GB2586613A

GB2586613A - Display apparatus, fire simulator and space heater

Info

Publication number: GB2586613A
Application number: GB1912348.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Frost Simon; Archer James
Original assignee: Bruharv Ltd
Current assignee: Bruharv Ltd
Priority date: 2019-08-28
Filing date: 2019-08-28
Publication date: 2021-03-03
Also published as: GB201912348D0

Abstract

A housing 11 with walls 12, 15, 16 & 17 define a chamber V which contains a display apparatus 22 which comprises scenery members 24, 26 and a display screen arranged complementarily to the scenery members. The display screen comprises a linear array of light sources (30, Fig. 4) mounted on a rotary device 28. The light sources are illuminated to display an image (F, Fig. 10A) by persistence of vision (POV) effects and which has an edge shaped complementarily to the scenery member. The scenery member is typically a replica fuel source and the image may be simulated flames. The image may be cropped along an edge to be complementary to an upper profile of the replica fuel source. The display screen may comprise a portion on which the image is displayed by illumination of the light sources and a portion where the light sources, typically LEDS, are unlit. An electric heater 20 may be mounted to the housing. Scenery members may be behind or in front of the light sources, and may have a slot or void (G, Fig. 2A) for receiving the support member. A stove and a fire simulator are also claimed.

Description

DISPLAY APPARATUS, FIRE SIMULATOR AND SPACE HEATER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to space heaters and display apparatus, in particular to a display apparatus providing a fire or flame simulation.

BACKGROUND

It is well known to provide space heater for heating rooms in domestic and commercial properties. Traditionally such space heaters have been fuelled by burning wood or fossil fuels such space heaters may have visible flames and have a pleasing aesthetic property For environmental reasons it is desirable to employ an electric space heater, such heaters may provide improvements in air quality and may be powered by sustainable or renewable energy sources.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an electric space heater having the pleasing aesthetic property of provided by combustion based space heaters.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus comprising: a housing having a plurality of walls defining a chamber, a display apparatus disposed in the chamber and comprising: at least one component forming a scenery member; and a display screen arranged complementarily to the scenery member, the display screen comprising a rotary device having at least one linear array of lights sources.

A second aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus comprising: a housing having a plurality of walls defining a chamber, a display apparatus disposed in the chamber and comprising: at least one component forming a scenery member; and a rotary POV device having at least one linear array of lights sources mounted to a support member and defining a display screen; a controller coupled to said light sources and configured to illuminate the light sources to display an image on the display screen which comprises at least one edge shaped 5 complementary to the scenery member.

Optionally, the scenery member is a replica fuel source and the display apparatus displays an image on the display screen simulating flames originating from the replica fuel source.

Optionally, the scenery member is offset with respect to the light sources of the rotary POV device.

Optionally, the scenery member is disposed behind the light sources of the rotary POV device.

Optionally, the scenery member is disposed in front of the light sources of the rotary POV device.

Optionally, the housing comprises a window.

Optionally, the scenery member is located in closer proximity to the window than the light sources of the rotary POV device.

Optionally, the light sources of the rotary POV device are located in closer proximity to the window than the scenery member.

Optionally, the scenery member comprises at least one first component forming a front row and at least one second component forming a rear row, the rear row being spaced apart from the front row to define a gap therebetween.

Optionally, the support member is rotationally mounted to the housing and wherein the support member is arranged to be received in the gap when rotated.

Optionally, the at least one second component forming the rear row comprises first maximum height dimension and the at least one first component forming the front row comprises second maximum height dimension, the first maximum height dimension being greater than the second maximum height dimension.

Optionally, the rotary POV device comprises a drive shaft extending over the rear row of the scenery element.

Optionally, the rotary POV device comprises a drive shaft extending through the rear row of the scenery element.

Optionally, the rotary POV device comprises a drive shaft extending from a first position behind the rear row of the scenery element to a second position in front of the rear row of the scenery element.

Optionally, the scenery member comprises a void for receiving the support member of the rotary POV device.

Optionally, the scenery member comprises a slot extending transversely of the housing for receiving the support member of the rotary POV device.

Optionally, a base wall of the chamber comprises an orifice for receiving the support member of the rotary POV device.

