GB2484374A

GB2484374A - Flame effect heater with image projected successively onto two mirrors

Info

Publication number: GB2484374A
Application number: GB1116040.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Leslie Watts
Original assignee: Flamerite Fires Ltd
Current assignee: Flamerite Fires Ltd
Priority date: 2010-10-08
Filing date: 2011-09-16
Publication date: 2012-04-11
Also published as: GB201016976D0; GB201116040D0

Abstract

An apparatus for simulating a flame effect projects a flame image towards a lens 7, mirrors 8,9 forming a twin assembly, another lens 10 and an image screen 11. Embodiments have a third mirror 14 and an electric of gas heater 12. A media player 3 can generate the image on a LCD display 6 protected from a light source 2 by heat deflector 5. The mirrors can be flat, concave or convex. Thus a shallow slimline flame effect heater can be provided.

Description

Apparatus and method to create realistic flame effect This invention relates to an apparatus and method for reducing the depth of a projection unit used to create realistic flame effect e.g. for use in an electric or gas fire, or a display panel with no heat source provided.

There are many designs of fire on the market which include some form of flame effect picture (ilame image'), usually behind or in front of a fuel effect e.g. coal or wood, or a decorative fuel effect e.g. pebbles or glass spheres or a false (simulated) gas type burner. Unfortunately these flame effects are often not very realistic and can spoil the appearance of an otherwise good fire design. Another disadvantage of known designs is that they are often quite deep, whereas the modern trend is towards very slim (shallow) fires or displays. One aim of this invention is to create a realistic flame image within a slim-line (shallow) apparatus.

According to one aspect of the present invention an apparatus for simulating a flame effect comprises at least one means for projecting a flame image, at least 2 mirrors to form a twin assembly and an image screen for receiving the image, arranged in such a way that in use the flame image is projected onto the first mirror reflected then onto successive mirrors(s) before being captured on the image screen.

According to a second aspect of the present invention an apparatus for simulating a flame effect comprises at least one means for projecting a flame image, at least 2 mirrors to form a twin assembly, a lens, and an image screen for receiving the image, arranged in such a way that in use the flame image is projected onto the first mirror, is reflected then onto successive mirrors(s) before reaching the lens, then captured on the image screen.

The lens(es) may be flat, convex or concave; a simple magnifying lens could be used.

According to a third aspect of the present invention an apparatus for simulating a flame effect comprises at least one means for projecting a flame image, at least 2 mirrors to form a twin assembly, a lens, another mirror and an image screen for receiving the image, arranged in such a way that in use the flame image is projected onto the first mirror and reflected onto a successive mirrors(s) before reaching the lens, then reflected on another mirror before being captured on the image screen.

According to another aspect of the previous two inventions a lens may be placed in between the twin mirrors arranged in such a way as to further increase or condense the image on its way through apparatus.

The mirrors are preferably flat and set at 45 degrees although for image manipulation they may be offset at increased or decreasing angles as well as being concaved or convex and shaped in such a way as square, round or such like.

In the simplest form there are 2 or more mirrors which may be adjustable relative to each other. The aim is to throw the flame image onto the image screen within a minimal depth by reflecting the image in a general zig zag' or trapezoidal pattern rather than as a single straight path.

A further potential advantage is that the mirrors can be positioned in the top or bottom part of the apparatus, hidden from front view. In a preferred embodiment 3 mirrors are used as the resulting 3 changes in path direction allow an even greater reduction in depth of the apparatus. Whilst it would be possible to include more mirrors and thereby reduce the overall depth even further, it may well not be cost-effective to do so.

The means for projecting and capturing of the flame image may be e.g. at least one media storage means in combination with at least one media player means, a light source and at least one display means, at least one magnification means and at least one capture screen. Examples of such systems are described in British patent application no. 246721 9A.

Preferably the fire comprises a casing in which at least one of the apparatus is fitted, although a plurality of projecting means may be used. The casing is inset into a wall or other building component. Alternatively the casing may be free-standing, e.g. in the form of a stove, or the fire may be hung on a wall.

A light source (when present) may be single or a plurality and may be of any colour e.g. a LED or any bulb type such as a low or high voltage spot lamp to illuminate a fuel effect or for exterior room mood lighting Preferably a twin or two mirror system is used to assist the projection installation by reducing the amount of space required for the throw of the projector, by bouncing the projected image through mirrors, it shortens the physical distance required. By using also a third or final mirror before capture it may send the image back under or over the apparatus reducing the depth of the apparatus further.

A single magnifying means or a plurality of magnifying means may be used in the apparatus, positioned in between the mirrors to further increase or condense the image passing through. The magnifying means preferably comprises one or more lenses including Fresnels, clear or coloured, plastic or glass which enlarge and focus the flame pattern.

Where the finished product is an electric or gas heater, then a heat source would be provided e.g. the heat source is preferably an electric element from which hot air is preferably moved to the exterior of the fire by means of a fan.

