth aspect of the invention, in the preferred embodiment * illustrated, is similar to the first aspect, but as a general concept is broader in several aspects. However it incorporates a diffuser between the second light-reflective element and the screen. In particular the apparatus of said fourth -14 -embodiment need not include the magnetic repulsion between the first and second light-reflective elements, and indeed the second light-reflective element could be static, or moved in some other maimer.

In the specific embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 8, the second light-reflective element 37, equivalent to reflector 14, is mounted to pivot towards and away from the rotatable assembly comprising light-reflective elements 17 on a rotatable shaft 16. The shaft carries at least one magnet at a position along its length where it is opposite a magnet 38 on the element 37, the magnets being arranged to repel, so as to effect pivoting of the element 37 towards and away from the rotatable assembly.

The element 37 is in the form of a flat sheet of rectangular form, to one side of which are attached individual metal reflectors 39 which have been cut and shaped, preferably from a metal sheet. The individual reflectors can be attached to the flat sheet by an suitable means, for example by double sided tape or perhaps, if necessary, a more permanent fixing, such as :. soldering/welding or tight engagement in slits in the flat sheet. The element is however intended to operate, in use, in essentially the same manner as the * **.

reflector 14. * ** * * * *I*

* As shown in Figure 8, the (acrylic) screen 11 is of the same form as in Figures 1 and 2, and as covered in said first aspect. In this embodiment a * flat sheet in the form of a diffuser 40 is disposed at the inner side of the screen 11, preferably in engagement therewith, and more preferably secured thereto. This diffuser, which thus forms part of the screen, is particularly desirable if the screen is of light rather than darkened material.

-15 -Between the element 37 and the screen 11, preferably disposed adjacent the element 37, as shown in Figure 8, is another diffuser 41. The diffuser 41 is preferably a sheet of translucent material and may be a thin plastics material sheet. The diffuser is formed with slots or cut-outs 42 extending upwardly from its lower longitudinal edge. Preferably the cut-outs are, as shown, in the shapes of flames. However, slots, cut-outs, closed openings etc. could be used as appropriate, depending on the application of the apparatus.

Accordingly, the arrangement shown in Figure 8 operates, in use, in a similar maimer to the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, but with light reflected by the element 37, i.e. by reflectors 39, being diffused by the diffuser 41 where there are no cut-outs and passing through the cut-outs elsewhere. The diffuser 41 not only diffuses, but obscures the reflectors 39, and casts a shadow in the shape of a flame. The light from the diffuser 41 passes to the diffuser 40, where it is all diffused, before being visible in the form of a realistic flame effect. *e.. * S

The embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11, is very similar to the embodiment of Figures 6 to 8, but, like that embodiment, relates to the *** * broader concept of said fourth aspect of the invention.

S

S.....

* Principally, the embodiment of Figures 9 to 11 differs from the embodiment of Figures 6 to 8 solely in relation to the form of the second light-reflective means. Accordingly all the same parts in Figures 9 to 11 have been denoted by the same numerals as used in Figures 6 to 8.

As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the second light-reflective is in the form of a rippled or pleated sheet of metallic material 43, which can be of the same or similar form to reflector 14. Figure 9 shows how the diffuser 41 in front of the reflector 43 conceals the majority of the reflector but allows reflected light to pass therethrough. The effect at the screen 11 is similar to that with the previous embodiment of Figures 6 to 8.

It will be understood that although all or part(s) of all four aspects of the invention could be incorporated together, equally they could each be used separately, or any two or three of the aspects could be used together as required. However with all the aspects, an improved visual effect is produced at a screen or equivalent surface, namely the screen 11 in the first and fourth embodiments, the panel 28 in the second embodiment, and the fuel bed moulding 23 in the third embodiment. S. * . * *.* * *.. * * * *e * ** * * S S...

S

S..... S *

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Claims

-17 -CLAIMS: I. Apparatus for providing a visual effect at a screen or

the like, comprising: a rotatable assembly including a rotatable member and a multiplicity of first light-reflective elements carried by said member, rotation of the rotatable member, in use, effecting rotation of the first light reflective elements; a second light-reflective element arranged for movement, in use, towards and away from said rotatable assembly, the second light-reflective element being arranged to be moved away from said rotatable assembly by repulsion between respective magnetic means of the second light-reflective element and the rotatable assembly; and a light source arranged to provide light which is reflected, in use, from at least the second of said first and second light-reflective elements to provide a visual effect at said screen.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the second light-reflective element is a screen. * * I...

3. Apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein the second light-reflective S..

* element is a thin polished metal screen.

S

S..... S *

* j. 4. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein the second light-reflective element is pivotally mounted so that it can move towards and away from said rotatable assembly.

-18 - 5. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein the second light-reflective element and the rotatable member carry respective magnets of the same polarity.

6. Apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein a diffuser is provided between the second light-reflective element and said screen.

7. Apparatus for providing a visual effect at a screen or the like, comprising: a rotatable assembly including a rotatable member and a multiplicity of first light-reflective elements carried by said member, rotation of the rotatable member effecting rotation of the first light-reflective elements; a second light-reflective element; and a light-source, light from which is reflected, in use, from at least the second of said first and second light-reflective elements to provide a visual effect at said screen, there being between the second light-reflective element and said screen a diffuser. * *

8. Apparatus according to Claim 6 or 7 wherein the diffuser is a sheet of *S..

translucent material. * ** * . S *S5 * *SS

* 9. Apparatus according to any of Claims 6 to 8 wherein the diffuser is a thin plastics material sheet.

S 5.

S

10. Apparatus according to any of Claims 6 to 9 wherein the diffuser is formed with cut-outs, extending upwardly from its lower edge, in the form of flames.

11. Apparatus according to any of Claims 6 to 10 wherein the diffuser is disposed adjacent to the second light-reflective element and is remote from the screen.

12. Apparatus according to any of Claims 6 to 11 wherein a second diffuser is provided at the interior side of the screen so as to form part thereof.

13. Apparatus according to any of Claims 7 to 12 wherein the second light-reflective element is capable of being moved away from said rotatable assembly by repulsion between respective magnetic means of the second light-reflective element and the rotatable assembly.

14. Apparatus for providing a visual effect at a screen or the like, comprising: a light source, :. a rotatable member having light transmitting areas, at least two of which are differently coloured, and * *** at least two fibre optic cables, arranged to receive light, from said light source, passing through said light transmitting areas as the member is *** * rotated, in use, each fibre optic cable being arranged to transmit such light at said screen or the like. *** *

15. Apparatus according to Claim 14 wherein the rotatable member comprises a colour wheel. -20-

16. Apparatus according to Claim 15 wherein the colour wheel comprises a disc divided into segments.

17. Apparatus according to Claim 16 wherein each segment is of a different colour and each segment lets through light from said light source.

18. Apparatus according to any of Claims 14 to 17 wherein a multiplicity of optical fibres are arranged to receive said light transmitted through the said light transmitting areas and transmit it to respective spaced apart different points at said screen or the like.

19. A fuel effect fire incorporating an apparatus of Claim 14 wherein the points are defined at a coal or log effect moulding.

20. A fuel effect fire according to claim 19 which is configured as an electric basket fire or heater.

21. Apparatus for providing a visual effect at a screen or the like, :..::: comprising: * *** a rotatable assembly including a rotatable member and a multiplicity of first light-reflective elements carried by said member, rotation of the S..

* rotatable member effecting rotation of the first light-reflective elements; a light source arranged to provide light which is reflected, in use, from said first light reflective elements; and a light transmitting element, constituting said screen or the like, through which said reflected light passes.

-21 - 22. A casing of an electric basket fire or heater incorporating an apparatus according to Claim 21 such that a rear of the fire or heater is illuminated by said light passing through said screen.

23. A casing according to Claim 22 wherein the screen is in the form of a panel in the casing.

24. A casing according to Claim 22 or 23 wherein the screen is disposed at a rear surface of said casing.

25. Apparatus for providing a visual effect at a screen or the like, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to any of Figures 1 and 2, 3 and 4,5, 6 to 8 or 9 to 11.

26. An electrical heating appliance substantially as herembefore described, with reference to any of Figures 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 5, 6 to 8 or 9 to 11. S. * . * *** *5*S * . *SS. * .* * S * **SS

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