Optionally, the apparatus is a space heater and comprises an electric heater.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a stove comprising a housing having a plurality of walls defining a chamber, a display apparatus disposed in the chamber comprising a replica fuel source and a display screen, the display screen comprising a rotary device having at least one linear array of lights sources.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a replica stove comprising a housing having a plurality of walls defining a chamber, a display apparatus disposed in the chamber comprising a replica fuel source and a display screen, the display screen comprising a rotary device having at least one linear array of lights sources.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a fire simulator comprising: a replica fuel source mounted on a base plate; a display apparatus having a display screen and comprising a rotary device having at least one linear array of lights sources.

Optionally, the rotary device comprises one or more blades to which a linear array of light source are mounted.

Optionally, the light sources are light emitting diodes.

Optionally, an image is displayed upon the display screen, the image being cropped along at least one edge to be complementary to an upper profile of replica fuel source.

Optionally, an image is displayed upon a utilised portion of display screen, the image being shaped along at least one edge to be complementary to an upper profile of replica fuel source.

Optionally, the display screen comprises utilised portion upon which an image is displayed by illumination of the light sources and an unutilised portion, the light sources when disposed in unutilised portion being in an unlit condition.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a display apparatus for simulating of flames comprising: at least one component forming a scenery member; and a rotary POV device having at least one linear array of lights sources mounted to a support member and defining a display screen; a controller coupled to said light sources and configured to illuminate the light sources to display an image on the display screen which comprises at least one edge shaped complementary to the scenery member.

A seventh aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus comprising: a housing having a plurality of walls defining a chamber, a display apparatus at least a portion of which is disposed in the chamber and comprising: at least one component forming a scenery member; and a rotary POV device having at least one linear array of lights sources mounted to a support member and defining a display screen, wherein at least a portion of the rotary POV device is receivable in the housing such that at least a portion of the display screen is disposed in the housing; and a controller coupled to said light sources and configured to illuminate the light sources to display an image on the display screen which comprises at least one edge shaped complementary to the scenery member.

Optionally, the housing comprises an opening through which a portion of the support member extends.

Optionally, the housing comprises an opening and the rotary POV device comprises a shaft to which the support member is mounted, the shaft extending through an opening in the housing.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment.

A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a perspective view of an electric space heater according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1B is a front view of the electric space heater of Figure 1; Figure 2A is a side view of the electric space heater of Figure 1; Figure 2B is a bottom view of the electric space heater of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of an electric space heater according to another embodiment of the present disclosure mounted in a fire surround; Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of a display apparatus of the electric space heater of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view from below of the display apparatus of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a side view of the display apparatus of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a front view of the display apparatus of Figure 4; Figure 8 is a top view of the display apparatus of Figure 4; Figure 9A and 9B are perspective views from above of a housing for receiving a display apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 10A is a front view of the electric space heater of Figure 1 illustrating a displayed image Figure 10B is a front view of the electric space heater of Figure 1 illustrating the maximum or available display region of the display apparatus; Figure 10C is a front view of the electric space heater of Figure 1 illustrating the used portion of the display region of the display apparatus shown in Figure 10A; Figure 11 is a front view of the electric space heater of Figure 1 illustrating an alternative displayed image; Figure 12 is a front view of the display apparatus of Figure 4 illustrating a displayed image; Figure 13A is a perspective view of an electric space heater according to another

embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 13B is a front view of the electric space heater of Figure 13A: and Figure 13C is a side view of the electric space heater of Figure 13A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the display apparatus and space heaters are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the display apparatus and space heaters described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown an electric space heater 10 comprising a housing 11. The housing comprises a top wall 12, a bottom wall 17, opposed side walls 16 and a rear wall 15. The housing 11 defines an interior chamber V in which a display apparatus 22 (also referred to herein as a persistence of vision rotary display) is housed. The housing 11 comprises an opening or window in at least a part of the front of the housing. A frame member 14 may surround the opening or window. The frame member 14 may comprise a receiver 18 for mounting a front panel. The front panel provides at least in part a window panel. The window panel may be formed from glass or suitable plastic material.