Alternatively, the heat source could be a gas fired burner, but again an electric fan could be provided to direct hot air to the exterior of the fire.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus is itself contained in a housing, as a unit which can be easily removed e.g. when a component needs servicing or is to be used in other fire designs.

It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are for brevity described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 a is a schematic perspective side/rear view of an electric fire according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 b is a schematic side view of the electric fire in Figure 1 a.

Figure 1 c is a schematic side/front zoom view of the mirror assembly in Figure 1 a & 1 b, but without the casing or heater.

Figure 2a is a schematic perspective side/rear view of an electric fire according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2b is a schematic side view of the electric fire in Figure 2a.

Figure 2c is a schematic side/front zoom view of the mirror assembly in Figure 2a & 2b, but without the casing or heater.

Figure 3 is a schematic side zoom view of the components of the mirror assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention but without the casing or heater.

Referring now to Figures 1 a, 1 b &1 c, the electric fire comprises a casing 13 containing a media player 3 and a media storage device 4. Content (The flame image) is played from the media storage device 4 on the media player 3 and sent to the LCD display screen 6. Behind the LCD display screen 6 is a heat deflector 5, light source 2 and reflector 1. The light from the light source 2 and reflector 1 projects the image on the LCD display screen 6 through magnifying means 7 (a magnifying lens) onto a first mirror 8 which reflects the image onto second mirror 9. The image is then reflected through magnifying means 10 onto image screen 11. The result is a moving, random flame picture which mimics real flames within a slim line fire. A heater 12 can provide heat if and when required.

Referring now to Figures 2a, 2b & 2c, in this electric fire there is an additional mirror 14 so there are three mirrors in all. Content (The flame image) is played

S

from the media storage device 4 on the media player 3 and sent to the LCD display screen 6. Behind the LCD display screen 6 is a heat deflector 5, a light source 2 and reflector 1. The light from the light source 2 and reflector 1 projects the image on the LCD display screen 6 through magnifying means 7 (a magnifying lens) onto a first mirror 8 which reflects the image onto second mirror 9. The image is then reflected through magnifying means 10 onto the third mirror 14 which in turn reflects the image onto the image screen 11. The result is a moving, random flame picture which mimics real flames and which may enable an even shallower (slim line) fire. A heater 12 can provide heat if and when required.

Referring now to Figure 3, this electric fire is similar to that shown in Figures 1 a, 1 b & 1 c but there is an additional lensi 5 so there are three lenses in all.

Content (The flame image) is played from the media storage device 4 on the media player 3 and sent to the LCD display screen 6. Behind the LCD display screen 6 is a heat deflector 5, a light source 2 and reflector 1. The light from the light source 2 and reflector 1 projects the image on the LCD display screen 6 through magnifying means 7 (a magnifying lens) onto a first mirror 8 which reflects the image through the added magnifying mean 1 5 then onto second mirror 9. The image is then reflected through magnifying means 10 onto the image screen 11. The result again is a moving, random flame picture which mimics real flames and which may enable a shallower (slimline) fire. A heater 12 can provide heat if and when required. It is to be taken for granted Magnifying means 15 may also be added to Figures 2a,2b & 2c in the same way.

The heat source e.g. heater 12 or a gas burner (not shown) could be positioned anywhere suitable in the casing together with a fan to direct the resulting hot air, if desired.

Claims

Claims: 1. An apparatus for simulating a flame effect comprises at least one means for projecting a flame image, at least 2 mirrors to form a twin assembly and an image screen for receiving the image, arranged in such a way that in use the flame image is projected onto the first mirror reflected then onto successive mirrors(s) before being captured on the image screen.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 which further comprises a lens, arranged in such a way that in use the flame image is projected onto the first mirror reflected then onto successive mirrors(s) before reaching the lens and then being captured on the image screen.
3. An apparatus according to claim 2 which further comprises another mirror, arranged in such a way that in use the flame image is projected onto the first mirror reflected then onto successive mirrors(s) before reaching the lens and is then reflected by said another mirror before then being captured on the image screen.
4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the mirrors are flat.
5. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which at least 2 of the the mirrors are adjustable with respect to each other.
6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which all the mirrors are adjustable with respect to each other.
7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the mirrors are positioned within the apparatus such that they are hidden from view from the front.
8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim in which there are 3 mirrors positioned with respect to each other such that in use the flame image will experience 3 changes of direction.
9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim which further includes at least one magnifying means positioned between 2 mirrors.
10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim which is provided with a heat source.
11.An apparatus according to any preceding claim which is contained within a housing.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11 which is contained within a housing which is easily removable.
13.An apparatus according to claim 1 and substantially as herein described with reference to Figure 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, 2a, 2b, 2c or 3.
14.An apparatus according to claim 1 and substantially as herein described.