The display apparatus 22 comprises a rotary device (also referred to herein as a rotary persistence of vision (POV) device) in the form of a fan having at least one fan blade 28. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of blades 28 disposed 180° apart. The blades 28 are coupled to a rotary drive such as an electric motor 32 by a drive shaft 31. In the illustrated embodiment the electric motor 32 is mounted in front of the rear wall 15, in alternative embodiments the electric motor 32 and associated electronic components may be mounted behind the rear wall 15 so as to be concealed from view. A plurality of light sources 30 are mounted to each fan blade 28, the light sources 30 may be Light Emitting Diodes (LED). The fan blades 28 provide a support member for the light sources 30. The LED's are arranged in linear series extending radially from a rotational axis 35 of the fan blades 28. The LED's form a display screen.

The display apparatus 22 comprises at least one scenery element 24, 26 (also referred to herein as dummy or replica fuel source). In the illustrated embodiments the scenery element 24, 26 takes the form of a plurality of logs. It will be appreciated that the logs may not be real logs, that is to say made from wood but may made from alternative materials such as plastic, ceramic or other suitable material. The scenery element 24, 26 may be moulded to take desired shape so as to appear to be a combustion fuel used in traditional space heaters.

The scenery element 24, 26 may be arranged to comprise a gap or void G best illustrated in Figure 2A. The blade 28 is received, at least in part, in the gap G. The illustrated embodiments the scenery element 24, 26 comprises a forward element or front row 26 and a rearward element or back row 26. The front row 26 is spaced apart from the back row 26 to create the gap G therebetween.

In the embodiment of Figure lA the front and rear rows 24, 26 each comprise two or more logs arranged collinearly and in a substantially horizontal arrangement. That is to say the logs are elongate or substantially cylindrical in shape, a longitudinal or tubular axis of the logs is arranged to be substantially horizontal or parallel with the bottom wall 17 of the housing.

The bottom wall 17 of the housing 11 may comprise an opening or slot Al for receiving at least a portion of the blades 28 as illustrated in Figure 2B. This allows the blades 28 to be mounted in the interior chamber V such that the rotational axis, drive shaft 31, is disposed in closer proximity to the bottom wall 17 of the housing 11 than the length of the blades 28 would otherwise allow.

In other embodiments the bottom wall 17 may comprises an indentation, channel, recess or other contoured profile for example but not limited to a shelf to provide an orifice for receiving the fan blades 28 An electric heater 20 may be mounted below the bottom wall 17 of the housing 11. The electric heater 20 may take the form of known electric heaters such as, but not limited to, convector heaters, fan heaters, radiator (oil-filled), infrared heater, halogen heater or radiant fire bar.

Figure 3 illustrates an electric space heater 10 mounted in a fire surround 90. The fire surround 90 comprises a mantle shelf 40 mounted over a header 43 and a pair of legs 42, 44 (also known as pilasters or jambs). The fire surround 90 comprises a hearth 40 disposed below the electric space heater 10, a portion of which extends outwardly in front of the electric space heater 10.

The header 43, pair of legs 42, 44 and the hearth 40 define an opening or void into which the electric space heater 10 is received.

The housing 11 or at least the interior chamber V may be configured and arranged to resemble a firebox of a traditional open fire.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 the rear row 26 of the scenery element comprises two or more logs which are arranged divergently with respect to each other, one of the logs may be arranged to be set in front of, or at least in closer proximity to the front panel or opening in the housing 11 than, another one of the logs.

The electric space heater 10 may comprise one or more controls such as switches (not shown) Referring now to Figures 4 to 8, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The alternative embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 will be described in any greater detail.

Referring to Figure 4 there is shown a display apparatus 22. The display apparatus 22 comprises base 36. The display apparatus 22 may comprise a rear wall (not shown) mounted to the base 36. In other embodiments the display apparatus 22 may comprise a support member (not shown).

The support member may take the form of a post, mast or stanchion.

The display apparatus 22 comprises a fan 23. The fan 23 may be mounted to the rear wall or support member. In some embodiments the fan 23 is mounted so as to conceal at least a part thereof; for example, but not limited to, a body 33 of the fan may be mounted on a reverse side of the rear wall whilst a fan blade 28 is disposed on an opposing front side of the rear wall. The body 33 may comprise an electric motor 32 which provides a rotary drive and controller (not shown). A shaft or drive spindle 31 extends between the electric motor 32 and the fan blade 28.

The display apparatus 22 comprises at least one scenery element 24, 26. In the illustrated embodiments the scenery element 24, 26 takes the form of a plurality of logs. It will be appreciated that the logs may not be real logs, that is to say made from wood but may made from alternative materials such as plastic or ceramic or other suitable material. The scenery element 24, 26 may be moulded to take desired shape so as to appear to be a combustion fuel used in traditional space heaters.

The at least one scenery element 24, 26 may be offset with respect to the fan blade 28, that is to say it may be located in front or behind the fan blade 28.

The fan blade 28 comprises a pivot or rotational axis 35. The rotational axis 35 may be substantially parallel to the base 36. The rotational axis 35may be substantially horizontal. The fan blade 28 may be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the base 36. The fan blade 28 defines a display field. The display field is circular. The display field may line in a substantially vertical plane.

The scenery element 24, 26 may be arranged to comprises a gap or void G best illustrated in Figure 6. The blade 28 is received, at least in part, in the gap G. In the illustrated embodiment the scenery element 24, 26 comprises a forward element or front row 26 and a rearward element or back row 26. The front row 26 is spaced apart from the back row 26 to create the gap G therebetween.

In the embodiment of Figure 4 the front and rear rows 24, 26 each comprise two or more components which may take the form of logs. The rear row 26 of the scenery element 24, 26 comprises two or more logs which are arranged divergently with respect to each other, one of the logs may be arranged to be set in front of, or at least in closer proximity to the fan blade 28 than, another one of the logs.

The shaft 31 extends over the rear row 26, in other embodiments it will be appreciate that the shaft 31 may extend or pass through an opening or orifice in the rear row 26 of the scenery element 24, 26.

It some embodiments the fan 23 may be mounted to, or supported by, the rear row 26 of the scenery element 24, 26. The body 23, drive motor 32 and controller may be mounted within or behind one or more of the components forming the rear row 26 of the scenery element 24, 26.

The base 36 may comprise an opening or slot Al for receiving at least a portion of the blade 28 best shown in Figures 5 and 8. This allows the blade 28 to be mounted such that the rotational axis 35, the drive shaft 31, is disposed in closer proximity to the base 36.

This also has the effect of lowering the display field, a portion of which is disposed below the base 36. The forward row 26 of the scenery element 24, 26 in turn may obscure a portion of the display field closer to the centre of the display field (rotational axis 35) than it would if the fan blade 28 were raised upward so as to provided clearance between the fan blade and the base 36. In alternative embodiments the height of the scenery element may be increased such that upper edges thereof are spaced further from the base 36.

Provision of the opening or slot Al allows movement of the centre of the display field (rotational axis 35) closer to upper edges of the component forming the scenery element.

The display apparatus 22 of Figure 4 may be mounted in a housing 110, 210 as shown in Figures 9A, 9B. The housing 110, 210 may take the form of traditional log burning stoves. The housing 110, 210 may comprise a heater 120, 220 or chamber for receiving such. The display apparatus 22 of Figure 4 may be received or mounted in an interior of a chamber 116, 216. The chamber 116, 216 may have an opening or window such that the display apparatus 22 is visible therethrough. The housing 210 may comprise an additional chamber providing a storage space. The storage space may provide a further display space for example receiving additional scenery elements, dressings or decorative items such as logs.

It will be appreciated that the display apparatus 22 may be retro fitted into an existing apparatus, stove or fireplace. In such embodiments the display apparatus 22 may be provided as a kit of parts for assembly within the existing apparatus or as a preassembled unit arranged to be inserted or placed in the existing apparatus.

The display apparatus 22 requires an electrical power source, in some embodiments the power source may be an alternating-current (AC) electric power supply also known as mains electricity, grid power or household electricity. In other embodiments alternative the power sources may be employed such as but not limited to a battery, capacitor or other electrical power cell.

The display apparatus 22 may be operated remotely and may comprises a communications link such as infra-red, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or other wireless communication system. The communications link may also be employed to transmit or receive data to and from the display apparatus 22.

In operation the display apparatus 22 displays an image or video. The fan blades 28 rotates at high speed for example, but not limited to, greater than 500 rpm, 750rpm, greater than 1000rpm. The rotational speed of the fan blades 28 may be in the range 500 to 1500 rpm, in some embodiments the rotational speed may be up to 6000rpm.

In the illustrated embodiments the fan comprises two blades 28 disposed 180 degrees a part. In other embodiments a single blade may be employed or three or more blades may be utilised: spaced equidistantly (equiangularly) apart. Each blade comprises a linear array or series of LED's.

The number of blades and speed of rotation may be adjusted, increased or decreased, depending upon the quality of the image or video to be displayed. Images having higher resolutions and/or frame rates may require more fan blades and/or higher fan blades speeds. In some embodiments the blades 28 may be replaced with a disc to which strips or linear arrays of LED's are mounted extending radially from the centre of the disc.

Figure 10A illustrates the display device 22 in operation. As the fan blades 28 rotate, the LED's of the fan blades 28 are illuminated as required to display the image F. In the illustrated embodiments the image F is of flames.

The display device 22 comprises a maximum display area or region AD also referred to herein as the display screen. The maximum display area or display screen AD, best shown in Figure 10B, is defined by the sweep or span of the fan blades 28 more particularly by the span or sweep of the LED array 30. In the embodiment of Figure 10B a portion of display screen is located below the base 36 upon which the scenery elements 24, 26 are mounted.

The fan blades 28 rotate at speed sufficient that an observer believes that an image is displayed over an area of the display screen or at least a utilised portion thereof which is greater than the area of the light sources. The display device 22 creates an optical illusion that an image is displayed by a greater number of light sources than the display device comprises. The display device 22 employs an effect known as persistence of vision to display information using fewer points of light (pixels) than the resolution of the displayed information. These devices rely on the phenomena that the human eye/brain will continue to see a point of light, a spot, for a brief time after it is no longer at that point. If repeated frequently, the spot will appear to be in that location continuously.

In order to create a believable or accurate illusion that the scenery elements 24, 26 are burning it is desirable to truncate the display screen, to crop or shape the image or images to be displayed.

That is to say only a portion of the display screen is employed to display the image. The LED's are only illuminated, as required to display the image, when located in the utilised portion UD of the display screen. The LED's are in an unlit condition when located in the unutilised portion of the display screen. The utilised portion UD of the display screen is an upper portion of the display 1 o screen. A lower edge of the utilised portion UD of the display screen is defined by an upper edge of the scenery element. In the embodiment of Figure 10A the rear row 24 defines the lower edge of the utilised portion UD of the display screen, best shown in Figure 10C. The image F appears to float or originate from the rear row 26.

In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 11 the front row 26, more particularly an upper edge of periphery of the front row 24, defines the lower edge of a utilised portion UD2 of the display screen; the display apparatus 22 display an image F2. The image F2 appears to float or originate from the front row 24.

Figure 12 illustrates the display apparatus of Figure 4 in operation. The display device 22 comprises a maximum display area or display screen AD. The maximum display area or display screen AD is defined by the sweep or span of the LED array 30.

The display device 22 comprises a utilised portion UD3 of the display screen. The utilised portion UD3 of the display screen is an upper portion of the display screen. A lower edge of the utilised portion UD3 of the display screen is defined by an upper edge of the scenery element, the rear row 24 defines the lower edge of the utilised portion UD3 of the display screen. The lower edge of the utilised portion UD3 of the display screen follows substantially the contour or shape of the scenery element.

Referring now to Figures 13A to 13C, there is shown a further embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix "100". The additional embodiment shares many common features with the foregoing embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 12 will be described in detail.

Referring to Figures 13A to 13C there is shown an electric space heater 110 comprising a housing 111. The housing comprises a top wall 112, a bottom wall 117, opposed side walls 116 and a rear wall 115. The housing 111 defines an interior chamber V in which a display apparatus 122 (also referred to herein as a persistence of vision rotary display) is housed. The housing 111 comprises an opening or window in at least a part of the front of the housing. A frame member 114 may surround the opening or window. The frame member 114 may comprise a receiver 118 for mounting a front panel. The front panel provides at least in part a window panel. The window panel may be formed from glass or suitable plastic material.

The display apparatus 122 comprises a rotary device (also referred to herein as a rotary persistence of vision (POV) device) in the form of a fan having at least one blade 128. The illustrated embodiment comprises a pair of blades 128 disposed 180° apart. The blades 128 are coupled to a rotary drive such as an electric motor 132 by a drive shaft 131. In the illustrated embodiment the electric motor 132 is mounted in below the bottom wall 117. The drive shaft 131 is located below the bottom wall 117. The bottom wall 117 comprises a slot or opening for receiving the blades 128. In Figures 13A to 13C one of the blades 128 is received in the opening such that the blade extends into the interior chamber V. The opening is arranged to allow the blades to rotate about the rotation axis.

It will be appreciated that the electric space heater 110 is mounted such that sufficient clearance is provided for the blades 128 to rotate. The electric space heater 110 may comprise an additional spacer, mounting fixture or cover panel (not shown) to provide the clearance. In other embodiments the frame member 114 may be extended below the housing.

A plurality of light sources 130 are mounted to each blade 128, the light sources 130 may be Light Emitting Diodes (LED). The blades 128 provide a support member for the light sources 130.

The LED's are arranged in linear series extending radially from a rotational axis of the blades 128.

The LED's form a display screen. A first portion of the display screen is disposed in the interior chamber V. A second portion of the display screen is disposed outside the interior chamber V, specifically below the housing 111. The second portion of the display screen may be unused.

The display apparatus 22 comprises at least one scenery element 124, 126 (also referred to herein as dummy or replica fuel source). In the illustrated embodiments the scenery element 124, 126 takes the form of a plurality of logs. It will be appreciated that the logs may not be real logs, that is to say made from wood but may made from alternative materials such as plastic, ceramic or other suitable material. The scenery element 124, 126 may be moulded to take desired shape so as to appear to be a combustion fuel used in traditional space heaters.

The scenery element 124, 126 may be arranged to comprise a gap or void. The blades 128 are received, at least in part, in the gap. The illustrated embodiments the scenery element 124, 126 comprises a forward element or front row 126 and a rearward element or back row 126. The front row 126 is spaced apart from the back row 126 to create the gap therebetween.

An electric heater 120 may be mounted below the bottom wall 117 of the housing 111 and in front of the blades 128. The electric heater 120 may take the form of known electric heaters such as, but not limited to, convector heaters, fan heaters, radiator (oil-filled), infrared heater, halogen heater or radiant fire bar.

The present disclosure provides a display apparatus for use with a stove or fireplace which comprises a chamber for receiving the display apparatus. The display apparatus comprises a fan having one or more blades each carrying a plurality of light sources for forming a display screen.

The fan comprises a rotary drive motor coupled to the one or more blades for rotating the blades about an axis. The display apparatus comprises a scenery element. In use the display apparatus displays an image simulating flames or fire originating from the scenery element. It has been found that the persistence of vision rotary display 22 is especially suited to simulating flames, recreating their ephemeral nature, compared to other known display devices.

It should be recognised that numerous changes may be made within the scope of the invention. In some embodiments the scenery elements may not take the form of traditional fuels sources such as logs or coals. In other embodiments, the display screen may be employed to display other images. For example the display device may be coupled to another device such as a computer, TV receiver, smartphone, tablet computer, video games console, media player (DVD player, Blu-ray player, streaming media player).

In some embodiments, the display device 22 may comprises a cover or screen, the screen may be located in front of the fan blades 28, the screen may be substantially transparent. The screen may serve as a guard to prevent or inhibit a user from inserting a body part, hand, or other object in the rotational path of the fan blades 28 thereby reducing risk of injury to the user or damage to the display device 22. In some embodiments the image may be projected onto the screen by the display device 22.

As used herein the terms stove, fireplace, log burner, and fire refer to an apparatus which has an appearance typically associated with a heat source. The apparatus need not provide a source of heat but may simulate the appearance of such a device.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end", "side", "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower" do not limit the respective features to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these features from one another.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus comprising: a housing having a plurality of walls defining a chamber, a display apparatus at least a portion of which is receivable in the chamber and comprising: at least one component forming a scenery member; and a display screen arranged complementarily to the scenery member, the display screen comprising a rotary device having at least one linear array of lights sources.
2. An apparatus comprising: a housing having a plurality of walls defining a chamber, a display apparatus disposed in the chamber and comprising: at least one component forming a scenery member; and a rotary POV device having at least one linear array of lights sources mounted to a support member and defining a display screen: a controller coupled to said light sources and configured to illuminate the light sources to display an image on the display screen which comprises at least one edge shaped complementary to the scenery member.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the scenery member is a replica fuel source and the display apparatus displays an image on the display screen simulating flames originating from the replica fuel source.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the scenery member is offset with respect to the light sources of the rotary POV device.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the scenery member is disposed behind the light sources of the rotary POV device.
6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the scenery member is disposed in front of the light sources of the rotary POV device.
7. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the housing comprises a window.
8. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the scenery member is located in closer proximity to the window than the light sources of the rotary POV device.
9. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the light sources of the rotary POV device are located in closer proximity to the window than the scenery member.
10. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the scenery member comprises at least one first component forming a front row and at least one second component forming a rear row, the rear row being spaced apart from the front row to define a gap therebetween.
The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the support member is rotationally mounted to the housing and wherein the support member is arranged to be received in the gap when rotated.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the at least one second component forming the rear row comprises first maximum height dimension and the at least one first component forming the front row comprises second maximum height dimension, the first maximum height dimension being greater than the second maximum height dimension.
13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the rotary POV device comprises a drive shaft extending over the rear row of the scenery element.
14. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the rotary POV device comprises a drive shaft extending through the rear row of the scenery element.
15. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the rotary POV device comprises a drive shaft extending from a first position behind the rear row of the scenery element to a second position in front of the rear row of the scenery element.
16. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the scenery member comprises a void for receiving the support member of the rotary POV device.
17. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the scenery member comprises a slot extending transversely of the housing for receiving the support member of the rotary POV device.
18. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein a base wall of the chamber comprises an orifice for receiving the support member of the rotary POV device.
19. The apparatus of claim 2 comprising an electric heater.
20. A stove comprising a housing having a plurality of walls defining a chamber, a display apparatus disposed in the chamber comprising a replica fuel source and a display screen, the display screen comprising a rotary device having at least one linear array of lights sources.
21. A fire simulator comprising: a replica fuel source mounted on a base plate; a display apparatus having a display screen and comprising a rotary device having at least one linear array of lights sources.
22. The fire simulator of claim 21 wherein the rotary device comprises one or more blades to which a linear array of light source are mounted.
23. The fire simulator of claim 21 wherein the light sources are light emitting diodes.
24. The fire simulator of claim 21 wherein an image is displayed upon the display screen, the image being cropped along at least one edge to be complementary to an upper profile of replica fuel source.
25. The fire simulator of claim 21 wherein an image is displayed upon a utilised portion of display screen, the image being shaped along at least one edge to be complementary to an upper profile of replica fuel source.
26. The fire simulator of claim 21 wherein the display screen comprises utilised portion upon which an image is displayed by illumination of the light sources and an unutilised portion, the light sources when disposed in unutilised portion being in an unlit condition.
27. An apparatus comprising: a housing having a plurality of walls defining a chamber, a display apparatus at least a portion of which is disposed in the chamber and comprising: at least one component forming a scenery member; and a rotary POV device having at least one linear array of lights sources mounted to a support member and defining a display screen, wherein at least a portion of the rotary POV device is receivable in the housing such that at least a portion of the display screen is disposed in the housing; a controller coupled to said light sources and configured to illuminate the light sources to display an image on the display screen which comprises at least one edge shaped complementary to the scenery member.
28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the housing comprises an opening through which a portion of the support member extends.
29. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the housing comprises an opening and the rotary POV device comprises a shaft to which the support member is mounted, the shaft extending through an opening in the housing.
30. A display apparatus for simulating of flames comprising: at least one component forming a scenery member; and a rotary POV device having at least one linear array of lights sources mounted to a support member and defining a display screen; a controller coupled to said light sources and configured to illuminate the light sources to display an image on the display screen which comprises at least one edge shaped complementary to the scenery member.